Are you looking for a magical and romantic getaway for the whole family this holiday season? Conveniently located on I-35 between Austin and Waco, Salado is a premier destination in its own right, not to mention an excellent add-on to longer trips in the Central Texas area. Here are 7 reasons why the Village of Salado is Central Texas’ Winter Wonderland, and should be at the top of your list this holiday season.
1. Blow-Your-Own Christmas Ornament at Salado Glassworks, Ongoing
Want to create a one-of-a-kind work of art while spending quality time with the whole family? Head over to the Salado Glassworks to design and even blow your own glass ornament. With Gail and his crew of highly-skilled glass artists, you will select up to three colors, watch the artist heat the glass up to a cool 2000° F, and then enlist your own lung power to blow the perfect tree trimming. Be advised, reservations are required for this event and they fill up quickly, so don’t wait! Learn more and reserve your spot here!
2. Lighted Christmas Parade, December 5
Kick off the holiday season with a lighted Christmas Parade! With more than 60 participants, including antique cars, the Salado High School Marching Band, and floats from organizations such as the Robotics Club, Quail Ridge Pocket Beagles, and more, this year’s parade is sure to be a showstopper! The parade starts at 6 PM, but come early to stake out your seat along the route and purchase your own light-up accessory from a Sirena youth ambassador. Some shops will be open after the parade, so you can get a jump on your holiday shopping. Learn more here!
3. Salado Christmas Stroll, December 6-8 and 13-15
Bring the whole family for late night shopping, Santa, live nativity scenes, strolling carolers, live music, and more! Sip hot cocoa, make sure your little ones’ wishes get delivered to the North Pole on time, and check off your holiday shopping list with Salado’s renowned boutiques and local artists, all while experiencing all the lights and magic the Village has to offer. Many beautifully decorated shops along our historic Main Street will be open until 9 PM or later on Friday and Saturday, and until 5 on Sunday, but please check with individual shops for specific times. Learn more here!
4. The Magic of Christmas Homes Tour, December 7
What’s more fun than decorating your own home for Christmas? Leisurely strolling through the homes of other people who have already done the decorating for you! You won’t have to lift a single box down from the attic to enjoy luxe Christmas decorations at some of Salado’s most distinguished homes, including historic and notable architectural locations. Plus, the proceeds benefit the Salado Historical Society, helping them to continue preserving Salado’s unique and storied past. Purchase tickets at CentralTexasTickets.com or the Salado Public Library.
5. Listen to the Angels Sing with The Salado Community Chorus, December 10
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some seasonal favorites? The Salado Community Chorus’ Christmas Concert is the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and be serenaded by festive tunes familiar and fresh. The concert is at 7 PM at the First Baptist Church, and attendance is free. Find out more here!
6. A Christmas Carol at Tablerock Amphitheater, December 6-7 and 13-14
Sure, there are plenty of film adaptations, but what better way to experience Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story than live theater? Come out to Salado’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater, nestled in the trees, for a show that will delight and inspire the whole family to focus on what matters this holiday season. Shows are December 6-7 and 13-14 at 7 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $3 for children (12 & under). Purchase tickets at CentralTexastickets.com or at the gate on the night of the performance, or call 254-947-9205 for information on groups of 20 or more. Concessions open at 6:30 PM for hot chocolate, funnel cakes, and other goodies, so come early!
7. Historic Lights and Romance
Even if you can’t make any of the events listed above, Salado celebrates Christmas all month long. Peruse the shops of our world-renowned artists and craftspeople to find the perfect gift for even your most discerning family member. Buy yourself a cozy sweater to celebrate the season in style at one of our charming boutiques. Reserve a weekend away with a loved one and explore beautiful historic properties like the Stagecoach Inn, all decked out in lights. Take a timeout from all the hustle and bustle and enjoy a leisurely glass of wine or beer at Salado Winery, Axis Winery, or Barrow Brewing Company. Make Salado your destination this holiday season and create memories that will last a lifetime. Explore Salado here!
So there you have it: Salado is the best place to get into the spirit of Christmas, whether you’re looking for unique gifts, family-friendly activities and cultural events, or just the perfect locale to relax with a glass of wine or craft beer and take in the magic of the season. Want to stay in the know? Sign up for our newsletter (below), download the Visit Salado App (includes a current event calendar), follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and explore the rest of the Visit Salado website to see all that our Village has to offer. Are you in the Village and in need of some friendly guidance? Stop by the Visitor Center at 423 S Main Street.
See you soon!
