The holidays are upon us and the Texas Historical Commission's state historic sites have festive events for the whole family. Discover any of our state historic sites in our official guide, or plan to attend one of our upcoming events. Explore the list below or visit the Calendar of Events page. Scroll down to get inspired by our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide.
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Dec. 3: Castroville Candlelight Tour of Homes, Landmark Inn, Castroville
Landmark Inn will serve as a starting point for visitors to begin their tour of five historic homes. Each stop on the Candlelight Tour will feature entertainment, including vocalists, a bell choir, and much more.
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Dec. 3: Holiday Open House, Magoffin Home, El Paso
Experience Christmas decorations from two eras, listen to holiday tunes from an 1881 box grand piano, enjoy sweet refreshments, build "adobe" homes from crispy treats, string a garland, and color photos from the past.
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Dec. 8: A Very Rayburn Holiday, Sam Rayburn House, Bonham
See how the holiday was celebrated in the mid-20th century with self-guided tours of the first floor of the Rayburn home, then join us for cookies and cocoa in our visitors center.
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Dec. 10: Christmas Sing-Along with the Goodnights, Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch, Goodnight
Sing along to your favorite Western-themed holiday songs with the band around a roaring campfire. This free event includes live music, history, and a walk through the ranch house, all decorated for the holiday.
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Dec. 10: Caroling at the Mansion, Fulton Mansion, Rockport
Take a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, then enjoy a holiday performance by the Rockport Fulton Middle School Choir. Tours of the Mansion will be provided throughout the evening.
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Dec. 10: Cooking Demo: Holidays in the 1850s, French Legation, Austin
Savor the smells of a full 1850s holiday meal being prepared in the home’s detached kitchen.
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Dec. 13-23: Holiday on the Home Front, Eisenhower Birthplace, Denison
Take part in arts and crafts including paper-plate wreaths, mini-stocking decorations, and more. Activities include historical Christmas vignettes, craft making, Christmas tea, caroling, and pictures with Saint Nicholas.
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Dec. 16: Christmas Celebration, Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
Celebrate the day that Marilda Maxey first moved into the Maxey House. Enjoy sweet treats, games, and Christmas ornament crafts for everyone.
Archeological Sites
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Dec. 9-10, 16-18: Trail of Lights, Kreische Brewery, La Grange
The site’s grounds will be transformed with beautiful holiday lights. While walking the trail, guests can explore living history programs at the Kreische House and enjoy live music, holiday refreshments, visits with Santa, crafts, and more. The site will remain open Dec. 19-23 for visitors to continue to enjoy the decorations.
Military Sites
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Dec. 17: Victorian Christmas Fair, Fort McKavett
Join the soldiers, officers, ladies, and children of Fort McKavett as they explore the holiday season on the Texas frontier. Enjoy Christmas tea and carolers, meet Saint Nicolas, decorate cookies, and make unique crafts.
Texas Independence and Republic Sites
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Nov. 26: Twilight Firelight, Fanthorp Inn, Anderson
Board a replica stagecoach or wagon for a ride down Main Street to the Fanthorp Inn. Upon arrival visitors will step off the coach and into the 1850s as the soft glow of a candle flickers in the parlor window and the sound of fiddles fills the air.
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Dec. 9-10: Candlelight Christmas, Barrington Plantation, Washington
Discover the origins of some favorite holiday traditions as costumed interpreters bring to life the festivities of the season with musket fire, music, and more.
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Dec. 10: Christmas at San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe de Austin
Enjoy activities including readings of “Legend of the Poinsettia” and poinsettia papercraft activities for kids, and baked goods and refreshments at the outdoor oven in the Villa de Austin historic townsite exhibit.
Show your support for historic places in Texas by giving holiday gifts from the Texas Historical Commission! Many of our state historic sites offer unique gifts made by artisans across Texas. We are pleased to share this holiday gift guide to inspire ideas for fans of history and heritage travel.
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