An Eggo waffle, a Venus flytrap, and cheese balls can all become Christmas ornaments here. Somebody decided those belonged on a holiday tree, and this Texas shop happily agrees.
The quirky decorations sit alongside German glass ornaments, nutcrackers, and beautifully themed Christmas trees.
The store has celebrated Christmas year-round since 1996, continuing a family tradition of holiday decorating. Shelves hold Santa figures, nativity scenes, collectible villages, personalized ornaments, and old-fashioned toys.
The themed trees change from year to year, giving returning shoppers something new to inspect.
Personally, the oddball ornaments would grab my attention first. A miniature waffle beside a delicate glass bauble sounds far more entertaining than another perfectly matching set.
You could arrive needing one gift and spend ages debating what belongs on your own tree. Christmas shopping isn’t usually this funny.
An Upside-Down Tree Steals the Show Before You Even Pick Up an Ornament
Most Christmas trees stand politely on the floor. At The Christmas Shoppe in Boerne, one of them hangs from the ceiling, point down, loaded with ornaments.
That dramatic tree floats above an impressively large sleigh. The sleigh is reportedly a European import, which makes the whole display feel like a scene from an old storybook.
It’s the kind of setup that makes you stop mid-step. Kids point at it, and grown-ups usually do too.
Honestly, who could blame them?
The upside-down look isn’t just a gimmick. It gives the ornaments room to shine, since every branch hangs out in the open air.
Each glass piece catches the light from a fresh angle.
Around that centerpiece, the rest of the shop keeps the theme going. Ornaments, decorations, and themed trees fill the space with a nostalgic holiday mood.
My tip is simple. Take a moment to look up before you look down at the shelves.
The best photo in the building is literally hanging over your head.
Bring your phone, but leave plenty of room in your camera roll. This sleigh-and-tree combo makes a cheerful snapshot to send friends who think Christmas only lasts one month.
A Family Story That Traveled From Baton Rouge to the Hill Country
Back in 1996, Michael and Shiddell Giddens made a bold move. They took the merchandise from his mother’s storefront in Baton Rouge and brought it to Boerne, Texas.
That decision planted a Christmas shop in the middle of a German-heritage Hill Country town. It turned out to be a pretty good fit.
The shop became a second-generation family tradition. A love for holidays passed from one storefront and one generation to the next.
Then the story picked up a sweet twist. Emily Carvalho started working there in 2003 as a part-time elf.
Years later, she took over ownership from the original owners. Today she runs the shop with her husband, Tony, keeping the family spirit alive.
I like how that path feels like a holiday movie plot, minus the snowstorm. Someone loved a place enough to stay for decades and eventually lead it.
The owners also describe their work as a kind of ministry. They talk about keeping Christ in Christmas, along with every other holiday and every day in between.
So when you browse, you’re seeing more than stock on shelves. You’re stepping into a story that has kept growing for nearly three decades.
Bigger Inside Than It Looks From Main Street
From the sidewalk, the storefront seems modest. Then the rooms keep going, and going, like the building is hiding a secret.
The Christmas Shoppe sits inside an old, deep structure. It’s part of a string of historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s, with additions made over the decades.
Those additions create a fun flow. One space leads into another, so the shop unfolds as you wander instead of revealing everything at once.
That layout rewards curious shoppers. Hurry through, and you might miss a whole room of treasures.
Themed trees sparkle throughout, each dressed in its own style. Some lean classic, while others feel playful, which helps if you’re hunting for decorating ideas.
My advice is to slow down and treat it like a little holiday maze. Peek around corners and check the back areas before deciding on your favorites.
The old building adds character you can’t fake with new construction. Over a century of history surrounds all that tinsel and glass.
It’s a good reminder that small-town storefronts often hold more than they show. In this case, they hold a whole wonderland stretching far past the front door.
Glass Ornaments Worthy of a Family Heirloom Box
Hand-blown glass is the star of the ornament shelves. The shop specializes in Old World and glass-blown pieces that feel made to last for generations.
Brand fans will spot plenty of familiar names. The shelves include Old World Christmas, Christopher Radko, Inge-Glas from Germany, and Polish glass.
These are detailed, handcrafted ornaments you won’t usually find at big box stores. Each one shows careful painting and shaping, from tiny foods to festive characters.
Collectors have more to explore beyond glass. Department 56, Jim Shore, Willow Tree, and Mark Roberts Fairies also have a place here.
Here’s a practical idea worth stealing. Pick one ornament each year as a family tradition, maybe something tied to a trip or milestone.
Over time, your tree turns into a scrapbook you can hang. Every branch tells a story, and that beats a box of matching plastic balls.
Price ranges vary, so there’s usually something for different budgets. Take your time comparing styles before choosing.
Fragile treasures deserve care on the ride home too. Ask about wrapping, and keep your bag away from the backseat shuffle.
Your future self will thank you every December.
Tiny Villages and Nativities Get a Room of Their Own
Little lights glow across rows of miniature scenes in one special room. It’s dedicated to lighted displays, nativities, and decorative figurines for the home.
This corner of The Christmas Shoppe feels calmer than the ornament areas. Your eyes can wander slowly over tiny rooftops, figures, and festive details.
Nativities hold a meaningful spot here. That fits the owners’ heartfelt focus on the faith behind the season.
Village collectors should plan extra time. Small lighted buildings invite you to build a whole tabletop town, one piece at a time.
Planning ahead helps a lot. Measure your mantel, shelf, or side table at home before you shop.
That way, you’ll know whether you have room for one cozy cottage or an entire snowy street. Nobody wants a village that won’t fit the living room.
Figurines also make thoughtful gifts for people who seem to have everything. A small, handsome piece can become part of someone’s holiday setup for years.
Spend a minute just looking, even if you don’t buy. The glow of these miniature worlds is the kind of quiet holiday cheer that sticks with you on the walk back outside.
Wreaths, Bows, and Decorating Help for the Overwhelmed
Not everyone has a knack for fluffing garland. Thankfully, the shop offers help beyond selling decorations.
Custom-made wreaths are available, built to suit different styles and spaces. Custom bow making is offered too, which saves you from wrestling ribbon at midnight.
Personalization services can add names or special touches to items. That turns a simple ornament into a keepsake with your family’s stamp on it.
The Christmas Shoppe also provides professional decorating services. If your holiday vision is bigger than your free time, that’s handy to know.
Think of it as calling in backup elves. Busy families, new homeowners, and anyone hosting a big gathering could find real relief here.
My suggestion is to plan early for custom work. Holiday calendars fill quickly, so reaching out before the rush is a smart move.
Bring photos of your door, mantel, or tree if you want ideas. Visual clues make it easier to match colors and size.
A handmade wreath also makes a lovely housewarming gift. It’s practical, cheerful, and far more personal than another candle.
Sometimes the best present is simply a home that already looks festive, without the tangled lights.
Easter, Halloween, and an Elf Named S’more Keep Things Lively
Christmas rules the roost, yet other holidays get invited to the party. The shop sells seasonal items for Easter, Halloween, and more throughout the year.
That variety means a spring visit can still send you home with something festive. Fall shoppers may find a spooky section mixed into the merry one.
Boerne souvenirs and toys round things out nicely. They’re great for visitors who want a small reminder of their Hill Country trip.
Then there’s S’more, the shop’s resident Elf on the Shelf. This little character pops up on their social media and blog.
It’s a playful touch that shows the shop’s sense of humor. Kids who follow along may enjoy spotting their favorite elf’s adventures.
The Christmas Shoppe stays open year-round, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays run noon to 6 p.m.
It closes only on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. That makes it easy to slip in during almost any trip.
So don’t save your visit just for December. Swing by in April or October and see how a Christmas shop dresses up for other seasons.
Make a Day of It Along the Hill Country Mile
Shopping here comes with a bonus. You’ll find The Christmas Shoppe at 132 S Main St, Boerne, TX 78006, right in historic downtown.
South Main Street is also called Hauptstrasse, a nod to the town’s German heritage. It anchors Boerne’s Hill Country Mile shopping district.
That location makes it easy to build a whole outing. Pair your ornament hunt with a stroll past more local shops along the strip.
Comfortable shoes are a smart call. Downtown invites wandering, and you’ll want to explore without sore feet cutting the fun short.
The shop’s owners have deep roots in community celebrations too. They previously helped establish and manage events like Dickens on Main, the Weihnachts Parade, Stocking Stroll, and Market Days.
They continue to support and sponsor local events today. That connection makes the shop feel woven into Boerne’s holiday personality.
Check the town’s event calendar before your trip. Planning around a festive celebration could make your visit even more memorable.
I can’t think of a cheerier anchor for a Texas day trip. Come for the glass ornaments, stay for the charming street, and leave with a pickle in your bag.
