The holidays are all about merriment and family, and Cleburne is the perfect place to celebrate the joyous season where holiday cheer comes naturally. Located 30 miles south of Fort Worth, Cleburne is brimming with holiday delights, family activities, beautiful accommodations and, of course, plenty of opportunities for shopping. Here’s a guide on how to enjoy the festive season over a weekend getaway in this Texas oasis.
Cozy Accommodations
Snuggle up and enjoy a modern stay at Liberty Hotel a boutique hotel environment in the heart of downtown Cleburne. The hotel is full of style, character and comfort with great amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and continental breakfast, a fitness center, business center and outdoor pool. It’s also within walking distance to the city’s shops, restaurants and attractions.
Explore the City
The holidays kick off in Cleburne on Nov. 20 in Hulen Park with the town’s annual Whistle Stop Christmas, a Christmas lighting ceremony and an evening of merriment for the family. Expect train rides for the kids, food, live entertainment and a visit from the stars of the season, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The joy of the holidays continue on Dec. 1 with the annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade in downtown. This year’s theme is “All Aboard: Spirt of Cleburne.” After the parade, partake in family-friendly holiday activities, food and gift vendors, and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Make plans to enjoy Cleburne the weekend of Dec. 9-10 and head over to The Chisholm Trail Museum for the Cowboy Christmas on the Trail. Ride on a covered wagon through 4 different scenes and experience what life was like at Christmas time on the Chisholm Trail! Listen to the Legends of Texas tell of the struggles and excitement of packing up their families and belongings to move to a better land and way of life before Christmas comes! Final destination is the “Star Pavilion” where kids can decorate ornaments, Christmas Caroling, Food Trucks, SHOPPING, Vendors and of coarse visit Cowboy Claus!
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a night at the theater, so get tickets for the Cleburne Carnegie Players’ “Miracle on 34th Street” at the Cleburne Conference Center and the Plaza Theatre Company’s holiday favorite “It's A Wonderful Life,” which will bring the holly jolly spirit to all. On Dec. 4, plan to hear the Brazos Chamber Orchestra perform its annual Christmas concert at Field Street Baptist Church—a night of Christmas joy and musical talent that delights listeners each year.
Fill the hearts of everyone on your holiday shopping list with specialty gifts at local retail businesses and enter to win a $500 Holiday Shopping Spree at any participating shop until January 1, winner will be announced on January 10, 2024.
Culinary Delights
If your stomach starts to grumble in Cleburne, you have plenty of options to enjoy a delicious feast. Visit locally owned Thai Garden Café and try authentic dishes such as the Thai basil stir-fry, drunken noodles and the famed cashew chicken, or warm up on a cool winter day with delightful tom kha kai (chicken coconut) soup and three varieties of tom yum soup. Wake up with freshly brewed coffee at Cleburne’s newest indie coffee shop, Mug on the Square. A cozy and inviting atmosphere coupled with custom beverages makes this a must-stop while you’re in Cleburne. Whether you need a quick cup of joe to jumpstart your day or you want to sit and relax, this coffee shop has the perfect sips.
If you find yourself walking down E. Chambers Street and met with the incomparable smell of freshly baked goodies, your nose has led you to Mom’s Kitchen. This small-batch bakery doesn’t have a specialty because visitors fall in love with every confection they taste. Nosh on crispy fruit pies, exquisite (in taste and design!) cupcakes and scones that would have the queen of England begging for more.
The most wonderful time of year is a delight in Cleburne, where sumptuous accommodations and holiday festivities entice you, and the Texas-sized hospitality will have you coming back for more.