The holidays are full of wonder and spectacle, but sometimes they can feel a little stressful, too. When you need to escape from life’s hectic hustle and bustle, venture to one of these quaint central Texas towns. Here, life moves slowly and the air is full of Christmas spirit. You won’t feel weighed down by your Christmas lists — you’ll be excited about it. Christmas in these five towns near Austin looks like something from a Hallmark movie.

  1. Johnson City

Roger Mommaerts/Flickr

Johnson City Texas Chamber of Commerce/Facebook During the holidays, this presidential hometown bursts with magic. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the square and stop by the illuminated courthouse. There’s nothing quite like a Johnson City Christmas.

  1. Buda

City of Buda, Texas/Facebook

Downtown Buda/Facebook A quick drive south of Austin will lead you to Buda, Texas. As you wander through the cute boutiques and charming streets, you’ll understand where they got their slogan, “Breathe easy here.” Be sure to stop by the Trail of Lights and experience the twinkling spectacle.

  1. Fredericksburg

Visit Fredericksburg TX/Facebook

Visit Fredericksburg TX/Facebook This adorable town really comes alive during the holidays. The historic Main Street bustles with shoppers, and the wineries are full of friends and families. It makes an absolutely perfect wintertime day trip. Who knows, you may even see Santa strolling along.

  1. Gruene

Gruene Historic District/Facebook

Gruene Historic District/Facebook Technically, this little utopia is only a street in New Braunfels, but it bursts with the same small-town charm you’d expect. Gruene Texas is home to the largest dance hall in Texas, and it’s full of fabulous shops. You’ll really feel like you entered a Hallmark movie when you visit this cozy place.

  1. Bastrop

Downtown Bastrop/Facebook

Downtown Bastrop/Facebook Celebrate Christmas among the pines. In Bastrop, the air is filled with joyous energy. From spectacular parades to colorful carolers, there’s something festive happening every weekend in this tiny town. Bastrop is certain to make you feel merry and bright.

Looking for more holiday fun? Take this Christmas lights road trip through Austin!

Roger Mommaerts/Flickr

Johnson City Texas Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

During the holidays, this presidential hometown bursts with magic. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the square and stop by the illuminated courthouse. There’s nothing quite like a Johnson City Christmas.

City of Buda, Texas/Facebook

Downtown Buda/Facebook

A quick drive south of Austin will lead you to Buda, Texas. As you wander through the cute boutiques and charming streets, you’ll understand where they got their slogan, “Breathe easy here.” Be sure to stop by the Trail of Lights and experience the twinkling spectacle.

Visit Fredericksburg TX/Facebook

This adorable town really comes alive during the holidays. The historic Main Street bustles with shoppers, and the wineries are full of friends and families. It makes an absolutely perfect wintertime day trip. Who knows, you may even see Santa strolling along.

Gruene Historic District/Facebook

Technically, this little utopia is only a street in New Braunfels, but it bursts with the same small-town charm you’d expect. Gruene Texas is home to the largest dance hall in Texas, and it’s full of fabulous shops. You’ll really feel like you entered a Hallmark movie when you visit this cozy place.

Downtown Bastrop/Facebook

Celebrate Christmas among the pines. In Bastrop, the air is filled with joyous energy. From spectacular parades to colorful carolers, there’s something festive happening every weekend in this tiny town. Bastrop is certain to make you feel merry and bright.

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