Celebrate the Holidays at the Tomball German Festival Christmas Market
The Tomball German Festival Christmas Market is back for its annual celebration of festive cheer, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Set in the charming streets of historic Old Town Tomball, this family-friendly event offers the perfect way to kick off your holiday season. From December 13-15, 2024, Tomball will transform into a winter wonderland filled with over 150 street vendors, a wide variety of live performances, and, of course, plenty of Christmas magic. And the best part? Admission and parking are free, so you can enjoy everything without breaking the bank!
Becoming a Cherished Texas Holiday Tradition
What started as a small gathering with an Oompah band on a flat-bed trailer 16 years ago has now become one of the most highly anticipated holiday events in Texas. The Tomball German Festival celebrates the region’s rich German heritage, honoring the families who first settled in the area in 1840. With its lively music, traditional German food, and a fun, festive atmosphere, the Christmas Market is a must-see for both locals and visitors.
This year, the festival will be bigger than ever, with 150+ street vendors showcasing everything from handmade crafts and holiday decorations to German-inspired gifts, clothing, and souvenirs. The event will also feature a variety of performances across four different stages, along with activities and contests that are sure to keep everyone entertained.
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Event Schedule – What to Expect
Friday, December 13
The festivities kick off at 6:00 PM, running until 10:00 PM. Shop at the street vendors, enjoy live music performances, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Performances on Friday night include acts like Alex Meixner Band, the Rathkamp German Folk Dancers, and Yellow Rose Clogging Team. The perfect way to start the weekend!
Saturday, December 14
Saturday offers a jam-packed day of entertainment, starting bright and early at 10:00 AM. The day’s highlights include the much-anticipated parade at 11:00 AM, followed by the official "Tapping of the Keg" ceremony, and the Willkommen ceremony honoring German exchange students and their host families. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy a variety of performances including Auf Geht's Musik, The Happy Players, AlpenMusikanten, and the Alex Meixner Band. Be sure to catch the unique Stein Hoist Contest at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM or the fun Chicken Dance Contest at 8:30 PM!
Sunday, December 15
The final day of the festival wraps up from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Enjoy the closing performances from acts like Alex Meixner Band and Das ist Lustig. And don’t miss the Stein Hoist Contest for Kids at 2:30 PM! Plus, there will be more opportunities to visit with Santa and enjoy festive activities like Story Time with Ghillie The Elf and performances by Rebecca Huck and The Lederhosen Junkies.
Contests and Fun Activities
One of the festival's standout features is its wide variety of fun contests and activities for all ages. The Bier Stein Hoist Contest will test your strength as you hold a full stein of beer (or water) at arm's length for as long as possible. There are categories for men, women, and kids, with prizes for the strongest contestants! For a lighter challenge, the Chicken Dance Contest will have you clucking along with the crowd in hopes of winning one of the fun prizes.
If you're feeling brave, join in the Yodeling Contest or the Dance Fest and Schuhplattler Contest (a traditional German dance contest), both of which will add an extra dose of humor and excitement to the weekend. And for those in the festive spirit, don’t forget to participate in the Best Dressed German Contest on Saturday night!
(Source: Tomball German Fest Christmas Market)A Festive Atmosphere for the Whole Family
In addition to the music and contests, the Tomball German Festival Christmas Market features family-friendly activities that are perfect for all ages. Visit the Weihnachtshaus (Christmas House) to shop for German souvenirs and holiday gifts, or take a ride on the FREE Shuttle service that will be available on Saturday and Sunday to transport festival-goers throughout the event area. Kids will love the Faux Snow Park, face painting, and free buttery popcorn, while everyone can join in on Holiday Bingo and festive giveaways.
For those in need of a little rest, take a stroll through the beautiful streets of Tomball’s historic downtown and enjoy a variety of antique shops and the holiday charm that fills the area.
Come for the Music, Stay for the Magic
The Tomball German Festival Christmas Market offers a unique blend of tradition, entertainment, and holiday cheer that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you're interested in shopping for unique gifts, dancing to live music, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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So gather your family and friends, put on your festive best, and head to Tomball for this unforgettable holiday event! With free admission, plenty of entertainment, and a magical German Christmas market, it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Don’t miss the Tomball German Festival Christmas Market – it’s the perfect way to ring in the holidays with fun, music, and festive cheer! For more details, visit tomballgermanfest.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
