Texas Christmas 8-Day Trip : Houston + San Antonio

☀️Who needs a snowy Christmas when you can spend it in Texas with 26°C afternoons? This sunny state is the ultimate winter escape—so much so that I regretted not packing shorts! Our 8-day holiday took us from Houston’s space dreams to San Antonio’s festive charm, and the first half was pure magic. Let’s dive into the highlights, from NASA to River Walk twinkles and mouthwatering eats! 🌍 Houston: Space, Seaside & Casual Eats 🚀 NASA Johnson Space Center (Christmas Day Surprise!) Christmas Day in Houston = NASA adventure! We’d been hyped to explore the space center, but arrived to find indoor exhibits closed (note to future travelers: double-check holiday hours! 📅). But silver linings—we still got to wander the outdoor Rocket Park, where towering Saturn V rockets stood tall against the sunny sky. Even without the indoor displays, seeing these real-life space giants up close was awe-inspiring—perfect for getting into the “cosmic Christmas” spirit! Pro tip: If you’re visiting on a holiday, call ahead to confirm which areas are open. The outdoor grounds are free and still worth a stop for photos with rockets and festive decor. 🏖️ Nearby Seaside Escape (Post-NASA Unwind) With NASA’s indoor exhibits closed, we drove 30 minutes to Houston’s nearby coastal area (think Galveston or Kemah Boardwalk vibes!) for a laid-back afternoon. The beach was quiet, the sun warm, and the breeze refreshing—ideal for walking barefoot in the sand and soaking up that Texas winter heat. We grabbed ice cream from a beachside shack, watched seagulls soar, and let the calm ocean waves wash away any holiday chaos. It was a unexpected, peaceful end to Christmas Day! 🍖 Truth BBQ (Houston’s Smokehouse Gem) No Texas trip is complete without BBQ, and Truth BBQ (P16) did not disappoint! This no-frills spot serves up melt-in-your-mouth brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and smoky sausage—all slathered in their signature tangy sauce. We ordered the BBQ platter to share (brisket + ribs + sides) and devoured it with mac and cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread. The meat was tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor—easily some of the best BBQ we’ve ever had. Pro tip: Arrive early (they sell out fast!) and cash is preferred. The vibe is casual—picnic tables, paper towels, and no fancy decor—just pure BBQ perfection. 🤠 San Antonio: Festive River Walk, Missions & Fine Dining San Antonio stole our hearts—especially at Christmas! The city transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decor, and that warm 26°C weather. We spent 4 days here and barely scratched the surface, but these were our favorite moments: 🌊 River Walk (Christmas Magic After Dark) The River Walk is always beautiful, but at Christmas? It’s pure enchantment! The tree-lined paths are strung with twinkling lights, storefronts are decorated with wreaths and garlands, and the river reflects the glow like a fairy tale. We wandered for hours, sipping hot cocoa (yes, even in 26°C—festive vibes > logic!), listening to street musicians play Christmas carols, and watching boats glide by with passengers waving. Pro tip: Take a GO RIO Christmas Cruise ($36/person) for the ultimate experience—warm cocoa in hand, festive lights all around, and guides sharing holiday stories. It’s worth every penny for the photos and memories! 🏰 Missions National Historical Park (Sunset Photo Spots) San Antonio’s Spanish missions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and they’re even more stunning at Christmas (some have subtle holiday decor!). We visited Mission San Jose and Mission Concepcion—both quiet, serene, and perfect for photos. The golden sunset light hitting the stone churches, the peaceful courtyards, and the lack of crowds made this one of our favorite stops. Mission San Jose’s “Rose Window” is a must-photograph—add a festive filter, and it’s Instagram gold! Pro tip: Go 1–2 hours before sunset for soft light and fewer tourists. 🍽️ Must-Try Restaurants in San Antonio 🥑 Boudro’s on the Riverwalk We already raved about Boudro’s in past guides, but it’s worth repeating—especially at Christmas! This riverside spot offers front-row seats to the festive River Walk, with twinkling lights and holiday decor all around. We ordered their famous tableside guacamole (fresh, creamy, and perfectly seasoned) and juicy ribeye steak, paired with prickly pear margaritas. The service was top-notch, and the view? Unbeatable. Reserve a riverfront table in advance—you’ll want to stay all night! 🥩 Cappy’s Restaurant For a cozy, upscale dinner away from the River Walk crowds, Cappy’s Restaurant is a gem. This local favorite serves classic American fare with a Texan twist—think crispy fried green tomatoes, tender filet mignon, and decadent chocolate lava cake. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with fireplaces and holiday decor that make it feel like dining at a friend’s fancy home. We loved their #US #Texas #San Antonio