If Christmas in Texas has a soundtrack, the chorus is a chorus of steamers hissing and families swapping foil wrapped dozens of tamales.
The best spots sell out fast, and locals know to call ahead, line up early, and bring extra napkins.
This guide points you straight to beloved kitchens where masa, filling, and tradition come together just in time for holiday gatherings.
Read on so your table is stacked with the good stuff before the rush hits.
Delia’s Specializing in Tamales — San Antonio
Holiday tradition starts at the counter, where warm bundles are tucked into husks that glisten with just enough sheen. Delia’s is famous for moving serious volume, yet every tamal still tastes personal, like a recipe honed at family tables. Order pork or chicken first, then branch into jalapeno cheese or bean for a balanced dozen that makes everyone happy.
Lines form early the week before Christmas, but the system is smooth and the staff gives honest timing. You will want to call in large orders, because by noon the regulars have already claimed their trays. The masa is tender with a gentle corn aroma, and the fillings are seasoned so you taste meat, chiles, and a whisper of cumin instead of blunt heat.
Pair them with a quick salsa roja, or keep it classic with a side of caldo to sip between bites. Reheating is easy: steam for a few minutes until the husk loosens and the masa springs back. If gifting, double wrap in foil and add a note recommending a warm up on Christmas morning.
What makes Delia’s special is consistency under pressure, delivering hundreds of dozens without losing that handmade integrity. Prices are fair for the quality, and the seasonal vibe is downright cheerful. Bring a cooler for the drive, because nothing hurts more than missing out on leftovers.
Parking can get tight, so expect curbside choreography and patient drivers shuffling spots. Inside, the rhythm of orders, the sweet corn scent, and the chatter builds a festive mood you can carry home. When the table is set and the first husk peels back, that aroma says the holiday has officially begun.
Alamo Tamales — Houston
At Alamo Tamales, the calendar flips to December and the city remembers where to stock the freezer. This longstanding Houston institution treats masa with respect, keeping it fluffy, well seasoned, and never dry. Pork tamales carry deep red chile flavor, while chicken leans bright with broth and a touch of spice.
Plan ahead, because holiday preorders close quickly as office parties and family posadas pile on. The shop rolls out trays that fit perfectly into your oven for last minute heating. Ask for extra salsa verde to cut through the richness and add a clean zing to each bite.
Texture matters here, from the way the husk peels cleanly to the gentle resistance of the masa. You will taste balance rather than bluster, the kind of flavor that invites a second and third tamal without regret. Vegetarian options round out the order so every guest feels considered.
Service is brisk but warm, the kind that remembers faces and favorite mixes. If you are new, a sampler dozen lets you lock in favorites before committing to party sized trays. The staff will remind you about steaming tips, because proper heat turns good tamales great.
On pickup day, arrive with time to spare, as the lot fills with minivans and coolers. The shop buzzes with families swapping traditions, from aguas frescas to dessert empanadas. Walk out with armfuls of foil wrapped joy and the sense that your holiday menu is officially set.
The Tamale Joint — Houston
The Tamale Joint feels like a neighborhood handshake, quick, friendly, and full of flavor. Handmade tamales anchor the menu, with fillings that lean classic but never boring. Pork with red chile is the crowd favorite, while chicken with green sauce brings a gentle tang that plays well with rice.
As Christmas week approaches, the staff ramps up production and reminds guests to call ahead. Trays are packaged for easy reheating, and you can add tacos for a balanced spread. Grab a pint of queso or salsa to keep the snacks rolling as gifts are wrapped and stories are traded.
The masa here is pleasantly moist, the kind you barely need to dress. A little crema, a squeeze of lime, and you are set for an easy dinner by the tree. If you are hosting, order mixed dozens to keep the table lively with color and aroma.
Service is kind and no nonsense, which helps during the seasonal rush. They will tell you exactly how long the wait will be and hand you a ticket with a smile. The kitchen stays visible, so you can watch steam rise and feel your appetite kick in.
The vibe is casual, the kind of place that becomes part of your holiday routine. Bring a cooler if you are driving far, and stash a secret half dozen for breakfast. When the first husk opens and the corn perfume floats up, you will be glad you planned ahead.
Tamale House East — Austin
Tamale House East is an Austin ritual, especially when the tree lights switch on and neighbors plan tamaladas. The menu blends breakfast comfort with classic tamales that sell fast as the week winds down. Pork, chicken, and bean options hit all the notes, and the salsa gets your attention without overpowering.
Order early, because this place draws lines and loyalists who know the schedule. A box of dozens turns into an instant party, especially paired with migas, rice, and beans. The masa carries that fresh corn aroma you can smell the moment the lid opens.
The patio feels relaxed, but during the holidays it hums with anticipation and clinking to go bags. Staff handle the pace with ease, guiding newcomers toward best sellers and smart reheating tips. You will leave with hot stacks and a plan to sneak one on the car ride home.
Flavor is balanced and comforting, with a homestyle vibe that invites seconds. Red chile pork leans savory and deep, while the green chicken brings brightness to the plate. Vegetarian tamales hold their own with creamy textures and a satisfying finish.
If you are prepping for Christmas morning, stash a dozen for breakfast with coffee. A quick steam returns everything to peak warmth and tender bite. By the time gifts are opened, you will be plotting another run for New Year’s gatherings.
Tommy Tamale — Grapevine
Tommy Tamale in Grapevine feels like a reliable friend who shows up early with a warm cooler. The lineup spans traditional pork and chicken to jalapeno cheese and even dessert varieties. Every batch carries a consistent masa texture, tender and never chalky, which keeps the table quiet with happy focus.
Holiday ordering is smooth, with clear pickup windows and staff who pack trays like pros. If you are a planner, buy extra and freeze them, because January cravings are real. Their salsas add punchy brightness, especially the verde that wakes up mild fillings.
The dining room buzzes with neighbors catching up, but takeout is the move during crunch time. Grab Mexican rice, beans, and a queso add on so the sides are covered without stress. You will appreciate the tidy labeling that makes sorting dozens easy when the crowd arrives.
Flavor wise, pork red is the anchor, with depth that hints at toasted spices. Chicken green feels lighter, a nice counterpoint for guests who want something less rich. Cheese jalapeno delivers gentle heat perfect for snacking between carols and card games.
Parking is straightforward, and the staff guides you through the line with good cheer. The best tip is to reheat with steam, not the microwave, for that springy masa bite. When trays land on your table and the room fills with corn and chile perfume, the party officially begins.
Tommy Tamale Market & Cafe — Coppell
The Coppell sister to the Grapevine favorite keeps the same steady rhythm and holiday magic. Expect generous dozens, clean labeling, and helpful advice on reheating that actually works. The menu spans beef, chicken, pork, and seasonal specials that round out party trays without fuss.
Christmas week brings a friendly rush, so preorder to secure early pickup slots. Sides and queso fly out the door, turning a tamale run into a full dinner solution. You will want extra salsa verde, because it brightens each bite and keeps the plate lively.
The masa here is moist and fragrant, peeling from the husk with just the right cling. Pork red is hearty, beef carries a savory richness, and chicken sings with green chile. Vegetarian options come through with creamy comfort that surprises meat lovers.
Staff are upbeat and efficient, handing out tips like steam times and best freezer practices. Grab insulated bags if you are hopping between gatherings around the Metroplex. The process feels festive, almost like a neighborhood relay where everyone wins dinner.
When you finally sit down, the first bite will confirm why this place is holiday essential. The flavors are familiar, the textures reassuring, and the table conversation warms right up. Save a hidden dozen for breakfast, because nothing beats tamales and coffee while the house wakes.
Taqueria & Tamaleria Nuevo León — Richardson
In Richardson, Taqueria & Tamaleria Nuevo León blends taqueria energy with a tamalera’s heart. Families queue for classic pork tamales that taste like home kitchens on a cold morning. The masa is tender, lightly seasoned, and built to complement rather than overpower the filling.
Christmas week turns the counter into a neighborhood reunion, so call ahead for large orders. Trays come wrapped tight and ready for the steamer, which preserves that springy bite. Add tacos al pastor for variety and a splash of pineapple sweetness alongside the tamales.
Red chile pork sits center stage, with a mellow heat that lingers just enough. Chicken brings herbal warmth from green chiles, and bean tamales carry a creamy comfort. If you want to stretch the spread, pick up rice, beans, and a bright pico de gallo.
Service is kind and efficient, offering honest wait times and smart reheating guidance. You will appreciate the way the husk releases cleanly, a sign of well balanced fat and moisture. The aroma alone can quiet a room as guests gather around the first opened tray.
Parking gets busy, but turnover is constant and the mood stays patient. Stop by with a cooler and a short list so you can pivot if a flavor sells out. Once those dozens land at home, you will know your holiday menu is anchored and stress is lower.
Rosie’s Tamale House — Austin
Rosie’s Tamale House wraps Austin nostalgia in corn husks, serving hearty tamales that feel made for winter nights. The shop moves fast during Christmas week, but the friendliness never slips. Pork red and chicken green headline, with beef and bean ready to round out mixed dozens.
Order early and consider a second run if guests expand, because this place draws last minute shoppers. The masa is substantial without heaviness, the kind that holds together yet melts when steamed. A spoon of salsa roja adds smoky depth that makes each bite feel special.
Comfort food runs deep here, from enchiladas to rice and beans that travel well. You can build a full feast without turning on the stove, which keeps hosting stress low. Ask for reheating instructions and napkins, because the table will go quiet once trays open.
Flavor skews classic and satisfying rather than adventurous, which suits mixed age gatherings. Kids gravitate to mild chicken, while spice seekers layer on extra salsa or pick jalapeno cheese. The balance means everyone returns for seconds and the conversation keeps flowing.
Parking is manageable, and pickup lines move with neighborly patience. When you settle in at home, the perfume of warm masa says the party is ready. Save a few for breakfast with eggs, because leftover tamales make the holiday stretch further.
B & B Tamales & Food To Go — San Antonio
B & B Tamales & Food To Go feels like a local secret even though the line gives it away. Families swing by in the days before Christmas to stock up on pork and chicken favorites. The masa is soft and fragrant, with fillings that lean savory and deeply satisfying.
Preorders are smart here, as sellouts happen when the neighborhood shows up all at once. Trays are sealed tight for transport and labeled to keep sorting easy at home. Ask for salsa verde and a little roja so every plate finds its perfect pairing.
The flavor profile stays true to tradition, balancing chile warmth with meaty comfort. You can serve them with rice and beans, or keep it simple with hot chocolate and coffee. If gifting, wrap a dozen in festive foil and include steaming directions for best results.
Service is efficient and kind, even when the pace climbs. Staff will steer you toward crowd pleasing mixes and honest timelines. You will feel taken care of, which matters when holiday checklists run long.
Parking is a quick shuffle, but turnover is constant and the energy stays upbeat. When you finally sit down and peel back the first husk, the room goes quiet in the best way. That first bite tells you Christmas has arrived and the rest of the evening will be easy.
Leal’s Tamale Factory — Lubbock
Leal’s Tamale Factory anchors West Texas holiday tables with steady, soulful tamales. The shop turns out pork, chicken, and bean varieties that travel well across windy plains. Masa is well seasoned and tender, releasing cleanly from the husk after a gentle steam.
Order ahead when December crowds build, because large party trays go quickly. Staff pack everything for the road, complete with reheating tips that protect texture. Add salsa and a stack of napkins and you are ready for a family feast without kitchen chaos.
Pork red brings depth and comfort, while chicken green keeps things bright and herbaceous. Bean tamales offer creamy satisfaction that pairs nicely with sharp cheddar and onions. If you want to stretch leftovers, slice and crisp them on a skillet for next day breakfast tacos.
The counter crew works with calm efficiency, even as coolers line up by the door. You will feel the hospitality that makes repeat visits a given. The aroma in the car turns any drive into a patience test you are happy to take.
Come pickup day, bring a list and flexibility in case a flavor sells out. The good news is every option hits, so substitutions never disappoint. By the time trays open at home, the warmth of masa and chile makes the room feel festive.
Josefina’s Tamales — Granbury
Josefina’s Tamales is the kind of small town gem that turns first timers into loyalists. Handmade tamales come packed with flavor, and the masa carries that soft, fragrant lift you hope for. Pork and chicken lead, with occasional specials that keep curiosity high around the holidays.
Because the shop is cozy, Christmas week means calling ahead and arriving on time. Trays are wrapped snug for the ride home, and the counter team gives clear reheating directions. Grab a couple salsas and maybe a sweet treat if you want a rounded spread.
The flavors land comforting and honest, with chiles that glow rather than burn. You can set out a simple platter and watch everyone ease into conversation. For morning traditions, these tamales pair perfectly with coffee and a slow unwrap by the tree.
Service is neighborly, and you will likely hear names exchanged and holiday wishes offered. If you are new, ask for a mixed dozen to map preferences before the big gathering. They will guide you toward best sellers and a sensible quantity for your crowd.
Parking is straightforward, and the pickup rhythm feels calm even when busy. Once home, steam gently to preserve that supple masa texture. The first bite carries warmth that spreads through the room and makes the season feel settled.
Gonzalez Tamalez Y Mas — Anson
Gonzalez Tamalez Y Mas in Anson proves great tamales thrive beyond big city buzz. The menu leans classic, with pork, chicken, and bean options that please a crowd without fuss. Masa arrives tender and aromatic, built to shine after a short steam at home.
Holiday weeks bring steady traffic, so call to reserve dozens and confirm pickup times. The staff packs trays securely for longer drives across central Texas. Add a couple salsas and some rice and beans to turn your haul into a complete meal.
Pork red offers deep comfort, while chicken green brings bright herbal notes. Bean tamales deliver creamy satisfaction that pairs well with crumbly queso fresco. You can lay out a mixed platter and watch it disappear between stories and laughs.
Service is friendly and straightforward, the kind of hospitality that makes errands feel lighter. They will gladly share reheating advice to keep the masa springy and the husk peel clean. You will leave with confidence and a car that smells like pure holiday promise.
Parking is easy, and the mood remains unhurried even during the rush. Once home, a gentle steam wakes everything up and brings that corn perfume to the room. By the time the first dozen is gone, you will be planning a return trip before New Year’s.