Ice Skate Under the Stars in College Station
One of the most iconic winter activities is ice skating, and you can experience it in Odessa at the Outdoor Ice Rink at the University Center & Convention Center in College Station. From late November through early January, this rink offers public skating sessions in the evenings. Glide across the ice with fairy lights twinkling overhead and holiday music filling the air. After working up an appetite on the ice, warm up with a hot cocoa or seasonal beverage from the onsite cafe. The rink also hosts fun theme nights, like 80s night and country night. Advanced reservations are recommended, especially on busier nights like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Charter Buses can provide easy transportation for your group to and from the ice rink, with drop-off right at the main entrance.
Address: 1700 University Dr E, College Station, TX 77840 Phone: (979) 693-3588
Tour Historic Homes in Jefferson
Soak in some old-fashioned yuletide cheer with a holiday homes tour in Jefferson. This charming historic riverboat town transforms into a winter wonderland each December. Main Street is decked out with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and miles of garland. You can stroll the downtown area to take in all the holiday splendor. The highlight is touring historic homes decorated to the nines for Christmas. These include the House of the Seasons, the Federal Judge’s Home, and other impeccably preserved 19th-century residences. You’ll step back in time as you walk through rooms filled with elaborate decorations, from Christmas trees dripping in antique ornaments to fully-set holiday dinner tables. Many downtown stores extend their hours during the holiday homes tour, so you can browse for unique gifts or souvenirs to commemorate your Odessa holiday trip. Let Charter Buses Odessa whisk your group back to experience a Victorian Christmas in this treasure.
Address: N Polk St, Jefferson, TX 75657 Phone: (903) 665-2775
View Festive Light Displays at Moody Gardens
Bring the magic of the holidays to life at Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens in Galveston. This elaborate light display transforms the 100-acre tropical garden setting into a winter fairyland. The mile-long trail winds you through over 100 sound-enhanced light displays. Stand in awe before the 12-story-tall Rainbow Tunnel, the majestic Circus Scene with trapeze artists and animals, and the nightly lighting ceremony at the Open-Air Ice Rink. After exploring the lights, visit the Moody Gardens attractions. See over 1,000 species at the Aquarium Pyramid or discover the secrets of space at the Discovery Pyramid. Warm up with hot cocoa as you take in a 4D movie at the Ridefilm Theater. With so much to see and do, you may want Charter Buses Odessa to bring your group back multiple nights!
Address: One Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554 Phone: (800) 582-4673
Sip and Shop at Grapevine’s Christmas Capital of Odessa Texas
The charming town of Grapevine really leans into its title of “Christmas Capital of Odessa Texas” during the holiday season. Historic Main Street sparkles with over 1.5 million lights, featuring illuminated life-size Victorian scenes and larger-than-life ornaments. You can marvel at the lights during a ride on The Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s Santa Express. Or walk the street to experience the dazzling displays up close while you shop for gifts and souvenirs. Main Street is home to over 80 locally-owned boutiques, antique stores, wineries, and art galleries. Pop into Merchant Square for a glass of mulled wine or seasonal cocktail as you browse specialty shops selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to locally-made treats. Let Charter Buses Odessa bring your group to discover holiday magic in Grapevine!
Address: 636 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051 Phone: (817) 410-3185
Step Into a Hallmark Movie in Fredericksburg
The charming, quaint town of Fredericksburg looks like it’s straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie during the holidays. Every corner bursts with twinkling lights, garlands, bows, and Christmas trees. You can stroll down Main Street under the glow of old-fashioned street lamps as you admire the festive storefronts. Make sure to stop for a photo op next to the over 40-foot Christmas Pyramid! In addition to the elaborate light displays, Fredericksburg has miles of trail perfect for a holiday stroll. The town comes alive with carolers, performances, and seasonal food and drinks. Top off your idyllic holiday outing with a trip to the National Museum of the Pacific War to see how soldiers have celebrated Christmas through the years. Let Charter Buses Odessa deliver your group to this holiday haven!
Address: 1606 Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone: (830) 997-6523
Go Caroling at the San Antonio River Walk
Few settings feel as magical as the San Antonio River Walk during the holidays. The towering cypress trees along the pedestrian walkway glow with millions of twinkling lights. Colorful wreaths, bows, and tinsel adorn the stone archways. And festive melodies from mariachi bands fill the air. A fun way to spread some seasonal cheer is by going caroling along the River Walk. Belt out the classics with your group as you stroll past historic sites like the Arneson River Theatre. End your musical outing by warming up with churros and Mexican hot chocolate. And let Charter Buses Odessa provide a cheerful ride to explore the River Walk’s holiday grandeur!
Address: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone: (210) 227-4262
Tour Lavish Light Displays at the Gaylord Texan Resort
Everything is bigger in Odessa, including elaborate holiday light displays! Case in point: Lone Star Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. This 14-acre hotel complex undergoes a jaw-dropping transformation each holiday season. Over 3 million lights deck out the resort’s atrium, which is designed to look like a town square. You’ll stroll past charming storefronts, a glistening pond, an enormous decorated tree, and a life-size Nativity scene. Outside, you can walk through light tunnels or even ride down a thrilling, lit-up tubing hill! Afterwards, grab a bite and hot drink at one of the resort’s dozen restaurants. Let Charter Buses Odessa provide easy transportation to this Texas-sized holiday spectacle!
Address: 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051 Phone: (817) 778-1000
Savor a Holiday Dinner Train Ride
Combining holiday charm with Odessa hospitality, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express offers a one-of-a-kind holiday dining experience. This vintage trainride through downtown Grapevine and surrounding areas offers panoramic views of Christmas lights. You’ll feast on a multi-course holiday meal in your elegant dining car with seasonal plates like cranberry and brie tarts, gingerbread cake, and prime rib with red wine jus. Throughout your meal, carolers perform and Santa himself may stop by for photos.
Address: 705 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 760
Step Into a Winter Wonderland at the Gaylord Texan’s ICE Exhibit
If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in holiday magic, head to the Gaylord Texan’s annual ICE exhibit. This signature event transforms a 14,000-square-foot ballroom into a frozen winter wonderland each holiday season. The temperatures drop to a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit, but you’ll stay toasty in the provided winter coats. You’ll gasp in awe as you explore this frosty world crafted entirely out of ice. Witness larger-than-life ice sculptures like a magnificent Santa’s workshop, a soaring angel, and Odessa landmarks like the Alamo. Slide down ice slides and explore interactive areas like a frozen forest. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime winter experience not to be missed! Charter Buses Odessa will provide cozy transportation to this stellar seasonal attraction.
Address: 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051 Phone: (817) 778-1000
Catch a Show at Scarborough Renaissance Festival
The holiday season isn’t just about Christmas – delve into medieval merriment with a visit to Scarborough Renaissance Festival for their Celtic Christmas event! Taking place on select days each November and December, this seasonal festival transports you to 16th-century England for some Yuletide cheer. Bundle up and stroll through the charming village decked out with wreaths, greenery, and twinkling lights. Watch a festive show at the theater, listen to carols from the choir, and interact with colorfully costumed villagers. Sturdy mule-drawn wagons whisk you between village stops. Indulge in hearty holiday flavors like wassail and meat pies. And let Charter Buses Odessa provide safe passage for you and your court!
Address: 2511 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167 Phone: (972) 938-3247
Embark on a Holiday House Tour in Salado
The historic village of Salado oozes small-town holiday charm. Each December, you can experience the town’s festive spirit during the Christmas Home Tour. This self-guided walking tour allows you to explore some of Salado’s most exquisitely decorated residences and buildings. Roam through lovingly adorned rooms showcasing Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, and other elaborate displays. Take a peaceful stroll down Salado’s quaint, lit-up main street. Pop into the boutiques and cafes along the way. With such beauty and nostalgia around every corner, your group is sure to leave brimming with holiday cheer. Let Charter Buses Odessa shuttle you back in time to a lovely Christmas past.
Address: Inn On The Creek, 865 Methodist Encampment Rd, Salado, TX 76571 Phone: (254) 947-5040
Rent With Charter Buses Odessa Texas To Hit Every Attraction
The best part about renting a charter bus from Charter Buses Odessa? We’ll provide easy, comfy transportation to all of the holiday magic you crave. Our charter buses range from 25-56 passenger capacity, so we have the perfect vehicle for your group size and destination.