National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth St.

Visitors step into a "living Christmas card" when the annual Candlelight at the Ranch recreates a frontier holiday similar to those on the open prairie from 1780 to 1950. More than 4,000 luminaries line the paths of the historic park as volunteer ranch hosts dress in period clothing to recreate holiday scenes from another era. Guests enter through the front doors and proceed to Campbell Patio, where they can buy kettle corn, hear Christmas carols provided by the Lubbock High School choir, and access the park trails of their choice. Santa Claus greets visitors in the Pitchfork Pavilion, and cowboy Christmas music plays in the 6666 Barn.

ranchingheritage.org/nrhc-events/candlelight-at-the-ranch/#upcoming

Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, 414 State Loop 92

The trails of Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites are lit with beautiful holiday lights for this 10-night festival. The first five nights feature children's crafts, entertainment, visits with Santa, refreshments, and volunteers in costume sharing Victorian-German Christmas traditions at the Kreische home and smokehouse. The final five "encore" nights allow guests to simply walk the trail to enjoy the lights, which include several new thematic displays.

friendsofkbmh.org/events

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Holidays at the Heard brings the beauty of the holiday season into nature. Bundle up your family, get out of the house, and experience this unique family-friendly holiday evening event in North Texas.

heardmuseum.org

Clute Municipal Park, 100 Parkview Drive

Come out and celebrate the holiday season with two days of Christmas activities and fun featuring a lighted Christmas trail and seasonal photo opportunities.

clutetexas.gov

Texas Theatre, 213 W. Crawford St.

Who is the man who wanted to be Santa Claus? That's what they're asking each other at the local police station when Santa Claus shows up handing out gifts. It's not so much the gifts that amaze Howard and Bertie but the fact that ol' Santa seems to know them all so well and they haven't a clue who's wearing the red and white.

thetexastheater.com

San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.

Michigan-born, Austin-based sculptor Charles Umlauf influenced artists around the world and art students, including Farrah Fawcett, at the University of Texas, where he taught for 40 years. Come see this exhibit featuring artworks that show the influence of Charles Umlauf on other artists.

samfa.org

Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 US 87 South

Fredericksburg Theater Company presents the heartwarming holiday classic retold in the tradition of a live 1940s-era radio broadcast, staged with live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols. 

fredericksburgtheater.org

Badu Park, 300 W. Legion Drive

Badu Park is transformed into a winter wonderland of white and fluffy fun as 35,000 pounds of ice is brought to the park and made into a giant sledding hill. Wristbands are required and sleds are provided.

llanostarrystarrynights.com

Republic of Texas Plaza, 5117 N. Main St.

Festive decorations and unique surroundings of Christmas life past and present are depicted at the Baytown Historical Preservation Association's 13th annual Christmas Past and Present. Historic buildings are adorned in traditional and modern-day decorations with luminaries lighting up the pathways throughout the Living History Museum. Kids get to see Santa and tell him their wishes, cowboy poets recite poems, docents in period clothing show you what Christmas was like in the early 20th century, and kids can make Christmas crafts and get their faces painted.

baytownhistory.org

Downtown Montgomery, Texas, 14420 Liberty St.

Montgomery County's oldest Christmas celebration—marking its 45th year—offers a full day of events in downtown Montgomery, one of Texas' oldest towns and the birthplace of the Texas flag. The event includes strolling carolers, a marketplace with homemade gifts and décor items, old-fashioned decorations in the historic buildings on the evening 45th Historic Home Tour, and the 33rd famous Cookie Walk, where tables are laden with decorative cookies and candies to purchase by the pound.

mhs-tx.org

Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Along with representative medieval objects, "Medieval X Modern" presents the work of modern artists from Europe and the Americas who created prints, drawings, paintings, illustrated books, sculptures, and decorative objects informed by the spectacular craftsmanship and compelling historical figures of the Middle Ages.

blantonmuseum.org

Masjid Al-Salam, 16700 Old Louetta Road

This event showcases the art of emerging and student artists and in the past has offered interactive sessions including calligraphy, Ebru, painting, and henna, plus children’s art activities. The festival has gained recognition as the oldest continuously running festival of Islamic arts in America.

islamicartssociety.org

Surfside Beach Main Entrance

Watch the sky fill up with the lit-up kites of the Surfside Flyers Kite Club. The fourth annual event is fun for all ages.

surfsidetx.org

Brockman Hall for Opera, Rice University campus, 6100 Main St.

Bach Society Houston welcomes the Christmas season during its 40th-anniversary year with a choral and orchestral performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s rarely performed "Christmas Oratorio." Under the direction of conductor Rick Erickson, the one-and-a-half hour performance is Bach’s glorious musical Nativity story. Richly scored, Bach used a wide variety of instruments including oboes, flutes, trumpets, drums, violin, and continuo. Rising tenor Kyle Stegall returns in the role of The Evangelist. Listeners are enveloped in sound featuring big choral moments juxtaposed with delicate and touching arias. Bach Society Houston performs the first three cantatas of the "Christmas Oratorio" which announce the birth of Christ, the appearance of the angels to the shepherds, and the shepherd’s journey to Bethlehem to see Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Bach composed the "Christmas Oratorio" in 1734 for the churches of St. Thomas and St. Nicholas in Leipzig, Germany. This story is shared through six cantatas each meant to be performed on a specific day of the Christmas season.

bachsocietyhouston.org

Trinity University, Margarite B. Parker Chapel, 1 Trinity Place

This much-loved event in San Antonio’s holiday season is a non-denominational German Christmas celebration open to everyone. It includes the telling of the Christmas story in German, using traditional scripture, Christmas poems, carols, and seasonal music. There is no sermon. The Beethoven Maennerchor and the San Antonio Liederkranz sing choral music; students from local schools and colleges read poems and passages of scripture in German. In advance of the service, Trinity University organist Dr. David Heller plays an organ prelude. The climax of the evening is the congregation singing “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht” (“Silent Night”) by candlelight.

Historic Downtown Boerne, 100 N. Main St.

On this child-friendly weekend, everyone is encouraged to show off their ugly Christmas sweaters, silly Christmas pajamas, and Whoville hairdos. Events include the Cookie Crawl, a free Santa scavenger hunt, Christmas card decorating, a visit with Santa, and the Cowboy Christmas Market.

ci.boerne.tx.us/1197/visit-boerne

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th. St.

Tour the plantation house to discover the many contributions of different cultures to Christmas in Texas. Relax outside and enjoy the beverage of the season (wassail), Christmas cookies and other foods, entertainment, children's activities, and a special visit from Santa. Santa's Market is also open for all the shoppers who attend.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Surfside Beach Pedestrian Beach

Watch a group of Santas catch waves and hang 10 at this fifth annual holiday event.

surfsidetx.org

Crockett County 4-H Barn, 1303 Ave. AA

Area youth bring their best livestock for the judges to review.

ozona.com/events-calendar

Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County, 715 Maple St.

Enjoy caroling while taking a wagon or buggy ride or riding horseback. Bring your guitar if you want and play along.

banderacowboycapital.com

Kerrville Kroc Center, 201 Holdsworth Drive

Celebrate the holidays with the whole family at this free event filled with breakfast, photos with Santa, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and arts and crafts—all themed around "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

kerrvillekroc.org

Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Texas Trust Way

Don't miss the 30th year of Michael Martin Murphey's Cowboy Christmas, a family-friendly multimedia experience with the Rio Grande Band and the Rocky Mountain Vintage Dancers.

texastrustcutheatre.com

Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Road

The holiday tradition includes seasonal favorites, the ever-popular audience sing-along, humorous moments, and even a few surprises. This year's event has the Plano Symphony Orchestra being joined by singer and actress Fela and the Plano Civic Chorus.

planosymphony.org/home-for-the-holidays

Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road

If you haven't felt the energy of Two Tons of Steel live, grab your dancing partner and get ready for a rockin’ night. The band takes the stage at 8:30 p.m., but come early for swing dance lessons before the show.

gruenehall.com

Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road

A Gruene Hall favorite returns to help ring in the New Year at Texas’ oldest dance hall.

gruenehall.com

Pacific Showroom at the Hangar Hotel, 155 Airport Road

Ring in New Year's Day dancing to the sounds of a 1940s-style big band. Take swing dance lessons and wear your best 1940s-inspired outfit to take part in the costume contest. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the United Service Organizations in Fort Hood.

hangarhotel.com

Surfside Beach Pedestrian Beach

Start the new year off right and on Jan. 1 join others as they take a cold and refreshing dip in the Gulf.

surfsidetx.org

Tyler State Park, 789 Park Road 16

“Try” new skills for a new year. Visitors can sign up for guided hikes through the forest, mountain biking through pine savannah, and try out kayaking on a spring-fed lake.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/tyler

Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St.

Symphony of the Hills presents "POPS: Western Swing," celebrating the music of Western swing, that delightful blend of country, big band swing, and blues that was named the official music of Texas in 2011.

symphonyofthehills.org

Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Johnson Branch Unit, 100 PW 4153

Help celebrate 100 years of fishing in Texas State Parks. Bring your child to the Kid Fish pond and create memorable moments while fishing for freshly stocked rainbow trout. Rangers are there to help kids fish and are giving away prizes.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ray-roberts-lake

Mansfiled Park Rodeo Arena, 2886 SH 16 N.

For more than 80 years, the Bandera County Junior Livestock Show has provided 4-H and FFA youth opportunities to further their agricultural, leadership, and higher education goals. An auction is held on the Jan. 14.

bcjlsa.com

Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum, 315 W. Avenue B.

In 1836, a Comanche raiding party took Cynthia Ann Parker from her family. Over the following years, she became wife to a Comanche chief and mother to children, including Quanah Parker, the last Comanche chief. After Texas Rangers took Cynthia Ann back, Quanah became one of the most important Comanche leaders in both war and peace. This photo exhibit tells this story of their lives caught between two different worlds.

templeparks.com

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

At this event, see exhibits and hear firsthand accounts of significant events that took place in the city of Freeport's past.

freeport.tx.us

Granbury City Beach, 505 E. Pearl St.

Kick off the new year by jumping into the frigid waters of Lake Granbury. Prizes are awarded for Best Costume, Oldest Participant, Furthest Travelled, Best Team Costumes, and Best Couples Costume.

visitgranbury.com/goosebumpjump

Downtown Sherman, 400 S. Travis St.

All churches, civic and social groups, and members of the public are welcome to come out for the march to honor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. March.

facebook.com/shermanneighborhoodrec

Luckenbach Texas, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop

The 16th annual Luckenbach Blues Festival showcases an all-day lineup of blues musicians and bands.

luckenbachtexas.com

Fulton Convention Center, 402 North Fulton Beach Road

This event welcomes winter Texans to the Rockport-Fulton area. The daylong event includes informational booths, presentations from local businesses and local attractions, music, games, and the opportunity to meet fellow winter Texans.

rockport-fulton.org

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

The fifth annual Surfside Food and Art Festival offers live music, a chili cookoff, art and food vendors, a community art project, and fun activities for kids.

surfsidetx.org

Lake Corpus Christi , 23194 Park Road 25

Kid Fish is an annual event hosted by Lake Corpus Christi State Park. The purpose of this single-day event is to expose local youth to the sport and enjoyment of fishing and provide them with the tools and knowledge for a future of responsible recreation and environmental stewardship.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-corpus-christi

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, 341 State Park Road 2117

Multiple generations of families have attended this event over the years. At the 33rd annual Kids Fish Day, thousands of rainbow trout are stocked, and the park provides all the gear needed. There are casting games for beginners, fish prep and cooking demonstrations, and giveaways. Rangers are on hand to guide fishers. There are two different sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-bob-sandlin

Historic Downtown Boerne, 100 N. Main St.

This sweet event takes participants on a stroll through historic downtown Boerne. Collect a special chocolate treat as you step inside each participating store, gallery, and restaurant along Main Street. Once you've visited all the stores, return your raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes donated by the store owners.

ci.boerne.tx.us/602/boerne-chocolate-walk

Galveston Historic Downtown and Seawall

The third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country includes masked balls, balcony parties, parades, concerts, and lots of beads.

mardigrasgalveston.com

Luckenbach Texas, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop

It’s that time of year again for folks to get “Back to the Basics of Love” at Luckenbach’s 48th annual Hug-In and Valentine Ball. Enjoy live music and dancing all weekend long.

luckenbachtexas.com

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

On the second Saturday of the month, take a bird walk intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. There are also plenty of opportunities for participants to ask questions from experienced birders. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in these walks.

heardmuseum.org

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St.

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents the landmark "I'll Be Your Mirror: Art and the Digital Screen," a thematic group exhibition that examines the screens vast impact on art from 1969 to the present. This exhibition surveys more than 60 works by 50 artists over the past five decades. The artists included examine screen culture through a broad range of media such as paintings, sculpture, video games, digital art, augmented reality, and video.

themodern.org/exhibition/ill-be-your-mirror-art-and-digital-screen

Great Lawn of the Event Center, 700 Crockett St.

Enjoy four days of family-friendly fun in downtown Beaumont, with parades, concerts, kids' activities, arts and crafts, and food vendors.

mardigrastx.com

Downtown Jefferson

The Krewe of Hebe presents Jefferson's annual Mardi Gras. The festivities last an entire weekend and feature parades, live music, food, vendors, a carnival, frosty beverages, and, of course, masks and beads.

mardigrasupriver.com

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Festivities for Mardi Gras include a parade, gumbo cookoff, King Cake-eating contest, and live entertainment.

freeport.tx.us

Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 W.

Take an interactive tour through the life of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Read about the corps' formation, get hands-on with their tools and uniforms, visit the camp store to shop the benefits of being an enrollee, and hear from members of the corps themselves, though their newsletter, as you stand in Ravens Lodge and look out at Lake Raven that they helped create.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

The first major exhibition to examine the overlooked impact of day jobs on the visual arts, "Day Jobs" is dedicated to demystifying artistic production and upending the stubborn myth of the artist sequestered in their studio, waiting for inspiration to strike. The exhibition includes approximately 75 works in a broad range of media by emerging and established artists such as Emma Amos, Larry Bell, Mark Bradford, Jeffrey Gibson, Tishan Hsu, Ragen Moss, Howardena Pindell, Chuck Ramirez, Robert Ryman, and Fred Wilson.

blantonmuseum.org

Mitchell Park, 300 W. Louisiana St.

At this parade held each year on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, dogs and their owners dress up in costumes based on the special theme of the event, then they parade around McKinney's downtown square. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories. Music, food trucks, and pet-related vendors add to the festivities.

artinstituteofmckinney.com

Old Town Theatre, 1023 12th St.

Built with one overall objective in mind—to showcase independent films and filmmakers—the four-day independent film festival is where filmmakers break out.

oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Various locations

Each year since 1996, the Whooping Crane Festival has celebrated the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The event has renowned speakers, birding trips, boating trips, nature tours, photography workshops, and a trade show.

portaransas.org/whooping-crane-festival

Downtown Square, 12th Street and University Avenue

This all-day crawfish and music festival takes place in conjunction with the Prison City Film Festival.

huntsvilledba.com

Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.

Celebrate the contributions of the buffalo soldiers to West Texas and the military frontier with displays, living history, and special talks. Buffalo soldiers were Black soldiers who mainly served on the Western frontier after the Civil War. Their duties included helping with westward expansion, building roads and infrastructure, and guarding the U.S. mail.

fortconcho.com

The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive

The StepCrew's show features three dance forms: Ottawa Valley step dance, Irish step dance, and tap. This cast of virtuosic dancers and musicians takes the audiences on a dance journey, showcasing the similarities and differences between the three styles. The StepCrew also boasts three world-class fiddlers backed by a five-piece ensemble with some of the most talented and respected musicians in the Celtic music scene today.

cypresscreekface.org/stepcrew

Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, 706 W. Cotton St.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center's spring concert series, held in the gardens on Thursday evenings. The lineup this year features bands playing a mix of music, from classic rock to blues to Motown. The bands include Galaxy, the Usual Suspects, Flashbacks, Probable Cause Band, and Tuxedo Cats.

longviewarboretum.org

John L. Kuykendall Event Center, 2200 W. Ranch Road 152

The weekend includes the 45th annual Open Fiddle Fest, a live concert and dance, and a Sunday service and cowboy breakfast. This year's Open Fiddle Contest (with a free entrance) includes youth, senior, open, and accompanist divisions. Saturday's activities also feature an evening concert with legendary country star Moe Bandy. The event takes place at the John L. Kuykendall Event Center, which provides a large, open space for the competition, concert, and Sunday morning service.

llanofiddlefest.com

Ozona Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 505 15th St.

Learn more about the early days on the frontier in and around Ozona during Crockett County History Day on the Ozona Chamber of Commerce grounds. The informative event featurs camels, soldiers, pioneers, flintknapper, and livestock including donkeys from the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue.

ozona.com/events-calendar