A note regarding COVID-19
Nacogdoches
Freedom Fest Weekend
July 1-5
Festival Park, 507 S. Pecan
A jam-packed weekend of celebrations and live music all over town begin Friday and end Monday night with a spectacular fireworks show.
Llano
Llano Rock'N Riverfest
July 1-4
Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive
Grab your lawn chair and sunscreen and enjoy your weekend in Hill Country. If you have a jet ski, bring it and participate in the jet ski races on the Llano River. There are amateur and professional divisions on a pattern course. Check out the Oldies But Goodies Car Show full of sleek, classic cars, and don't leave before music and fireworks begin. A new addition to the event this year is a Ferris wheel.
The Colony
Liberty By The Lake
July 2
The Colony Five Star Complex, 4100 Blair Oaks Drive
Celebrate the birth of America’s freedom with patriotic festivities and a variety of entertainment and activities for all ages including a fun run/walk, live music, and a choreographed fireworks display.
Granbury
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration and Parade
July 2-4
Historic Granbury Square, 201 E. Pearl St.
Thousands flock to Granbury to take part in small-town festivities and celebrate all things America. The parade around the historic Granbury square, vendors, iconic Lake Granbury, and a top-rated fireworks show all make for a memorable Fourth of July for the entire family.
visitgranbury.com/event/hometown-4th-of-july-3-day-celebrations/14903
Roscoe
Fourth of July Celebration and Plowboy Mudbog
July 2
Downtown Roscoe
This family-friendly day includes a parade, food, craft vendors, live music, fireworks, dancing, and the annual high-powered truck mud races of the Plowboy Mudbog.
Seguin
Freedom Fiesta
July 2
Central Park, 201 S. Austin St.
Celebrate Independence Day in beautiful downtown Seguin with live music, food trucks, vendors, a kiddie parade, and and other festivities.
Leakey
July Jubilee Concert and Street Dance
July 2
Courthouse Square , Downtown Leakey
At this downtown Fourth of July event, celebrate America’s independence in good old-fashioned Main Street-style. Enjoy arts, crafts, and food vendors on the square, a parade of true Texas Americana, Leakey’s wild and woolly rodeo, and then the beloved street dance on the courthouse square. Asleep at the Wheel plays at 10 p.m., with Jesse Daniel opening at 8:30 p.m. The July Jubilee Concert and Street Dance is all about family, history, romance, and a way of life unique to small-town rural Texas.
Denver City
Fourth of July Celebration, Car Show, and Golf Tournament
July 3-4
Stuffy Moorehead Park, 1301 N. Avenue C
Festivities begin with a firework show at Yoakum County Park, followed by a full day of fun on Monday held at Moorehead Park. Lots of activities including a car show, cow chip bingo, entertainment, and games take place. Head over to Yoakum County Golf Club on Monday to participate in the golf scramble for chances to win prizes.
Big Spring
Pops in the Park
July 3
Comanche Trail Park Amphitheater , Golf Course Road
Get your Fourth of July festivities popping with the Big Spring Symphony and fireworks.
Coleman
Red, White, and Blue Bash
July 3
Coleman County Courthouse, 218 Commercial Ave.
Downtown Coleman comes to life for Independence Day with games, food, music, vendor booths, and a parade.
Abilene
Freedom Festival
July 3-4
Downtown Abilene and Taylor County Expo Center, 1700 SH 36
Let freedom ring with a Fourth of July parade, the Paramount Film Series, live bands, a car show, a bike show, vendors, food truck, games, and a children's area. Stick around for the fireworks show at dark.
Waxahachie
Crape Myrtle Festival and Parade
July 3-4
Waxahachie Sports Complex, 151 Broadhead
Being designated the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas, Waxahachie residents celebrate with a concert, fireworks show, and parade on Independence Day.
Grand Prairie
Stars and Stripes Celebration
July 3-4
Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Pkwy.
After a night of horse races, see a spectacular fireworks show that's choreographed to music.
Addison
Kaboom Town
July 3
Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle
Since 1985 one of the nation’s most impressive and unique Independence Day celebrations has been held in Addison. Each year approximately 500,000 guests from across the country converge on this small town to view the incredible Addison Airport Airshow, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Whether enjoyed from a restaurant watch party, hotel balcony, or the award-winning festival in Addison Circle Park, attendees are sure to be immersed in patriotic revelry.
Seguin
Columbus
Independence Day Celebration
July 4
Columbus Golf Course , 141 Veterans Drive
Columbus hosted the very first Fourth of July celebration in the state of Texas in 1826 and continues the tradition with an old-fashioned bash full of family-friendly fun. There is music, food, and a great fireworks display.
Giddings
Firemen's Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
Fireman's Park, 2495 SH 290 W.
The Fourth of July Celebration, sponsored by the Giddings Volunteer Fire Department, starts with a lazy day in the park and barbecue. Then, there's an auction to benefit the fire department, followed by fireworks and a dance in the evening.
Frisco
Freedom Fest
July 4
Frisco Square, 8874 Coleman Blvd.
Visit a Fourth of July celebration that's fit for the whole family. There are fireworks and lots of tasty food options.
San Angelo
Holiday Artillery Salutes
July 4
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 South Oakes St.
Historic Fort Concho does hourly artillery salutes to mark the nation's 246th birthday.
Taylor
Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
July 4
Various locations, 1600 Veteran's Drive
Join in and celebrate America's independence with an afternoon parade at Murphy Park and fireworks after dark. There's also a tennis tournament held at Murphy Park and a city golf championship at Mustang Creek Golf Course.
Monahans
Freedom Festival
July 4
Hill Park
Let freedom ring with a parade, food and craft vendors, games, live music, and fireworks.
Wimberley
Fourth of July Parade
July 4
Lion's Field, 14100 RR 12
Join over 5,000 people and attend this long-standing celebration of America's Independence Day. Find the perfect spot to pop up a tent, put down some outdoor chairs, and watch the parade roll by.
Palacios
Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
East Bay Park, 300 E. Bay Blvd.
It's Independence Day in Palacios and festivities include a flag-raising ceremony, a children's parade, barbecue, food vendors, a carnival, helicopter rides, bingo, a LaSalle landing re-enactment, and fireworks.
Hutto
Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
Brushy Creek Amphitheater , 1001 CR 137
Bring the family for live music every hour, food trucks, children's activities, and fireworks. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket, and please leave pets at home unless they are a service animal.
Tomball
July Fourth Celebration and Street Festival
July 4
Business 249 North of Four Corners, 28000 Tomball Pkwy.
Experience an old-fashioned party for the red, white, and blue. There is a fireworks show at dark, plus live music from Mango Punch, vendors and food, and a salute to veterans and active duty military. There is free admission and parking.
Temple
Fourth of July Family Fun Fest
July 4
Crossroads Park, 1020 Research Pkwy.
The 24th annual Independence Day festival is full of family fun, food, live music, and a spectacular fireworks show.
Cameron
Fireworks in Cameron
July 4
Downtown Cameron, 102 E. First St.
Celebrate the Fourth of July at the square in downtown Cameron with games for children and adults, children's and pet parades, food and wine trucks, and vendors. Fireworks start around dusk.
Mckinney
Red, White, and Boom
July 4
Downtown McKinney and Craig Ranch Soccer Complex, 111 N. Tennessee St.
The city of McKinney celebrates the Fourth of July with free family activities, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks show. Downtown events include a hometown parade and the Yankee Doodle block party. Evening festivities resume at the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch with music, food, kids’ activities, a concert, and a fireworks display.
Canadian
Fourth of July Celebration
July 4-5
Various locations
Celebrate America's birthday with rodeos, dances, a parade, turtle races, an arts and crafts show, a watermelon feed, and fireworks.
Lubbock
Fourth on Broadway
July 4
Mackenzie Park , 301 I-27
For over three decades, Fourth on Broadway has been an event that Lubbock and the entire region look forward to year after year. Since its humble beginnings by a committee of downtown churches in 1991, the event has become a go-to summer celebration for thousands of West Texans. This year’s theme is “United We Stand.” The day starts with a parade and is followed by the annual Bolton Oil Youth Fishing Tournament, eating contests, a kids' area with water slides, a mechanical bull, an obstacle course, a petting zoo, and daytime concerts. The evening concert features some of the best local musicians and is followed by the fireworks show, synchronized to classic and contemporary patriotic music.
Corsicana
Freedom Fest
July 4
IOOF Park, 601 N. 45th St.
Food trucks, live music, and fireworks create a dazzling Independence Day bash.
Mexia
Boomin' on the Fourth
July 4
Mexia Hughes City Park, Corner of Bonham and Tyler streets
Freedom rings proudly at Boomin' on the Fourth, where games, food vendors, a 5K, pet parade, and car show create a family-friendly bash.
Rockport
July Fourth Activities
July 4
Little Bay and Downtown
Get in a patriotic mood as you view a patriotic boat parade at noon. The parade can be seen from downtown, but for the best views, head to Broadway adjacent to Little Bay. The Wendell Family Fireworks Show is held at dark.
Sweetwater
Sparks in the Park
July 4
Newman Park, 100 Jack Hazzard Drive
Enjoy this annual annual Fourth of July fireworks show and celebration.
Kerrville
Robert Earl Keen's Fourth on the River
July 4
Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive
Enjoy food, vendor booths, family fun, bounce houses, face painting, the Louise Hays Park splashpad and playgrounds, and cooling off in the Guadalupe River. The free concert features Robert Earl Keen and other musical acts. Then at dusk the largest fireworks display in the Texas Hill Country fills the sky.
Fredericksburg
July Fourth Community Parade
July 4
Main Street from Washington to Bowie
Originally started in 1991 by a group of community-minded friends, this small-town patriotic parade has grown over the years to be one that is loved by locals and visitors from all over. Bring lawn chairs or use the tailgate of your truck.
July Fourth Fireworks Display
July 4
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive
The annual fireworks display is sponsored by the city of Fredericksburg and takes place from the golf course area at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. Bring lawn chairs and eats and drinks.
Marathon
Fourth of July Dance
July 4
Post Park , Avenue D
Marathon Volunteer Fire Department hosts the annual Fourth of July Dance at Post Park, going strong for over 100 years.
Jefferson
Fourth of July: Jefferson Salutes America
July 4
Downtown , Lafayette and Vale streets
At this old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration in the park, visitors can expect a pie auction, homemade ice cream contest, music, hot dogs, cool drinks, and a finale with a spectacular fireworks display reflecting in the Big Cypress Bayou.
Bandera
Fourth of July Parade and Barbecue
July 4
American Legion 410 Post, 147 Legion Drive
This Fourth of July parade is hosted by the American Legion 410 post in Lakehills, Bandera County.
Pet Parade
July 4
Bandera City Park, 173 Main St.
The Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League organizes the 26th annual Bandera Pet Parade. The free event takes place along the Medina River.
Sugar Land
Red, White, and Boom
July 4
Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land, 18355 Southwest Freeway
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Crown Festival Park with patriotic family fun and activities for all ages. Each year there's a variety of great food, activities, vendor booths, live musical entertainment, and a dazzling firework display to conclude the celebration.
Seguin
Biggest Small Town Fourth of July Parade
July 4
Downtown Seguin, 201 S. Austin St.
This classic small-town Fourth of July parade features floats, bands, classic cars, tractors, and horses, all decked out in red, white, and blue.
Grapevine
July Fourth Extravaganza
July 4
Lake Grapevine
Celebrate America’s birthday at the 40th annual July Fourth Fireworks Extravaganza complete with spectacular fireworks set to patriotic music. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
grapevinetexasusa.com/summertime-in-grapevine/july-fourth/july-4th-fireworks-extravaganza/
Belton
Sami Art and Crafts Christmas in July
July 9-10
Bell County Expo Center, 301 West Loop 121
It's Christmas in July at the Sami Arts and Crafts show. The event is a heads-up that Christmas is just a few months away. Shoppers can find handcrafted gifts at this event that is known throughout Central Texas for variety, excellence, and affordability. Get out of the summer heat and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Mesquite
Texas Haunters Convention 2022
July 16-17
Mesquite Convention Center, 1700 Rodeo Drive
Find over 35,000 square feet of space filled with family-friendly vendors, events, demonstrations, and classes targeting Halloween and cosplay enthusiasts.
Bandera
National Day of the American Cowboy
July 23
Bandera Couthouse Lawn, 500 Main St.
Celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy in Bandera, the "Cowboy Capital of the World." See gunfighters, picking circles, vendors, blacksmiths, and other frontier fun.
Seguin
184th Birthday
Aug. 12-13
Heritage Village, 211 E. Live Oak St.
Celebrate the founding of Seguin with a barbecue dinner, homemade ice cream, live music, and a golf tournament.
Stonewall
113th Birthday Celebration for President Lyndon B. Johnson
Aug. 27
LBJ State and National Historical Parks, Stonewall
The National Park Service hosts the annual wreath-laying ceremony at President Johnson’s gravesite on the LBJ Ranch at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, the LBJ State Park invites visitors to participate in old-time games at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Birthday cake is served at 1 p.m. at the state park’s visitor center.
Grand Prairie
Labor Day Weekend at Epic Waters
Sept. 2-5
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, 2970 Epic Place
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark invites you to join along for a three-day weekend celebration complete with live entertainment and interactive activities.
Granbury
Labor Day Weekend Celebrations and Lighted Boat Parade
Sept. 3-5
Historic Granbury Square and Lake Granbury, 201 E. Pearl St.
Kick off Labor Day weekend in Granbury with sidewalk sales along the square and the Lighted Boat Parade on Sunday. Dozens of boats travel from bridge to bridge for this beautiful spectacle.
Jefferson
Special Labor Day Train
Sept. 3
Historic Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin St.
Celebrate Labor Day at the Historic Jefferson Railway. The train ride includes a stop at Diamond Don Gator Pit for alligator feeding. Come see the Support Our Troops display that honors the United States Military. Active Military personnel ride free.
Tarpley
Labor Day Barbecue and Parade
Sept. 4
Tarpley Volunteer Fire Department, 264 Valentine Lane
Tarpley Volunteer Fire Department sponsors this event that includes a Labor Day parade, barbecue, raffle, and auction.
Plano
Labor Day Pool Party
Sept. 5
The Texas Pool, 901 Springbrook Drive
Celebrate the last day of summer and play traditional pool games at a Texas Pool party on Labor Day. Coolers with food and nonalcoholic beverages are allowed.
Palestine
The Historic Bower Mansion Ghost Hunt
Sept. 9-10, Oct. 28-29
Historic Bower's Mansion, 301 S. Magnolia St.
Until recently, no other paranormal group has been able to investigate this Texas Historic Landmark, and somewhat of a local legend.
hauntedrooms.com/texas/ghost-hunts/historic-bowers-mansion-palestine-tx
Belton
Sami Arts and Crafts Marketplace
Sept. 10-11
Bell County Expo Center, 301 West Loop 121
The Fall Season brings out crafters and artisans with unique and varied products for the upcoming holiday seasons. Halloween and Thanksgiving decor begin to appear among the woodcrafts, floral designs, women and children's boutiques, jewelers, and unusual varieties of arts and crafts.
Addison
Oktoberfest
Sept. 15-18
Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle
Recognized as one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Munich since 1987, Addison Oktoberfest brings a purely Texan twist to this popular celebration of German culture, food, music, and beer. Take part in a unique experience with polka bands and other traditional entertainers on multiple stages, interactive games and attractions for all ages, and the beloved the Dachshund Dash.
Dallas
Autumn at the Arboretum
Sept. 17-Oct. 31
Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road
The 17th annual Autumn at the Arboretum festival, presented by Reliant, features 90,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash, hailing from the Pumpkin Capital of Texas, Floydada, throughout the garden. This year’s theme, "A Fall Fairy Tale," features the return of Cinderella’s Carriage, along with themed pumpkin houses that make up the acclaimed Pumpkin Village, and of course, a maze for younger visitors. Other gourd-eous displays reimagine classic tales of "Jack and The Beanstalk," "The Three Little Pigs," "The Sword in the Stone," and "One Thousand and One Nights."
Boerne
Music in the Cave: Fall Equinox
Sept. 17
Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road
Enjoy an eclectic blend of contemporary acoustic songs, soaring vocals, dynamic instrumentation, and improvisation with Rudi and the Rudiments. With a thematic focus on the balance of darkness and light marked by the first day of autumn, part of the concert is to be performed in total darkness and flickering candlelight, providing a memorable concert experience.
Plano
Hollydays Market
Sept. 22-24
Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway
With more than 100 merchants, this market offers lots of new, unique, and one-of-a-kind gifts all in one place to have you ready for your festive events. Grab your friends and family members and come enjoy the fun.
Mckinney
Oktoberfest
Sept. 23-25
Downtown McKinney, 111 N. Tennessee St.
Put on your lederhosen and join in for a full weekend of German-themed fun in historic downtown McKinney. Enjoy the tradition of authentic German food, domestic and imported beers, live music, and games. Próst, y'all.
Del Rio
Oktoberfest
Sept. 24
Whitehead Memorial Museum , 1308 S. Main St.
Modeled after the annual Oktoberfest in Germany, Del Rio's event brings the fun with music, food, and dancing.
Granbury
Spooky Spectacle
Sept. 24-25
Granbury Square, 119 E. Bridge St.
Kick off the Halloween season with ghost hunters, horror, sci-fi, cosplay, fantasy, and paranormal enthusiasts. Special celebrity guest Sean Whalen appears on Sunday.
Tyler
Lanes Chapel Pumpkin Patch
Sept. 24-Oct. 31
Lanes Chapel United Methodist Church, 8720 Old Jacksonville Hwy.
Come see one of the largest pumpkin patches in East Texas. The eighth annual pumpkin patch showcases thousands of pumpkins and gourds. While shopping for pumpkins, enjoy free family activities including games, face painting, train rides, and family photos. All proceeds benefit Lanes Chapel ministries.
Granbury
Spooky Spectacle
Sept. 24-25
Granbury Square, 100 E. Pearl St.
This kickoff to the Halloween season offers something for enthusiasts of ghost hunting, horror, sci-fi, cosplay, fantasy, and the paranormal. Special celebrity guest actor Sean Whalen ("The People Under the Stars") appears Sunday only.
Waxahachie
Screams Halloween Theme Park
Sept. 30-Oct. 30
Scarborough Faire, 2511 FM 66
The world's largest Halloween theme park comes complete with five haunted houses (all with different themes), the Rottingwood Cemetery walk-through attraction, stage entertainment, Scary-Oke, games, a food court, pubs, shops, and loads of Halloween fun. Admission allows you to tour through attractions as many times as you'd like.
Fredericksburg
Oktoberfest
Sept. 30-Oct. 2
Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street
At the 41st Oktoberfest, celebrate the fun and flavor of Fredericksburg's German heritage with three days of music, food, drink, dancing, arts and crafts, and children's entertainment.
Waxahachie
Screams Halloween Theme Park
Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29
The world's largest Halloween theme park comes complete with major attractions that you can tour as many times as you like, scores of professional actors, activities, food and drink, and games.
La Grange
Oktoberfest on the Square
Oct. 1
Fayette County Courthouse Lawn, 151 N. Washington St.
Two live bands under the event tent play family-friendly music while kids enjoy activities and games. More than 80 different types of craft beer are available to try. Don't leave without some homemade schnitzel and German noodles to round out your experience.
Pearland
Music to My Beers: Oktoberfest
Oct. 1
Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway St.
Bring your friends, your appetite, and your lederhosen to Pearland's Oktoberfest-themed Music to My Beers extravaganza. The event highlights independent craft breweries in the Houston area, and is free to the public. Local food trucks are on site in addition to a craft market offering seasonal treats. Several regional performers bring their best to the Oktoberfest stage.
Ennis
Hay Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 1-31
Downtown Ennis, 302 N. Dallas St.
Enjoy some fall fun with the hay maze that is bigger and more challenging this year. Bring the whole family and test your skills to see who can find their way out first. The pumpkin patch is the perfect spot for fall family photos.
Corsicana
Downtown Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 1-31
Beaton Marketplace Park, 317 N. Beaton St.
All month long in downtown Corsicana, partake in fall fun, pumpkins, and other surprises in Beaton Marketplace Park.
Dekalb
Oktoberfest
Oct. 1
Runnels Street
Vendors, games for kids, concessions, shows, and a parade showcase the fun you can have in small town De Kalb.
Medina
Love Creek Orchards Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 1-30
Love Creek Apple Orchard, 14024 SH 16 North
The pumpkin patch is open Saturday through Monday (closed Oct. 31). Admission includes pumpkin painting, an apple orchard tour, farm animals, games, a hayride, hay maze, storytelling, scarecrow building, and sing-alongs. Don’t forget to play an instrument in the Great Hill Country Symphony and enjoy tree ripened apples, an old-fashioned sweet cider press, and apple goodies.
Pipe Creek
Pipe Creek Pumpkin Patch
Oct. 1-31
Pipe Creek Tree Farm, 805 Phil's Road
Open weekends, this event features a haystack, hop ball, scarecrow dressing, visiting with farm animals, a large sandbox, rubber duck races, pumpkin painting, photo ops, and strolling through 6,000 Christmas trees.
Jefferson
Halloween Express Train
Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Historic Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin St.
Every Saturday in October, bring the family for these narrated day and night family-friendly train rides. The Halloween Express includes vignettes along the railroad track featuring “The Twisted Woods.” You may see a ghostly spirit or monster emerge from the swamplands of East Texas. While there may be a startle or two, this is not a scary train ride.
Granbury
Oktoberfest
Oct. 7-9
Granbury Square, 201 E. Pearl St.
Ketzler's Schnitzelhaus and Biergarten brings this traditional German festival right to the heart of Granbury, Texas. Head to the historic Granbury square to experience German fare, music, vendors, and drinks, of course. This festival grows year after year.
Oktoberfest
Oct. 7-9
Granbury Square, 100 E. Pearl St.
Enjoy live music, tasty food, German souvenir vendors, and, of course, a variety of German beer.
Ingram
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
Oct. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
In the dark, there’s something shadowy and intent on taking Ichabod’s life—the Headless Horseman. Poor Ichabod must outrun the galloping phantom. Does he? No one knows for sure because the schoolmaster is never seen again.
Austin
Oktoberfest
Oct. 8
German Free School, 507 E. 10th St.
The German-Texan Heritage Society holds their annual festival featuring kid-friendly activities during the day along with live music and authentic German food.
San Angelo
Scare Station at the Railway Museum
Oct. 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, 31
Railway Museum of San Angelo, 703 S. Chadbourne St.
There are places on Earth where the veil between the living and the dead has grown thin. In San Angelo, there is such a place: a train station that has stood for over 100 years. Once it shuttled people to new lives, now it transports the dead to the hereafter. This Halloween season, venture into this station at your own risk.
Halloween Night Tours
Oct. 14, 22, 29
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Fort Concho invites you to join along for a spook-tacular haunted house in the Quartermaster. Children under 6 are free, however they need to be with an adult at all times.
Corsicana
Oktoberfest
Oct. 14-15
The Collin Club, 211 W. Collin St.
Typical Oktoberfest fun includes German beer, food, and music.
The Colony
Family Fright Night
Oct. 15-16
Stewart Creek Park, 3700 Sparks Road
Get ready for a haunted campout, just in time for spooky season. Family Fright Night offers a Halloween adventure suitable for all ages. Enjoy a lakeside campout with a haunted trail, tent trick-or-treating, and kids' costume and scream contests. Kick back with a scary movie screening, hayride, and fireside s’mores.
Mckinney
Día de los Muertos
Oct. 15
Mitchell Park, 300 W. Louisiana St.
Legacy Keepers of Old East McKinney use the strength of our unique identities in a collective framework to document, honor, and promote the historic legacies of McKinney's Black and Mexican communities, ensuring that all cultures are natural parts of the community's experience. Día de Los Muertos is a day of fun with food, music, games, and art.
Mesquite
PumpkinFest
Oct. 15
Valley Creek Park, 2482 Pioneer Road
Mesquite's annual fall festival includes a pumpkin-decorating contest, petting zoo, haunted house, carnival games, jousting, a falconry show, and other family-friendly festivities.
Corsicana
Witches Night Out
Oct. 20
Downtown Corsicana, 301 S. Beaton St.
Come join in for a fun night of grown-up festivities in your best witch or warlock attire. Sip, stroll, and shop the downtown merchants offering cauldrons of complimentary cocktails, and don't forget to enter the Most Creative Witches Hat contest.
Wichita Falls
Haunted Tours
Oct. 21-22, 28-29
Kell House Museum, 900 Bluff St.
This is not your typical haunted house. Tour the 113-year-old historic house museum after dark and see for yourself if it is haunted.
Kyle
Center Street Trick-or-Treat
Oct. 22
Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park, 101 S. Burleson St.
Local businesses and organizations set up tents and tables at Mary Kyle Hartson City "Scare" Park to provide a fun and safe opportunity for trick-or-treating. All ghosts and goblins young and old are invited to come out to the Treat Trail for a fun afternoon of treats as well as a costume and pumpkin decorating contest. All participants must decorate their pumpkin on site. Paint and pumpkins are provided. A few vendors sell children's items, and food and drink vendors are also available.
Plano
Rest In Plano Fest and Apparition Expedition
Oct. 22
Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.
Enjoy this Halloween-themed festival in downtown Plano. The two-day Halloween-centric celebration features artisans, performers, musicians, and the popular Apparition Expedition that gives visitors a peek into Plano’s paranormal past with walking tours through the city’s haunted history.
Mesquite
Wildflower Buffalo Stomp
Oct. 22
Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 701 E. Kearney Road
Fall is the time to plant Texas bluebonnet seeds. Head to Opal Lawrence Historical Park to stomp some seeds into the ground for next spring.
Kerrville
Haunted Ghoul Pool
Oct. 22-23
Kerrville Olympic Pool, 601 Olympic Drive
With family-friendly tours and scarier haunted tours, this event offers a night of goosebumps, spooks, and screams as Olympic Pool is transformed into a ghoulish haunted house.
San Angelo
Downtown Stroll Trick-or-Treat
Oct. 27
Downtown San Angelo, 24 W. Concho Ave.
Local businesses hand out treats to those who come dressed in Halloween costumes.
Brownwood
Trick-or-Treat Trail
Oct. 27
Depot Plaza, 600 E. Depot St.
The 11th annual Trick-or-Treat Trail is a great place to take kids for games, treats, and food truck fare. There's a movie night following the fun.
Sherman
Trick or Treat on Travis Street
Oct. 27
Travis and Wall streets , 100 N. Travis St.
This eighth annual trick-or-treat event in historic downtown Sherman is a safe, family-friendly way to kick off Halloween and let kiddos show off their costumes. The party takes place on North Travis Street from Houston up to the Chase Bank, and on Wall Street from Travis Street to North Walnut.
Bryan
Halloweentown in Downtown Bryan
Oct. 28
Downtown Bryan, 200 and 300 blocks of North Main Street
The third annual Halloweentown in Downtown Bryan is a free, family-friendly event featuring trick-or-treating, a costume contest, photo stations, children's crafts, and kid-friendly fun on the streets of downtown Bryan.
San Angelo
Día de Los Muertos
Oct. 28-29
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love St.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center along the Concho Riverwalk and on the Riverstage. There is a community altar, 5K and 1-mile runs, a car show, music, vendors, and a Catrina (Mexican skull face painting) contest.
Wharton
Haunted Tours
Oct. 28-29
Plaza Theatre, 120 S. Fulton St.
Explore the haunted stories and mysteries of Wharton by hay ride.
Wichita Falls
Not-So-Scary Halloween
Oct. 28
River Bend Nature Center, 2200 Third St.
The 16th annual Not-So-Scary Halloween is a great way for kids to enjoy the treats of Halloween without the tricks. There's a costume contest, music, tasty food, cool games, fun crafts, a cakewalk, pumpkin decorating, candy, and a Flashlight Fun Trail through the United Children's Garden. DJ Marcus “Maniac” McGee is emceeing throughout the night, and the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is open for you to enjoy.
Salado
Barktoberfest
Oct. 29
Barrow Brewing Company, 108 Royal St.
Celebrate Oktoberfest with your furry family members. Dress your pet to impress for the dog parade and costume contest. This event is free to attend and raises money for the Bell County Animal Shelter.
Tablerock Fright Trail
Oct. 29-30
Tablerock , 409 Tablerock Road
Spend Halloween this year at Tablerock. The popular walking trail on the sprawling 9-plus acre Tablerock site makes a Jekyll-Hyde switch to a spectral, haunted pathway. Guides accompany visitors and deliver extemporaneous remarks about scenes mimicking “Dracula,” “Frankenstein,” “Macbeth,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and other classics. It’s spooky enough to thrill you and draw interest for those great classics, but never with the intention to frighten little children.
Llano
Llano River Pumpkin Float
Oct. 29
Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive
Bring your carved pumpkins and enjoy the evening float and glow as you see lots of carved and lit pumpkins gliding across the Llano River. Witches, fairies, pirates, and mermaids are welcome, as costumes are encouraged.
Mesquite
Dia de los Muertos Cultural Celebration
Oct. 29
Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave.
Experience dia de Los Muertos Mesquite-style. Celebrate the cultural traditions of the holiday with sugar skull painting, folklorico dancers, and other Day of the Dead traditions.
Huntsville
Scare on the Square
Oct. 29
Downtown Huntsville, 1203 University Ave.
This spooky festival offers games, activities, giveaways, crafts, and trick-or-treating for all ages. Get in the spirit and dress in your best Halloween costume to be entered into the costume contest.
Wichita Falls
Jack o' Lantern Jubilee
Oct. 29
Kell House Museum, 900 Bluff St.
Bring the family and enjoy fall-themed actvities on the Kell House grounds. Decorate a pumpkin, play games, participate in a scavenger hunt, and snap some fall pictures.
Boerne
Music in the Cave: Haunted Show
Oct. 29
Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road
The Rahim Quazi Trio returns with an eerie evening in the Cave Throne Room just before Halloween. The cave is haunted with tales and songs including "Moonlight Sonata" (played in total darkness), the themes from "Young Frankenstein" and "A Nightmare Before Christmas," Danse Macabre, plus the haunting melodies from Rahim Quazi's album "Ghost Hunting."
Brownsville
Boo at the Zoo
Oct. 30-31
Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St.
Join the Gladys Porter Zoo for a spooky good time, with trick-or-treating, carnival-style games, mermaids, and fun Halloween-themed activities.
Corsicana
Boo on the Block
Oct. 31
Downtown Corsicana, 301 S. Beaton St.
Many retail stores are open downtown to hand out candy and prizes. Look forward to trick-or-treating, pictures in Pocket Park, children's events, and rides.
Kerrville
Family Fright Night
Oct. 31
Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive
The Parks and Recreation Department invites all ghosts, goblins, and creatures of the night to join in for an evening of safe and traditional family fun at the park. Activities include trick or treating, games, and a costume contest.
Elgin
Dia de los Muertos
Nov. 1
Historic Downtown Elgin , 109 Depot St.
Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is a traditional holiday in Mexico and Latin America that honors life and death by turning mourning into a celebration. Friends and family gather together to remember and pray for loved ones who have died. This event offers traditional altars, sugar skulls, children's activities, and music.
Jefferson
History, Haunts and Legends
Nov. 1
Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.
This fun event is for anyone who enjoys history, mystery, the unexplained, and things that go bump in the night, with special guest speakers, vendors, tours, and night time investigations at some of Jefferson's historic, rumored haunted locations.
Wichita Falls
Christmas Magic
Nov. 3-6
Multi-Purpose Events Center, 1000 Fifth St.
This fundraising event features vendors from around the country and includes clothing boutiques, one-of-a-kind crafted gifts, collectibles, Christmas décor, repurposed items, and a world of food to eat.
San Angelo
Murder Mystery at Fort Concho
Nov. 4-5
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes St.
Modeled after the board game “Clue,” a murder at Fort Concho gives you the opportunity to play detective for a night. Listen to the suspects’ alibis, search for clues, and help Miss Terri Salva solve the whodunit. Come alone or come as a group.
Temple
St. Nicholas Market
Nov. 4-5
Christ Episcopal Church, 300 N. Main St.
Come shop with over 35 vendors at the St. Nicholas Market and give back to the community. Proceeds from the annual market support local missions and ministries in the Temple area.
Nacogdoches
Día de Los Muertos
Nov. 5
Downtown Nacogdoches, 200 E. Main St.
Head to the square for a colorful, cultural event that has become a Nacogdoches tradition. Expect excellent music, dance, food, drinks, and vendors all over downtown.
Mesquite
Veterans Day Celebration
Nov. 5
Mesquite Veterans Memorial, 425 S. Galloway Ave.
Honor military heroes at this annual Veterans Day celebration, with speakers ranging from community leaders to military veterans.
Dallas
Holiday at the Arboretum
Nov. 9-Dec. 31
Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road
Numerous spectacular elements are a part of Holiday at the Arboretum. The Christmas Village has dozens of charming shops fashioned after a European Christmas village. There's also the 50-foot-tall Dazzling Musical Tree animated with more than 42,000 lights and merry holiday tunes, the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos that represent each of the 12 days of Christmas, and the stunningly decorated historic DeGolyer house.
The Colony
American Heroes
Nov. 11-12
The Colony Five Star Complex, 4100 Blair Oaks Drive
Corresponding with Veterans Day, American Heroes is a two-day patriotic festival and concert series for all ages. Enjoy live music, view vintage cars on display, and honor our nation’s veterans with multiple ceremonies. Don’t miss the weekend-long carnival and stunning patriotic firework display set to music.
Brownsville
A Salute to Our Troops Appreciation Days
Nov. 11-13
Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St.
Gladys Porter Zoo honors veterans and active-duty military personnel this weekend. Since opening in 1971, the Gladys Porter Zoo has been dedicated to the conservation and preservation of nature. The Zoo is currently home to over 500 species of plants and animals.
Ingram
ArtMart Christmas Gift Showcase
Nov. 11-Dec. 17
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
This annual holiday shopping showcase features handmade crafts by area artists.
Gladewater
Christmas Tyme in Gusherville
Nov. 12
Downtown Gladewater, 100 E. Commerce Ave.
The Gladewater antique district begins the holiday season with an open house. Stores stay open late and there's seasonal entertainment along with the lighting of the 20-foot-tall Christmas tree. Children can write their letters to Santa.
Bandera
Veterans Parade and Honors
Nov. 12
Various locations
The American Legion 157 Post organizes this 20th annual celebration that includes displays, information booths, a special program honoring Vietnam War-era veterans, a parade on Main Street, and a veterans and spouses barbecue.
Elgin
Veterans Appreciation Parade
Nov. 12
Historic Downtown Elgin , 109 Depot St.
Recognize and celebrate the community's veterans with a parade in downtown Elgin at 10 a.m., then take a veteran to lunch at the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department.
Mesquite
The Amazing Santa Color 5K Run and Walk
Nov. 12
Town East Mall, 2063 Town East Mall
This 5K kicks off the holiday season with holiday fun and color. Each participant is a blank canvas at the starting line and is transformed into a colorful collage during the race.
Wreath Making Class
Nov. 12, 17
Opal Lawrence Historical Park, 701 E. Kearney Road
Gather a group of friends to make a beautiful fresh evergreen holiday wreath over dinner and drinks at Opal Lawrence Historical Park.
Huntsville
Holiday Market
Nov. 12-13
Walker County Fairgrounds, 3925 SH 30
This market kicks off the holiday shopping season with a wide variety of antiques, boutiques, home décor, holiday décor, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, vintage, wreaths, crafts, and gifts.
Corsicana
175th Anniversary Kickoff and Tree Lighting Festival
Nov. 17
Downtown Corsicana, 301 S. Beaton St.
Corsicana begins its year-long 175th anniversary celebration with the annual holiday tree lighting. A three-story tree is lit with more than 10,00 lights and decorated with over 750 ornaments. Live entertainment, a spectacular fireworks display, and of course, Santa, are on hand to entertain the young and young at heart.
Bryan
Lights On!
Nov. 18
Downtown Bryan, 100 and 200 blocks of South Main Street
Destination Bryan kicks off the holiday season with the annual Lights On! Help count down to turn on thousands of lights along Main Street and Bryan Avenue that illuminate picturesque historic downtown Bryan. The free, family-friendly event includes holiday photo backdrop stations, live music, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Fort Worth
Lightscape
Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 1700 University Drive
Following sold-out runs in the world’s largest cities including London, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, the internationally acclaimed Lightscape is coming to Fort Worth for the holiday season. Taking place within the 120-acre Fort Worth Botanic Garden and set along a beautifully illuminated walking trail custom-designed for Fort Worth, Lightscape features spectacular artistic installations that come to life after dark with color, imagination, and sound. Walk a one-mile-long path with suspended strands and tunnels of light, a fire garden, undulating waves of bluebonnets, singing trees, treetop sculptures, and artistic installations while toasting marshmallows over a fire and drinking hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks at stations along the trail.
Marble Falls
Walkway of Lights
Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive
This is one of the biggest holiday events in the Highland Lakes each year. Two million lights on more than 130 sculptures illuminate Lakeside Park beginning each year in November. On weekends and holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, children can visit with Santa and his elves. There is no charge, but donations are accepted.
Houston
Lightscape
Nov. 18, 2022-Jan. 1, 2023
Houston Botanic Garden, One Botanic Lane
The internationally acclaimed Lightscape is back at the Houston Botanic Garden this holiday season, with magical light displays created by acclaimed artists from around the world. The illuminated trail winds through the garden with a blend of visitor favorites from the inaugural year, including the towering Winter Cathedral tunnel sparkling with 100,000 lights, and many new-to-Houston works including a field of glowing Texas bluebonnets. With its dynamic installations–including a fire garden with hundreds of flaming candles–Lightscape celebrates artistic creativity within the natural beauty of a living museum.
Wichita Falls
"A Christmas Story: the Musical"
Nov. 18-Dec. 17
The Wichita Theatre, 919 Indiana Ave.
This musical brings the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" to life. The story takes place in the 1940s in Indiana and focuses on a child named Ralphie, who wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas.
Ingram
"A Christmas Carol"
Nov. 18-20, 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11
Hill Country Arts Foundation, 120 Point Theatre Road
"A Christmas Carol" recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.
Palestine
The Polar Express
Nov. 18-Dec. 27
Texas State Railroad, Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70
The Palestine depot offers a festive holiday setting that features lights, tinsel, garland, and costumed characters sure to excite and inspire every child and adult, ages 2 to 92.
Grinch's Lair
Nov. 18-20, 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
The Texas Jailhouse, 704 Ave. A
He's mean, he's green, and he's in Palestine. This Christmas season don't miss a rare opportunity to come see Mr. Grinch in his Texas Jailhouse home in Palestine.
Luling
Christmas Arts and Craft Show
Nov. 19
Watermelon Thump Pavilion, 319 E. Davis St.
Kick off the Christmas season by shopping for unique items handcrafted by area artisans. Kids can visit and take pictures with Santa, and a DJ plays tunes all day. A live raffle with prizes takes place for the entire day as well.
Fort Worth
Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience
Nov. 19-20
Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 Burnett-Tandy Drive
The Funky Finds Holiday Shopping Experience take this year's Holiday Market surf side. The flamingos are rounding up the best in handmade and vintage funky finds for your tropical holiday pleasure. Snag the best finds before they're swept away with the tide.
Fredericksburg
Historic Home Tour and Holiday Market
Nov. 19
Pioneer Museum, 325 W. Main St.
The Gillespie County Historical Society offers tours of historic homes in and around Fredericksburg as well as a holiday market that's decorated in its holiday finest.
New Braunfels
Holidays in Gruene: Old Gruene Market Days and Photos with Cowboy Kringle
Nov. 19-20
Gruene Historic District
Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. Reserve a spot in advance to create a lasting Christmas memory with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene's own brand of Santa.
Kerrville
Holiday Lighted Parade and Christmas Tree and Tranquility Lighting Ceremonies
Nov. 19
Kerr County Courthouse, 700 Main St.
Officially welcome the holiday season, and most importantly the arrival of Santa Clause riding in on his signature fire truck, at this holiday event. Grab your hot cocoa and join others for this annual downtown community tradition.
Fort Worth
Parade of Lights
Nov. 20
Downtown Fort Worth, 777 Taylor St.
The GM Financial Parade of Lights illuminates the streets of downtown Fort Worth for the 40th year. This year’s parade marks the city’s official kick-off to the holiday season with more than 100 festive floats, each adorned with holiday decor and over half a million sparkling lights.
Wichita Falls
Fantasy of Lights
Nov. 21-Dec. 26
Midwestern State University, 3410 Taft Blvd.
The Midwestern State University-Burns Fantasy of Lights is one of the largest holiday displays of its kind in the region, providing a festive holiday atmosphere on campus and a focal point for holiday activities in North Texas.
Wharton
Christmas Holiday Parade
Nov. 22
Historic Monterey Square, 100 S. Fulton St.
Kick off the holiday season with a festive parade, vendors, and a lighting ceremony of the beautifully decorated historic courthouse.
Lubbock
Deck the Halls with Disney
Nov. 22
Helen DeVitt Jones Theater at The Buddy Holly Hall, 1300 Mac Davis Lane
Disney Concerts presents Deck the Halls with Disney featuring DCappella. Delight in a family night out set to the magical and musical sounds of Disney’s premier a cappella singing sensation, DCappella. Kick off the holiday season as DCappella takes you through a musical journey featuring all of your favorite holiday songs plus Disney’s greatest hits from "Encanto," "The Little Mermaid," "The Lion King," "Frozen," and "Moana."
New Braunfels
Holidays in Gruene: Turkey Trot and Kids' Turkey Chase
Nov. 24
Gruene Historic District
Start your Thanksgiving day with the 14th annual 5K run/walk through Gruene Historic District. Kids under 12 years old have a blast chasing a turkey mascot for a quarter mile. Races begin and end in front of Gruene Hall and benefit local charities, including the Comal County Sheriff's Green Santa Program and the New Braunfels Police Department Blue Santa Program.
Llano
Starry Starry Nights Lighted Christmas Park
Nov. 25-Dec. 31
Badu Park, 300 W. Legion Drive
Sip hot chocolate and stroll along the Llano River enjoying all of the displays that light up Badu Park. It's a great place to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Port Lavaca
Nativity Exhibit
Nov. 25-Dec. 4
Red Barn, 3187 SH 35
This free, three-day event showcases hundreds of nativities from around the world, some with their own special memory to share, such as the first nativity as a family, one bought while stationed in Germany, a treasured graduation gift from grandparents, one left in the attic by previous homeowners, and a "rescued" nativity from the thrift store.
Mckinney
Home for the Holidays: A McKinney Christmas
Nov. 25-27
Downtown McKinney, 111 N. Tennessee St.
Stroll the 14-block area of McKinney's 166-year-old commercial historic downtown for family activities, food, and entertainment. Enjoy a uniquely McKinney Christmas celebration with neighbors and visitors from near and far. Admission is free and open to the public. Enjoy live holiday music, seasonal food and drink, vendors for holiday shopping, and a community Christmas tree lighting event.
Wichita Falls
ElectriCritters: A Lighted Christmas Display
Nov. 25-Dec. 23
River Bend Nature Center, 2200 Third St.
With the flip of a switch, more than 60,000 lights on more than 200 lighted displays glitter and sparkle, bringing with it the sights and sounds of the season. ElectriCritters is a fundraiser for River Bend Nature Center and directly supports River Bend’s hands-on natural science education and outreach programs for children and adults.
Fredericksburg
The Peddler Holiday Show
Nov. 25-27
Gillespie County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Hall, 530 Fair Drive
Celebrating over 40 years as Texas' favorite arts and crafts show, the Peddler Holiday Show always arrives at the perfect time for holiday shopping.
Trade Days Holiday Encore
Nov. 25-27
Fredericksburg Trade Days, 355 Sunday Farms Lane
Shop twice in November at this encore Trade Days, with over 350 vendors in seven barns, acres of antiques, a biergarten, and live music.
Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Skating
Nov. 25-Jan. 2
Marktplatz, 100 block of West Main Street
This annual seasonal outdoor ice skating rink benefits the Heritage School, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Fredericksburg.
Richardson
"The Nutcracker"
Nov. 25-27
Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive
Chamberlain Ballet began staging "The Nutcracker" in 1989. Over the years, this holiday tradition has grown to become a favorite for thousands of North Texas families.
New Braunfels
Holidays in Gruene: Photos with Cowboy Kringle
Nov. 25-27
Gruene Historic District
Reserve a spot in advance to create a lasting Christmas memory with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene's own brand of Santa.
Wichita Falls
Carriage Rides
Nov. 25-Dec. 24
The Forum, 2120 Speedway Ave.
Take a tour of the Christmas light displays through a beautiful country club neighborhood while riding in a magically decorated carriage.
Jefferson
Christmas Express Train
Nov. 25, 26; Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24
Historic Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin St.
Make this a Christmas to remember aboard the Christmas Express Train. The antique narrow-gauge gas locomotive has three departures each day. Passengers enjoy vignettes along the Cypress Bayou River as they hear the story of Christmas. Night vignettes are lighted, but no lights along the tracks.
Boerne
Dickens on Main
Nov. 25-26
Hill Country Mile, 100 N. Main St.
Boerne’s historic Hill Country Mile transforms into a vintage Christmas experience, with nonstop entertainment in various holiday villages set up throughout the venue. The celebration’s main attractions include live music and performances, visits with Santa Claus, ice sculpting, children’s take-home crafts, snow along Main Street, roving musicians, carolers, and other revelers.
San Angelo
Santa's Santa Fe Christmas
Nov. 26
Railway Museum of San Angelo, 703 S. Chadbourne St.
Santa Claus is coming to town by train. Stick around for free photo opportunities next to Santa. Guests can partake in shopping a variety of vendor booths, and various food trucks are on site selling their delicious entrees.
Nacogdoches
Wassail Fest
Nov. 26
Downtown Nacogdoches, 200 E. Main St.
Downtown merchants are competing for bragging rights for the best holiday brew during Wassail Fest. Wassail, made from hot mulled cider and spices, is served at various locations in historic downtown Nacogdoches, and patrons vote on their favorites to determine the winner.
Jefferson
Christmas Parade and "Enchanted Forest" Tree Lighting
Nov. 26
Downtown and Lions Park
After the parade, which travels through Jefferson and ends at Lions Park, stick around for the "Enchanted Forest" tree lighting ceremony. Be inspired as 100-plus beautifully decorated christmas trees light up and ring in the holidays. Festivities also include Christmas carol singing and a visit from Santa.
Boerne
Music in the Cave: Sounds of the Season
Nov. 26
Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road
Enjoy Tinsel, an a cappella quartet, for sounds of the Christmas season with contemporary classics and beloved carols. Described as sleek, sophisticated, and distinctive, Tinsel has a roster of professional singers who are Grammy winners and classically trained vocalists. They entertain audiences with classical and contemporary original arrangements of holiday favorites.
Sonora
Downtown Christmas
Nov. 30
Main Street
A twinkling, lighted parade strolls down Main Street with a live nativity scene to ring in the Christmas season.
Mesquite
Christmas on the Square
Nov. 30
Heritage Square Park, 100 Broad St.
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of Christmas at this holiday season tradition in the historic heart of Mesquite, with festivities including holiday treats and the sparkle of holiday lights.
Wichita Falls
Santa House
Nov. 30-Dec. 9
Kell House Museum, 900 Bluff St.
Santa and company invite you for a visit to their Texas home for the holidays. Santa’s elves guide visitors of all ages through a magical Christmas wonderland, including the original play “The Magical Rocking Horse, Part I,” a visit with Santa himself, a stop in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen for a cookie, and then step into Santa’s workshop to make an ornament to take home.
Plano
Dickens in Downtown Plano
Dec. 3
Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St.
Kick off the season with Dickens, a free annual event nestled in the heart of the Historic Downtown Plano Arts District with holiday-themed activities, a tree lighting, and other family fun.
Huntsville
Christmas Fair
Dec. 3
Downtown Huntsville, 1203 University Ave.
Come to downtown Huntsville for Christmas performances, a special Christmas book reading for kids, snow, food, crafts, games, Santa Claus, and other holiday festivities.
Mesquite
Christmas Concert
Dec. 4
Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave.
Mesquite Community Band presents its annual holiday concert. The band is made up of volunteer musicians from high school through retirement age.
Winter Gala: A Community Celebration
Dec. 4
Mesquite Arts Center, 1527 N. Galloway Ave.
The Mesquite Arts Center hosts its Winter Gala, a night of family fun with food and music.
Christmas in the Park
Dec. 4-5
Westlake Park, 601 Gross Road
Mesquite Parks and Recreation’s largest annual event, Christmas in the Park, kicks off the holiday season with free carnival rides, arts and crafts, visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, indulging on cookies and hot cocoa, and other activities.
