🎄 Cozy lights • 🛍️ Small-town strolls • 🍦 Blue Bell magic
The Ant Street Inn once housed a saloon
Today’s festive-season spotlight shines on Brenham, Texas — a small town wrapped in charm, history, and just the right amount of holiday sparkle. Sitting about an hour and 15 minutes from Austin, Brenham makes for the perfect road-trip escape before Christmas. With a population of around 18,000 residents, it’s cozy yet full of surprises.
Where to stay:
If you’re looking for a place to rest and soak in history, the Ant Street Inn is a top choice. Built between 1899-1900, it originally housed a saloon and other businesses, then transformed into a boutique inn in 2000. Nightly room rates generally start around $160-$170 per night.
What to do:
- The Jingle Bell Market takes place on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- On Friday, December 5, there’s a free outdoor concert from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- The annual Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade lights up downtown on Saturday, December 6, starting at 6:00 p.m.
What to eat:
Brenham is famously home to Blue Bell Ice Cream — the “Ice Cream Capital of Texas” — so don’t miss grabbing their flavors. For savory, the town offers comfort-food favorites: fried chicken, catfish and hushpuppies in friendly downtown cafés.
Blue Bell ice cream
The town’s historic district has over 40 registered landmarks
Brenham sits in the heart of Texas wildflower country
Blue Bell Creameries began in Brenham in 1907
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