Calendar of Events

Holidays

December 2023

Dec 10
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 10
9:00p
End Date

Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
Help Santa rally up his team before the big day!
Dec 11
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 12
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 13
2:00p
End Date

Holidays for the Birds

Lockhart State Park
Join the elves in Santa’s workshop by making bird feeders for our feathered friends!
Dec 13
6:00p
End Date

Christmas in the Park

Daingerfield State Park
Start a new tradition with us by driving through the park lit up like Santa Land Wednesday through Saturday! You'll get to meet Santa himself on Friday and Saturday!
Dec 13
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 14
6:00p
End Date

Christmas in the Park

Daingerfield State Park
Start a new tradition with us by driving through the park lit up like Santa Land Wednesday through Saturday! You'll get to meet Santa himself on Friday and Saturday!
Dec 14
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 15
1:00p
End Date

A Crafty Caddo Christmas

Caddo Lake State Park
Deck the halls in our CCC Hall. Join us by the fire for hot chocolate, cookies, and creating your own Christmas tree ornaments. All supplies will be provided!
Dec 15
6:00p
End Date

Christmas in the Park

Daingerfield State Park
Start a new tradition with us by driving through the park lit up like Santa Land Wednesday through Saturday! You'll get to meet Santa himself on Friday and Saturday!
Dec 15
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 15
6:00p
End Date

Bonham State Park's Annual Christmas Light up the Park Event

Bonham State Park
🎉 Texas State Parks is 100 years old!! Celebrate this milestone with us at Bonham State Park. Drive through the campground and see the campsites decorated for the holiday season.
Dec 16 End Date

Free Entry with Toys for Tots Donation

Dinosaur Valley State Park
Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots and get your entrance fee waived!
Dec 16
9:00a
End Date

Winter Birding

Galveston Island State Park
Owl bet it will be a hoot
Dec 16
9:00a
End Date

Christmas is for the Birds

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Discover the power of citizen science while birding by using cell phone apps, like eBird and Merlin Bird ID by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Dec 16
10:00a
End Date

Home for the Holidays: Moderate Hike

❄️Join a ranger-guided moderate 2-mile hike amongst the rocks of Hueco Tanks!
Dec 16
10:00a
End Date

Christmas at the Rock

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Join the staff and volunteers at Enchanted Rock for "Christmas at the Rock." Fun for the whole family!
Dec 16
10:00a
End Date

Watercolor Holiday Cards

Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Create a watercolor card for your loved ones this holiday season!
Dec 16
10:00a
End Date

Holiday Storytime, Craft, and Hot Chocolate!

Blanco State Park
Join us to celebrate the holidays with a children's story, craft, and hot chocolate, complete with a roaring fire.
Dec 16
10:00a
End Date

Storytime and Craft: Winter Dance

Guadalupe River State Park
Join us for storytime and a take-home craft.
Dec 16
10:30a
End Date

Home for the Holidays: Family-Friendly

☃️ Join a ranger-guided 1-mile family-friendly hike amongst the rocks of Hueco Tanks!
Dec 16
11:00a
End Date

Reading and Hot Cocoa with Santa

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join Santa for his morning hot cocoa and coffee.
Dec 16
1:00p
End Date

Watercolor Holiday Cards

Big Spring State Park
See how art and parks are connected, learn some basic watercolor techniques, and create your own cards to share with your family and friends.
Dec 16
1:00p
End Date

Holiday Gift for the Birds

Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Show your backyard birds some love with a hand-decorated feeder!
Dec 16
1:00p
End Date

Woodland Ornaments

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Make woodland ornaments with a ranger!
Dec 16
1:00p
End Date

Lockhart State Park Taffy Pull

Lockhart State Park
Learn how to make a sweet holiday treat!
Dec 16
1:00p
End Date

Holiday Gift for our Feathered Friends

Devils River State Natural Area
Decorate a bird feeder!
Dec 16
1:30p
End Date

Bentsen Holiday Fun Day

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Spend an afternoon with family filled with festive activities for all!
Dec 16
2:00p
End Date

Santa's Workshop

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Our feathered friends deserve gifts, too! Come help Santa’s elves make the perfect gift for your backyard birds.
Dec 16
2:00p
End Date

Ornament Decorating

Lake Colorado City State Park
Get into the Christmas spirit with us and decorate your own ornament! This event has been rescheduled from December 9th to December 16th.
Dec 16
2:00p
End Date

A Very Marshy Christmas

Sea Rim State Park
🎉 Watch Santa and Mrs. Claus ride in to Sea Rim State Park on an airboat and join them for hot cocoa, Christmas crafts and photo opportunities!
Dec 16
2:00p
End Date

Nature Walk with Santa

Estero Llano Grande State Park
Join Santa and his favorite nature guide in a search for birds, unusual plants, butterflies, lizards and other native critters.
Dec 16
3:00p
End Date

Christmas Crafts

Lockhart State Park
Join us to create nature-inspired Christmas cards and ornaments!
Dec 16
3:00p
End Date

Big Tree Ornaments (Registration Required)

Goose Island State Park
Create a unique souvenir ornament using a piece of Big Tree!
Dec 16
4:00p
End Date

Christmas on the Farm

Cedar Hill State Park
Celebrate the holiday season with a music-filled tour of Penn Farm!
Dec 16
4:00p
End Date

Holiday Crafts

Inks Lake State Park
Channel your inner artist to decorate an item to commemorate the holidays!
Dec 16
5:00p
End Date

Twinkle Tour 2023

Lake Tawakoni State Park
Join us for our annual Twinkle Tour at Lake Tawakoni State Park. Enjoy all the festive Christmas lights and listen to a reading of The Night Before Christmas at the amphitheater.
Dec 16
5:30p
End Date

Santa's Workshop Showdown

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Feeling Competitive? Compete for the best Christmas lights in the North Poll aka Juniper and Walnut camping loops.
Dec 16
6:00p
End Date

Christmas in the Park

Daingerfield State Park
Start a new tradition with us by driving through the park lit up like Santa Land Wednesday through Saturday! You'll get to meet Santa himself on Friday and Saturday!
Dec 16
6:00p
End Date

Christmas in the Desert

Balmorhea State Park
Celebrate the holiday season with a stroll down the decorated tree grove at Balmorhea State Park. Enjoy scenic sites as Christmas lights twinkle against the spring-fed swimming pool.
Dec 16
6:00p
End Date

Christmas in the Park 2023

Lake Whitney State Park
It's the most wonderful time of the year! For camping, making holiday memories and inviting everyone to see your home on wheels decked out for Christmas. Decorate your campsite for this weekend and you will save 20%. Candy canes and voting slips will be handed to all that come to see the festive campers during the event timeline.
Dec 16
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 16
6:00p
End Date

Holiday Festival of Lights

Inks Lake State Park
If you're camping with us on Dec. 16, please bring holiday decorations to brighten up your campsite!
Dec 16
6:00p
End Date

Bonham State Park's Annual Christmas Light up the Park Event

Bonham State Park
🎉 Texas State Parks is 100 years old!! Celebrate this milestone with us at Bonham State Park. Drive through the campground and see the campsites decorated for the holiday season.
Dec 16
6:00p
End Date

Posada

Fort Leaton State Historic Site
🎉 Experience the holiday traditions of the borderlands at our annual Posada at Fort Leaton!
Dec 16
7:00p
End Date

Cross Timbers Cowboy Christmas – Music & Poetry

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Bring the whole family to the Lone Star Amphitheater and experience Christmas cowboy style.
Dec 17
10:00a
End Date

Holiday Ornament Workshop

Davis Mountains State Park
Enjoy the holiday spirit while making homemade ornaments.
Dec 17
10:00a
End Date

Corn Husk Doll Ornaments

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Make a fun doll or ornament using corn husks and creativity!
Dec 17
1:00p
End Date

Ornament Making

McKinney Falls State Park
Create a holiday-themed ornament!
Dec 17
5:30p
End Date

54th Annual Tree Lighting

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
🎉 Enjoy this special tradition started 54 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson.
Dec 17
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 18
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 19
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 20
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 21
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 22 End Date

Holiday Heritage Trail Hike

Galveston Island State Park
Take a hike on our self-guided Holiday Trail!
Dec 22
9:00a
End Date

Kids' Christmas Bird Count

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Join us for a kids’ version of the longest-running citizen science project in the United States.
Dec 22
6:00p
End Date

Christmastime Constellations

Pedernales Falls State Park
Christmas decorations are great, but nothing beats the Christmas lights in the sky!
Dec 22
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 23
9:00a
End Date

Campfire Cocoa

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Hang out with a park staff and volunteers by the campfire for some hot cocoa, music, and stories.
Dec 23
10:00a
End Date

Art in the Park

Mustang Island State Park
Watercolor time! Create a holiday memory of your visit to Mustang Island State Park.
Dec 23
10:00a
End Date

Christmas for the Birds

Guadalupe River State Park
Experience a festive feathered celebration this holiday season!
Dec 23
10:00a
End Date

THE Christmastime Palo Duro Van Tour

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Enjoy a guided drive through Palo Duro Canyon from the comfort of our van during the Christmas holiday.
Dec 23
10:00a
End Date

Story of Saint Francis

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Learn the fascinating story of Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order of friars who would cross the globe to convert Native Americans to Catholicism.
Dec 23
11:00a
End Date

Reading and Hot Cocoa with Santa

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join Santa as he reads "The Night Before Christmas" and enjoy some hot cocoa and coffee.
Dec 23
1:00p
End Date

Woodland Ornaments

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Make woodland ornaments with a ranger!
Dec 23
1:30p
End Date

Christmas Crafts

Palmetto State Park
Celebrate the holiday season by getting crafty
Dec 23
2:00p
End Date

Santa's Workshop

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Our feathered friends deserve gifts, too! Come help Santa’s elves make the perfect gift for your backyard birds.
Dec 23
2:00p
End Date

Holidays for the Birds

Lockhart State Park
Join the elves in Santa’s workshop by making bird feeders for our feathered friends!
Dec 23
2:00p
End Date

Campfire and Carols

Fort Boggy State Park
We need your help bringing the Christmas spirit to the park.
Dec 23
6:00p
End Date

Christmastime Constellations

Pedernales Falls State Park
Christmas decorations are great, but nothing beats the Christmas lights in the sky!
Dec 23
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 24
10:00a
End Date

Birdhouse Building

Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Join us for Hot Chocolate and build a birdhouse for your backyard!
Dec 24
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 24
6:30p
End Date

Galveston Island State Park Holiday Special

Galveston Island State Park
Tune in for a virtual reading of some special books about the beach and the holidays!
Dec 25
5:15p
End Date

Bah, Humbug!

Guadalupe River State Park
Join us on Christmas day for a special holiday treat!
Dec 25
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 26
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 27
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 28
10:00a
End Date

Kids' Christmas Bird Count

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Join us for a kids’ version of the longest-running citizen science project in the United States.
Dec 28
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 29 End Date

Christmas Bird Count - Bentsen/Anzalduas

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Birders of all skill levels are invited to help survey birds in our count circle. Participation is free.
Dec 29
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 29
6:00p
End Date

Campfire Stories with a Ranger

Galveston Island State Park
What's more cozy than a campfire and a story during the holidays?
Dec 30
9:00a
End Date

Winter Birding

Galveston Island State Park
Owl bet it will be a hoot
Dec 30
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 31
11:45a
End Date

Frio en el Rio - Polar Plunge

Big Bend Ranch State Park
Dive into the New Year with a dip in the cool waters of the Rio Grande!
Dec 31
5:00p
End Date

Last Day Hike

Pedernales Falls State Park
Spend New Years Eve hiking and reflecting on the last year!
Dec 31
6:00p
End Date

History in Lights

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Take a walk through the history of Mission Espiritu Santo as lights and shadow transport you back in time.
Dec 31
7:30p
End Date

Here's to S'more Happy Years!

Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Celebrate New Year's Eve with us!
Dec 31
10:00p
End Date

New Year's Eve Honey Creek Nature Hike *Registration Required*

Honey Creek State Natural Area
Say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the new year while on a hike with us!
Dec 31
10:00p
End Date

Old Baldy Midnight Hike

Garner State Park
Old Baldy Midnight Hike: Come toast the New Year from the top of Old Baldy. Park staff will lead a hike up the Old Baldy Trail. We will meet just before midnight, hike, sit by a campfire, drink some sparkling cider, and hike down in 2024.
Dec 31
10:30p
End Date

New Year's Eve Hike

Devils River State Natural Area
Come and enjoy a guided hike under the stars and enter the New Year on Firebreak Trail.
Dec 31
11:30p
End Date

First Day Hike – Midnight Hike

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Welcome in the New Year and make a lifetime memory, outdoors! At Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Dec 31
11:30p
End Date

First Day Hike - Midnight

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike on the Kiowa Trail!

January 2024

Jan 1 End Date

First Day Honey Creek Nature Hikes *Registration Required*

Honey Creek State Natural Area
Experience the natural and cultural history of Honey Creek on our First Day Hikes!
Jan 1 End Date

Self-Guided First Day Nature Hikes

Guadalupe River State Park
Experience the great outdoors and join us for a self-guided First Day Hike!
Jan 1 End Date

First Day Hike – Self-Guided

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike! Take a photo of yourself or a feature on our trails on Jan. 1 and get a First Day Hike sticker!
Jan 1 End Date

First Day Hikes!

Pedernales Falls State Park
Take your first hike of the year in the beautiful hill country!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

Self-Guided First Day Hike

Lockhart State Park
Feel like a hike, but at your own pace? We got you covered.
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Morning Hike

Lockhart State Park
Start your New Year off right with a morning hike at Lockhart State Park!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Birding the Lakeshore

Tyler State Park
Start the New Year off right with a new walk and a new hobby.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Ring in the NEW year on this OLD trail.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

Self-Guided First Day Hike

McKinney Falls State Park
Start off the new year with a hike!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Start the off 2024 on the right (or left) foot for a guided hike at Stephen F. Austin State Park.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike 2023

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Start off the New Year with a hike in the park!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike -- Hike and Learn About the CCC

Blanco State Park
Join us for a 1-mile hike to learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Company 854. We'll learn about the CCC and then leisurely hike around the park to see many of the CCC structures. There will be an option to extend the hike for those wanting a longer hiking experience.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike! - Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Start your New Year in the great outdoors! Reservations required. Explore beautiful sandstone formations in remote areas only accessible on this guided hike.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Animal Signs Bingo Hike

Lockhart State Park
Star your year off with an adventure to discover who pooped in the park and play a fun game of bingo on the trails!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Big Pine Trail!

Mission Tejas State Park
Start 2024 off right with a first day hike!
Jan 1
10:30a
End Date

First Day Hike

South Llano River State Park
Start off the new year with a park ranger for a hike through the pecan bottom down to Buck Lake.
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Kick of the New Year on the right (or left) foot with a guided hike at Stephen F. Austin State Park
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

Late Risers First Day Hike

Abilene State Park
A First Day Hike for those who want to sleep in.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike: Hiking Through the Pines

Tyler State Park
Discover the health benefits of the forest.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike! - Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Start your New Year in the great outdoors! Explore beautiful sandstone formations in remote areas only accessible on this guided hike.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Kayak

Garner State Park
First Day Paddle: Take your first kayak trip of the year or your first one ever at Garner State Park. Learn some basics of kayaking then take a guided trip down the Frio River.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

Late Riser's Guided First Day Hike

McKinney Falls State Park
Start off the new year in nature!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Ladies' Hike

Lockhart State Park
Start your year off with a walk about women's history!
Jan 1
5:00p
End Date

First Day Hike – Sunset

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike! Join our rangers for a brisk, evening hike on the CCC and Triassic Trails right as the sun sets over the rim of the canyon!
Jan 1
5:30p
End Date

First Day Night Hike

Lockhart State Park
Join us for a night hike to discover the critters that come out when the sun goes down!
Jan 13
9:00a
End Date

Winter Birding

Galveston Island State Park
Owl bet it will be a hoot
Jan 27
9:00a
End Date

Winter Birding

Galveston Island State Park
Owl bet it will be a hoot