Fredericksburg, Texas

This down-home Texas town has a European twist. Founded in the 19th century by German immigrants, Fredericksburg has held on to its German roots. Nowhere is this more apparent than in its annual Christmas celebration, Weihnachten. There's an open-air Christkindl Market, a parade and live entertainment and tours of historic houses. The gingerbread house display is sure to thrill the kids, and the whole family will love the Christmas tree forest and authentic German food.

Fredericksburg and the immediate area have more than 350 bed-and-breakfast accommodations and approximately 850 hotel rooms, including many major hotel and motel chains.

Information: www.fredericksburg-texas.com

Photo: Trish McCabe Rawls