Texas State Parks Celebrate The Holiday Season

Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.texas.gov

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AUSTIN, Texas — For families seeking to spend time together during the holidays without spending a lot of money, try looking outdoors. Texas parks host plenty of activities during the holiday season that cater to all varieties of interests and age groups. From cookie decorating to Christmas concerts, there is something to interest every member of the family.

November 29, 2008 — Fanthorp Inn SHS — Twilight Firelight — Visit the 1850s stagecoach inn bedecked with lanterns, luminaries and holiday decorations. The inn comes to life with dulcimer music, the dulcet tones of Latrelle Lindon, cowboy poetry, living history and period characters! Ride the stagecoach and wagon from the historic Grimes County Courthouse to the inn. Enjoy holiday fare and start the holidays off right. 3:30-7:30 p.m. (936) 873-2633.

November 29, 2008 — Garner SP — Holiday Open House — This is an opportunity to enjoy Garner and pick up some much-needed stocking stuffers before Christmas. Festive refreshments will be served. Event sponsored by the Friends of Garner and held at the Visitor Center. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more information, call (830) 232-5999. (830) 232-6132

November 29, 2008 — Lyndon B. Johnson SP&HS — Centennial Celebration Series: Holiday Cookie Decorating and German Traditions — This year’s events are dedicated to Lyndon B. Johnson "Celebrating the Life of a Man & the Land that He Loved" in the 100th year of his birth. Have fun decorating cookies as it was done for a German Christmas tree in the 1900s at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Enjoy hearing the legend of St. Nicholas and experience other German holiday activities and traditions such as wreath and candle making on the farm. Christmas shopping in the park gift store, and the other holiday traditions in the park and farm are sure to get you in the Holiday spirit. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (830) 644-2252

November 29-January 4, 2008/2009 — Goliad SP — History in Lights — See this lighted display inside the mystical walls of the Spanish Mission Espiritu Santo de Zuniga that tells the story of the mission life as you walk the same path as Native American Indians and Franciscans Priest did over a century ago. 6-10 p.m. daily. (361) 645-3405.

December 2008 — Battleship TEXAS SHS — Yuletide TEXAS — Christmas was a very special time for the sailors and officers who served aboard the Battleship TEXAS, and now you can get a glimpse at that history. See the battleship adorned with lights, ornaments and decorations in the spirit of the season, just the way the crew members who served aboard her did while serving their country. Accessible for wheelchairs on main deck only. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (281) 479-2431

December 2008 — Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS — Early German Christmas — Get into the season’s spirit with us! Walk along the fantastic quarter-mile trail overlooking the town of La Grange and be delighted by the thousands of lights that illuminate it. Experience the more traditionally decorated 1850s-era German home of H.L. Kreische, bedecked in Christmas splendor, in a Texas-German style. Enjoy the genuine seasonal hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, who sponsor the event. Entertainment and refreshments provided. 6-8 p.m.; fee $12 per person; available by reservation only to groups of 30 or more, deadline November 15, 2008; call for more information (979) 968-5658

December 6, 2008 — Battleship TEXAS SHS — Pearl Harbor Ceremony — Annual ceremony hosted by Battleship TEXAS and sponsored by the Texas Commandry of the Naval Order of the United States. The event commemorates the December 7, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor, bringing the U.S. into World War II. Join us in paying our respects to those whose sacrifices saved our freedom. The San Jacinto Chapter Pearl Harbor Survivors Association will be featured in the ceremony. Accessible for wheelchairs on main deck only. 11 a.m.-noon (281) 479-2431

December 6, 2008 — Brazos Bend SP — Simple Christmas — Escape the hustle and bustle of the season and enjoy the simple life: making smores, Dutch oven cooking, children’s crafts, hayrides and more plus a visit from a "Southern Santa." Cap off the evening with "The Brazos River Pickers" old-time, bluegrass band. Refreshments available. Bring a picnic supper to enjoy while you listen to the performance at the outdoor amphitheater. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 3-7 p.m.; for more information, visit http://www.brazosbend.org. (979) 553-5101

December 6, 2008 — Goliad SP — Christmas Concert — Experience the joyful music of the Beeville Community Chorus as they present their Christmas concert in the chapel of the Spanish Colonial Mission Espiritu Santo de Zuniga. 8 p.m. (361) 645-3405

December 6, 2008 — Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway — Cross Timbers Cowboy Campfire Christmas — Bring the whole family to the Lone Star Amphitheater for a campfire program of cowboy music, poetry and sing-along with a Christmas theme. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 6-7:30 p.m. (940) 328-1171

December 6, 2008 — Purtis Creek SP — Christmas in the Park — Join park staff for the lighting of the parks’ Christmas tree. Stay for hot chocolate and hot cider, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and watch a Christmas movie by the campfire. Campers, decorate your campsites for prizes. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 6-9 p.m. (903) 425-2332

December 6, 2008 — Tyler SP — 3rd Annual Christmas Caroling and Pine Ride — Sing carols as you ride through the park on a fragrant bed of pine enjoying all the sights and sounds along the way! And don’t miss the opportunity to pick up some unusual Christmas gifts at the park store, while enjoying hot apple cider and cookies. 5-8 p.m. (903) 597-5338

December 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2008 — Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS — Trail of Lights — Enjoy a fantastic quarter-mile trail illuminated with thousands of lights that decorate the Monument Hill and Kreische House portions of our park. Walk a trail overlooking the town of La Grange. Experience the more traditionally decorated 1850s-era German home of H.L. Kreische, bedecked in Christmas splendor, in a Texas-German style. Bring your children to tell secrets to Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and enjoy the genuine seasonal hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, who sponsor the event. No pets please. 6-8 p.m.; fees $3 adults, $1 children 3-12 (979) 968-5658

December 11, 2008 — Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center — Christmas on the Border — Join us in celebrating the holiday season in West Texas border fashion. Local community performers will provide the entertainment. Refreshments and treats will be served and we will have a special visit by Santa Claus for the children. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired. 6:30-9 p.m. (432) 424-3327

December 12, 2008 — Sebastopol House SHS — Holiday Classic Movie — There’s nothing like a classic holiday film to get you into the holiday spirit. The parlor at Sebastopol has been turned into an old fashioned theatre in order to bring you a 1948 Holiday Classic-"Miracle On 34th Street," starring a very young Natalie Wood. If this warm family film doesn’t soften the heart of the Grinch in your life-nothing will! Seating is limited. 6:30 p.m.; reservations required (830) 379-4833.

December 12-13, 2008 — Cooper Lake SP/Doctors Creek Unit — 2nd Annual Christmas in the Park — Load up the family for a drive through the park and enjoy the holiday decorations. We will also have refreshments and Santa will be here for a visit. Sponsored by The Friends of Doctor’s Creek. 6-10 p.m. For more information, call the Friends of Doctor’s Creek at (903) 395-4314 or the park at (903) 395-3100

December 13, 2008 — Barrington Living History Farm-Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS — An Old-Fashioned Texas Christmas — This is a time for gathering with family and friends, for singing carols around the open fire, for making surprises tucked away in pretty packages, for feasting on goodies made with love, and for making special memories. Join the farm staff in decorating, singing and celebrating this wonderful holiday season with many more surprises to come. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 3-8 p.m. (936) 878-2213

December 13, 2008 — Battleship TEXAS SHS — Santa’s Swingin 40’s Christmas — Visit the Battleship Texas and enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Write and mail letters to Santa, enjoy hot wassail, meet and have your picture taken with Santa, and much, much more. Accessible for wheelchairs on main deck only. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (281) 479-2431

December 13, 2008 — Cedar Hill SP — Caroling Through Penn Farm — We will begin the evening with a lantern lit tour of Penn Farm. Then have a Christmas carol sing-along around the campfire while enjoying hot chocolate, hot apple cider, cookies and other holiday favorites. 6-8 p.m. (972) 291-3900, ext. 232.

December 13, 2008 — Fort Richardson SP&HS & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway — Christmas Fun — Start the day with a fishing tournament from 9 a.m.-noon, then Santa Clause will come and visit from 1-2 p.m., and finish the day with Dianne Martin who presents her "The Night Before Christmas" collection of Victorian stories, books, antiques, figurines, object de art, etc. from 2-4 p.m. (940) 567-3506.

December 13, 2008 — Lake Texana SP — Christmas Caroling Around the Campfire — Join in as we sing the songs of the season sure to get you in the holiday spirit by the light of the campfire. Held at the Amphitheater. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 6-7 p.m. (361) 782-5718

December 13, 2008 — Lake Texana SP — Christmas Crafts — Make your own, unique crafts to keep or give using materials such as pine cones, paper and clothespins. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 2-3 p.m. (361) 782-5718.

December 13, 2008 — Martin Dies, Jr. SP — Holiday Celebration in the Park — Help us celebrate the holidays with an afternoon of family fun! We provide all the materials needed to construct a gingerbread house and decorate a gingerbread man ornament. Join in and sing carols and holiday songs with a live band. 2-4 p.m. (409) 384-5231

December 13, 2008 — Sheldon Lake SP — Wildlife Christmas in the Park — Children can make fruit wreaths, seed cones, and other special ornaments to be hung outside as a special treat for backyard wildlife. There will be a special tree in the park that ornaments can be hung on. Holiday music and treats will be provided at this free event. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearing impaired. 1-4 p.m. (281) 456-2800

December 13, 2008 — Stephen F. Austin SP — Christmas Caroling Hayride — Take a caroling hayride with us through the park and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. 6-8 p.m.; admission is one canned good per person (979) 885-3613

December 13, 2008 — Stephen F. Austin SP — Pancake Breakfast with Santa — Join Santa for a breakfast of pancakes with homemade syrup, sausage, juice and coffee and let him know all your dreams for this Christmas. 8-10:30 a.m.; fee $4 per person (979) 885-3613.

December 14, 2008 — Bastrop SP — Christmas in the Pines — The Friends of the Lost Pines host this event featuring sugar cookie ornament decorating, clay ornament decorating, pine cone decorating, story corner and pine needle basket making. Santa Claus will visit from 3:30-5:30 p.m. with the opportunity for pictures. Refreshments will be provided. Held in the Refectory. 1-6 p.m.; fees $2 adults, free for children 12 and under (512) 321-2101.

December 18, 2008 — Fort Leaton SHS — Posada at the Fort — Come celebrate Christmas with us with a traditional Mexican Posada. Walk and sing with Mary and Joseph as they search for shelter. Enjoy the play "Christmas with the Leatons" along with refreshments and see the historic structure come to life in the candlelight of 600 luminarias. Wheelchair accessible for most of the event. 6:30-9 p.m. (432) 229-3613

December 20, 2008 — Goose Island SP — Christmas Campfire — Join us at the Recreation Hall for an evening of food and fun as we get ready for Christmas with an old-fashioned campfire gathering. Bring your s’mores fixin’s and enjoy the hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows as we sing Christmas carols and share our favorite Goose Island holiday stories. 7-8 p.m. (361) 729-2858

December 20, 2008 — World Birding Center — Estero Llano Grande SP — Breakfast With the Birds and Santa — Come have breakfast on our magnificent covered deck situated right on one of our lakes and spend some time visiting with a special guest, Santa. There will be photo opportunities galore, with both Santa and the birds that often come very close to the deck. Join Santa as we have a light holiday breakfast on the deck and then follow our knowledgeable guides as they take you on a guided nature walk. 8:30-11 a.m.; fees $7 adults, $5 senior citizens, free for children 12 and under; reservations required (956) 565-3919

December 21, 2008 — Lyndon B. Johnson SP&HS — Centennial Celebration Series: 39th Annual Tree Lighting — This year’s events are dedicated to Lyndon B. Johnson "Celebrating the Life of a Man & the Land that He Loved" in the 100th year of his birth. Come join the Texas Hill Country community in this special tradition started 39 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments and of course, the spectacular tree lighting. Then step back in time to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm for cookies amid glowing lanterns and a traditional candlelit German Christmas tree. LBJ Park Bookstore and Gift Shop will be open and many other things to help you get into the holiday spirit. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 6-10 p.m.; donations accepted (830) 644-2252.

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