Christmas in Bastrop, Texas — Holiday Lights Along the Colorado River

OUTDOOR TRAVEL, TASTE, & TOUR EDITIORIAL - FALL 2026 (OCT-JAN)

A Christmas Tale Beneath the Pines

There are places that feel like they were made for Christmas. The kind of places where twinkling lights line historic streets, holiday music fills the air, and timeless traditions bring people together. Nestled beneath towering loblolly pines, Bastrop, Texas, captures the nostalgic charm of a classic Christmas getaway, storybook-style. With the Colorado River reflecting the glow of seasonal displays and a full calendar of celebrations from thanksgiving through the New Year, step into a holiday experience filled with countless opportunities to make unforgettable memories.

The Opening Scene

The magic begins the weekend after Thanksgiving at Fisherman’s Park with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Families gather with anticipation as Santa Clause makes his grand entrance aboard a fire truck to officially light the tree, encouraging everyone to stroll the dazzling Bastrop River of Lights display.

The following day, Downtown Bastrop welcomes visitors for Wassail Fest, during Small Business Saturday. Guests are invited to explore shops while sampling creative wassail recipes, traditionally a warm, spiced holiday beverage featuring seasonal flavors. Participants vote for their favorite as businesses compete for the title of Wassail Champ.

A New Page

The story unfolds the first weekend of December, bringing music, makers, and holiday cheer. Thursday evening, Farm Street Opry’s A Country Christmas delivers an authentic Texas holiday celebration filled with classic country music, Christmas favorites, and plenty of dancing.

Turning the page to Friday, with the F.A.M.E. Holiday Maker’s Market, where visitors can find handcrafted treasures for everyone on their list while enjoying entertainment and art activities.

The Heart of the Story

The season reaches its peak on the second Saturday in December when Merry on Main transforms downtown into a holiday wonderland. Families can enjoy photos with Santa, a cookie crawl, holiday market, entertainment, and activities for all ages before gathering for the grand finale—The Lighted Lost Pines Christmas Parade. With more than 100 entries filling the streets with glowing floats, music, and holiday cheer, this beloved parade captures the magic of a true small-town Christmas tradition.

Where the Story Continues

Extend your holiday getaway with a stay surrounded by the beauty of the Lost Pines. The Reserve at Greenleaf offers a peaceful retreat featuring luxury yurts that blend modern comforts with the tranquility of nature. Guests can wake up beneath the pines, relax by the fire, and enjoy a slower pace during the holiday season.

For a full resort experience, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa provides a scenic escape along the Colorado River with comfortable accommodations, outdoor adventures, dining, and seasonal experiences.

This season, discover a Christmas that feels like it belongs in a storybook, and create your own holiday tradition beneath the pines.