Holidays
December 2023
Dec
8
5:00p
End Date
Light up the Park
Eisenhower State Park
Start a new family tradition this year with our annual Christmas spectacular!
Dec
8
11:00p
End Date
Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
Help Santa rally up his team before the big day!
Dec
9
9:00a
End Date
Dec
9
10:00a
End Date
Pioneer Kids' Christmas
Government Canyon State Natural Area
What were the holidays were like for kids during the 1860s, when ranchers began to settle in the Government Canyon area?
Dec
9
10:00a
End Date
Oh (rein)Deer!
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join Ranger Izzy as she talks about the six different deer species you could see in Texas.
Dec
9
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
9
10:00a
End Date
Art in the Park: Christmas Cards
Guadalupe River State Park
Join us for a festive celebration on National Christmas Card Day!
Dec
9
10:00a
End Date
Simple Country Christmas
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Join our festive holiday activities in the park!
Dec
9
12:00p
End Date
Mistletoe: Pucker-up for a Parasite
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Pretty holiday decoration or destructive parasite? Join Ranger Izzy and discover the dark truths about a beloved holiday tradition.
Dec
9
1:00p
End Date
Craft Table: Paint a Pollinator Ornament
Big Spring State Park
Stop by to paint a nature-inspired salt dough ornament to take home with you.
Dec
9
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
9
2:00p
End Date
Lakeside Christmas
Fort Parker State Park
A Fort Parker Holiday Celebration! Take pictures with the Christmas Beaver, make Christmas Ornaments, Play Games . . . Play Games . . . Play Games, and many other holiday festivities.
Dec
9
2:00p
End Date
Ornament Decorating
Lake Colorado City State Park
Get into the Christmas spirit with us and decorate your own ornament!
Dec
9
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
9
2:00p
End Date
Oh DEER! Texas Reindeer Relatives
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit
We may not have reindeer in the park, but we have plenty of their relatives!
Dec
9
4:00p
End Date
Dec
9
5:00p
End Date
Dec
9
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
9
6:00p
End Date
Holiday Light Drive-Thru
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Check out our camper's holiday spirit by taking a drive by lighted campsites and park buildings!
Dec
9
6:00p
End Date
Dec
9
6:00p
End Date
Dec
9
6:00p
End Date
Christmas in the Park 2023
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Join us for the 12th Annual Christmas in the Park!
Dec
9
6:00p
End Date
Cowboy Christmas Music & Poetry
Copper Breaks State Park
Celebrate the season with our singing park rangers!
Dec
9
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
9
6:00p
End Date
Creekside Christmas **Cancelled**
Village Creek State Park
**Event Cancelled Due to Weather**
Put on your jingle bells and come out to the park for the annual Creekside Christmas Celebration!
Dec
9
6:00p
End Date
Country Lights *CANCELLED*
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
**CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER** Drive, bike or walk thru the 200 camping loop to experience campsites adorned with holiday themed lights, sounds and decorations
Dec
9
6:00p
End Date
Posada Night and Holiday Lights
Falcon State Park
Join us for a magical and fun night at Falcon State Park. Enjoy the holiday lights and posada and even meet Santa!
Dec
10
10:00a
End Date
Holiday Ornament Workshop
Davis Mountains State Park
Enjoy the holiday spirit while making homemade ornaments.
Dec
10
1:00p
End Date
Holiday in the Park
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
Bring your friends and family out to the park for this fun, free, and festive event
Dec
10
1:00p
End Date
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
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
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
Dec
16
1:00p
End Date
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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 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
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
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
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
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
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
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
Jan
27
9:00a
End Date