A Cowboy Christmas Getaway in Bandera County (Late October Through New Year's)
By Gordon Cook · October 14, 2026
The short answer: Late October through New Year's is a great time for a quiet Hill Country getaway. Bandera's Cowboy Christmas lights run November 23 through January 1, the Shopper's Jubilee and night parade are Saturday, December 12, and Boerne's Weihnachts Parade is Saturday, December 5. Al's Hideaway in Pipe Creek is about 15 minutes from both towns, with 13 log cabins, 10 full-hookup RV sites, and 9 cowboy campsites. No pet fees, no cleaning fees, and promo code FUN takes 10% off two nights or more when you book direct.
Howdy, folks. Al here.
When the leaves come down and the evenings cool off, this is my favorite stretch of the year out here. The crowds thin out, the sky stays clear, and Bandera County dresses up for the holidays in a way that's hard to beat. If you've been wanting a quiet getaway, now through New Year's is the time.
Halloween Weekend in Bandera: Now Through November 1
Halloween weekend is shaping up nicely. The Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race runs October 23 to 25, the Book Wranglers Ball is October 24, and Nightmare on Maple takes over town on the 31st. The Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch is open through November 1 with hayrides, a hay maze and pumpkin picking. Perfect for a long weekend with the kids or grandkids.
While you're here, stop by our Día de los Muertos altar. It's on San Antonio's Day of the Dead trail this year and honors the man this place is named for.
Cowboy Christmas in Bandera, TX
Bandera puts on a real small-town Christmas. From November 23 through January 1, the City Park and the Courthouse are lit up with decorations and lights.
On Saturday, December 12, the Cowboy Christmas Shopper's Jubilee fills Main Street, with local merchants running specials and a night parade at 6:30 PM at City Park. There's also a city-wide scavenger hunt on December 11 and 12 that's fun for the whole family. And Market Days at the Courthouse are held the first Saturday of the month, so look for one on December 5.
December 12 is a big day out here, too. That morning we host Pancakes with Santa at Al's Hideaway, and that evening we ride in the Bandera parade. Our guests are welcome to help decorate the float, or ride along with us. Ask about it when you book.
Christmas in Boerne: A Short Drive Away
Boerne is about 15 minutes from us, straight down Highway 46, and it does the holidays up right. Dickens on Main lands the weekend after Thanksgiving, and Weihnachts weekend follows with a wassail walk and the Weihnachts Parade on Saturday, December 5, with up to 100 floats, bands and entries. Book your supper early if you plan to go. For more parades and light shows around the area, see our Hill Country Christmas lights and parades guide.
Ring in the New Year in the Hill Country
On January 1, start the year with a First Day Hike at a state park nearby, and the Bandera Cowgirl Round Up is the same day.
And one more reason to come back: Cowboy Mardi Gras comes to Bandera January 28 to 30, a good excuse for a winter trip.
Holiday Events Near Bandera at a Glance
| Date | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 23–25 | Cactus Rose Endurance Trail Race | Near Bandera |
| Oct 24 | Book Wranglers Ball | Bandera |
| Through Nov 1 | Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch | Bandera |
| Oct 31 | Nightmare on Maple | Bandera |
| Nov 23 – Jan 1 | Cowboy Christmas lights | Bandera City Park & Courthouse |
| Thanksgiving weekend | Dickens on Main | Boerne |
| Dec 5 | Market Days; Weihnachts Parade | Bandera Courthouse; Boerne |
| Dec 11–12 | City-wide scavenger hunt | Bandera |
| Dec 12 | Pancakes with Santa; Shopper's Jubilee and night parade, 6:30 PM | Al's Hideaway; Bandera City Park |
| Jan 1 | First Day Hike; Cowgirl Round Up | Area state parks; Bandera |
| Jan 28–30 | Cowboy Mardi Gras | Bandera |
Dates can shift, so check the Bandera County CVB calendar before you head out.
Why Stay at Al's Hideaway This Holiday Season
We're in Pipe Creek, a short drive from all of it: about 15 minutes to Bandera, 15 minutes to Boerne, 20 minutes to Helotes, and 45 minutes to San Antonio. We're also the closest campground to the Kronkosky State Natural Area, opening soon right here in Pipe Creek.
Winter nights out here are something special. Build a fire, bundle up, and look at more stars than you've seen in years.
We've got 13 handcrafted log cabins, 10 full-hookup pull-through RV sites, and 9 cowboy campsites. Bring the dog, because we don't charge pet fees. No cleaning fees either.
Weeknights are the best-kept secret this time of year: quiet, peaceful, and easy to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cowboy Christmas in Bandera, Texas?
Cowboy Christmas is Bandera's small-town holiday season. From November 23 through January 1, 2027, City Park and the Bandera County Courthouse are decorated and lit up. The Cowboy Christmas Shopper's Jubilee fills Main Street on Saturday, December 12, 2026, with merchant specials and a night parade at 6:30 PM at City Park.
When is the Bandera Christmas parade in 2026?
The Bandera night Christmas parade is Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Park during the Cowboy Christmas Shopper's Jubilee. Dates can change, so check the Bandera County CVB calendar before you go.
Where can I stay near Bandera and Boerne for Christmas?
Al's Hideaway in Pipe Creek has 13 handcrafted log cabins, 10 full-hookup pull-through RV sites, and 9 cowboy campsites, about 15 minutes from both Bandera and Boerne and about 45 minutes from San Antonio. Pets are welcome with no pet fee, and there are no cleaning fees.
Is there a discount for booking direct?
Yes. Book direct on our website and use promo code FUN for 10% off stays of two nights or more.
Book Your Cowboy Christmas Getaway
Check availability and book direct and use promo code FUN for 10% off when you stay two nights or more. Questions? Call us at 830-510-3331 or text 830-510-1883.
Happy Trails.
Be Safe & God Bless.
— Al