Texas State Park vacation occasions 2025: Lights, trails, and enjoyable actions

TEXAS – The begin of the vacation season is right here and there are a lot of state parks throughout Texas that may get you within the spirit. With a mixture of festive actions starting from turkey trots and drive-in motion pictures to Christmas lights and conventional Mexican Posadas.

What we all know:

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is inviting guests of all ages to affix within the vacation enjoyable this November and December. Events spanning the state supply all the pieces from Thanksgiving potlucks to guided hikes. 

Austin space adventures

Just west of Austin, Blanco State Park will host Watercolors on the Blanco: Holiday Card Edition on Dec. 20, the place friends can paint nature-inspired vacation playing cards alongside the scenic Blanco River. The workshop runs from 2 to three:30 p.m. and is open to artists of all ranges.

Houston and Gulf Coast occasions

Families alongside the Gulf Coast can benefit from the outside on Nov. 28 with Galveston Island State Park’s Opt Outside Kayak Tour. The guided paddle round Galveston Bay runs from midday to 2:30 p.m., providing a serene various to the same old Black Friday rush.

North of Houston, Huntsville State Park will host a Christmas Party at Raven Lodge on Dec. 6, that includes decoration adorning and lodge festivities from 5 to 7 p.m. The occasion is free and open to the general public.

North Texas

For households within the Dallas-Fort Worth space, Eisenhower State Park close to Denison will maintain a Drive-In Movie Night on Nov. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. Attendees are inspired to carry blankets and chairs for a comfy night beneath the celebrities.

Farther east, Tyler State Park will host its annual Christmas within the Park celebration on Dec. 13, that includes vacation lights, ranger story time, crafts and stargazing from 5 to 10 p.m. Admission is free with a donation of nonperishable meals objects for the East Texas Food Bank.

Those in search of a historic twist can go to Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site in Jacksboro on Dec. 13 for The Ghosts of Christmas Past, a residing historical past program that brings 1870s troopers and households “back to life” for a Nineteenth-century-style Christmas night.

Across Texas

Other occasions embody Garner State Park’s “Parksgiving” potluck on Nov. 27, Lake Corpus Christi’s Holiday Light Drive-Thru on Dec. 6, and Fort Leaton State Historic Site’s Mexican Posada on Dec. 13, the place greater than 1,000 candles will illuminate the historic borderlands’ fort.

What’s subsequent:

Officials encourage guests to order a day go upfront, since a number of parks are anticipated to succeed in capability. Reservations could be made on-line or by calling (512) 389-8900.

For a full listing of occasions, go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department calendar or the Holidays in the Parks webpage.

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