Holidays in the Parks!

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sent this bulletin at 12/03/2020 10:30 AM CST

The Holidays Are Here!

Enjoy the crisp air, cozy up to the campfire and let Texas State Parks and Historic Sites help you celebrate the holidays. Visit the Holidays in the Parks page and the Calendar of Events for all the safe and socially-distanced options.

You can now make reservations for most Texas state parks up to 5 months in advance for overnight visits and up to 30 days in advance for day visits.

Capacity limits are in place at all parks to ensure the health and safety of our visitors. Before you set out to enjoy the fresh air, make sure to check the park status and book your reservation in advance. We highly encourage reservations for both single-day and overnight visits.

Central Texas

There are great holiday happenings around the Austin and San Antonio areas. The grounds of Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill state historic sites will host the Trail of Lights on weekends from 5:30-8 p.m. in December. Join the Buffalo Soldiers from 12-5 p.m. on Dec. 11 for a Frontier Christmas at Lockhart State Park as they share stories about what Christmas meant to the soldiers.

Prairies and Pineywoods

Many state parks in North Central and East Texas are hosting family-friendly events. Enjoy Christmas in the Pineywoods on Dec. 4-5 at Martin Creek Lake or Christmas in the Park Dec. 16-19 at Daingerfield. Take a drive through the park and enjoy the decorated campsites and lights. Or you can check out the annual Twinkle Tour at Lake Tawakoni and Light up the Park at Eisenhower.

Gulf Coast and South Texas

Parks in the Houston and Corpus Christi areas have some fun events, including a Lighted Holiday by the Lake on Dec. 11-13 and a Christmas Light Drive Through on Dec. 12 at Lake Corpus Christi State Park. Take part in a self-guided holiday hike at Brazos Bend State Park from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dec. 19.

West Texas & the Panhandle

Check out holiday events in and around the Midland and El Paso areas. Take a drive-through tour of Abilene State Park during Fa La La in the Forest on Dec. 12 to see campsites, screened shelters and yurts adorned with lights and decorations. Join a wintery ranger-guided hike at Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site on Dec. 19 at the Home for the Holidays Hike (reservations required).

More on Holiday Events

Available now, the latest Under the Texas Sky podcast, Wanderlist – Holidays in the Parks, with state parks marketing and branding director Thomas Wilhelm. He’ll share what opportunities state parks have to offer you this holiday season.

Give the Gift of the Outdoors

Purchase the annual Christmas ornament for $19.95 each (plus tax, shipping and handling). This year's ornament shows kayaking at Sea Rim State Park! Purchase by Thursday, Dec. 15 for likely arrival before Christmas.

Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine is offering a special subscription deal for the holidays. Buy one gift subscription for $10 and get additional gifts for only $5 each. Don’t want to feel left out? Give yourself a subscription, too!

Gift cards can be use for park passes, entry and overnight fees, in-store purchases and more. Purchase gift cards online, by calling (512) 389-8900 or at most state parks. Shipping and handling fees apply to online and call center orders. Gift cards must be sent to the address on the purchasing customer's profile but are fully transferable to the gift recipient.

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