Holidays in the Hill Country in Dripping Springs, TX

The historic pound house decorated with Christmas decorations

Photo: Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead

Enjoy the Holidays in the Hill Country - Visit Dripping Springs, TX

Dripping Springs is a beautiful and quaint city year-round, but add holiday lights, cheer and mistletoe and you've got a vacation you won't easily forget. In addition to the year-round sites—olive orchard tours, hiking at Hamilton Pool, wine, beer or spirits tastings, world-class restaurants—that make Dripping Springs special, here are a few just-for-the-holiday highlights in town.

First, you’ll need to get some sustenance - try some Texas favorites like our world-famous BBQ. Dripping Springs loves food, and its hospitality and charm seasons the dishes popular to this region. For lunch, dine at a restaurant that specializes in Southern cuisine to get a sample of good ‘ole home cooking. Find the best places to eat in Dripping Springs on our dining page.

Enjoy the Holiday Lights and Sights ALL SEASON LONG

Stroll down Mercer Street with a hot cocoa (or a stronger libation) in hand, admire the majestic oaks wrapped in lights, and stop and shop at the historic buildings adorned with holiday lights. Don’t forget to take your Christmas photo at the holiday themed picture frame in front of Mazama Coffee Company.

Santa Claus sitting on a sofa near a Christmas tree

Get to Know Christmas on Mercer

Looking for holiday events the whole family will love? Check out the holiday happenings at Christmas on Mercer! The downtown area transforms into a hometown holiday festival featuring holiday shopping, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, a petting zoo, trackless train, pony rides, children’s activities and more.

Visitors will feel the full spirit of the season with live holiday music filling the air. Wrap up Christmas shopping while supporting local arts and craft vendors.
Santa will be making a special appearance to check on the children of Dripping Springs and make sure we have all been on our best behavior! Snap a family photo with Santa at Santa's Workshop on Saturday.
Enjoy the annual tree lighting with a cup of hot coco in hand at the Triangle on Friday, December 2nd at dusk. Right after the tree lighting find your holiday who-spirit with a special showing of The Grinch in Downtown Dripping Springs.
Christmas on Mercer takes place on December 3rd from 10am - 5pm and is free to attend.

Christmas on Mercer

old rolling pins stacked on a shelf with holiday decor

Photo: Vintage Market Days

Artisan fairs and Holiday Shopping in Dripping Springs

The garland is hung, and the Christmas trees are up! The shops and boutiques scattered throughout the city are perfect for finding holiday gifts and souvenirs. Boutique shopping abounds and decorated windows adorn the streets of downtown Dripping Springs. If you’re searching for gifts, there’s something for everyone in your family. Spoil the new baby with a gift from JAM Mom Baby Kids or Cowgirls and Lace. Stop in at Mercer St Art for beautifully crafted painting or hand-made jewelry the art lover or find kitchen accouterments for the chef in the family at Belterra Village's Breed & Co. Whether you're shopping in downtown Dripping Springs, Belterra Village or along highway 290, you'll certainly find a gift for everyone on your list!

Discover the full list of shopping in Dripping Springs: Shopping

There is also a handful of pop-up artisan markets taking place during the holiday season that are ideal for locating that perfect gift including handmade items, decor, art, jewelry, beauty, customized items and much more!

December 2nd-4th - Vintage Market Days - Visit Dripping Springs Ranch Park for an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more.
December 7th - 4th Annual Texas Makers Market at Desert Door - Shop for locally-crafted ceramics, revived vintage goods, unique holiday photo sessions, and more.
December 10th - Spon Day and Holiday Market at Jester King - Jester King will be releasing their annual Three Year Blend of spontaneously fermented beer. Also enjoy the Austin Flea holiday market, delicious food & baked goods from Jester King Kitchen, live music, a cookie decorating class, brewery tours, goat experiences, & more!
December 10th-11th - Kris Kringle Market at 12 Fox Beer Co. - A perfect event for the whole family with a special appearance from Santa (photos from 1-4pm) & a pop of market of local artisans!
December 17th - Holiday Market at Vista Brewing- Browse an artisan market curated by Curio Caravan featuring an array of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind products all created in Texas by Texans. The Vista Brewing retail shop will also have a "build your own" gift basket station set up for a one-stop gift experience!

'Tis the season to plan your next getaway for the Holidays!

Whether you're looking for a weekend escape, a romantic couple's getaway, or hoping to find an amazing Christmas vacation the whole family will adore, Dripping Springs has it all this holiday season!
Embark on a memorable winter trip to Dripping Springs and stay at one of our many beautiful bed and breakfasts, one of our hotels or a quaint cabin where you can enjoy the very best Christmas vacation.

Dripping Springs Lodging

For the Kiddos

In what could possibly be the best holiday event of the year, Suds Monkey is offering Holiday Goat Cuddles & Pictures on November 25th. Who wouldn't want to go cuddle with baby goats in Christmas sweaters?
Vista Brewing is screening the Christmas classic, Elf, on November 26th starting at 5:30pm. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
Visit Jester King on December 10th for a Kids Cookie Decorating Class! Each cookie kit comes with 5 cut & baked sugar cookies, and there will be lots of frosting and sprinkles to create cookie masterpieces.