Christmas in the Park

See the park in lights, enjoy holiday activities, and CAMP FOR FREE when you decorate your campsite!

Experience Christmas on the Coast! Visitors are invited to enjoy a *FREE* drive through the Live Oak forest to see campsites decorated in lights and join us at "Santa's Village" at the CCC Recreation Hall for holiday crafts, games, hot chocolate around the campfire, and more. Vote for your favorite campsite, and prizes will be awarded to the top three. 

How to camp for free: When registration opens (in October), email sara.rock@tpwd.texas.gov to request a campsite to decorate. Eligible campsites are 120-132 and 147-157. Only those sites are eligible for waived camping fees. Please note that emailing to request a campsite does NOT mean you are registered. We receive a high volume of requests, and it can take several days to process them.

When: Saturday, Dec. 13, 5:30-8:30pm
Where to see the decorated sites: Wooded area, map to be provided upon arrival
Location of other activities: CCC Recreation Hall
Bring: the whole family! Dress for the weather as the Rec Hall does not have AC or heat.
Cost: Free! Entrance fees will be waived during the event

Activities and vendors: Civil War era campsite with reenactors, campfire s'mores, hot cocoa and apple cider, ornament-making, photo opportunities with Santa, and more!

2024 partners include:
TPWD Buffalo Soldiers
TPWD Game Wardens
Goliad State Park and Historic Site
Lamar Volunteer Fire Department
Maritime Museum
International Crane Foundation
Wings Rescue Center
Texas Master Naturalists - South Chapter
Welder Wildlife Refuge
Bay Area Education Center