Consider our halls, officially “decked.”
The City of Boerne has been named one of 25 finalists in the Hallmark Channel’s 2026 Merriest Christmas Town contest, making it the only Texas town on the list. Voters can select the town that “best captures the heart, wonder, and magic of the holiday season” through September 4.
According to the city and the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, a win could help Boerne become a filming location for a Hallmark movie. However, there are rumors that such a project could already be underway. You can cast one vote per day for your favorite Christmas town.
Hallmark chose its finalists through a combination of special traditions, celebrations, and a deep sense of community that bring the spirit of Christmas to life. The holiday movie channel says Boerne “feels less like a town and more like a holiday storybook,” with twinkling lights, sparkling storefronts, festive music, and Hill Country hospitality.
The small town’s famous Christmas spirit kicks off with the popular Dickens on Main Street festival, which begins as soon as your last Thanksgiving leftovers hit the bin. Imagine old-fashioned Victorian Christmas vibes, horse-drawn carriages and live entertainers performing in the streets.
“The heart of the celebration is the historic Hill Country Mile, where every storefront sparkles with garlands, wreaths, and thousands of white lights,” the Boerne Hallmark entry reads. “As evening falls, the streets glow softly beneath the oak trees, and the air fills with the sounds of carolers, laughter, and holiday cheer. Strolling through downtown with a cup of hot cocoa in hand feels like stepping into a classic Christmas movie.”
Following that, there is the Weihnachts Parade, held on the first Saturday night of each December, a holiday festival celebrating the city’s German roots.
“The recognition highlights what residents and visitors have long known: During the holiday season, Boerne’s combination of small-town charm, community traditions, and festive events can make a stroll through downtown feel like stepping into a movie,” the city said in a news release.