BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY ALONG FOR DAZZLING LIGHTS AND DELICIOUS BITES AS YOU EXPLORE THE SCENIC TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
WORDS BY STACEY INGRAM KALEH
Photo by Johnson City
The holidays can have an undeniable magic about them here in Central Texas. We welcome and embrace the cooler temperatures that revive us and beckon us outdoors after a hot summer (and, this year, a hot fall). Warm coffees, heartier meals and glasses of bold red wine become ever-so-appealing as we spend more time wrapped in sweaters. Families, friends and neighbors gather, celebrating traditions old and new. And as the sun sets earlier and the nights get darker, spectacular light displays illuminate the landscape.
While Hill Country destinations like Fredericksburg, Johnson City and Marble Falls receive a lot of attention during spring wildflower season, they also have much to offer the entire family — including your furry companions — in the winter months.
Whether you are in search of the biggest and brightest holiday lights, beautiful hikes to make the most of our mild winter weather, inviting and authentic restaurants to wow your out-of-town guests or a new favorite bottle of Texas wine to bust out at your New Year’s Eve party, these destinations have you covered. Let the memory-making commence as you eat, drink and two-step your way through the holidays.
JOHNSON CITY
Well-known as the home of former President Lyndon Baines Johnson and also for its location along the beautiful Pedernales River, Johnson City has long been a popular spot for history lovers and nature enthusiasts. These days, it is also known for dazzling holiday lights that drape the entirety of the historic Blanco County Courthouse in its town square and that wrap, to seemingly impossible perfection, a grove of oak trees at the Pedernales Electric Co-op. More than 1.3 million LEDs sparkle from the bottom of each trunk to the tip of each branch during the Johnson City Lights Spectacular, which runs from November 23, 2023 through January 7, 2024.
Brighten up your winter nights with a visit to see the lights in Johnson City. Stroll around the town square, holiday tunes in the air, and be sure to visit these nearby wineries, coffee shops and restaurants to fuel your holiday fun:
Johnson City Coffee Co.
Photo by Johnson City Coffee Co.
Serving up unique, quality coffee and sweet treats at the gateway to the Highway 290 Texas Wine Trail (AKA “Wine Road 290”), Johnson City Coffee Co. has your caffeine fix plus some. Using beans roasted by Greater Goods Coffee Company, they have a variety of espresso drinks, fresh-brewed coffees and flavored lattes. A variety of teas and smoothies are also available, as is hot cocoa made with dark chocolate syrup and steamed milk. Pair your beverage of choice with in-house baked cookies, scones or honeyed goat cheese — fresh goat cheese with honey, topped with pistachio crumbles.
Johnson City Coffee Co. has a convenient drive-thru for those on their way to another Hill Country adventure, but is also a great place to hang out for breakfast or lunch. They recently opened the West Main Str-eat-ery on their grounds, where customers can find a rotating group of food trucks like Hot Mess Pizza & Grill and Cast Iron Punk, which serves up creative comfort like French toast, breakfast tacos and Yucatan pulled pork.
Don’t leave without trying their signature Kay’s Honey Pecan Latte. Striking the delicate balance between sweet and nutty, it’s a uniquely Texan flavor combination that will keep you craving it until your next visit.
108 W. Main Street | johnsoncitycoffeeco.com
Hye Meadow Winery
Enjoy wine made from 100 percent Texas grapes, including several estate-grown varietals, at Hye Meadow Winery. Have no fear when it comes to bringing your kiddos or furry friends — this winery is warm and welcoming with an expansive covered patio (equipped with porch games like supersized Connect Four) and beautiful tree-covered grounds sprawling 42 acres where you may even spot a friendly donkey or two. Friendly staff will tell you all about their large wine selection so that you can find something that piques your particular interests, and there are plenty of great things to munch on from their onsite bistro.
Try the Estate Tempranillo, a robust red with just a hint of spice, or the Texas High Plains Dolcetto Novello for a light and fruity red that will elevate any meal. Looking for something to take to a holiday party? Grab a bottle of the Hye-Albert Cuvée, a dry sparkling wine sure to please most palettes.
10257 W. Highway 290 | hyemeadow.com
Pecan Street Brewing
Photo by Pecan Street Brewing
A staple in the Johnson City town square, Pecan Street Brewing has a lively and fun atmosphere driven by live music, craft brews and southern homestyle dishes. Located in the old Blanco County Supply and Hardware building, the restaurant is a casual and welcoming gathering place that prioritizes hospitality and even has a pet-friendly biergarten.
Menu options range from nachos, soft pretzels and cheese fries to pizza, burgers and chicken fried steak, and German-inspired bratwurst and schnitzel — all crowd- pleasers. Looking for something one-of-a-kind? Be sure to try their pecan sweet chicken, a signature fried chicken topped with house-made honey pecan sauce. Pair it with a craft beer, made onsite, like the Moonwalking Cowboy IPA, packed with citrus and hops, or Blanco Co. Supply Brown Ale, malty with a crisp finish.
106 E. Pecan Drive | pecanstreetbrewing.com
Bryan’s on 290
Come together for delicious Hill Country cuisine enjoyed in a charming modern setting at Bryan’s on 290, located just across from the Johnson City town square on Main Street. Chef Bryan Gillenwater is known for his live fire cookery, which he says reminds him of what first ignited his passion — camping and cooking over an open fire.
Bring the family to Bryan’s for a celebratory evening filled with culinary delights like crispy brussels sprouts or the scallop and blue crab dip for starters, main dishes like beef tenderloin, veal schnitzel and smoked duck breast tartine, and delectable sides like grilled zucchini with pevan romesco and roasted tomatoes with basil white truffle vinaigrette.
Make a reservation online in advance and look for special events like wine pairing dinners with local winery partners.
300 E. Main Street | bryanson290.com
Picnic’d
Imagine the perfect spur-of-the-moment picnic on a gorgeous Hill Country day. Picnic’d, located in the heart of Johnson City across from Memorial Park, is here to make your picnic dreams come true. A counter service restaurant and shop, Picnic’d has grab-and-go picnic items — from baguettes to blankets — ready for you to take to the park or town square to enjoy on the banks of the river or on a blanket under some beautiful heritage oak trees. If you have time to stay awhile and savor, they offer a selection of cheese, charcuterie and butter boards that make for great pairings with wine from Crowson Wines, which has a tasting room onsite.
Photo by Picnic’d
They also have kid’s sandwiches like the Flower Child, with sunflower butter and thin apple slices lightly tossed in cinnamon sugar and honey on sourdough.
Picnic’d sources many of their food and beverages locally. Most of their sandwiches are made with bread from Fredericksburg-based Bakery JoJu, they serve up scoops of Amy’s Ice Creams from Austin, and several menu items include fine cheeses from Antonelli’s and microgreens from 5 Roots Farms in Blanco.
Visit at 102 N. Avenue G, Unit B | picnicd.com
Albert Dancehall
When it comes to Texas dancehalls, it doesn’t get much more authentic than Albert Dancehall and Icehouse on a little country road halfway between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. Established in 1892, it’s one of the oldest and most storied dancehalls in Texas, and the centerpiece of the 13-acre “town” of Albert. As the story goes, Albert and Minnie Luckenbach sold their general store in Luckenbach in 1892, and moved 20 miles east. They opened a new post office, registered as “Albert,” and a general store, which is now the icehouse, and that’s why we now have two iconic dancing towns named after Albert Luckenbach.
With an expansive beer garden and icehouse patio and live music nearly every day, Albert Dancehall is worth a stop on your next Hill Country escape. Let loose, boot-scoot and join generations of Texans who have danced the night away for over 100 years in the dancehall.
5435 S. R.R. 1623 | alberttexas.com
FREDERICKSBURG
A visit to Fredericksburg during Weihnachtszeit — or the Christmas season is like inserting yourself into a picture-perfect scene from your favorite Christmas movie. From the garlands arching over Main Street to people lining the streets, delighting in the hustle and bustle of holiday traditions, to awe-struck children in the historic Marketplatz gazing up at the 26-foot-tall German Christmas Pyramid, which features intricately crafted moving wooden figures, candle-like lights and a spinning windmill, to the laughter that streams from the ice-skating rink, this town is brimming with holiday spirit.
Relish in Fredericksburg’s holiday cheer as you enjoy the Marketplatz activities, savor a delicious meal and pick up some treats for everyone on your shopping list.
Wildseed Farms
Family-owned and operated Wildseed Farms is a true Hill Country gem, seeded by a passion for wildflowers. Visit to roam trails surrounded by wildflower production fields and vineyards, witness butterfly and hummingbird migrations, enjoy a wine tasting or shop for gourmet food items and all things flora.
Spouse team John and Marilyn Thomas purchased 217 acres of farmland near Fredericksburg in 1993, and soon after Marilyn opened her first shop in tents on the farm. Now an expansive and eclectic Market Center sits on the property and offers a wide selection of home decor, apparel, jewelry, plants, pottery and, of course, wildflower seeds! The Market Center also features the BrewBonnet Biergarten, where you can find jams, jellies, salsas, pickled vegetables and an assortment of craft beer. In the winter, you can often find folks centered around its large fireplace watching the game. After venturing into wine production in 2019, Wildseed Farms opened a wine tasting room in 2021 and offers the chance to try 100 percent Texas wines from the Hill Country, High Plains and their beautiful estate.
Don’t overlook Wildseed Farms when the wildflowers aren’t in bloom — it’s a great place to find gifts for all of the foodies and plant lovers in your life and to sit back and enjoy the winter landscape with a glass of estate wine in hand.
100 Legacy Drive | wildseedfarms.com
Alla Campagna
Local wife-and-husband team and owners of Sidestreet Hospitality (Otto’s, Tubby’s, La Bergerie Market) Evelyn and John Washburne are at the helm of a new-er Fredericksburg favorite restaurant, Alla Campagna. An Italian eatery with a Texas twist, the restaurant is situated in a beautiful historic Main Street building that incorporates elements of a traditional Tuscan villa. In the spirit of Fredericksburg, they offer something for everyone — from a family-friendly covered patio offering brick-oven pizza to intimate dining spaces for easy conversation among small parties. Menu items like wood-grilled veggies with prosciutto, rich stuffed pastas, and braised wild boar are paired with Italian varietal wines for a warm, cozy, yummy night out.
342 W. Main Street | allacampagnafbg.com
Alexander Vineyards
Just east of Fredericksburg tucked off of Wine Road 290 is Alexander Vineyards, a standout among Texas wineries offering champagne and sparkling varietals. Alexander sources wines from the Old World regions of Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France, including many champagnes that are just calling to be popped at your next festive get-together. Visitors can reserve a tasting experience with a dedicated wine educator for groups of up to eight or can walk-in to order a glass or bottle to be enjoyed onsite.
6360 Goehmann Lane | alexandervineyards.com
Hill Country Herb Garden Restaurant & Spa
Photo by Hill Country Herb Garden
Breakaway from the business of the holidays with a day at Hill Country Herb Garden Restaurant and Spa. A wellness-focused retreat, you can book a stay in one of 14 onsite cottages, relax in a luxury spa, savor the garden wine bar and reset with a fresh and healthy meal at The Restaurant. With a bar menu of garden-inspired cocktails, sake and wine, a juice and smoothie menu that offers “shots with intention” like an “immunity” boost with lemon, ginger, pineapple, cayenne and Vitamin C and “relaxation” infused with lavender tea, lemon and CBD, and dinner and brunch menus to gush over, The Restaurant is open to anyone — not just spa guests, but reservations are encouraged.
Consider a relaxing getaway to start your new year in beautiful surroundings with massages and chef-curated menus within arm’s reach.
405 Whitney Street | hillcountryherbgarden.com
Das Peach Haus – Fischer & Weiser Farmstead
With humble origins as a roadside peach stand, Das Peach Haus is now a major destination. Whether you’re interested in picking up some locally made preserves and salsas to-go, joining a fun cooking glass, or relaxing out back by their pond, glass of wine in hand, Fischer & Weiser’s shop is more than meets the eye. While it remains a multi-generational family business anchored by the family farm, Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, Inc. manufactures high-quality products that are distributed nationwide. Das Peach Haus is a place where folks can experience the Texas Hill Country lifestyle of homegrown produce and products, and gather with family and friends to unwind.
Shelves in the main shop are filled floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall with tasty jams, local fruit preserves, sauces, seasonings, pasta and much more. Consider a gift box or a mix-and-match jellies or sauces gift set during the holidays to take a taste of Fredericksburg home with you.
1406 S. U.S. Highway 87 | jelly.com
MARBLE FALLS
Built around the banks of Lake Marble Falls, part of the Highland Lakes chain of lakes, Marble Falls has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its gorgeous red and pink-granite rock, stunningly blue waters, heartwarming hospitality and legendary pie, it’s also becoming a premier destination for holiday festivities, Texas wine and boutique shops.
This winter, look for parades, holiday markets, tree lightings and more in the town center. From November 17 through December 31, locals and visitors can explore the Marble Falls Walkway of Lights, where more than two million lights and 130 sculptures activate Lakeside Park, making for a joy-filled walk through winter wonderland.
Bear King Brewing
Owned and operated by four siblings passionate about camaraderie, Bear King Brewing in Marble Falls creates a fun and engaging environment for the whole family. Come to watch the game and take a break from your own kitchen as you let the phenomenally friendly staff at Bear King walk you through a great selection of American ale-style brews and a menu of mouth-watering tacos, burgers, salads and more. Go-to’s include pork belly tacos topped with tangy slaw, chipotle aioli and Cotija cheese; Texas poutine fries with braised brisket, ancho cheddar gravy and pico de gallo; “The Legendary One” burger with a 44 Farms patty, bacon, caramelized onions, aged cheddar and roasted garlic aioli; and for those looking for something a bit lighter, the Champ salad features mixed greens topped with tomato, avocado, cucumber, red onion, tortilla strips and roasted jalapeño dressing. Kids options include quesadillas and chicken fingers.
If you’re a fan of craft beer, don’t pass up Bear King’s own brews like the Monkey Bridge Hefeweizen, dry yet full with a hint of clove, and the Ambrosia Maple Amber Ale with rich notes of caramel and nuts, or ask the staff about one of their seasonal offerings.
207 Avenue G | bearkingbrewing.com
Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard
You’ll want to stay all day at the villa-inspired Flat Creek Estate, a sweeping 80-acre property with vineyard views, a tasting room, covered outdoor pavilion and full-service bistro for sit-down meals. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s an 18-hole disc golf course for groups who love a little light-hearted competition.
Photo by Flat Creek
The Flat Creek Estate Winery has earned more than 400 awards and accolades at wine competitions and was named one of Food & Wine’s “Top 50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences in America,” but, all that aside, the experience at the estate speaks for itself. Warm and welcoming, the team at Flat Creek prioritizes southern hospitality and helps you feel at home whether it’s your first time trying wine or you are on your way to becoming a sommelier.
Be sure to try their “Super Texan” flagship wine, a deep ruby red, medium- bodied wine with notes of fresh plum and just a hint of vanilla at the finish. They also have multiple vintages and varieties of syrah and montepulciano for red lovers, and a crisp cuvée blanc, silky viognier and stunning strawberry-tinged off-dry rosé.
Pair these with delectable dishes from The Bistro, open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. On the lunch and dinner menu you’ll find shareables like garden bruschetta dip and house-made chips, bacon-Wrapped jalapeño quail, cowboy chili, and baked herb brie with fig spread, as well as a variety of pizzas, inventive salads and classic sandwiches.
24912 Singleton Bend E. | flatcreekestate.com
About the Contributor
Stacey Ingram Kaleh is a native Texan and writer and editor for Edible publications . When she’s not eating at local restaurants and drinking Texas wine, she’s spending time outdoors in the Hill Country with her husband and two young daughters and soaking up as much live music and art as possible.
