What To Do In Fredericksburg On Thanksgiving Day.
Are you planning to be in Fredericksburg this Thanksgiving Day and wondering if there are any things to do that day?
Don’t worry! There are plenty of things you can do in Fredericksburg on Thanksgiving Day. Best of all, no crowds.
We did it before!
The day felt slow, and the main street looked deserted.
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It’s a perfect day trip to Fredericksburg for those of you who don’t like a crowd. (We all know how crowded Fredericksburg is now on the weekend or the holiday!)
So, here’s what you can do in Fredericksburg on Thanksgiving Day when you don’t have a family or friends there.
What to do in Fredericksburg on Thanksgiving Day.
1. Hiking at the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Enchanted Rock is open on Thanksgiving Day.
There were approximately ten people at the summit of Enchanted Rock on the day we visited.
We also went to Moss Lake through the Echo Canyon Trail.
Then we took the Base Trail and the Turkey Pass Trail to return to the parking. There were no other visitors on the trails.
Go in the morning as we did. Most people are still home, getting ready for the Thanksgiving dinner with their families.
You still need to book your day passes because you never know if this year will be full of visitors.
Address: 16710 Ranch Road 965.
2. Stroll downtown Main Street.
Main Street looked like the early morning before business hours. There were cars, but we hardly saw people walking around.
If you are a photographer, it’s one of the best times for a visit.
It is also a good time to take note of which stores you want to visit the next day.
At this time of year, Fredericksburg is Christmas-ready.
3. Visit the German Christmas Pyramid at the Marktplatz.
Fredericksburg is popular for the giant outdoor German Christmas Pyramid in the country. When we stopped here after lunch, we were the only visitors. But when we came back before sunset to see it lit, there were a lot of people. Still, not as many as the weekend visitors.
At the Marktplatz, you will also see the Christmas Tree, the Vereins Kirche Museum, the Nativity set, and other Christmas decorations.
Address: 100 W. Main St.
4. Taking pictures at Fredericksburg’s mural and city sign.
It’s not hard to find a parking spot because traffic is very light. Use this opportunity to take pictures by the city’s sign or murals.
5. Climb to the summit of Cross Mountain Park.
At the summit of Cross Mountain Park, there is a permanent lighted cross at an elevation of 1,951 feet.
The story behind this historic hill started with the Native Americans using it as a lookout point. In 1847, the early Fredericksburg pioneers found a timber cross on the hilltop. The discovery led to the hill being named “Kreuzberg” or Cross Mountain.
In 1946, the city built a permanently lighted cross on the hill.
In 2024, the City of Fredericksburg, in partnership with the Nimitz Rotary Club, replaced the old cross.
Cross Mountain Park is open from dawn to dusk, and there’s no entrance fee.
It will be on the left side when you drive to Enchanted Rock from town. You can stop here on your way to town after Enchanted Rock.
Address: N. Millam St.
Additional things to do in Fredericksburg on Thanksgiving Day.
If you still have time and want to do more, go to one or two of these places.
1. Visit Old Tunnel State Park.
Although it’s popular for the bats’ emergence program from May to October, you can walk the trail in the park during the day.
Old Tunnel State Park is one of the smallest Texas State Parks.
Address: 10619 Old San Antonio Road.
2. Visit Fort Martin Scott State Historic Site.
Fort Martin Scott Historic Site is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, hours might differ.
They don’t offer tours; you do a self-guided tour. But during office hours, you can stop by the Visitor Center.
Address: 1606 E Main St.
3. Tour the National Historic District.
There are over 80 historic places in the National Historic District of Fredericksburg. Pick up the free self-guided walking tour maps of the Historic District from the Visitor Center at 302 East Austin St. the day before.
4. Driving the Gillespie County Country Schools.
The driving trails take you to historic schools dating from 1847 to 1936. The schools are closed on Thanksgiving Day, but you can walk the grounds, take pictures, and enjoy the Hill Country backcountry drive.
We have explored these additional attractions during Thanksgiving Break, but not on Thanksgiving Day itself.
Where to eat in Fredericksburg on Thanksgiving Day?
The day we went there, there was only one restaurant open: The Cultures. Fortunately, they have an outdoor patio, so our dog Snoopy could sit with us.
Fredericksburg is a Germantown, so we had a sausage sampler and schnitzel for our Thanksgiving Dinner. Lecker!
Address: 318 E Main St.
I suggest you search for restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving Day before your visit.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Fredericksburg, Texas.
1. Albert Hotel.
Welcoming dogs and cats only. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls are available.
1 min walk to the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Address: 213 East Austin Street.
2. Fredericksburg Inn & Suites.
Welcoming dogs only, and service animals are exempt from fees.
7 min walk to the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Address: 201 S. Washington St.
3. Vineyard Trail Cottages – Adults only.
Pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property directly. Service animals are exempt from fees.
1 min walk to Four Point Cellars.
Address: 10296 E. US Highway 290.
Welcoming dogs only, and service animals are exempt from fees.
2 min drive to Barons Creek Vineyards.
Address: 104 Settlers Crossing Road.
5. Mendelbaum Winery Guest Cabins.
Welcoming dogs and cats only. Service animals are exempt from fees.
1 min walk to Four Point Cellars.
Address: 10279 East Highway 290.
So you see, you will be busy on Thanksgiving Day in Fredericksburg. It’s like a slow travel day.
Enjoy your visit and Happy Thanksgiving!
