Texas Bucket List

Texas Bucket List

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The Texas Bucket List – Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in San Juan

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San Juan – The Rio Grande Valley is a massive mix of two cultures but one of the many things that brings them together is faith. That’s why the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle is such a hot spot on the border. “We are proud that we have it in Texas,” stated Father Jorge Gomez.

Father Gomez knows this church well, but he also knows what we usually come down to the Valley for. “People in the valley are friendly, no, and our food is the best in Texas,” joked Father Jorge about know what we like on The Texas Bucket List.

Jorge was ordained here in 2004. “When I was 14, I wanted to get married and have a bunch of kids. And then I went to the seminary at 16. I went to high school seminary. And my dad said, ‘Go, and you’ll be back in a month.’ It’s going to be almost 30 years and I’m still here,” explained Father Gomez.

This shrine got its start in 1920 as a small wooden chapel but today Our Lady of San Juan del Valle is the second most visited shrine in the United States only behind the National Shrine in Washington DC.  Each gets over one million visitors a year and considering the population of the Valley is 1.3 million, that’s pretty impressive. “The Basilica is geographically centered, is the center of the diocese. So people come from all over the diocese here to pray, to light a candle. Whenever they’re going to go into surgery, people come and pray to Our Lady of San Juan. They bring a candle. You can see people walking on their knees from the entrance all the way to the altar through the back to the altar of the candles. It is just amazing,” explained Father Jorge.

The reason this shrine is so sought after is part of this miraculous story. “I think the popularity of it grew with the plane crashing on the old shrine,” stated Father Jorge. On October 23, 1970 during a special mass with 50 priests, 50 parishioners and 100 school children  in an adjacent cafeteria, a plane crashed into the shrine and it exploded in flames.   While the church was destroyed, the only fatality that day was the pilot. “Whenever they want to destroy the faith, they do something and then the faith grows stronger. That guy wanted to destroy the church and probably killed the priest inside and the people who were celebrating the mass, and it just happened that it made it into the New York Times and people found out and people started coming more and more, and they saw what they call the miracle. You know, that the statue of Our Lady of San Juan was salvaged from the fire and the blessed sacrament, and that made the devotion grow in the Valley,” explained Father Jorge.

The new Shrine opened in 1980 and while it’s beautiful year-round, Christmas truly brings the holiday season to life.  And yes, this church is a gift shop if you need something for that special someone. The biggest seller here is candles because here lighting a candle is a prayer and to  pray is what people come here for. “We usually get 10,000 candles a week,” stated Father Jorge. “The faith of the people evangelizes me. I’m here as a priest, no? I’m supposed to be the one evangelizing the people, but no, when I see the devotion and the fate of the people, their fate evangelizes me. And when I see them praying on their knees with a candle on their hand, I always say that candle has something special. You know, because it is a prayer, it is a Thanksgiving, it is a petition, it is a family praying there. It’s a lot of meaning,” said Father Jorge.

“We have candles to St. Jude, Our lady Guadalupe, Our Lady of San Juan, St. Joseph is very popular. People go and buy the candles with the saying they want and then they bring them here. Holy week or Christmas, we get more candles than the one we can put in the candle room,” stated Father Jorge.

The gentle flicker of each flame is a radiant reminder of why religion brings us together.  In the end, we all want the same, for friends and loved ones to live healthy happy lives, to end suffering and sadness, for goodness to triumph over evil and for the light from above to shine down on this Earth. “I think that’s the beauty of this place. People leave and they go back home different than the way they came, because there is hope. And our hope is not in ourselves, not in human knowledge or human science. It’s too little. Our hope is in Christ and in the resurrection of Christ. Every Catholic or non-Catholic should come to the Basilica to experience God’s love and mercy. It’s not the only place they can experience it, but it is a special place,” expressed Father Gomez.

The Texas Bucket List – Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet

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Burnet – On the first two weekends of December, the town of Burnet brings in a bunch of people. Lined up along the city streets, they wait to walk through the gates of a unique holiday tradition called Main Street Bethlehem. “I mean, you’re transported back 2000 years when you come through that gate. It’s just amazing,” said Doug Lindley, the senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Burnet, the folks that have been bringing Bethlehem back to life since 1993.

While you won’t hear Aramaic while walking through the city streets, you’ll hear the story of one fateful night that changed the world forever. “You have not heard the news.” No. “My brothers and I, we were tending our sheep in the hills on the road to Joppa, when an angel of the Lord appeared to us and the Glory of the Lord shone all around us. There was light everywhere. We were terrified but the angel told us to be not afraid, that he had good news, tidings of great joy for all mankind. That here tonight in the City of David, the Messiah has been born,” proclaimed a cast member in character. “The cast is unbelievable. They don’t leave. They don’t get out of character. Most of the time they’re interacting with one another. They interact with guests that come in, but they interact in their character,” said Doug.

Roman soldiers, busy taking the census, are constantly distracted by locals talking about the Messiah. “The shepherds in the field are saying that there’s a Messiah being born tonight,” stated an in-character Roman soldier.

Every building has someone unique, telling their particular perspective on what happened when Christ was born.“Oh, we didn’t have any idea whatsoever that it could have developed like this. It was something to keep us busy for a while,” explained Norman Leftwich, the man behind the idea of Main Street Bethlehem.

Norman Leftwich and his wife Frankie were the driving force behind this idea that started with wood framed walls with sheets painted to look like rock walls to what it is today.  A full immersive land with camels, cows, and a crazy amount of detail.“That’s the blessing that we receive is seeing the faces of people who did find that it is unique and apparently there aren’t very many displays like we have here that you can find, done in the way that we do it. We praise the Lord for that and he’s responded,” expressed Norman.

Well into his 90’s, Norman has seen Main Street Bethlehem grow beyond his wildest dreams and before the night gets kicked off, he leads a prayer that is closed out appropriately enough, with the singing of Little Town of Bethlehem. “He’s the hardest worker out here. He’s out here maintaining the facility year-round and doing things year-round, involved in cast recruitment, cast training and very humble about it. But the fact that the Lord used them to do this and that he let him stay long enough to see what it’s become,” explained Doug.

This peaceful Christmas Carol helps bring home the final destination of Main Street Bethlehem.  The stable depicts the birth of Christ. “We consistently as a congregation pray on site at the manger and there’s something about … I just get emotional when I think about it. When you walk through that gate and see that cave and know he really did this. It’s not just a nice story. He really did this. God became human and he didn’t come as a king or a prince. He came as a baby and he wasn’t born in a palace. He was born in a barn, in a stable and laid in a manger. He did that because he loves me,” explained Doug.

“I think it’s just a good grounding moment for Christmas. It just really reminds you of where it all came from,” said visitor Deborah Figueroa.

“It’s not just Christmas and gifts and everything. It’s about Jesus or to believe in God and everything. Yeah. It’s all good,” said visitor Ana Crowell.

While this display is only a recreation, it truly tugs at the hearts and emotions of the faithful.  Whether it’s joy for the season, the excitement of what this moment has meant in history, or the simple flourish of faith that fills you for some reason everyone seems to get something out of this. “I mean the Spirit of Lord came over me and it was just amazing. I just started crying and I went out the gate and I couldn’t even talk to anybody. And I’m just trying to get away because I’m just overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit,” expressed Doug.

But it’s not just the spirit of Christmas that comes over people. For Ana Crowell, it’s a chance to close out the year remembering someone she wishes could have taken this journey with her. “My mother passed away and she has always wanted to come here so today I just fulfilled her… yeah. Yeah, it’s good to be here,” expressed Ana.

While traveling to the Holy Land would be the ultimate Christmas bucket list destination, Main Street Bethlehem does a bang-up job on conveying the true meaning of Christmas. “You know, Christmas has become so commercialized that we forget what we’re celebrating. We forget the reason that we’re celebrating. The whole purpose of Main Street Bethlehem was to refocus our attention on Jesus and the fact that we’re celebrating his birth,” explained Doug.

“You know, I was pretty surprised. It takes you back in time and it’s awesome. We got to see baby Jesus, that’s the best part of it all,” said Ana.

“If you love Christmas? If you love history, this is definitely the place to come,” stated Deborah.

The Texas Bucket List Christmas Edition – Zoo Lights in Houston

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Houston – With nearly 100 years of history, the Houston Zoo is a popular stop throughout the year thanks to their massive amount of massive animals.  But when it comes to Christmas, there’s no shortage of raging and roaring holiday spirit.  “The music and the sights and the lights and the snacks, it’s Christmas time here, for sure,” said Lauren Wappler.

Lauren Wappler has worked at the Houston Zoo for nearly as long as the Zoo Lights have lit up the holiday season in Houston. “It’s been a fun nine years, we’ve evolved a lot,” expressed Lauren.

With so much to see here from dragons, a talking Zebra, to some extremely long light tunnels, the display starts going up in September and takes over two months to complete. “The crew is, I mean, they work fast. They’re very diligent. It’s a lot of work, but they do a great job,” stated Lauren.

When the Zoo started this annual tradition in 2011, they weren’t quite sure what to expect. “We thought, ‘Hey, let’s kind of flip the zoo and let’s do a nighttime thing’,” said Lauren.

We still had one question about the lights at the zoo, what about the animals? “Some of them like them. Some of them couldn’t care less. They go into their barns or their night houses for the night and they’re sleeping throughout the whole thing,” explained Lauren. “I was kind of hoping penguins or something would be out, but I mean, I’ll probably be back,” joked visitor Robert Boss. “The Zoo Lights, it’s not so much about the animals. It’s more so about the lights, though you may or may not see a giraffe or rhino walking around their yard while you’re here,” stated Lauren. “You can smell them. They’re in the background. So we’re good. We know they’re there. You can hear them occasionally,” explained visitor Tim Harrison.

While the animals might not be the stars of the show of the Houston Zoo at night, they are still attended to as normal, or maybe a little more than during the day. “Being a zoo, animal welfare is very top of our priority. So we have animal team staff members who come out throughout the night and make sure that our animals aren’t bothered by it. So we work hand in hand with our animal team to make sure the volume is not too loud, that the lights are set up in a way that won’t disturb the animals too much. So you will see some dark areas and that’s because the animals live there and they don’t really want to see the lights all night long,” explained Lauren.

Two legged creatures are way more into the array of lights. “They’re great. They’re beautiful. This is our annual tradition with our family. So this is our third or fourth year coming. We love it. They’re great,” expressed visitor Tracy Smithson. “It’s great that the city and the Houston Zoo can put this on for everyone,” said visitor Joel Garza. “We love being able to be that place where you can come bring your family and just have a really safe, really fun night together,” stated Lauren.

The dancing oak trees at the entrance of the zoo is just one of the popular stops. “When you first walk in and have the big oak trees full of light flashing with the music going, that’s pretty awesome,” said Tracy Smithson.

Considering this is a time of year where peace, love and joy are prevalent in our hearts, it’s fitting there’s a tree just for that and it really pulls out the passion in people.  “We’ve had quite a few proposals happen at that tree. So if anyone’s looking to make that forever moment happen, Zoo Lights is a great spot to get down on one knee in front of some really pretty lights and pop the question,” said Lauren. “Kind of gets me motivated to do my own Christmas lights. I can’t compete, but it gets me in the mood, so,” joked Tim Harrison.

Of course the ways things are this Christmas season, you can expect a much smaller crowd and tickets must be pre-purchased. “It will be a little more enjoyable, not as many people crowding you around and have some space to spread out, social distance and kind of just be able to stroll a little bit more versus following the herd,” explained Lauren. “Masked up families, still better than nothing. We’re fortunate and blessed. You’ve got to celebrate it,” stated Tim Harrison.

So show your pride in holiday cheer by bringing your pride to the Christmas display that all creatures crazy about Christmas will enjoy. “It’s unique. Where else can you go to the zoo and see Christmas lights,” said Lauren. “The Houston Zoo does an outstanding job every single year. They keep some things the same, but they always change something so it’s a different experience. And it’s just something you have to add to your holiday bucket list,” said Tracy Smithson.

The Texas Bucket List Christmas Edition – Santa Claus Museum in Columbus

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COLUMBUS, Texas — Since 1890, the Colorado County Courthouse has been sitting on this square in Columbus. Rich with Texas history, the town can trace its roots to the Old Three Hundred and stories of Sam Houston and Santa Anna are common place here.  So it’s no wonder why you’ll find a museum dedicated to…..does this really say Santa Clause?

Mary Anne Picken’s family has been in these parts since the 1830s but it’s her mother’s old collection of father Christmas that creates a constant holiday commotion. Mary Elizabeth Hopkins didn’t start her Santa collection until later in life but once she had the bug for the big man, it couldn’t be controlled.

“This is the one that started it all,” Mary Anne said. “She saw him in 1974 and he was an antique then. They think he was built in the 1920s. She was fascinated because he had one red eye and one green eye. It is a scary looking Santa. I’m not sure what the fascination was.”

The museum has been here since 1990 and was opened in honor of the local lady who loved Saint Nick.

“She used to put them out and take them up after Christmas,” Mary Anne said. “She used to put them out around Thanksgiving, take them up January but the last two years of her life she didn’t feel well enough to do that so they just stayed in the house. When she died my step father said, ‘We have to do something about these Santas. What are we going to do?’”

Santa bells, Santa Slides, even Santa wine the collection is quite copious.

“It ranges from 2,000 to 2,500,” Mary Anne said. “I’ve never counted, and I wouldn’t venture to say how many.”

The collection puts you in a festive mood but for Mary Anne it’s much more than that.  It’s memories of mother, of good times with her family and friends, a ghost of Christmas past that keeps reminding her to celebrate the season and Santa all year long.

“I wear this pin to remember my mother. … All of my children, eight grandchildren, have all grown up since she died,” Mary Anne said. “It’s kind of interesting to have been kind of connect with one little part of her.”

While the Santa Clause Museum in Columbus isn’t the most hard hitting historical hideaway in the Lone Star State, it might have the most heart and the power to inspire the spirit of giving in way only Santa can do.

“I was 10 and I had seen a doll house that had one electric light in it,” Mary Anne said. “I loved that doll house. My mother let me know that in no way could Santa Clause bring that doll house that year. I just reconciled myself to no doll house. On Christmas morning I got it and that Christmas always stands out in my mind because Santa Claus came through. She always came through.”

The Texas Bucket List Christmas Edition – Campo Verde in Dalworthington Gardens

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Dalworthington Gardens⁠—Just southwest of Arlington in rural oasis known as Dalworthington Gardens is a downhome Mexican restaurant where the Feliz Navidad feelings are never fickle.

“I’ve never seen this much tinsel,” commented Kate Bustos.

“It kind of takes your breath away. There’s a lot of lights in here,” added Rick Johnson

“This is the most amazing place I’ve ever seen in my life,” claimed Dottie Groves.

“It’s a celebration. It’s fun and the rest of the year, it’s just rice and beans every day,” said James Williams.

James has owned Campo Verde since 1978 and since 1983, they’ve been at this particular spot on Pioneer Parkway. When it comes to the holidays at this hangout…

“All hell breaks loose here,” said James.

He’s referring to the inordinate amount of ornaments.

“It really tells you who’s never been here. When that door opens and they walk through the door… Some of them just freeze, like, ‘Oh my God,'” explained James.

“When I walked in I was like, is this for real?” said Kate.

“This is crazy stuff. It’s amazing,” added Dottie.

“The Griswolds don’t have nothing on me. There’s no way!” joked James.

While the smell of sizzling fajitas fills the air, the sight of Santa staring down on you makes you realize Christmas is near.  But then again, the decorations go up in October and won’t come back down till April 1st!

“My customers get upset when I take it down,” explained James.

This tradition all started with James’ brother-in-law, Jimmy Irving, back in the 80’s, but today a girl named Gloria gets the in Excelsis Deo on decorations. Just don’t expect to see Gloria because she prefers to be a mystery of faith when it comes to the festivities.

“I mean, I’ll take credit for it because I’m in charge of it and used to do it all. But Gloria is the one that does it all now. Of course, we let her know it, too… She don’t want to be on camera… She’s bashful,” said James.

“She’ll be through by next Friday. She’s still tweaking. She’s got about another 600 feet of garland to put up in here. And these stars up here… She’s got about 28 more to put up. We even decorate the bathroom,” he explained.

“A little over 136,000 [lights], Twenty-seven, eight miles, four-color garland, about 75 [Christmas trees], 60 [Santa Clauses], probably 35 [angels], a thousand [Christmas balls],” listed James. “All kinds of stuff. We have fun with it, that’s for sure.”

As you can imagine, when it comes to the Christmas season at Campo Verde, it can get a little crazy around here.

“Every year, I say there’s no way we can be busier, but we are,” said James.

“People. They really like it. I mean, it’s just amazing. Last year… 150 people [were] outside waiting and more people walking up. And I was telling them, ‘You got at least an hour and a half, maybe two hour wait,’ and they didn’t care. That’s what keeps me going,” he admitted.

“When you walk in, this is what we used to do when we were younger, and you’d have garland everywhere. You don’t see that anymore,” explained Dottie.

“It kind of just takes you back to your childhood,” claimed Rick.

“You walk in the door and you see this, it takes you out of your head. It takes you in a whole new world,” said Kate.

While the Noel novelty is fun to see, it’s all about the celebration of Christmas, gathering together to enjoy a good meal and thanking the Lord for another year in the Lone Star State.

“The tears are held back because when you think about Christmas, I think about all of that, and what we used to do, and going down into our game room and having it decorated like this. It’s pretty cool,” said Dottie.

“You got to get some reward out of what you’re doing. I do. It’s not for me so much that makes you feel good; it’s seeing other people…The only thing I worry about, I really do, worry about paying the damn light bill,” said James.

So come hungry to Campo Verde but prepared to leave stuffed with Christmas spirit.

“Just to see this place is amazing. Whether you’re here from Texas or not, this is a place to see,” said Dottie.

“It’s a restaurant, but it’s an experience. I think that’s what people look for,” concluded Kate.

The Texas Bucket List Christmas Edition – The Polar Express Train Ride in Galveston

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Galveston— On the west side of the strand sits a tall building that’s been the site of the Sante Fe Railway for over 100 years.

This hallowed ground for train hobbyists was the hub for railcar riders coming to the island from 1887 to 1967.  Today it’s a museum and during the most magical time of the year, it turns into the terminal for the Polar Express!

“Museums are here to be these connective tools and I think we’re just incredibly fortunate that we’ve got an opportunity to bring people in from far and wide, all ages,” said Jim Rosengren.

Jim is the Executive Director of the museum that makes a Christmas miracle come true of a multitude of merry children.

“So the idea of a theatrical recreation of the movie is that we have six passenger cars in our train set. Each one has about six actors in them. And so each one is simultaneously more or less recreating certain really iconic elements of the movie,” he explained.

The Galveston Railroad Museum is home to two Santa Fe Warbonnets and these beautiful trains take tons of good little girls and boys on a ride all the way to the North Pole.

“These are real locomotives. These are real train cars. The trains move, they smell like trains, they sound like trains. We’ve got professional actors who are engaging you in some of the best children’s theater you’ll ever see. There really are no equals. It’s just a fantastic event,” said Jim.

“It was awesome,” commented Brian Miller.

“It’s fantastic,” added Jeff Barnett.

Of course you can’t help but notice all the folks really getting into the experience wearing their finest sleepwear, sort of a tradition that started from the movie.

“You’re talking about kids dressing up in pajamas. It’s just a great date night. You’ll see two adults dressed in pajamas,” said Jim.

“My son Caleb, 15, who was drug here, forced to wear pajamas and then my daughter five who is thrilled with everything,” explained Jeff.

“I was forced… the whole family is in PJ’s, so it made it feel that much special,” said Brian.

The Polar Express experience all starts with eager riders getting their golden ticket and once you enter the terminal, the show begins.

The story of a child unsure of Santa’s status in the center of the story but as soon as the curious conductor comes in, it’s off to ride the rails.

“It felt maybe like a dream and a wish and just so cool. It was awesome,” said Blake Miller.

Once aboard, it’s off to the North Pole but of course the crazy caribous get in the way and you know the only way to get those things to move.

Once you do get past the reindeer, you pull into the North Pole and the big man boards the train.

His gift to all the girls and boys is a bell that symbolizes the spirit of Christmas—because if you can hear it, you believe.

Of course the experience wouldn’t be complete without some hot chocolate.

“I love this place. It’s so cool. You get to be on a train and have hot cocoa and ring bells. It’s so fun,” said Blake.

“I will not testify as to whether or not I heard the bell. I’m not going to give up that little part of it,” added Jeff.

Once you pull back into the Galveston Railroad Museum it doesn’t take long to realize that experiencing the joy, hope, and spirit of Christmas with family and friends is what makes this stop worth wishing for on The Texas Bucket List!

“It’s a way for family to get together and have fun,” said Ava Lyons.

“Great family time… Seeing all the little kids especially, they had smiles on their face for sure,” remarked Brian.

“You get to come together with all the people and the kids they come unglued. You know that’s what it’s all about,” said Jeff.

“Come down here and enjoy this moment with your family and have fun and the people are so nice here and you should always have fun,” concluded Blake.

“These kids are making memories, other people are being reminded of their good memories for the season… It’s a great time,” said Jim.

The Texas Bucket List Christmas Edition – Moody Gardens in Galveston

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Galveston— Amidst the miles of two million lights at Moody Gardens, an Annual cold Christmas attraction can be found known as Ice Land. This winter wonderland lets visitors celebrate Christmas around the world. Travel from Russia and Egypt to China and beyond to see how other cultures celebrate the season.

When it comes to Christmas, it’s hard to beat a tropical destination like Galveston Island but when you find yourself inside the annual attraction at Moody Gardens, you probably want to bring a heavy hat and some gloves.

“Two million pounds of ice. Everything you’re going to see in Ice Land this year…We are all around the world. We literally went global for Ice Land this year,” said Alexis Shelly, the Public Relations Coordinator for Moody Gardens.

Despite the freezing temperatures, people flock to enjoy the sights and the experience Ice Land has to offer.

“It is nine degrees, but people have a great time. It’s really become a holiday tradition for families,” Alexis remarked.

Every year Ice Land has a different theme. This year’s theme is Christmas Around the World.

“This is my favorite thing we’ve ever done. It’s so beautiful in here. I’m partial to London. London is my favorite city in the world, and we actually do have Big Ben and a telephone booth in here…” she said.

It takes a lot of time and effort to turn two million pounds of ice into a world of frozen art.

“The actual tent is constructed starting in August. Kids aren’t even back in school yet, and we’re already getting ready for the holiday season… Then, the ice comes down in September. And then our carvers this year got here October 1st, and they worked for about a month. And then we opened on November 16th. So it’s literally a process… They are absolute professionals. Our carvers come over from China, we found the best in the world. They really have it down to a science. They get in here, they get going, we give them chainsaws and ice picks. Everything you see in here was freehand,” Alexis explained.

At the end of the impressive attraction is a giant ice slide and Shivers Ice Bar.

“And they’re literally five feet apart,” added Alexis.

If the spirits don’t warm your spirits, a walk among the amazing display of lights will.

“We literally made it brighter than it’s ever been before. We never had two million lights before, and this trails about a mile long….But you don’t realize you’re walking that much because you’re just looking at pretty Christmas lights,” she said.

Around every corner, behind every bend and in places you’d never expect to see them, there are lights everywhere.

Once you close things out with a nativity scene that illuminates the nights sky, it’s easy to remember the real reason for the season, making Moody Gardens a stop that will make you Merry for Christmas on The Texas Bucket List!

“It’s amazing to celebrate the holiday season in a little bit of a different way. You don’t typically think of a tropical island for the holiday season. We go all out for the holiday season, so it’s definitely something that should be on your bucket list,” said Alexis.

The Texas Bucket List – Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop in Dallas

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Dallas – In the Mockingbird Station shopping center, situated steps away from Southern Methodist University, you’ll find a sweater store that’s takes its mission statement seriously:  To provide you with the ugliest Christmas sweater possible, the Ugly Christmas Sweater store in Dallas.

“There’s a lot of variety,” shopper Daisy Orona said “You can’t really find this anywhere else.”

Jeremy Turner is the keeper of the cardigans, and he came up with the idea for the store.

“So about eight years ago, basically I had a mobile vintage clothing store, and basically through that I started selling a few Christmas sweaters and I started seeing how popular they were,” Jeremy said. “At that time, it was really impossible to find Christmas sweaters. You just didn’t come by them, you had to go hunt for them. And I saw that, and I was like, ‘Man, if I could figure out how to find these, I’ll create the first ever Christmas sweater store.’”

Trying to find out where Jeremy turns up all these perfectly repulsive pullovers is part of the wonder of the sweater season.

“You know, I needed to find a lot of sweaters and so I figured that out.,” Jeremy said. “I can’t share that secret, because it’s a trade secret, of course, now. And that’s what I’ll tell the guests, too, because people are so curious because they’ve never seen so many Christmas sweaters. So they’re always like … guests are like, ‘Where did you get all these?’ And I’m like, ‘North Pole area.’”

With over 10,000 sweaters in stock, you can find every Christmas theme imaginable.

“There’s so many unique sweaters here,” Jeremy said. “That’s what blows my mind every year.”

When surrounded by so many sweaters, we have to ask: What exactly makes an Christmas sweater ugly?

“It has to just be something you would never ever wear again, only to an ugly Christmas sweater party,” Maggie Messina said. “It cannot be cute, like it can a little, but it has to have ugly aspects to it. Maybe things sticking off of it, like jewels and pompoms.”

The attraction to the store comes from the incredible quirkiness of its cheerful owner as well as its crazy collection of Christmas sweaters. That love for live and the holiday season is showcased in his commercials which somehow find a way into your soul with some seriously special dance moves. While an ugly Christmas sweater may not be on your holiday wish list, spreading joy, happiness, and the true meaning of Christmas is on Jeremy’s. His emporium is his extension to bring that enthusiasm to the people.

“So Christmas has deeper meaning to me about hope for the world,” Jeremy said.

If you’re looking for a not-so-good looking sweater to celebrate the season, the Ugly Christmas Sweater store in Dallas is a jolly jovial stop on The Texas Bucket List.

“You can for sure to get your Christmas sweater,” Daisy said. “You can’t leave here without one, it’s not possible.”

The Texas Bucket List – The Nutcracker Market in Houston

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Houston – When it comes to the holiday season, finding the perfect gift for that special someone is sometimes a tough thing to accomplish. Thankfully, down in Houston there’s a massive market held every year with things even Santa’s elves would be impressed with, the Nutcracker Market in Houston.

“It’s just a fun, crazy day,” Steph Dewaegener said.

Cecilia Campbell is one of the chairman of the market. She’s been participating in the Nutcracker Market for 14 out of the 38 years that this Christmas custom has been carrying on.

“This is huge,” Cecilia said. “We will probably have over 100,000 shoppers in our four days.”

The Nutcracker market is organized by the Houston Ballet as a fundraiser. What you see today is a far cry from what is was when it commenced in 1981.  

“I believe it’s the biggest Christmas market in the country,” Cecilia said.

What started as a small gathering has turned into a four day extravaganza featuring 270 merchants in the massive NRG arena.  

“It’s chaos to Christmas in a matter of a couple of days,” Cecilia said.

While the flood of folks who like to find good deals seem to be exceedingly female, there are a few fellas you’ll find braving the crowd.

“We do get men shoppers,” Cecilia said. “The majority are women, but we do have a lot of men who come through here. A lot of them are here to carry bags for their wives.”

Jeff Krause is one of the longest tenured trading posts in the market.  His Round Top Collection is a popular stop at the show thanks to its 45,000 square foot showroom.

“We’ve got some fun stuff, but the booth, like I said … it’s the first day, and it’s already torn up,”  Jeff said. “So we will be here probably five or six hours after the doors close just restocking and placing things where they belong.”

Jane Tabbah leads a league of Italian ladies known as Dona di Domani, or “The Women of Tomorrow”. They have a very sought after item at the market: Spaghetti sauce.

“We have made this sauce for over 25 years, and have raised over 2 million dollars on this one project,” Jane said. “And all proceeds, and I mean all proceeds, go to charity. We make a certain amount of jars, and once those jars are gone, that’s it until next year.”

While you can’t try the sauce, this is only a small sample of the insane amount of gifts you can get here.  

“All kinds of food items, clothing, jewelry,” Cecilia said. “If you name something, I can probably tell you if we have it or if we don’t have it. Our goal is to have something for every single person that walks through the door. All of the people here will spend in four days close to 20 million dollars.”

The amount of cash people spend is almost as crazy as some of the outfits you’ll find here.  

“Oh, I know. So we get the … you’ve seen it, we’ve seen the ladies that have all of the matching headbands,” Cecilia said. “We have ladies that make special t-shirts to come to the market. That’s so really they can find each other is the main reason they do that.”

If you’re looking for a merry market with a measureless amounts of marvelous goods, the Nutcracker Market is well worth a stop on The Texas Bucket List.

“You’ve gotta put on your comfortable shoes, get your list together and come check off everybody from your list as you buy your gifts here,” Cecilia said.