The Houston area’s top Christmas market returns this December!
Skip the international flight and head to Tomball’s historic Old Town for an authentic European holiday experience. Now celebrating its 18th year, the Tomball German Christmas Market is a beloved local tradition recognized by Travel Mag as one of the best in the United States.
A Bavarian village in Tomball
Open December 11 to 13, the Bavarian-style event in Tomball features a sprawling village inspired by the traditional markets of Dresden and Leipzig. Visitors can explore over 150 unique vendors serving classic comfort food alongside authentic German specialties like bratwurst, schnitzel, and mulled wine.
Guests can also enjoy a selection of Bavarian beers poured in all shapes and sizes—including the iconic glass boot. The market is an ideal spot to check off your holiday shopping list, featuring artisan vendors selling German souvenirs, unique wares, clothing, and antiques.
Beyond shopping and dining, the festival offers a lively carnival atmosphere with rides and dedicated kids’ zones. Across multiple stages, a vibrant lineup of live entertainment keeps the energy high with “Oompah” bands, traditional dance groups, and Christmas carolers.
Yodeling, stein hosting, and chicken dancing
Throughout the festival, attendees can participate in a variety of fun competitions, including a beer stein hoist, a yodeling contest, and a lively chicken dance.
Here is what Travel Mag had to say about the event:
“This fun-packed event is a street festival, musical concert and open-air Christmas market all rolled into one. Visitors can tap their feet to well-known stage performers and carol singers while perusing the 175-plus vendors peddling enticing Christmas items, arts and crafts, and plenty more There’s also a huge range of festive food and drink offerings, including mulled wine, beer, Christmas Stollen, bratwurst and sauerkraut. A dedicated kid’s area featuring carnival rides, bungee-jumping, a rock wall, a petting zoo and pony rides help keep little ones entertained for hours.”
While most vendors accept cards, all beer sales are strictly cash only. ATMs are located on the festival grounds, but arriving with cash on hand saves time. Street parking surrounds the side streets of the festival, and dedicated accessible parking is located at the Tomball ISD Administration Building (310 S. Cherry Street).
You can also skip the parking search entirely by taking the free shuttle that runs continuously from the east lot of HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball.
The details
📍 201 S. Elm Street, Old Town Tomball
🗓️ December 11 – 13, 2026
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