10 Texas Christmases To Remember!

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including its Christmas stories. From historical milestones to bizarre blizzards, these ten events show how the Lone Star State brings its unique flair to the holiday season.

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1. Texas Declares Christmas a Legal Holiday (1879)

Texans didn’t officially declare Christmas a holiday until 1879, because, well, we were busy fighting wars, wrangling cattle, and inventing chili. When lawmakers finally got around to it, the news was met with a collective “About dang time!” Ranchers celebrated with eggnog strong enough to knock out a steer, and Texans everywhere got one step closer to the modern tradition of eating tamales by the dozen.

2. The Battle of San Jacinto's Christmas Truce (1836)

Even in the middle of the Texas Revolution, Texian and Mexican forces took a breather on Christmas Day. Legend has it they laid down their weapons to enjoy a day of peace—and maybe even some enchiladas. While it’s unclear if anyone exchanged gifts, we like to think Santa dropped off some ammo just in case.

3. First Recorded Christmas Celebration in Texas (1683)

The first Texas Christmas was celebrated by Spanish explorers led by Alonso de León in 1683. They gathered near Victoria County, held a Catholic mass, and shared their rations of tamales, tortillas, and (probably) some wine. If this isn’t proof that tamales are a sacred Texas Christmas tradition, we don’t know what is.

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4. The Galveston Christmas Tree Lighting Tradition (1850s)

In the 1850s, Galveston lit up Texas’ first community Christmas tree, sparking a tradition that would spread statewide. It probably wasn’t as glitzy as today’s LED displays, but you can bet the folks of Galveston threw in some oyster shells and bay shrimp for decoration. And if someone had too much holiday punch, they could just sleep it off on the beach.

5. The Great Fort Worth Christmas Fire (1890)

In 1890, a Christmas celebration in Fort Worth turned into an inferno when a stray spark ignited a row of downtown businesses. Instead of letting the tragedy ruin their holiday spirit, locals rebuilt with fireproof buildings—and probably a few stronger fire codes. If there’s one thing Texans know how to do, it’s bouncing back. Plus, it gave folks an excuse to roast marshmallows over the smoldering ruins.

6. Armistice Christmas in Texas (1918)

When World War I ended in 1918, Texans pulled out all the stops for a peace-themed Christmas. Towns like Houston and Dallas hosted massive parades with soldiers, bands, and maybe a few oil barons dressed as Santa Claus. The whole state was lit up with holiday cheer—and probably a few too many fireworks because, well, it’s Texas.

7. The Amarillo Christmas Blizzard (1982)

Amarillo’s 1982 Christmas blizzard dumped snowdrifts as high as 15 feet, stranding families and turning every road into an ice rink. Texans, however, are nothing if not resourceful. Some folks built snowmen the size of trucks, while others used tractors to deliver food and gifts. Somewhere in the chaos, a cowboy probably lassoed a snowplow and saved Christmas.

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8. The Lone Star Santas’ Christmas Convoy (2005)

After Hurricane Katrina, the Lone Star Santas launched their first Christmas convoy, delivering toys and cheer to children in need. This wasn’t your average Santa operation—they had cowboy hats, decked-out pickup trucks, and enough barbecue in the back to feed an army. When Texans get into the holiday spirit, they don’t do it halfway.

9. LBJ’s Christmas on the Ranch (1960s)

President Lyndon B. Johnson turned his Texas ranch into a Christmas wonderland during his presidency. Guests included family, friends, and international leaders who got to experience holiday magic—Texas style. Think massive BBQ feasts, cowboy carolers, and LBJ handing out gifts like Santa in a Stetson. We’re betting the Secret Service drew the line at him riding a reindeer.

10. The Lighting of the Texas Capitol Christmas Tree (1994)

Since 1994, the Texas State Capitol has been home to one of the most elaborate Christmas tree lightings in the state. Every year, a towering tree is decorated with ornaments as big as a cow’s head and thousands of lights visible from miles away. Texans gather to celebrate, sip hot chocolate (or spiked cider), and show the rest of the country how holiday spirit is really done.

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Whether it’s cowboys saving Christmas or the first tamale-fueled celebration, Texas knows how to make the holidays unforgettable. Which story made you laugh—or crave tamales? Let us know in the comments!