As falling leaves blanket the trails and crisp air settles across the Lone Star State, Texas State Parks are rolling out a festive lineup of seasonal events that invite families, adventurers, and nature lovers to celebrate the holidays in the great outdoors. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is offering a wide variety of activities that blend tradition, community, and natural beauty.

🎁 December Magic: Lights, History, and Holiday Cheer

The festive glow continues with Lake Corpus Christi State Park’s Holiday Light Drive-Thru on Dec. 6, a free event featuring illuminated park scenes from 6–9 p.m. That same evening, Huntsville State Park hosts a Christmas Party at Raven Lodge, complete with ornament decorating and lodge festivities.

On Dec. 13, three parks offer unique experiences:

• Fort Leaton State Historic Site presents a traditional Mexican Posada, with over 1,000 candles lighting the way for guided tours, mariachi music, and piñatas.
• Tyler State Park celebrates with lights, ranger storytelling, crafting, and stargazing, while supporting the East Texas Food Bank through a food drive.
• Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site brings history to life with The Ghosts of Christmas Past, a living history walk through 1870s holiday traditions.

To wrap up the season, Blanco State Park hosts Watercolors on the Blanco: Holiday Card Edition on Dec. 20, a relaxing art session where guests can create personalized holiday cards inspired by nature.

📅 Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

TPWD encourages visitors to reserve day passes in advance, as many parks may reach capacity. Passes can be booked online or by calling (512) 389-8900. For a full list of events and updates, visit the TPWD calendar or the Holidays in the Parks page.

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