TPWD Calendar
Use the links in the left column to find events by activity, region, site and date. Links are also listed for canceled events and restricted access to sites, as well as special calendars for landowners, state parks and wildlife management areas.
Holidays
November 10–11, 2007/2008 — San Jacinto Monument SHS — Veteran's Day Weekend — All military personnel, active and retired, receive free admission and are invited to ride the famous 489-foot elevator to the top of the monument, view the digital presentation Texas Forever!! The Battle of San Jacinto, tour Drawn from Experience: Landmark Maps of Texas at the San Jacinto Museum of History, an exhibit that features more than fifty important maps depicting Texas and the Gulf Coast region that date from the 16th century to the present. Learn about Texas through a visit to the San Jacinto Museum of History, located at the base of the Monument. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (281) 479-2421. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About San Jacinto Monument SHS]
November 22–January 1, 2007/2008 — Starr Family Home SHS — Candlelight Christmas Dinners — In conjunction with the Wonderland of Lights Festival, we will offer our annual catered dinners compete with musical entertainment and a tour of the beautiful Starr Mansion. These are for group bookings by reservation only. Call for times, fees, reservations and more information (903) 935-3044. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Starr Family Home SHS]
November 23, 2007 — Goose Island SP — Karankawa Thanksgiving — In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims of Plymouth Massachusetts were celebrating their new harvest with their Native American friends. What was going on down on the Texas Gulf Coast? Come learn about the native people of the Gulf Coastal Bend and their way of life as we explore the Karankawa Indians. 7 p.m. (361) 729-2858. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Goose Island SP] [Featured Events]
November 24, 2007 — Fanthorp Inn SHS — Twilight-Firelight — Visit the 1850s stagecoach inn bedecked with lanterns, luminaries and decorations. The inn comes to life with dulcimer music, the dulcet tones of Latrelle Lindon, cowboy poetry, living history and period characters! Ride the stagecoach and wagon from the historic Grimes County Courthouse to the inn. Enjoy holiday fare and start the holidays off right. 4:30-7:30 p.m.; fees $6 adults, $4 children 12 and under (936) 873-2633. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Fanthorp Inn SHS] [Featured Events]
November 24, 2007 — Lyndon B. Johnson SP&HS — Holiday Cookie Decorating and German Traditions — Have fun decorating cookies as it was done for a German Christmas tree in the 1900s at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Enjoy hearing the legend of St. Nicholas and experience other German holiday activities and traditions such as wreath and candle making on the farm. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (830) 644-2252. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Lyndon B. Johnson SP&HS] [Featured Events]
November 28– January 6, 2007/2008 — Fulton Mansion SHS — Holiday Tours of the Mansion — See the beautiful Victorian decorations and huge Christmas tree as you learn about the holiday traditions of the past. Hourly tours 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (361) 729-0386. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Fulton Mansion SHS]
December 1, 2007 — Brazos Bend SP — Simple Christmas — Escape the hustle and bustle of the season. Enjoy an afternoon and evening of the simple life: making s'mores, Dutch oven cooking, pi atas, hayrides plus a visit from a "Southern Santa." Bring a picnic supper to enjoy while you listen to the sounds of The Brazos River Pickers, an old-time, bluegrass band at the outdoor amphitheater. Refreshments available. 3-7 p.m. (979) 553-5101. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Brazos Bend SP] [Featured Events]
December 1, 2007 — Goliad SP — Christmas at the Mission — Hear a Christmas concert presented by the Beeville Community Chorus, held in the chapel of the Spanish Colonial Mission Espiritu Santo de Zuniga. 8 p.m. (361) 645-3405. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Goliad SP]
December 1, 2007 — Varner-Hogg Plantation SHS — Candlelight Christmas Open House — Step back in time to the 1850s with an evening tour of the Varner-Hogg Plantation House, given by docents in period dress, and experience the magic of a Victorian Christmas. Crafts for children, as well as refreshments will be available. 6-8 p.m.; tour fees waived for this event (979) 345-4656. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Varner-Hogg Plantation SHS]
December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 2007 — Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway — Cross Timbers Cowboy Campfire Christmas — Bring the whole family to the park for a Cowboy Christmas weekend. Saturday night join us at the Lone Star Amphitheater for a campfire and a program of cowboy music, poetry and sing-along with a Christmas theme. Campfire program begins at 6 p.m. Friday Sunday drive through the park and enjoy a Cowboy Christmas light display from dusk-10 p.m., (940) 327-8950. (940) 328-1171. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway]
December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 2007 — Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS — Trail of Lights — Enjoy a fantastic quarter-mile trail illuminated with thousands of lights that decorate the Monument Hill and Kreische House portions of our park. Walk a trail overlooking the town of La Grange. Experience the more traditionally decorated 1850s-era German home of H.L. Kreische, bedecked in Christmas splendor, in a Texas-German style. Bring your children to tell secrets to Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and enjoy the genuine seasonal hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, who sponsor the event. Get into the Season's spirit with us! 6-8 p.m.; fees $3 adults, $1 children 3-12; reservations required (979) 968-5658. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS] [Featured Events]
December 1–31, 2007 — Battleship Texas SHS — Yuletide Texas — Christmas was a very special time for the sailors and officers who served aboard Battleship TEXAS. Visit throughout the month of December to see the Battleship TEXAS adorned with lights, ornaments and decorations in the spirit of the season, just the way the crew members who served aboard her did while serving their country. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; fees free for Texas State Parks Pass members, $10 non-members, $5 senior citizens, free for children 12 and under (281) 479-2431. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Battleship Texas SHS]
December 2007 — Goliad SP — History in Lights — Stroll the grounds of Mission Espiritu Santo and view the lighting exhibit, celebrating the more than 250 year history of this old Spanish Colonial mission. Dark-10 p.m. daily. (361) 645-3405. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Goliad SP]
December 2007 — Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS — Early German Christmas — Get into the season's spirit with us! Walk along the fantastic quarter-mile trail overlooking the town of La Grange and be delighted by the thousands of lights that illuminate it. Experience the more traditionally decorated 1850s-era German home of H.L. Kreische, bedecked in Christmas splendor, in a Texas-German style. Enjoy the genuine seasonal hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, who sponsor the event. Entertainment and refreshments provided. Call for times, dates and more information; fee $12 adults; available by reservation only to groups of 30 or more (979) 968-5658. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS] [Featured Events]
December 7–8, 2007 — Fulton Mansion SHS — Historic Homes Tour — Visit six beautiful, historical homes in Rockport and Fulton that have been decked out in holiday finery. Proceeds benefit the Fulton Mansion Education and History Center. 4-8 p.m. Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday (361) 729-0386. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Fulton Mansion SHS]
December 8, 2007 — Barrington Living History Farm-Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS — Candlelight Christmas — Come share a traditional Christmas with the Jones family at their annual gathering of friends and neighbors. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a sampling of 1850s crafts, games, music and dancing. Wassail and cookies will be served. 1-8 p.m.; fees: $2 Texas State Parks Pass members, $6 non-members, $4 students, free for children 6 and under. (936) 878-2213. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [Featured Events]
December 8, 2007 — Cedar Hill SP — Caroling Through Penn Farm — We will begin the evening with a lantern lit tour of Penn Farm then have a Christmas carol sing-along around the campfire. Afterwards we will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. 6-7:30 p.m.; call to confirm program (972) 291-3900, ext. 232. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Cedar Hill SP]
December 8, 2007 — Fulton Mansion SHS — Caroling at the Mansion — Bring the family for old-fashioned caroling on the grounds. Listen to Col. George Fulton read "A Visit from St. Nicolas." After caroling, enjoy gingerbread and cider while strolling the beautiful gardens. For a reduced fee, see the Christmas decorations inside the home and shop for unique Victorian gifts in the gift shop. 6:30-8 p.m. (361) 729-0386. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Fulton Mansion SHS]
December 8, 2007 — Stephen F. Austin SP — Christmas Caroling Hayride — Enjoy caroling through the park on a hayride, then share cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. 6-8 p.m.; admission is one canned good per person (979) 885-3613. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Stephen F. Austin SP] [Featured Events]
December 8, 2007 — Stephen F. Austin SP — Pancake Breakfast with Santa — Join Santa for a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee and let him know all your dreams for this Christmas. 8-10 a.m.; fee $4 per person (979) 885-3613. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Stephen F. Austin SP] [Featured Events]
December 8, 2007 — Tyler SP — Christmas Caroling — Take a caroling hayride through the park! Enjoy all the sights and sounds of the park and don't miss the opportunity to pick up some unusual Christmas gifts at the park store, while enjoying hot apple cider and cookies. 5-8 p.m. (903) 597-5338. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Tyler SP]
December 15, 2007 — Martin Dies, Jr. SP — Holiday Celebration — Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of activities and music. At 2 p.m. we will hold our Annual Gingerbread House Design and Construction Marathon,with the Friends of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park supplying all supplies to create truly unique creations. At 4 p.m. we will have a festive sing-along live-band concert of seasonal songs and hymns. All activities held in the Dining Hall. 2-5 p.m.; call for more information (409) 384-5231. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Martin Dies, Jr. SP] [Featured Events]
December 15, 2007 — Purtis Creek SP — Christmas Celebration — Gather around the Christmas tree and sing carols, visit with Santa and enjoy hot chocolate, cider and candy canes, provided by the Friends of Purtis Creek. Call for times and more information. (903) 425-2332. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Purtis Creek SP]
December 15, 2007 — Sheldon Lake SP — Holidays with Nature — Celebrate the holidays the wild(life) way! Join us in creating wildlife tree ornaments that can be taken home or put in a tree at park. Along with hot cocoa and apple cider, children can enjoy coloring and writing letters to Santa to receive a post card from Ole Saint Nick himself! 1-4 p.m. (281) 456-2800. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Sheldon Lake SP] [Featured Events]
December 15–January 1, 2007/2008 — Canceled — Big Spring SP — Poinsettias in the Park — Visit the park and see three large metal poinsettias (each one 20 feet wide and 8 feet tall) wrapped in Christmas lights. These lights will be placed on the edge of the 200-foot bluff at the northern limit of the Edwards Plateau in the park. This is in conjunction with the Festival of Lights at the neighboring Comanche Trail Park with more than 900,000 Christmas lights. Dark-10 p.m. (432) 263-4931. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Big Spring SP] [Featured Events]
December 16, 2007 — Lyndon B. Johnson SP&HS — 38th Annual Tree Lighting — Come join the Texas Hill Country community in this special tradition started 38 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments and of course, the spectacular tree lighting. Then step back in time to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm for cookies amid glowing lanterns and a traditional candlelit German Christmas tree. LBJ Park Bookstore and Gift Shop will be open and many other things to help you get into the holiday spirit. 6 p.m. (830) 644-2252. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Lyndon B. Johnson SP&HS] [Featured Events]
December 17, 2007 — Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center — Christmas on the Border — Join our staff and volunteers in celebrating the holiday season in West Texas border fashion. Local community performers will provide the entertainment. Refreshments and treats will be served and Santa Claus will visit with the children. 6:30-9 p.m. (432) 424-3327. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center] [Featured Events]
December 19, 2007 — Fort Leaton SHS — Christmas on the Border — Come help us celebrate Christmas! Join in our Posada, enjoy Folklorico dancers, refreshments and sing Christmas carols along with us. 7 p.m. (432) 229-3613. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Fort Leaton SHS]
December 22, 2007 — Battleship Texas SHS — Santa Swingin 40s Christmas — Visit the Battleship Texas and enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Write and mail letters to Santa, see dancing to swing music performed live onboard, enjoy hot wassail, meet and have your picture taken with Santa and much, much more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; fees free for Texas State Parks Pass members, $10 non-members, $5 senior citizens, free for children 12 and under (281) 479-2431. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Battleship Texas SHS] [Featured Events]
December 22, 2007 — Fort Richardson SP&HS & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway — A Visit With Saint Nick — Go back in time and visit with Saint Nick and see how he would have looked in the 1870s. Though similar in appearance to today's Santa Claus, not quite the same. See the commanding officers house decorated for the 1870 period. 2-4 p.m. (940) 567-3506. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Fort Richardson SP&HS & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway]
December 22, 2007 — Lake Texana SP — Christmas Carols — Celebrate Christmas as we sing carols around the campfire. 6-7 p.m. (361) 782-5718. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Lake Texana SP]
December 22, 2007 — Lake Texana SP — Christmas Crafts — Make your own Christmas crafts to give or decorate your home. Held at the Nature Center. 2-3 p.m. (361) 782-5718. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Lake Texana SP]
December 29, 2007 — Landmark Inn SHS — Holiday Dinner — A special candle-lit dinner served in a festive holiday atmosphere, catered by one of Castroville's gourmet dining establishments. Seating is limited to 40 for this fundraising event, proceeds benefiting Friends of the Landmark Inn. 6:30-8:30 p.m.; fee $25 per person; reservations required, deadline December 22, 2007 (830) 931-2133. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Landmark Inn SHS] [Featured Events]
February 9, 2008 — Lake Texana SP — Valentine Crafts — Come to the Nature Center to make a unique, nature-inspired valentine to give to someone special. 2-3 p.m. (361) 782-5718. [Events at the Same Site] [Events in the Same Region] [More About Lake Texana SP] [Featured Events]
Updated 2007-11-19 05:00:09
This calendar lists items sponsored by TPWD or in which TPWD is a participant.
Symbols and Abbreviations
- = Featured Event
- SP = State Park
- SHS = State Historic Site
- SP&HS = State Park and Historic Site
- SFH = State Fish Hatchery
- SNA = State Natural Area
- WMA = Wildlife Management Area
Calendars on Other Sites
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744