Johnson City, Texas' Free Holiday Events

Celebrating the Holidays in Johnson City

Johnson City, a town of just 1,200 people in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, may be small in population. But during the holidays, Johnson City is big on yuletide cheer and even bigger on holiday light displays.

From Austin, Johnson City is a pleasant 48-mile drive on Highway 290 West. From San Antonio, it’s a 60-mile drive north on Highway 281. It might take you an hour or so to arrive in Johnson City this holiday season, but once you get there and see the spectacular holiday lights, you’ll know it was worth your time.

In fact, after you visit Johnson City, you might even want to continue on the Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail, of which Johnson City is just one stop. But while you’re in Johnson City during the holidays, you’ll find plenty to see and do.

Stop by the Blanco County Courthouse

A nighttime visit to the Blanco County Courthouse should top your list of things to do in Johnson City. Each holiday season, thousands upon thousands of lights adorn the exterior of the beautiful stone courthouse, built in 1916 in classical revival style.

Inside, the ladies from the local garden club sell homemade crafts, including many unique Christmas ornaments. I once bought a cute Rudolph the Reindeer ornament fashioned from a light bulb there.

During the holiday season, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, you can see the lights of the Blanco County Courthouse from dusk until midnight. However, the courthouse is open to visitors at night only on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. during the holidays. Admission is free. (Horse-drawn carriage rides are available from the courthouse for a fee.)

Be Amazed by the Pedernales Electric Cooperative Light Display