More than ever before, people travel during the holidays.

Some young families, taking advantage of the school break, pack their summer clothes and go on a big trip to Disney World.

Some take ski trips.

But for the people who want to have a little Texas-size fun, eat some Texas BBQ and relax under the big bright moon in the spacious blue Texas sky, planning a Hill Country Destination Christmas is the way to go.

Here are 10 ideas for a holiday trip in the Texas Hill Country.

  1. Country Relaxation at the Meyer Bed & Breakfast in Comfort, Texas

I’m sure it’s a ton of hard work to be the innkeeper at a place as expansive and wonderful as the Meyer Bed & Breakfast, but don’t let the surrounding simplicity fool you.

Big oak trees, the gently flowing Cypress creek and a fabulous breakfast every morning – this is what people love about staying at the historic Meyer B&B, and, even though it takes hours of daily effort by the inn’s staff to make this such a relaxing place, you’ll never know it.

In fact, if your thoughts never stray to work or cleaning or such as that while you’re here, they feel as though their job is done – and done well.

There are still rooms available for Christmas stays, and Innkeeper Shane says breakfast will be served, even on Christmas Day.

 2.  Upscale Christmas at The Domain 

If the name of your game is trendy restaurants and upscale shopping, you will absolutely love spending Christmas at The Domain. Just in case you can’t create your own agenda for a two-night stay, here are some ideas.

From your room at The Westin Walk over to Starbucks for coffee, maybe a little something sweet for breakfast at The Steeping Room, shop a while, walk back to your room for a nap, then more shopping (there’s so much to see!), another nap (lol), dinner at North Italia, nightcap at Cru, and walk back to your hotel again for some R&R!

The stores will be closed on Christmas Day, but reopen from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on December 26. The Urban Grill will be open on Christmas Day.

And – if you want to make sure to get in a good workout over your Christmas destination experience, remember to bring your shorts and t-shirt. The Westin’s workout studio is fully equipped to keep you on track.

 3.  Historic Ambiance at the Mustard Seed B&B on the Llano

If you haven’t spent any time in the small hill country town named after the Llano River, you’ve just got to put it on your list. There’s something fun going on in this sleepy little town all year long, but at Christmastime, the leaves have fallen from the trees (a little), the weather is crisp but not frigid, the main street store owners are friendly, and the atmosphere is laid back.

If you’re an empty-nester couple waiting out the every-other-year thing with your married kids, a couple of days at this little B&B on the Llano River will keep you from getting bummed while your bum on this bed!

 4.  Relaxing under the Trees at the Renaissance Austin Hotel 

For a traditional relaxing hotel stay under sturdy old oak trees, you can’t beat the Renaissance at the Arboretum.

Walk over to Barnes & Noble for a good read, spend your Christmas money at Chico’s, or just fa-la-la through the residential areas nearby, on foot or by car, looking at all the pretty Christmas lights.

Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

The hotel’s restaurant will be open on Christmas Day, but, hey, if you enjoy dinner at Cheesecake Factory the day before, you can probably survive for at least 12 hours on a piece of this stashed in your hotel room fridge.

 5.  Sittin’ on the Dock (or Deck) at Horsheshoe Bay Resort 

Remember the Otis Redding song?

I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay – watching the tiiiiddde roll away. I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay, waaasstin’ time.

Can’t help it. That song just comes to mind any time I hear “Horseshoe Bay.”

This hill country resort is gorgeous even in the dead of winter, y’all.

So, you’re looking for a place to enjoy a round of golf while the Christmas lights are twinkling, a place to get a massage while the turkey’s in the oven, or just a place to sit an look at the water, Horseshoe Bay is a fabulous choice.

From standard hotel-style rooms to large condos with full kitchens, there’s a package or a price range just perfect for you. Check out more info here.

6.  Christmas Camping at the Shady River RV Resort in Georgetown  

Here in the Texas hill country, Christmas camping experiences can be just as wonderful as they are on the 4th of July.

So, if you want to add a few red and green sprinkles to your campfire s’more’s and play Christmas music inside your tent or RV, go for it. This could really be a Christmas to remember!

7.  Entire Airbnb House in Driftwood  

If your family is all spread out across the globe, how about everyone just flying to Austin and Uber-ing over to this house in Driftwood? It’s decorated for Christmas and ready for your whole bunch (up to 20 people). No need to find restaurants open on Christmas Day – just take your own turkey and enjoy the outdoor serenity while it bakes.

Don’t forget the butter, though. Because you know it’s all about ‘dat baste.

 8.  Budget Friendly Stay at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos

If you’d rather shop for a new pair of boots than spend your wad on a hotel stay, you can book now at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos for Christmas stays around $100 a night. Make the hotel’s free breakfast last you all day if you want, and then hit the San Marcos Outlets again for the day-after-Christmas extreme bargains. OR – you can enjoy a spa treatment onsite at the hotel.

 9.  Make it Spectacular at Lake Austin Spa Resort

This is the kind of place you stay when money is no object and you want to do it up big.

However, if you like a little bargain for your no-object buck, you can book two nights at a special holiday rate starting at $425. If you book three nights or more, you can receive $160 spa credit.

If you’ve always wanted to stay at a luxurious spa, now is the time to do it. Those prices are truly a bargain for this spectacular spot in the Texas hill country. (Details for the resort’s holiday offer can be found here.)

10. Fröhliche Weihnachten at the Hoffman Haus in Fredericksburg

There’s just something about this hill country town. If you ever go there, you want to go back. From its German roots to its summer peaches to its holiday charm, Fredericksburg offers so much to its visitors.

Like breakfast at the Hoffman Haus, for instance. Doesn’t it look delicious?

And while it’s truly amazing, there are tons of other places to stay in this quaint place, so if you want some more options, look here.

Are you planning a Christmas getaway?

A trip for the whole family? A relaxing getaway for two while the kids are with the other side of the family?

Make it a Texas Hill Country Destination Christmas, and this could be your most memorable yet.

Encouraging intentional adventure, with merry and bright memories from your destination Christmas in the Texas hill country,

PS – As I’ve researched for this blog post, I’ve just loved thinking about all of you and your families!

I’ve envisioned you in some of these very places, enjoying your families, some taking the grandkids for a bundled-up stroll, others who would be cooking in the big house for a big group.  

Many of you would LOVE to be pampered at the Lake Austin Spa Resort!

But others would rather just be rocking on the front porch, drinking coffee, reading a Debbie Macomber Christmas book and looking at the Llano River between pages.

No matter where you spend Christmas this year, I will be thinking of you and hoping it’s full of treasured memories.