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You Won’t Want To Miss These Incredible Fireworks Shows In Texas This Year

Discover the best Fourth of July fireworks shows across Texas, featuring free and family-friendly events in various locations.

Published Jun 23, 2017

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

In both 2015 and 2016, we told you about all the spectacular fireworks shows taking place in Texas to celebrate the birth of our country. As the holiday approaches once again, you've probably been asking yourself, "where can I find fireworks near me this year?" Luckily, we've come through with another comprehensive list of every single spectacular show (by county) and pictures of a few of the very best celebrations. Check them out:

1. Fireworks Over the Bay (South Padre Island)

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Facebook/louiesbackyard

Louie's Backyard is already a hip and happening place, so you can only imagine how much more lively it gets on July 4th. This is the largest fireworks show on the island, and the celebration begins at 9:15 PM. The best part? Admission is totally free! Address: 2305 LAGUNA BOULEVARD

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX, 78597

2. Freedom Over Texas (Houston)

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This year, Hunter Hayes and DNCE will take the stage at Eleanor Tinsley Park to start this celebration off with a bang. The night will conclude with fireworks at 10 PM, and admission is $8/person through July 3rd (payable online) and $10 on the day of. Children five and under get in free. Address: 150 SABINE STREET, HOUSTON, TX 77007

3. Red, White & Blue Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza (The Woodlands)

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This year is the 20th annual July 4th Extravaganza in the Woodlands, so you better believe it's going to be amazing! The festival kicks off at 6 PM and includes food, live entertainment, and fun activities for the whole family. The 18-minute fireworks show starts at 10 PM and is the second largest show in the state! Watching the blasts reflect on the Lake Woodlands water is especially stunning. The best viewing location is at the lake, but you can also watch the show from Town Green Park, Waterway Square, or Village of Creekside Park. The event is free and open to the public.

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4. Austin Symphony H-E-B July 4th Concert & Fireworks (Austin)

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The Austin Symphony and its sponsors are solely responsible for putting this absolutely spectacular show together. The orchestra will perform at 8:30 PM, and the fireworks start at approximately 9:30. And it's completely free! Address: 900 W RIVERSIDE DR, AUSTIN, TX 78704

5. Fourth of July Celebration (Kemah)

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The boardwalk's 4th of July festivities include live music and an epic fireworks show that starts at 9:30 PM. Just look at all those colors! There's no charge to see the show, either. Address: 215 KIPP AVE, KEMAH, TX 77565

Anderson County

  • Pasadena, Pasadena's Annual 4th Fest, July 4, 9 PM
  • Lufkin, Lufkin 4th of July Celebration, July 4, 9:15 PM
  • Temple, July 4 Family Fun Fest, July 4, 9 PM
  • City of San Antonio Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9:30 PM
  • Pearland, Celebration of Freedom, July 4, 9 PM
  • College Station, I Love America Celebration, July 4, 9:45 PM
  • Alpine, Fiesta del Barrio, July 4, 9 PM
  • Marble Falls, Community Fireworks Display, July 4, 9 PM
  • Port O'Connor, July 2, 9 PM
  • Allen, Market Street Allen USA Celebration, June 25, ~9:30 PM
  • Farmersville, Fourth of July Fireworks, July 4, 9 PM
  • Frisco, Frisco Freedom Fest, July 4, 10:20 PM
  • McKinney, Red, White, and BOOM, July 4, 9:45 PM
  • Parker, Celebrate Freedom, June 25, ~9:30 PM
  • Plano, All American Fourth Celebration, July 4, 9:30 PM
  • Richardson, Family 4th Celebration, July 2, 9:45 PM
  • Sachse, Red, White and Blue Blast, July 2, 9 PM
  • Jacksonville, 4th of July Fireworks, July 4, 9:15 PM
  • Rusk, 4th of July Parade & Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Dalhart, Celebrate Freedom, July 4, 9 PM
  • Addison, Kaboom Town, July 3, 9:30 PM
  • Coppell, July 4th Celebration and Fireworks, July 3, 9:40 PM
  • Dallas, Fair Park Fourth, July 4, 9:37 PM
  • Duncanville, A Grand Old Flag Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Farmers Branch, Liberty Fest, July 3, 9:45 PM
  • Garland, Star Spangled Spectacular, July 4, 9 PM
  • Grand Prairie, Lone Stars Stripes, July 3, 9:45 PM
  • Lancaster, Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Irving, Independence Day Fireworks, July 4, 9 PM
  • Carrollton, Fourth of July Community Fireworks Display, July 4, 9:30 PM
  • Denton, Annual Kiwanis Fireworks Show, July 4, 9 PM
  • Flower Mound, Flower Mound Celebration & Fireworks Show, July 4, 9:45 PM
  • Lewisville, Red, White & Lewisville, July 4, 9 PM
  • Little Elm, Independence Day Celebration July Jubilee, July 4, 9 PM
  • The Colony, Liberty by the Lake, July 2, 9:30 PM
  • Odessa, Firecracker Fandango, July 2, 9 PM
  • Waxahachie, Crape Myrtle Festival, July 3, 9 PM
  • Southwest University Park, Downtown El Paso, July 1, ~9 PM
  • City of Socorro Independence Day Extravaganza, Cougar Park, July 1, 9:30 PM
  • Cohen Stadium, Northeast El Paso, July 2, 10 PM
  • Southwest University Park, Downtown El Paso, July 2, 10 PM
  • Music Under the Stars at the Chamizal, July 4, 7 PM
  • Pop Goes the Fort at Biggs Park, July 4, 7:30 PM
  • Anthony, Wet 'N Wild Waterworld, July 4, 9 PM
  • Abundant Living Faith Center, July 4, 9 PM
  • Harvest Christian Center Freedom Festival, July 4, 9 PM
  • Bonham, Fireworks at the Lake, July 4, 9 PM
  • Missouri City, Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Sugar Land, Star Spangled Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Rosenberg, Family 4th Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Mt. Vernon, July 1, 9:30 PM
  • Winnsboro, 4th of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Friendswood, 2016 Independence Day Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Galveston, 177th City of Galveston Celebration, July 4, 9:15 PM
  • Fredericksburg, Fourth of July Celebration, July 1, ~9 PM
  • Denison, Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Gunter, 4th of July in the Park, July 4, 9:45 PM
  • Sherman, Lights on the Lake, July 2, 9:30 PM
  • Tioga, 4th of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Longview, 4th of July Fireworks + Freedom Celebration, July 4, 10 PM
  • Gladewater, 4th of July Fireworks, July 1, 9 PM
  • New Braunfels, Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9:45 PM
  • Seguin, Freedom Fiesta Fireworks, July 2, 9 PM
  • Katy, Katy Freedom Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Tomball, July 4 Celebration & Street Party, July 4, 9:15 PM
  • Kyle, Independence Day Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Wimberley, 70th Annual VFW Rodeo, July 1-3, 9:15 PM
  • Athens, Fireworks at the Fishery, July 4, 5 PM
  • Sulphur Springs, Symphony League & Fireworks, July 1, 4 PM
  • Edna, Independence Day Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Fort Davis, Coolest Fourth of July, July 3, 9 PM
  • Beaumont, Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Nederland, Light Up the Sky, July 4, 9 PM
  • Port Arthur, Independence Day Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Cleburne, Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Forney, Independence Day Celebration, July 2, 9:30 PM
  • Terrell, Terrell Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9:30 PM
  • Junction, July 3, 9 PM
  • Paris, Municipal Band Concert and Fireworks, July 3, 9 PM
  • Shiner, Half-Moon Holidays, July 2, 9 PM
  • Kingsland, Aquaboom Fourth of July Celebration, June 25, ~9:30 PM
  • Lubbock, 4th on Broadway, July 1, ~9 PM
  • Jefferson, Jefferson Salutes America, July 4, 9 PM
  • Waco, Fourth on the Brazos, July 4, 9 PM
  • Conroe, Fireworks over Lake Conroe, July 4, 9 PM
  • Magnolia, Fourth of July in Unity Park, July 4, 9 PM
  • Nacogdoches, Freedom Fest, July 4, 9 PM
  • Corpus Christi, July 4th Big Bang Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Rockwall, Independence Day Fireworks, July 4, 9:30 PM
  • Royce City, Celebrate Freedom, July 1, 9:30 PM
  • Rowlett, Rowlett Fireworks on Main, July 4, 9:20 PM
  • Henderson, 4th of July Fireworks, July 4, 9 PM
  • Snyder, Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Tenaha, Independence Day Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Flint, Freedom Fest, July 4, 9 PM
  • Lindale, Faith, Family, and Freedom, June 24 and 25, ~9:30 PM
  • Winona, July 4th Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Glen Rose, Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Arlington, Light Up Arlington, July 3, 9 PM
  • Bedford, 4thFest Independence Day Celebration, July 4, 10 PM
  • Fort Worth, Old Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic, July 2-4, 9:30 PM
  • Grapevine, Fireworks Extravaganza, July 4, 9:30 PM
  • Hurst, Hurst Stars and Stripes, July 4, 9:30 PM
  • Bee Cave, Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival, July 4, 9:45 PM
  • Lago Vista, Fourth of July Fireworks, July 2, 9 PM
  • Mt Pleasant, Happy Birthday USA, July 2, 7 PM
  • Big Sandy, Big Sandy Fire Department Fireworks, July 4, 9 PM
  • Gilmer, 4th of July Air Show and Fireworks, July 3, 9 PM
  • Ben Wheeler, Brooks Gremmels 4th of July Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Canton, 4th of July Parade & Fireworks, July 4, 6:30 PM
  • Monahans, Freedom Fest, July 4, 9 PM
  • Georgetown, Sertoma 4th of July Festival, July 4, 9 PM
  • Taylor, 4th of July Festival, July 4, 9 PM
  • Round Rock, July 4th Frontier Days Celebration, July 4, 9 PM
  • Mineola, 4th of July Fireworks, 9 PM
  • Quitman, Independence Day Celebration, July 3, 9 PM
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Where will you be celebrating your Fourth of July this year? Are there any other fireworks displays in Texas that you could add to this list?

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Experiences|Events

Santa’s Wonderland Is the Largest Outdoor Christmas Attraction in Texas

Santa’s Wonderland in College Station is a massive outdoor Christmas event featuring over three dozen festive activities.

Updated Oct 29, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

For a truly Texas-sized Christmas, you’ll want to visit Santa’s Wonderland in College Station. This enchanting holiday village features nearly three dozen different activities, putting it among the largest outdoor Christmas events in Texas that you simply must experience to believe. As one of my favorite holiday attractions, I recommend that you add this Texas Christmas experience to your list this season.

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By far the largest outdoor Christmas attraction in Texas, Santa's Wonderland boasts over three dozen fun and festive activities to enjoy. Families from all corners of the state have made visiting this amazing place a holiday tradition—and for good reason.

Due to its popularity, staff at Santa's Wonderland recommend that you make parking plans in advance to ensure that your experience arriving at this amazing event goes as smoothly as possible for you. There is paid as well as free parking so be sure to check the Santa's Wonderland website for details.

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Christmas Lights and Celebrations

Marvel at millions of lights on a hayride tour, offered daily whether rain or shine. This is by far one of the most enchanting and memorable experiences at Santa's Wonderland that people of all ages will adore. This open-air adventure boasts raised seating to allow for the best view possible, as well as festive tunes to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Private carriage rides are also available, which include a mug of hot cocoa for each passenger. Santa's Farm is where most of the magic happens. Walk around and explore the many holiday festivities that make this one of the best Christmas activities in Texas.

Traverse a walkable trail of lights with a live nativity scene, find your way out of a hay maze, get up close and personal with majestic horses, and hop on a train covered in hundreds of multicolored lights, among other enchanting attractions. Several activities are newer, including the Illuminations Ice Arena, so prepare to be dazzled by the wonderment that awaits.

Next, make your way to Santa's Town, a life-size Texas Christmas village. Here, you can enjoy 25,000 square feet of covered shopping areas. Old West decor abounds in this charming ghost town replica. Find the perfect gifts for loved ones, listen to live music, and take advantage of numerous photo-ops, including a larger-than-life Texas flag. Nearby, Santa's Big Red Barn features classic holiday films on a big screen, as well as a beer garden.

Mosey on over to the West Pole to experience a magical wonderland of real snow right here in Texas. Go tubing down Frostbite's Mountain, play inside a Texas-sized snow globe, and frolic through a giant field of snow. This area of the park is also home to a mechanical bull, a massive Texas longhorn, a patriotic light tunnel, and campfires for roasting marshmallows.

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Other attractions at Santa's Wonderland include a Texas-sized gingerbread village, mailboxes for sending letters to Santa, and opportunities to meet the big guy in red himself. Kids from one to 92 will be completely dazzled by all there is to do. Everyone feels like a kid on Christmas at Santa's Wonderland! And, it wouldn't be a Texas Christmas without plenty of festive food and drinks to enjoy. You do not want to miss the hot cocoa: after all, it's world-famous!

Frostbite's Food Village, located in Santa's Town, features Lone Star State favorites like BBQ, half-pound burgers, peach cobbler, homemade fudge, and the "world-famous" Santa's Wonderland hot cocoa. Bring a Texas-sized appetite! This larger-than-life attraction typically opens in November and runs through the end of the year, but be sure to visit Santa's Wonderland website for the latest dates, times, and ticket prices.

Start checking for pre-sale tickets now, because if you can buy tickets early at a discount, why not jump at the opportunity? That way, you have plenty of time to prepare if you happen to be traveling to the event from other areas. Visit the Santa's Wonderland website or Santa's Wonderland Facebook page to learn more about what makes this truly one of the best Christmas things to do in Texas.

Have you ever been to Santa's Wonderland in College Station? If so, what was your favorite activity? Let us know, and check out our previous article for another festive attraction that belongs on your bucket list this holiday season. Or consider exploring these incredible Texas attractions this holiday season.

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Experiences|Events

The Christmas Festival in Texas That’s Straight out of a Hallmark Movie

Step into a Hallmark movie at the Christmas at Magnolia Silos Festival. This Christmas event in Texas will bring you lots of holiday cheer.

Updated Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

One of my all-time favorite guilty pleasures during the holidays is watching heartwarming movies. They always manage to put me in the best of spirits for the Christmas season. If you can relate and you've ever wanted to experience stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie, get excited because now's your chance. Magnolia - the famous Waco market owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines, is once again hosting its annual "Christmas at the Silos" festival, and you won't want to miss the festivities. With holiday shopping, Christmas carols, visits with Santa, and seasonal treats, the market embodies the spirit of Christmas. So, what are you waiting for? Grab the family and let’s spend the day at Christmas at Magnolia. 

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Magnolia! And the Magnolia Silos at Christmas will look lovely with twinkling Christmas lights. The annual Christmas at the Silos festival lets you spend the holidays with Chip and Joanna, and delight in the simple pleasures of the season.

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From Nov. 29 through December 31, the market will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. for holiday shopping. However, the stores will close at 3 p.m. the day before Thanksgiving and will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Stock up on festive décor to fill your home with Christmas cheer. Simple elegance is the underlying theme, and we're loving it.

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The concept of the Christmas interior. Christmas background. Decorated with light luxury interior of a living room with a fireplace and a Christmas tree decorated with Christmas balls and a garland at home in December in winter. Space for text. New Year’s decor

Kids can whisper their Christmas lists to Santa and pose for photos from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays between Nov. 29 and Dec. 21, 2024. Kids can also craft a letter to Santa during their visit at the pop-up post office.

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Please note: Reservations are encouraged to guarantee your opportunity to meet Santa.

Once their wishes are on paper, they can drop their letters at the Silos' mailbox. Make sure to grab some hot cocoa, or a seasonal treat to enjoy while you stroll the grounds - nothing beats a frosted sugar cookie this time of year. Or maybe you'll want to try a slice of Gingerbread Cookie Pie. Yum!

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Winter exterior of a country house with Christmas decorations in the American style. Snow-covered courtyard with a porch, tree and wooden vintage sleds.

It doesn't often snow in Waco, but Christmas miracles do happen. So let's hope for some snow in Texas this year which will only make Magnolia look more like a scene from a Hallmark movie! Let's enjoy Christmas in Waco this year, shall we?

Visit the Magnolia website or Magnolia Market Facebook page for more information.

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Have you attended the Christmas at Magnolia festival before? Will you attend this event this year? If so, we'll see you there! Check out our Christmas towns in Texas road trip for another fun and festive event the whole family can enjoy. And if you're looking for gifts this holiday season, check out the Only In Your State Holiday Gift Guide.

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