Fall Into the Holidays in Medina County - Shop Local, Have Fun, and Soak Up Small-Town Christmas

There's nothing quite like the holidays in Medina County. The lights go up, the small shops fill with handmade gifts you won't find anywhere else, and every town has its own way of celebrating. If you're looking for winter and fall shopping — and a whole lot of fun along the way — here's where I'd start, right here at home.

Hondo: Christmas in God's Country

This is Hondo's big one, and it's coming up fast.

Friday, Nov 20, 2026, 6:00–10:00pm — Christmas in God's Country kicks off Saturday,

Nov 21, 2026, 9:00am — Saturday Market Saturday,

Nov 21, 2026, 7:00–9:00pm — Christmas Lighted Night Parade Saturday,

Nov 21, 2026, 8:00am — HEF 5K, starting and finishing at the Courthouse Square, raising money for Hondo ISD teachers and students

Shop the market vendors, grab food from the food court, and stay for the lighted parade — it's the kind of night that reminds you why small towns do Christmas best. Check the Hondo Area Chamber of Commerce for the vendor map and parade route.

Castroville: Old Fashion Christmas Castroville's Old Fashion Christmas is billed as the largest arts and crafts show in Medina County, and it lives up to it.

Dec 4–5, 2026, Houston Square, Castroville

Friday 6:00–10:00pm,

Saturday 9:00am–4:00pm:

Christmas crafts, woodwork, handmade jewelry, candles, crocheted items, food, and so much more Visit Santa, enjoy the entertainment, and let the kids run wild in the Kid's Area If you're shopping for gifts with a story behind them, this is the place. Handmade beats big-box every time.

Paint, Sip, and Make Something for the Holidays This is my favorite kind of holiday fun — you leave with something you made yourself.

Paint & Sip at Medina River Winery, Castroville — Saturday, Nov 14, 6:00pm, with Let's Paint, Y'all. From about $39.19. Wine, friends, and a canvas — no experience needed.

Lunch & Paint: A Christmas Door Hanger — Nov 28 at Castroville Cafe — a perfect handmade piece for your own front door, or a gift for someone else's.

Handmade Ceramic Ornaments Workshop — Friday, Nov 13, 6:00pm, The Art Space 830, Hondo — ornaments you'll actually want to pull out of the box every year.

Check Let's Paint, Y'all and Medina River Winery for the latest dates — they add new classes through the season, and they fill up fast.

More Local Shopping to Put on Your List Hondo Collective Market, Hondo Loading Dock — local vendors, young entrepreneurs, and small business owners. A great stop for unique gifts and for supporting folks right here in town.

Second Saturday Market, historic Elsass District, Castroville — local vendors, food, crafts, and that wonderful Castroville atmosphere.

Graff 7A Ranch, Hondo — fall festivities through the season: pumpkin patch, fall flowers, barn dances, hay rides, and more. Fun for the whole family before the Christmas rush.

A Night in Bethlehem, First Baptist Church, Hondo — a free drive-through nativity with live animals and actors. A beautiful, quiet way to remember what the season is about.

Shop Local This Season When you shop in Castroville, Hondo, Devine, and all across Medina County, you're not just buying a gift — you're supporting a neighbor, a young entrepreneur, a family business that keeps our towns thriving. So grab a friend, make a day of it, and come see why Medina County is such a special place to live — and to call home.

Thinking about making a move here, or selling your place before the new year? I'd love to help. Reach out anytime — Daye Wanat, Realtor, Epique Realty, service with a country smile.