Holidays
September 2026
Sep
12
9:00a
End Date
Sep
19
3:00p
End Date
Lotería en el Parque!
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Play Lotería with a State Parks touch.
Sep
19
8:30p
End Date
Girl Scouts Love State Parks - Moon Madness
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Come to the park to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night!
Sep
26
End Date
National Hunting and Fishing Day
Guadalupe River State Park
Come celebrate the fishing park of Hunting and Fishing Day with us!
Sep
26
10:00a
End Date
October 2026
Oct
10
6:30p
End Date
Trail of Terror: Cabin in the Woods
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Welcome to Stephen F. Austin State Park's haunted trail experience, it's dying to meat you.
Oct
17
11:00a
End Date
Horrors of Frontier Medicine
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site / Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Get your October started right by diving into the chilling world of 19th-century medicine.
Oct
17
5:00p
End Date
Boo in the Park 2026
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Sign up to decorate your campsite or come trick or treating!
Oct
17
5:00p
End Date
Halloween FunFest & Night Hike
Daingerfield State Park
Feel the spooky vibes and enjoy the park with our Halloween FunFest! Plan to go on a Night Hike afterwards!
Oct
18
3:00p
End Date
Sea Center Texas Spooktacular Spook-n-Spawn
Sea Center Texas
Unmask the mysteries of Texas wildlife... if you dare.
Oct
21
End Date
Unplug Texas Day
Guadalupe River State Park
Celebrate Unplug Texas Day, a day dedicated to encouraging Texans to disconnect from their electronic devices and reconnect with nature, family, and friends with us!
Oct
22
7:30p
End Date
Oct
23
7:30p
End Date
Oct
24
10:00a
End Date
B.A.R.K. Ranger Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site / Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Join us for a howlin’ good time!
Oct
24
3:00p
End Date
Oct
24
5:00p
End Date
Trick or Treating in the Park
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site / Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Get ready for a spook-tacular time at our annual Trick-or-Treat in the Park!
Oct
24
5:00p
End Date
Oct
24
5:30p
End Date
Oct
24
6:00p
End Date
Wildlife Trick or Treat
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Take a short, wooded hike to visit a series of trail stations where you'll learn about "spooky" wildlife including scorpions, bats, spiders and more. Bring your trick-or-treat gear!
Oct
24
6:00p
End Date
Oct
24
6:30p
End Date
Spooky Night Hike - Fall Trees and Tall Tales
Mission Tejas State Park
Come to Mission Tejas State Park for a spooky themed evening hike with park staff and hear tall tales and legends of the people who lived here and the beasts they told stories of.
Oct
24
7:00p
End Date
Trail of the Dead
Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit
Join us for a spooky event here at Choke Canyon State Park!
Oct
24
7:30p
End Date
Oct
30
5:00p
End Date
Trunk or Treat
Buescher State Park
Join us at the free community event- Smithville ISD Trunk or Treat at Smithville JR High and High School for a spooky fun time!
Oct
30
7:30p
End Date
Sounds of the Night
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Come out and hear examples of our nightlife.
Oct
31
12:00p
End Date
Creature Features
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Grab your spookiest friends and explore some not-so-spooky Texas wildlife!
Oct
31
12:00p
End Date
State Park Spook-Tacular
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join rangers to celebrate Halloween all day long!
Oct
31
4:00p
End Date
Oct
31
5:00p
End Date
Campfire Chat
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Join a ranger for a s’more and a nice evening by the fire!
Oct
31
6:00p
End Date
11th Annual Boo Camp
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Come join us for some family friendly Halloween fun!
Oct
31
7:00p
End Date
Oct
31
7:30p
End Date
Halloween in the Park: Haunted Hike 2026
Lake Whitney State Park
The trails around Lake Whitney State Park grow restless as October draws near… as horror looks you right between the eyes on Halloween night!
If you crave true chills, shadowy figures drifting between the trees, and whispers that follow you, if your dare! this is your invitation to walk on the haunted “Two Bridges Trail”.
Step into a 1 mile Haunted Hike where the darkness feels alive, the wind carries secrets, and every snap of a twig might not be just the woods… but something watching YOU!
November 2026
Nov
14
9:00a
End Date
Nov
21
End Date
Fa La La Through The Forest Scavenger Hunt
Bastrop State Park
Follow the ornaments with clues through the park to get to the hidden cache! Write your name in the journal and share your favorite part of the journey!
Nov
21
10:30a
End Date
Nov
21
11:00a
End Date
Let's Talk Turkey
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Let's talk about everyone's favorite Thanksgiving bird!
Nov
25
10:00a
End Date
Storytime and Craft: Wild Turkeys
Guadalupe River State Park
Join us for an unforgettable wild turkey story and craft!
Nov
26
8:00a
End Date
Turkey Trot 2026
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site / Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Ready, set… GOBBLE!
Nov
26
10:00a
End Date
Guided Turkey Hike
Galveston Island State Park
There has never been a Wild Turkey recorded in the park, but that won’t stop us from looking for one!
Nov
26
10:00a
End Date
Turkey Talk
Guadalupe River State Park
Join us this Thanksgiving Day for a gobble-tastic experience!
Nov
27
End Date
Opt Outside Day at Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park
Skip the stores and #OptOutside with us!
Nov
27
10:00a
End Date
Walk Off the Stuffing
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join rangers on trail as we walk off the stuffing from Thanksgiving.
Nov
27
10:00a
End Date
Turkey Walk **REGISTRATION REQUIRED**
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Walk off that Thanksgiving turkey!
Nov
27
10:00a
End Date
Reset Ramble
Caddo Lake State Park
Stuffed on stuffing? After sleeping in, take a leisurely hike through the forest with a ranger to hike off that Thanksgiving meal!
Nov
27
10:00a
End Date
Gobble Till You Wobble
Bastrop State Park
#OptOutside! Instead of taking on Black Friday shopping, spend a relaxing time outdoors on a 3.5 mile ranger led hike at Bastrop State Park!
Nov
27
12:00p
End Date
Opt Outside Kayak Tour
Galveston Island State Park
Opt out of the biggest shopping day of the year by taking a kayak tour out on the Galveston Bay. *Registration Required*
Nov
28
9:00a
End Date
Nov
28
10:00a
End Date
Deck the Halls
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Learn about making Christmas decorations with natural materials.
December 2026
Dec
5
10:00a
End Date
Art in the Park: Christmas Cards
Guadalupe River State Park
Join us for an early celebration of National Christmas Card Day!
Dec
11
5:00p
End Date
Christmas in the Park
Guadalupe River State Park
Join us for a night of holiday magic on Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th as Guadalupe River State Park transforms into a winter wonderland!
Dec
11
5:00p
End Date
Dec
11
5:30p
End Date
Dec
11
6:00p
End Date
Christmas in the Park 2026
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Join us for the 14th Annual Christmas in the Park!
Dec
11
6:00p
End Date
Dec
12
10:00a
End Date
Winter Holiday Traditions
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Celebrate the holidays the old-fashioned way by hand-crafting items families might have been made on the historic ranches that became Government Canyon.
Dec
12
1:00p
End Date
Lakeside Christmas
Fort Parker State Park
A Fort Parker State Park tradition! Take pics with Santa, make ornaments, play games galore! Win prizes!
Dec
12
1:00p
End Date
A Crafty Caddo Christmas
Caddo Lake State Park
Join us by the fire for hot chocolate, cookies, and creating your own Christmas tree ornaments in our cozy CCC Rec Hall. All supplies will be provided!
Dec
12
2:00p
End Date
Christmas Crafts
Lockhart State Park
Paint a nature-inspired salt dough ornament to take home with you! Drop in any time between 2:00pm and 3:30pm.
Dec
12
5:00p
End Date
Christmas in the Park
Guadalupe River State Park
Join us for a night of holiday magic on Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th as Guadalupe River State Park transforms into a winter wonderland!
Dec
12
5:00p
End Date
Ghost of Christmas Past
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site / Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Stroll through the fort and observe the “ghosts” of cavalry soldiers and their families as they celebrate Christmas inside the historic commanding officer's house from the 1870s.
Dec
12
5:00p
End Date
Dec
12
5:30p
End Date
Christmas in the Park
Goose Island State Park
See the park in lights, enjoy holiday activities, and CAMP FOR FREE when you decorate your campsite!
Dec
12
5:30p
End Date
Dec
12
6:00p
End Date
Coastal Campsite Lights Night
Galveston Island State Park
Get ready for a festive evening on the coast as our campers light up the night with creative, family‑friendly campsite decorations!
Dec
12
6:00p
End Date
Christmas Starfest at Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
What's better than wishing upon a star? Wishing upon 4,500 stars at once.... and also, Santa at the same time! Join Texas Parks and Wildlife staff for our biggest star party of the year, with telescopes run by experienced Rangers, holiday activities for the kids, a star tour, and an introductory astronomy lesson.
Dec
12
6:00p
End Date
Dec
12
6:00p
End Date
Dec
12
6:00p
End Date
Holly Days 2026
San Angelo State Park
Sparkle at Holly Days as the park transforms into a magical winter haven filled with lights, laughter, and holiday enchantment!
Dec
12
7:00p
End Date
Holiday Hot Chocolate with a Ranger!
Mission Tejas State Park
Join park rangers for an evening cup of hot chocolate around the campfire and settle in for "tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago!"
Dec
18
2:00p
End Date
Dec
18
6:00p
End Date
Trail of Lights
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Join us for the 4th Annual Trail of Lights!
Dec
19
10:00a
End Date
Happy Holly-Days
Bastrop State Park
Celebrate Christmas in the Lost Pines with a morning full of holly jolly good times in the park for the whole family!
Dec
19
10:00a
End Date
Christmas for the Birds
Guadalupe River State Park
Experience a festive feathered celebration this holiday season!
Dec
19
1:00p
End Date
Dec
19
1:30p
End Date
Tejas Christmas Ornaments
Mission Tejas State Park
Come to Mission Tejas and join park staff in crafting your own holiday decorations to bring home in time for Christmas!
Dec
19
3:00p
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
19
5:00p
End Date
Twinkle Tour 2026
Lake Tawakoni State Park
🎄✨ Mark your calendars – Twinkle Tour 2026 is lighting up the park on Saturday, December 19, 2026, and we can’t wait to see your campsites sparkle! RESERVATIONS START JUNE 10 AT 10:00AM
Dec
19
6:00p
End Date
Trail of Lights
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Join us for the 4th Annual Trail of Lights!
Dec
19
6:00p
End Date
Holiday Festival of Lights
Inks Lake State Park
If you're camping with us on Dec. 19th, please bring holiday decorations to brighten up your campsite!
Dec
19
6:00p
End Date
A Polar Express Christmas Event!
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Hot! Hot! Hot chocolate! And cookies, and trains, and crafts, and so much more to celebrate this holiday season!
Dec
19
7:00p
End Date
Christmas Campfire Story and S'mores
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Bring a blanket and settle in for a festive story read by a ranger, then make s'mores over our campfire.
Dec
20
10:00a
End Date
Winter SOLE-stice Hike
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join a ranger on a hike celebrating the first day of Winter!
Dec
20
5:30p
End Date
57th Annual Tree Lighting
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Enjoy this special tradition started 57 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson.
Dec
24
10:30a
End Date
Dutch Oven Cookies & Cowboy Coffee
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Join Rangers for cozy sweet treats on Christmas Eve and learn about park history at our Day Use Area.
Dec
25
9:00a
End Date
Christmas Morning Bird Walk
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Who's that chirping in the trees? Join a ranger with your morning cup of coffee and take a walk on the mild side with this introductory birdwatching walk.
Dec
26
9:00a
End Date
Dec
31
5:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Sunset Reflections
Fort Parker State Park
Enjoy the sunset reflecting on Fort Parker Lake, reflect on the past or upcoming year, or paint the scene in watercolor.
Dec
31
6:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Night Hike
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s night hike with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Explore the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light!
January 2027
Jan
1
6:00a
End Date
First Day Hike (Self Guided)
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Start the new year off on the right foot and enjoy a hike at the park.
Jan
1
8:00a
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
9
9:00a
End Date
Jan
23
9:00a
End Date
December 2027
Dec
11
1:00p
End Date
Lakeside Christmas
Fort Parker State Park
A Fort Parker State Park tradition! Take pics with Santa, make ornaments, play games galore! Win prizes!
Dec
31
5:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Sunset Reflections
Fort Parker State Park
Enjoy the sunset reflecting on Fort Parker Lake, reflect on the past or upcoming year, or paint the scene in watercolor.
Dec
31
6:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Night Hike
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s night hike with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Explore the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light!
December 2028
Dec
9
1:00p
End Date
Lakeside Christmas
Fort Parker State Park
A Fort Parker State Park tradition! Take pics with Santa, make ornaments, play games galore! Win prizes!
Dec
31
5:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Sunset Reflections
Fort Parker State Park
Enjoy the sunset reflecting on Fort Parker Lake, reflect on the past or upcoming year, or paint the scene in watercolor.
Dec
31
6:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Night Hike
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s night hike with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Explore the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light!
December 2029
Dec
8
1:00p
End Date
Lakeside Christmas
Fort Parker State Park
A Fort Parker State Park tradition! Take pics with Santa, make ornaments, play games galore! Win prizes!
Dec
31
5:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Sunset Reflections
Fort Parker State Park
Enjoy the sunset reflecting on Fort Parker Lake, reflect on the past or upcoming year, or paint the scene in watercolor.
Dec
31
6:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Night Hike
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s night hike with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Explore the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light!
December 2030
Dec
14
1:00p
End Date
Lakeside Christmas
Fort Parker State Park
A Fort Parker State Park tradition! Take pics with Santa, make ornaments, play games galore! Win prizes!
Dec
31
5:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Sunset Reflections
Fort Parker State Park
Enjoy the sunset reflecting on Fort Parker Lake, reflect on the past or upcoming year, or paint the scene in watercolor.
Dec
31
6:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Night Hike
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s night hike with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Explore the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light!
December 2031
Dec
13
1:00p
End Date
Lakeside Christmas
Fort Parker State Park
A Fort Parker State Park tradition! Take pics with Santa, make ornaments, play games galore! Win prizes!
Dec
31
5:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Sunset Reflections
Fort Parker State Park
Enjoy the sunset reflecting on Fort Parker Lake, reflect on the past or upcoming year, or paint the scene in watercolor.
Dec
31
6:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Night Hike
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s night hike with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Explore the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light!
December 2032
Dec
31
5:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Sunset Reflections
Fort Parker State Park
Enjoy the sunset reflecting on Fort Parker Lake, reflect on the past or upcoming year, or paint the scene in watercolor.
Dec
31
6:30p
End Date
New Year's Eve: Night Hike
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s night hike with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Explore the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light!