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AUSTIN – Falling leaves, chilly weather and migratory birds heading south mark the beginning of the holiday season in Texas. Starting this weekend, come enjoy a suite of different seasonal activities hosted by Texas State Parks for visitors of all ages, ranging from Thanksgiving potlucks to themed guided walks, crafting events and more.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) highly encourages anyone planning a trip to a Texas State Park to reserve a day pass in advance since some parks are expected to reach their capacity limit. Reserve day passes online or over the phone by calling (512) 3898900.
For more information about all holiday activities at Texas State Parks and TPWD sites, visit the TPWD calendar page or Holidays in the Parks page.
December
Get in the holiday spirit with Lake Corpus Christi State Park’s 6th Annual Holiday Light Drive-Thru. From 6–9 p.m. on Dec. 6, visitors can enter the park for a drive-through of the illuminated areas of the park. This event is free for visitors who arrive between 6–9 p.m. and participate only in the drivethrough event.
Party down state parksstyle at Huntsville State Park for its Christmas Party at Raven Lodge. From 5–7 p.m. on Dec. 6., visitors can expect an eventful holiday- themed evening decorating ornaments and the lodge. This event is free and accessible to the public.
Experience the holiday traditions of the borderlands at Fort Leaton State Historic Site’s annual traditional Mexican Posada event from 6–8 p.m. on Dec. 13. Over 1,000 candles will illuminate the historic fort, with staff offering guided tours. Afterward, visitors can enjoy traditional holiday drinks, snacks, pinatas and mariachi.
Join park staff this holiday season at Tyler State Park from 5–10 p.m. on Dec. 13 for a festive celebration of lights, ranger story time, crafting, stargazing and more. Entrance to the event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for a food drive supporting the East Texas Food Bank.
Get a glimpse into Christmas life of the 1800s at Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site. From 5–7 p.m. on Dec. 13, The Ghosts of Christmas Past event will walk visitors back in time to observe the fort and the “ghosts” of cavalry soldiers and their families as they celebrate Christmas from the 1870s. Visitors will meet at the historic fort and should plan to bring drinking water and a jacket for chilly weather.
Get creative and inspired by the beauty of nature at Blanco State Park’s Watercolors on the Blanco: Holiday Card Edition event from 2–3:30 p.m. on Dec. 20. This fun and relaxing event is perfect for experienced artists and beginners and lets visitors create custom holiday cards to send to friends and family or to keep as keepsakes.
Outdoor explorers and armchair adventurers: Get the best of the Texas outdoors dropped into your mailbox 10 times a year. A subscription to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine is just $2 a month and includes full access to our digital app library featuring more than 800 stories spotlighting the best of Texas’ wild things and wild places. Visit tpwmagazine. com/subscriptions/ to subscribe today.
