Weinachten Lichter (Christmas Lights) Parade and Fireworks Display Draw Visitors to Comfort’s Annual Holiday Event
COMFORT, TEXAS…Christmas in Comfort, one of the area’s most popular holiday events, will draw visitors to the Texas Hill Country for holiday shopping and family fun on November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Started with a handful of residents manning a few booths, the event is in its 33rd year and offers more than 125 vendors and a full day of holiday activities from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sponsored by the Comfort Chamber of Commerce in the Historic District, the event captures the spirit of the holidays with small-town ambiance as merchants attract shoppers with festive holiday decor and holiday lights throughout the historic district.
Traditionally, shoppers early arrive to shop at Christmas in Comfort. The event offers more than 125 vendors, as well as shopping at merchants in the downtown historic district and along Highways 27 and 87 plus a full day of holiday activities. Vendor booths on High and 8th Street will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. while vendor and food booths on Seventh Street will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Stages featuring live music will be located at 7th and High Streets and on 8th Street.
Kids can have photos taken with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Comfort Court will be on hand to visit with kids and hand out candy canes, too. Family activities include a petting zoo, face painting, and gingerbread decorating. Other activities include the Comfort Library gently used book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., live entertainment at a stage at High and 7th Streets from 10 a.m. to 7 .m. and holiday treats at the food court, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. A second stage with live music will be located on 8th Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The highlight of Christmas in Comfort is the Weinachten Lichter (Christmas Lights) parade, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The idea for the parade was initially conceived and implemented by Janis and Garry Schwab. It quickly became their passion and the parade grew from an initial eight to ten floats to more than 100 floats today.
Visitors gather on High Street at 6 p.m. for the lighting of the town Christmas tree. Then, the lighted night parade begins at 7 p.m. as more than 100 entries roll through the downtown area. The best parade seating is in the Historic District, and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Glittering fireworks display immediately after the parade ends the event.
Located just 30 minutes from San Antonio, Comfort provides the perfect setting for a small-town Christmas. With a population of 2,500 and a rich history, Comfort brims with character and charm. The star of the German-pioneered Texas Hill Country, Comfort has nearly 100 pre-1910 buildings within walking distance of the town center and a large part of Comfort has been designated a National Historic District. Amid this historic setting, Comfort offers great shopping, antiques, wineries, restaurants, and unique bed and breakfasts and other types of lodging.
There is no admission fee for Christmas in Comfort. Because of the popularity of the event and the growth in the number of people attending, event organizers ask the public to leave pets at home for their own comfort and safety. For more information, visit our Web site, www.ComfortChamber.com or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Comfort-Texas-Chamber-of-Commerce or phone 830-995-3131.