WHERE IT STARTED

A dark, possibly black or deep gray, textured background with faint horizontal lines or waves.

A man dressed as Santa Claus playing an acoustic guitar and smiling outdoors.

Traditions run deep in Texas, and even deeper in our patchwork of small towns that blanket the state like a beautiful handcrafted quilt. Many of our favorite modern holiday traditions can be traced back to humble beginnings along Main Streets and in town squares. This holiday season, as we attempt to slow down and savor these wholesome rituals, we’re exploring their origins and recapturing their unadulterated magic in a special place called Waxahachie, just 30 or so miles south of Dallas.

Close-up of a woven textile with red, black, and beige yarns forming a pattern.

People gathered around a large, decorated Christmas tree with bright lights and red, green, and gold ornaments, during nighttime.

Simple Roots

One of the most beloved holiday traditions is the tree lighting. The first documented public tree lighting in Texas featured a pecan tree lovingly known as Million Dollar Monarch. It stood proudly at 75 ft. tall at the intersection of Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road in Highland Park, Texas. Today, tree lightings have evolved into more elaborate spectacles, but they still represent the official kick-off of the holiday season.

Waxahachie’s tree lighting is among our favorites, taking place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Twinkling parade floats make their way through downtown, building anticipation of the big moment when the community tree is illuminated on the lawn of the historic Ellis County Courthouse.

THE CHARM OF
HOLIDAY HOMES

Front porch decorated for Christmas with a nutcracker statue, wreaths on the windows, colorful lights around the door frame, a Christmas tree visible through the door, and a lantern on the porch.

Visiting the homes of friends and family during the holidays can be traced back to many different cultures, and Waxahachie’s Christmas Tour of Homes is keeping the tradition alive in small town Texas.

Waxahachie is home to a charming collection of pristine historic homes that open their doors to guests each holiday season. Guests marvel at the craftsmanship of these homes, ranging from grand Victorians to Georgian Revivals. Events like this highlight how much the community of Waxahachie values its history and authentic small-town identity.

Stroll through the Season

One of our favorite ways to slow down during the holidays is by taking a leisurely carriage ride. Sit back in a carriage that evokes visions of old-timey sleighs as a horse and driver steer you through historic downtown Waxahachie, festively decorated for the season. It’s the perfect way to take in the sights of the season, snuggled up with loved ones as you sip on BYOB hot cocoa.

If it’s a different type of “stroll” you’re after, check out Santa’s Craft Beer Stroll on December 13, highlighting the cozy watering holes throughout historic downtown Waxahachie. Gather your friends to sip on seasonal and craft beers, sure to warm you up for plenty of yuletide memories. Of course for those looking for something with a little more speed, you can sign up for Waxahachie’s annual Santa Run 5K, or simply cheer on the runners decked out in festive apparel.

A nativity scene with two people dressed as Mary and Joseph, looking at a glowing baby Jesus figure, with hay bales in the background.

The Anticipation of Pilgrimage

So much of the beauty of the holiday season lies in our collective sense of anticipation. The community of Waxahachie lends its small-town charm to its annual immersive Bethlehem Revisited experience. The community comes together to recreate the city of Bethlehem and the journey of Mary and Joseph throughout the streets of Waxahachie. Guests will encounter innkeepers, merchants, and craftsmen as they walk the path to the nativity scene, every turn complete with accurate portrayals of daily life in Bethlehem, complete with sheep, camels and donkeys. You can watch in awe as the angel appears to the shepherds and witness the three kings’ pilgrimage to bring gifts to the manger scene. Designed to be an interfaith experience, it’s a holiday tradition that truly embodies community in a way that only Waxahachie can bring to life, with more than 100 volunteers building sets, acting, and operating the scenes. It’s a truly remarkable example of small town tradition.