Explore the Best of Texas
Experience a warm, spirited Christmas across Texas and New Orleans—where festive lights, music, food, and Southern hospitality replace snow and freezing temperatures.
Fort Worth brings Western Christmas charm to the Historic Stockyards, with decorated streets, festive Longhorns, cowboy-style celebrations, and holiday rodeo energy. In Austin, stroll beneath millions of lights at Zilker Park’s Trail of Lights and enjoy the city’s renowned live-music scene. Houston pairs elegant city lights with family favourites, from NASA Space Center’s Galaxy Lights to River Oaks and Zoo Lights.
End in New Orleans, where French Quarter balconies, jazz, river cruises, Creole cuisine, and holiday concerts create an unforgettable seasonal atmosphere.
- Warm, comfortable December weather
- Cowboy country, Austin folk, and New Orleans jazz
- Texas BBQ, Cajun and Creole flavours, and French-inspired desserts
- A journey through frontier history, space exploration, and rich French heritage
Why Christmas in the South?
- 7 nights quality hotels (Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Lafayette, New Orleans ×2)
- Daily breakfast
- Private transportation + professional tour leader (Harry)
What’s included
- Flights (arrive Dallas, depart New Orleans)
- Lunch & dinner (breakfast included daily)
- Night activities & music events not listed
- Tips: recommended US$15/person/day
- Travel insurance
What’s not included
This sample itinerary is fully customizable—dates, activities, and experiences can be tailored for your private group.
Day 1 – Dec 20 (Sat) – Arrival in Dallas & Cowboy Rodeo
Arrive at Dallas DFW Airport and check in.
City squares and streets are decorated with Christmas lights.
Evening visit to Fort Worth Stockyards and Cowtown Coliseum for rodeo events—bull riding, barrel racing, roping—enhanced with holiday décor.
Overnight: Dallas / Fort Worth
Day 2 – Dec 21 (Sun) – Dallas → Austin (3h 15m)
Dallas city tour; Christmas markets and decorations are common this season.
Visit the Texas State Capitol (pink-granite grandeur).
Visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum, often adorned with seasonal greenery in December.
Evening in Austin’s Rainey Street—bungalow bars and string lights create festive nightlife, often with seasonal music.
Overnight: Austin
Day 3 – Dec 22 (Mon) – Austin → San Antonio (1h 20m)
Lunch suggestion: Terry Black’s BBQ.
Visit the Alamo—its plaza usually has simple holiday decorations.
Sunset river cruise along the San Antonio River; thousands of Christmas lights reflect off the water during the season.
Overnight: San Antonio
Day 4 – Dec 23 (Tue) – San Antonio → Houston (3h)
Travel to Houston.
Visit NASA Johnson Space Center—rockets, capsules, and Mission Control.
Seasonal decorations appear inside during the holidays.
Dinner suggestion: Taste of Texas Steakhouse (famous for Christmas decor).
Overnight: Houston
Day 5 – Dec 24 (Wed) – Houston → Lake Charles → Lafayette
Stop at the Creole Nature Trail Visitor Center in Lake Charles—holiday displays are common during Christmas week.
Optional lunch at Steamboat Bill’s.
Head to Lafayette: visit Vermilionville, an Acadian–Creole heritage village; the holiday decorations make the setting especially cozy.
Evening suggestion: Zydeco/Cajun live music at Prejean’s or Blue Moon Saloon—perfect for Christmas Eve in the South.
Overnight: Lafayette
Day 6 – Dec 25 (Thu) – Lafayette → Baton Rouge → New Orleans
Visit Louisiana State Capitol (tallest state capitol in the U.S.).
Visit the Gothic Revival Old State Capitol.
Both usually decorated with wreaths and lights in December.
Lunch suggestion: The Chimes or Poor Boy Lloyd’s.
Afternoon transfer to New Orleans. Light walking tour of the French Quarter—balconies wrapped in greenery and red ribbons, street jazz adding holiday melodies.
Optional: Mississippi River steamboat jazz lunch cruise—bright paddlewheel + festive jazz = perfect December experience.
Overnight: New Orleans
Day 7 – Dec 26 (Fri) – New Orleans | French Heritage & Southern Soul
Morning bayou swamp tour—cypress trees, Spanish moss, alligators, and local ecology; winter light makes the scenery especially serene.
Afternoon walking tour: Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, French Market.
During Christmas week, the cathedral is decorated with flowers and candlelight; markets sell festive crafts and sweets.
Dinner suggestion: Commander’s Palace or Antoine’s.
Evening on Frenchmen Street—blues, jazz, Zydeco, many bands adding seasonal tunes.
Overnight: New Orleans
Day 8 – Dec 27 (Sat) – Return from New Orleans
Transfer to MSY Airport.
Enjoy a warm Christmas-week morning coffee and croissant in the French Quarter before ending your Southern holiday journey.
Check-in details
Pickup from hotel or designated meeting point. Final details provided after booking confirmation.
What to bring
- Valid ID/passport
- Comfortable clothing
- Travel essentials
Special requirements
Travel documentation may be required depending on guest origin.
Restrictions
Subject to availability and minimum group requirements.
Extras
Tickets & optional activities:
- Cowtown Rodeo (US$45)
- Bullock Texas History Museum (US$20)
- San Antonio River Walk Cruise (US$15)
- NASA Johnson Space Center (US$50)
- Vermilionville Historic Village (US$10)
- Swamp Tour (US$50)
- Steamboat Lunch Jazz Cruise (US$65)
- Plantation Tour (US$50)
Cancellation Timeframe | Penalty (%) of the Total Tour Fee
Deposit Paid – 100%
Within 100 Days – 50%
Within 90 Days – 65%
Within 80 Days – 75%
Within 60 Days – 100%
Cancellation fees are as follows:
** A non-refundable deposit is required upon registration.
** Final balance is due 3 months prior to departure to confirm guide, transportation, and hotel bookings.
** Cancellation within 60 days of departure incurs 100% penalty.
NOTE: Deposit amount varies for each tour.
These terms apply to all Joy Holiday tours. Registration constitutes agreement to the above terms.
We reserve the right to adjust pricing.