Fire in the Sky! A Christmas GIFT

Three days before Christmas... a WOW FACTOR sunset, plus, Holiday Magic at Marktplatz! A beautiful light show on Earth and in the heavens! You have to LOVE Texas Winter Skies at Christmas time!

 

 Erzgebirge-Palace Christmas Pyramid in Fredericksburg, Texas!

Marktplatz Square in Fredericksburg, Texas
EXTREME SUNSET - DECEMBER 22, 2014

 Erzgebirge-Palace Christmas Pyramid in Fredericksburg, Texas! 

Gesegnete Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr!

 A blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Silent Night in Fredericksburg, Texas...

Silent Night! HOLY Night!

Fredericksburg, Texas, is a joyous, bustling place to be during the mid-winter holiday season! A flurry of holiday events bring inspiration and joy to this historic town in the heart of Texas Wine Country. You will always remember the beautiful lighted Christmas parade, the Christmas Markets, Special Music and Seasonal Theater productions! Marktplatz is ablaze with glorious holiday lighting and the fabulous hand crafted Erzgebirge-Palace German Pyramid is aglow. Children’s laughter rings from the Eisbahn outdoor skating rink, and shoppers scurry about on gift gathering odysseys. But on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day a PEACEFULNESS prevails... enjoy the amazing beauty of quiet, reflection.... time together with family and friends! You won't find many restaurants open, our wonderful HEB / Central Market closes at 8pm on Christmas Eve and the shops and galleries along Main Street are still. DISCOVER the BLISS of walking, at night, with millions of Christmas lights sparkling. It is an inspirational calm, "a spirit of LOVE" the meaning of this Season... of Joy and Goodwill! If you are planning to visit Fredericksburg, Texas, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you need to plan ahead! BRING the PICNIC BASKET!!!! Relish the GIFT of a Silent Night... until the hustle and bustle returns to the streets of historic Fredericksburg on December 26th!

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything
is softer and more beautiful." 
- Norman Vincent Peale 
 Gesegnete Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr!
A blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Es ist Weihnachten. Experience the magic of a Hill Country Christmas in Fredericksburg, Texas! ART, MUSIC, GERMAN HERITAGE, TEXAS WINE! We invite you to spend a COLORFUL, CULTURAL... JOYOUS weekend in Fredericksburg, Texas during the holiday season! Celebrate TRADITION!

November 21 - January 1, 2015 The Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail! Discover holiday MAGIC as you drive this self guided CHRISTMAS LIGHTS tour through participating historic Texas Hill Country towns. Bandera, Boerne, Burnet, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Johnson City, Kerrville, Marble Falls, Wimberley
Our favorites are:
Marble Falls, The Walkway of Lights is open nightly, 6:00-10:00pm, from November 21st to January 1st. www.walkwayoflightstx.com
Johnson City, 2014 Lights Spectacular celebrates 25 Years! One of the largest Light Displays in the State, will have millions of Lights. Local homes, businesses and churches add their displays to the stunning 100,000 lights on the Blanco County Courthouse.
Johnson City, one of the largest Light Displays in the State, will have millions of Lights. Local homes, businesses and churches add their displays to the stunning 100,000 lights on the Blanco County Courthouse. 

 

Over 100,000 lights on the Blanco County Courthouse in

Johnson City, Texas!

 

Do you see what I see?

November 28, 2014 - January 4, 2015 "Eisbahn" (ice rink in German) returns to Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas, for the 10th year. Enjoy outdoor ice-skating on real ice in the Texas Hill Country! Open daily from the Friday after Thanksgiving through the New Years' weekend.
Saturdays 10 am - 10 pm.
Sundays 1 pm - 8 pm.
Monday - Friday before Christmas break: 4 pm - 8 pm,
10pm on Fridays
Monday - Friday during Christmas break: 10 am to 10 pm
Open Christmas Eve Day 10 am to 2 pm
Closed Christmas Day
Open New Years Eve and New Years Day
For more information visit: www.skateinfred.com

November 28 - December 24, 2014 Christmas at Rockbox
Tributes to Brooks & Dunn, George Strait plus a wonderful Rockbox cast!
The Rockbox Christmas Celebration is here! Christmas at the Rockbox has Christmas favorites along with serious fun! Come join the Rockbox Holiday Tribute Artists as they entertain and inspire your entire family! This is a Christmas event that leaves the BEST kind of MEMORIES!. Enjoy your favorite classic Christmas carols along with some holiday comedy... guaranteed to make your mid-Winter brighter! Treat yourself to REAL Christmas treasure at the Rockbox.
Showtimes
Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 - George, Brooks & Dunn, Rockbox Cast
Friday, December 12th at 4:30 and 8pm - George, Brooks & Dunn, Rockbox Cast
Saturday, December 13th at 4:30 and 8pm - George, Brooks & Dunn, Rockbox Cast
Sunday, December 14th at 3:00 - George, Brooks & Dunn, Rockbox Cast
Thursday, December 18th at 7:00 - George, English Brothers, Rockbox Cast
Friday, December 19th at 4:30 and 8pm - George, English Brothers, Rockbox Cast
Saturday, December 20th at 4:30 and 8pm - George, English Brothers, Rockbox Cast
Sunday, December 21st at 3:00 - George, English Brothers, Rockbox Cast
Tuesday, December 23rd at 7:00 - George, Alan Jackson, Rockbox Cast
Wednesday, December 24th at 2:00 - George, Alan Jackson, Rockbox Cast
www.rockboxtheater.com

Thursday, December 04, 2014, at 5:30pm, "Ladies Gingerbread House Decorating Party", A special event offered by Ambleside School of Fredericksburg as part of the annual Fall Fundraiser. For the 4th consecutive year, the school is offering fresh-baked gingerbread house kits for $20.00 each. This year, in addition to selling kits, Ambleside is offering special events, including a decorating party just for the ladies. Space is limited... RSVP now at amblesidegingerbread@gmail.com
 
December 5 - 21st, 2014 Holiday Wine Trail Tis the SEASON to be JOLLY… a chill in the air, the hustle and bustle, baking, wrapping, fireplaces, and TEXAS WINE! Hill Country Vineyards and tasting rooms are decorated for the season, Christmas Wine is warming… Have Some Holiday Wine Fun, Texas Style! Enjoy Christmas Caroling, Delicious Treats, a Warm Fireside and a Glass of your favorite Texas Wine! www.texaswinetrail.com

 Grape Creek Winery and Vineyards... beautiful and romantic! Award-Winning Wines! Picnic Market!  experience the feel of “Tuscany in Texas”.

December. 5, 2014 at 7:30 pm, The Fredericksburg Theater Company presents “Classic Christmas Cinema”, A Musical Celebration of the Holiday Season followed by a timeless holiday film. FTC will open their lobby doors at 7:00 pm, serving seasonal refreshments... cocoa, wassail and cookies. At 7:30 pm several local performers will present an evening of carols and cheer. At 8:00pm the evening's feature film will begin. This year FTC is excited to present the 1954 movie White Christmas starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. This is the 60th anniversary of White Christmas and the film is a real treat! All the songs are from the Irving Berlin songbook and performed by legendary entertainers Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen." Tickets may be purchased by calling 830-997-3588 or online at www.fredericksburgtheater.org
 
December 5, 2014,  Light the Night Christmas Parade and Afterglow
Afterglow, a family celebration including Christmas shopping, local food and drink, and children’s activities from 3 pm - 10 pm at Marktplatz.
Lighted Night Parade on Main Street at 6:30 pm.
Amazing Christmas Parade down Main Street! More than 100 Christmas-themed floats, all aglow with lights and laughter, make their way down Main Street in historic Fredericksburg, Texas! Beautiful and Inspirational, the “Lighted Night Parade" begins right after sunset! Come share the Season with our community… you will FEEL the GLOW!  Bleacher seating is available, and tickets may be purchased at the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, 830.997.6523.  A magical Laser light show will follow the parade. www.lightthenightchristmasparade.com

Deck the DEERE with Bows and Antlers!

December 12th and Saturday, December 13th at 6pm - 8:30pm. The Bethany Lutheran Church Christmas Journey, "Oh Holy Night" Every year at Christmas time, Bethany Lutheran Church displays their love of the journey of Jesus Christ by sharing a drive-through-live presentation with stories of Jesus told in nine different scenes along a lighted trail.  With numerous volunteer actors, animals and construction crew, this production has become a popular attraction in Fredericksburg during the Christmas season.  A complimentary hay ride on a trailer is also available for large groups or for those visitors just walking by without a car. The car line forms north of the church on Schubert St. and turns south to the entrance on Adams St. Come, behold the beauty! Behold the Christmas Journey and have a Merry Christmas! www.bethanyfredericksburg.com

December 13, 2014, Pioneer Museum’s 7th Tannenbaum Ball! CELEBRATE the SEASON with an evening of diniing, dancing and holiday cheer! August E's, a Local Chef-owned restaurant, will prepare an outstanding Holiday Feast and an open bar will be available throughout the evening. Back by popular demand are The Flying GT's "get up and dance" musical revue. Live and silent auctions offer opportunities for Holiday Shopping and the Tannenbaum Ball Prize Drawing winner will be selected. www.pioneermuseum.net

Thursday, December 18, 2014, Hill Top Productions Presents an Evening with Marcia Ball and Johnny Nicholas. Make reservations for a very Special Christmas Dinner Concert at Hill Top Cafe. Doors at 5:30, Showtime a 7pm. Johnny and Marcia will feature traditional holiday songs with a twist) as well as sharing some “Christmas Blues and Cajun Classics. John Chipman on percussion and a great 4-course meal! hilltopcafe.com

December 20, 2014, Luckenbach Christmas Ball with Gary P Nunn, at 9:00pm! Waltz on out to Luckenbach for some REAL TEXAS Holiday Fun and Christmas-time Boot Scootin’ in the Historic Dance Hall! www.luckenbachtexas.com

Waltz on out to Luckenbach for some REAL TEXAS Holiday Fun! Christmas-time Boot Scootin’ to Gary P Nunn in the Historic Luckenbach Dance Hall!

December 21, 2014 at 6 pm, 45th Annual LBJ Tree Lighting at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. A memorable family event begun by President and Mrs Johnson 45 years ago. experience an evening of Texas Hill Country Holiday Heritage and continue the legacy of Lyndon B. Johnson and his family. 
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson

December 26, 2014, 10am - 5pm Becker Vineyards Presents “Boxing Day” and Dr. Becker’s reading of “A Christmas Carol” fireside an annual TRADITION at the winery. Boxing Day is a secular holiday that is celebrated in the UK, Ireland and Canada on the day after Christmas. Whatever the origins, Boxing Day is a completely secular holiday. It's an occasion for visiting with friends, taking brisk walks out of doors, eating leftovers and being "Silly"! There are swims and dips in the icy waters of the British Channel (often in full formal attire), Rubber Ducky Races, faux fox hunts and hearty MERRIMAKING! You're invited to join the fun at Becker Vineyards for a Boxing Day Celebration! Enjoy Holiday Hors d'oeuvres, Yuletide Music, and a reading of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" fireside. And, of course, there will plenty of Wine Tasting and Cellar Tours. Becker Vineyards is located 11 miles east of Fredericksburg. www.beckervineyards.com

You're invited to join the fun at Becker Vineyards for a
Boxing Day Celebration!

 December 26th, Celebrate the "Second Day of Christmas - Zweite Weihnachten" with the Fredericksburg German Club from 2:00 - 5:00pm!
"ENJOYING TRADITION, PRESERVING HISTORY"! This CELEBRATION of fellowship is held in the Gillespie County Historical Society’s Social Hall at 312 West San Antonio Street, from 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Visitors are always WELCOME! Enjoy Stollen and Glühwein and Christmas Carols sung in German!

December 26 - January 3, 2015, The 2014 Auslander Winter Music Festival
For schedule and to purchase tickets online visit: www.theauslander.com

December 26 - 31, 2014, Join the Cast and Crew at Rockbox Theater as we welcome 2015! Make your reservations today for the Rockbox New Year's Blast! Special Guest Tribute artists and the impeccable Rockbox Cast bid farewell to 2014, as they welcome the New Year with a sensational Musical Event... the best of 2014 in one fabulous show!! DON'T MISS IT!
Showtimes
December 26 - 28, 2014 - New Year's Eve BLAST with George, Alan Jackson,
Rockbox Cast
December 30 - 31, 2014 - New Year's Eve BLAST with George, Brooks & Dunn,
Rockbox Cast.
www.rockboxtheater.com

December 30th Hondo's on Main Annual New Year's Eve, Eve Extravaganza! 8 - 11:30, with John Arthur Martinez. www.hondosonmain.com

Ein glückliches neues Jahr! Happy New Year 2015!

Happy New Year from ALL the Wineries along Wine Road 290! Come experience the second most visited wine region in the United States! The countryside is reminiscent of the wine growing regions of central Italy and the Rhone Valley in France. Our Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 is a association of ten Texas wineries along State Highway 290 on either side of Fredericksburg, Texas. The wine, ambiance and experience at each winery is unique and affords visitors a perfect wine getaway. Two days provide ample time to stop by all member wineries, sample wines and enjoy the vines and vistas! In addition to the ongoing activities at each winery the Wine Road 290 wineries sponsor shared events which can be viewed online at: www.wineroad290.com

December 30th, New Year's Eve, EVE at Hondo's On Main! Because we just can't have enough FUN! Music by the Almost Patsy Cline! CELEBRATE the EVE of NEW YEAR'S EVE 2015! GREAT FOOD! GREAT FRIENDS! GREAT MUSIC! Cheers!  and Happy New Year! www.hondosonmain.com

December 31, 2014, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM CENTURY NEW YEARS EVE at Vaudeville: 
100 years in the making
A New Year's celebration not to be missed. Details and tickets coming soon. www.vaudeville-living.com/event-calendar
 
December 31st, New Years Eve in Luckenbach with Thomas Michael Riley!  Ticket includes admission to the dance hall and champagne toast. There are NO RESERVATIONS, first come first serve. A shuttle service to be provided, from Fredericksburg inn and suites to Luckenbach from 7:30pm-2:00am. For Special NYE Rates say “Luckenbach” When You Book at www.fredericksburg-inn.com

December 31, 2014 New Year's Eve at Hondo's On Main! This IS one FUN RAISING Party! Music by the Dust Devils! Welcome 2013 with a GREAT PARTY! GREAT FRIENDS! GREAT MUSIC! Cheers!  www.hondosonmain.com

December 31, 2014 NYE 2014 at Hill Top Cafe - 4 Courses of Hill Top Culinary Magic and Music by Johnny Nicholas and Hell Bent featuring Cindy Cashdollar
Two shows:
5-9 (early seating)
9-1 (late seating)
For Reservations call 830.997.8922 or visit www.hilltopcafe.com

New Year's Eve at Hilltop Cafe!
Music by Johnny Nicholas and Hell Bent,
featuring Cindy Cashdollar!

January 1, 2015, Annual Blackeyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff! at Torre di Pietra Winery!
If eaten on the first day of the year, a dish of black eyed peas is a New Year's tradition believed to bring luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Join the festivities at Torre di Pietra for a Southern-style cookoff and Jam Session with music by John Arthur Martinez.
Event Time: 10am - 6pm | Music from 1 - 5pm.
$500 First Prize in each Category! Show us your BEST!
Ten miles east of Fredericksburg, Texas on US Hwy 290. For information and to download entry forms and contest rules visit www.torredipietra.com/2014/11/30/9th-annual-blackeyed-pea-cookoff-cornbread-cookoff

Black Eyed Peas and Cornbread Cook-off
$500 1st Prize for each Category!
Show us your BEST!

   

If you want to SAVOR the flavors of Fredericksburg, Texas, on Christmas Day you'll want to build a HOLIDAY PICNIC BASKET.

The Wine Road 290 Wineries and Tasting Rooms have new vintages to share and Picnic Markets stocked for the holidays with gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, crostinis, condiments, sauces, cheese boards, sweets and, of course, TEXAS WINE... to ENJOY on your holiday wine trail adventures, and... on Christmas Day, when you unpack your Holiday Picnic Basket!

CELEBRATE the Season! Savor the Flavors of the Texas Hill Country...

Tasting rooms are putting on the HOLIDAY ritz, and many wineries have music and Christmas goodies to TASTE... the smell of Hot spiced Christmas Wine is in the air... WINE + MUSIC = MERRY MAKING! Welcome WINTER! SWIRL! SNIFF! SIP! SAVOR! Drink in the HOLIDAY SEASON... find inspiration on the back-roads of Texas! and, don't forget to Raise your glass and "Toast a Rising Star"... TEXAS WINE! Salut!

My FAVORITE Winery Picnic Markets... Bon Appetit! 

WILLIAM CHRIS VINEYARD

At the 2014 Concours International de Lyon, France, William Chris Vineyards earned two GOLD medals for their 2012 Mourvedre and the 2012 Enchante.

Texas Wine from TEXAS Grapes! William Chris Vineyards

GRAPE CREEK VINEYARDS, Tuscany in Texas

Grape Creek Vineyards has a wonderful "Italian Picnic Market" inside their Tasting Room. They are well stocked with great wine pairing choices... cheeses, flat-bread, salamies, olives, southwestern dipping sauces and mustard. Their gourmet Chocolates include, truffles, turtles and chocolate bark, all made with honey! Yummy!

Grape Creek Vineyards... it's like Tuscany in Texas! What a beautiful place to BE!