Center for the Arts & Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

Every month, the planetarium shows give visitors a close-up view of comets, exploding stars, and black holes. The shows feature a variety of high tech equipment, including a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that produces the night sky as it appears to the naked eye.

brazosportcenter.com

Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. 

Celebrate the holiday season at the Gladys Porter Zoo. This family-oriented event offers holiday spirit and fun with a train ride around the zoo to view brilliant light displays.

gpz.org

Clute Municipal Park, 100 Parkview Drive

Christmas in the Park is an event that gets the whole family in the holiday spirit—from watching performances by local choirs and dance groups to fixing s'mores by the crackling fire to a visit with Santa. The drive-thru holiday light display is available the entire month of December.

clutetexas.gov

Gruene Historic District, 1281 Gruene Road

This 5K run/walk and kids’ 1K benefits St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. Awards are given to the top male and female finishers, the top male and female masters, the top 3 finishers in each age group (all ages in five-year increments through 75-plus), and the top three wheelchair athletes. The event is sponsored by Comal ISD.

athleteguild.com

Surfside Beach Main Entrance

Enjoy the lit-up kites of the Surfside Flyers Kite Club. This is the fifth year that the event has offered fun for all ages.

surfsidetx.org

Cave Without a Name Throne Room, 325 Kreutzberg Road

The cello choir called Texas Cellos returns to the Cave Without a Name’s Queen’s Throne Room to perform a traditional Nordic Christmas show honoring the Scandinavian tradition of St. Lucia’s Day.

cavewithoutaname.com

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, 2970 Epic Place

Bring the whole family for a meet and greet with Santa, plus a breakfast buffet and admission for all-day swimming.

epicwatersgp.com

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Road 965 

At Star Fest you can experience viewings of the night sky through telescopes, constellation seeking, and other nighttime activities during this annual festival. Join members of the Hill Country Astronomers, Friends of Enchanted Rock, and park staff for a tour through space. Multiple telescopes are set up for the duration of the event.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock

Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 West

Wrap up this year’s centennial celebration by learning how to enjoy Huntsville State Park for the next 100 years. Ignite your passion for recreation and stewardship at the park. Recreational activities include hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, and archery. End the day with campfires, s’mores, and gazing into the night sky.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

Mansfield Park Arena, 2886 SH 16 North

Witness exciting barrel racing presented by Riding on Faith. Watch as the talented youth show the adults how it’s done.

ridingonfaithrodeo.com

Texas TreeVentures, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive

Experience a thrilling climb at Texas TreeVentures during Glow in the Park, a three-hour nighttime climbing adventure. Lights illuminate the three-level aerial course from below as you climb with a headlamp, offering a totally new perspective.

visitthewoodlands.com

Bonham State Park, 1363 State Park 24 

Campers share holiday cheer by decorating their campsites and visitors can drive through the campground and see the decorations. Entry to a park is free on the day it hosts this official 100-year celebration event (applies to day passes only).

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bonham

McKinney ISD Stadium, 4201 S. Hardin Blvd.

Cheer for your favorite team in this college football matchup that always provides plenty of excitement in the McKinney ISD football stadium. Competing teams are announced the weekend before the game.

visitmckinney.com

Riva Row Boat House, 2101 Riva Row

Participants depart from Riva Row Boat House in search of gift-wrapped presents on the local shores, then return to the boathouse for holiday treats and a special visitor.

visitthewoodlands.com

Surfside Beach Pedestrian Beach

At this annual holiday event, spectators can watch a group of Santas catch waves and hang ten.

surfsidetx.org

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn about all the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 SH 27

Vendors sell new and used guns, knives, ammo, coins, jewelry, camping gear, accessories, and other items.

texasgunandknifeshows.com

Fort Leaton State Historic Site, Farm-to-Market Road 170 East 

Experience the holiday traditions of the borderlands at the annual Posada at Fort Leaton. “Posada” means “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish. This traditional Mexican Christmas tradition tells the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem through skits and songs. Over 1,000 luminarias light the way for you to walk and sing with Mary and Joseph as they search for shelter. Following the procession, enjoy traditional holiday drinks, snacks, piñatas, and mariachi bands. You can wander the halls of the candle-lit fort on your own or take a guided tour.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-leaton

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park, 199 Park Road 52

Enjoy this special tradition started 54 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy carolers, a live Nativity scene, Santa Claus, refreshments, and, of course, the spectacular tree lighting. Find refreshments and activities near the park headquarters, then journey back in time by visiting the Sauer-Beckmann Farm at dusk. The ambiance created by the lantern-lit path, the real Christmas tree in the parlor, and the live music transports you back to what an authentic Texas-German Christmas was like at the turn of the century. There are tasty homemade treats, too.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson/park_events

Ford Center at The Star, 9 Cowboys Way

Eighty of the best high school football players in the nation come together for a football game at Ford Center at The Star.

usarmybowl.com

Toyota Stadium, 9200 World Cup Way

The Frisco Bowl is an annual college bowl game played at Toyota Stadium. The bowl game is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, and is affiliated with all Group of Five conferences. Participating teams are announced at a later date.

thefriscobowl.com

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, 2970 Epic Place

Ring in the new year with all types of indoor waterpark fun.

epicwatersgp.com

Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. 

The Gladys Porter Zoo is home to over 300 different animal species and over 250 plant species. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the zoo and learn more about each species. A minimum of 10 guests per tour, and reservations are required a minimum two weeks in advance.

gpz.org

Surfside Beach Pedestrian Beach

Come and take the Surfside plunge. Start the new year off right and join others as they take a cold and refreshing dip in the Gulf. You get nothing but bragging rights.

surfsidetx.org

Center for the Arts & Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

Every month, the planetarium shows give visitors a close-up view of comets, exploding stars, and black holes. The shows feature a variety of high tech equipment, including a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that produces the night sky as it appears to the naked eye.

brazosportcenter.com

Faire of Champions, 4033 Broyles Chapel Road

Faire of Champions is a wintertime fantasy faire with themed weekends, including “Viking Invasion” and “Fantasy and Folklore.” Vendors are set up selling their wares and entertainment takes place later in the evening at the campgrounds. Camping and RV passes are available.

faireofchampions.com

Morris Memorial Pool, 802 N. Ave C.

Brave the cold water and jump into the new year at the Elgin Municipal Pool at Morris Memorial Park. Take pictures in the photo booth, and bring a change of clothes and a towel.

elgintx.com

Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd.

Bring the whole family: There’s a distance for everyone. The 10K, 5K, Fun Run, and Virtual Run meander through beautiful trails in the Plano Oak Point Nature Preserve. The after-party offers participants hotcakes, coffee, hot chocolate, ice cold beer, and other grub.

visitplano.com

Toyota Stadium, 9200 World Cup Way

The best of NCAA football meets again in Frisco at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Series. Competing teams are announced at a future date.

ncaatickets.com/championship/fcs-championship

Hill Country State Natural Area, 10600 Bandera Creek Road

Endurance runners of different levels participate in this race weekend with 25K, 50K, and 100K distances and a 1-mile youth race. The 100K is a standalone race on Saturday with a 24- to 25-hour cutoff. The 50K and 25K start Sunday morning and end Sunday night at the latest.

tejastrails.com/bandera

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

Recycle Christmas trees into beneficial sand dunes along the Brazoria County coastline.

brazoriacountyparks.org

Downtown Austin, 9700 Stonelake Blvd.

Run a mostly downhill course that takes you past some of Austin’s finest locations and finishes downtown near the Texas State Capitol. The 3M Half boasts one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country.

3mhalfmarathon.com

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

Winter visitors and South Texans learn valuable and often unique lessons on South Texas horticulture and the environment from experts, while meeting new friends over a cup of coffee.

stxbot.org

Portland Chamber of Commerce, 2000 Billy G. Webb Drive

Compete in either a half marathon, 10K, or 5K through Portland. The races include a finisher’s medal, shirt, and race bibs. Prizes and awards are given to top overall finishers of all three races. The course goes through the flat NorthShore Country Club neighborhoods and through the natural scenery around Sunset Lake.

business.portlandtx.org/events/details/3rd-annual-portland-half-14809

Ford Center at The Star, 9 Cowboys Way

The oldest college football all-star game comes to North Texas for the first time. Since 1925, the East-West Shrine Bowl has benefitted Shriners Children’s and its mission while showcasing the next generation of NFL legends. Many of professional football’s most recognized and decorated players, including Tom Brady, Walter Payton, Lawrence Taylor, John Elway, Gale Sayers, and Jimmy Garoppolo played in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

visitfrisco.com/event/east-west-shrine-bowl/4505

Edinburg Parks and Recreation Center, 315 E. Palm Drive

Join along for the annual All-America City David Chavana 10K Run/Walk, uniting over 5,000 participants. As Edinburg marks the 42nd year of this exhilarating event, the city invites all to celebrate the spirit of South Texas through the joy of running.

cityofedinburg.com

Center for the Arts & Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

Every month, the planetarium shows give visitors a close-up view of comets, exploding stars, and black holes. The shows feature a variety of high tech equipment, including a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that produces the night sky as it appears to the naked eye.

brazosportcenter.org

La Posada Hotel, 1000 Zaragoza St.

Perfect for fans of our flying feathered friends, the Laredo Birding Festival is a four-day event offering a variety of full-day, scenic trips for birders to take part in. Led by professional field guides, attendees have the opportunity to deepen their avian knowledge of South Texas and explore areas along Laredo’s riverfront, creek systems, nature trails, and private ranch land, some of which have never been birded before. With nearly 200 species of birds waiting to be spotted, birding enthusiasts fall in love with Laredo and the captivating world of avifauna that the city is home to.

laredobirdingfestival.org

Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. 

The Gladys Porter Zoo is home to over 300 different animal species and over 250 plant species. Every winter, Winter Texans are invited to the zoo and its annual Winter Texan Day. To receive a discount, guests need to provide proof of out-of-state residency.

gpz.org

Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold St. 

Join the Gladys Porter Zoo at its South Texas Discovery Education Center for a day full of fun. Wild Tales features storytelling, free children’s books (while supplies last), animal encounters, arts and crafts, and face painting. This event is free with the purchase of regular admission or Zoo membership. 

gpz.org

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

This event features a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and kids’ 1K. A post-run party includes Texas barbecue, drinks, and games. Races start with the sun rising over the water and follow the public beach to San Luis Pass, then return. The entire course is on firm, smooth sand.

surfsidebeachmarathon.com

Port Aransas Civic Center, 710 W. Avenue A

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/the-2024-festival

Westwood Country Club, 3808 W. 35th St.

The ATX Open returns as Austin’s premier professional tour-level tennis tournament, bringing world-class women athletes and tennis action to the heart of Texas. The Women’s Tennis Association 250 tournament celebrates its second installment at Westwood Country Club, which is transformed to include a 1,700-seat center court. The tournament is one of the first US-based events on the 2024 WTA calendar and is to be broadcast to a worldwide audience. A global field of WTA stars including two-time major champion Victoria Azarenka, 2022 Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins, and 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens are scheduled to compete in 32-player singles and 16-team doubles draws.

atxopen.com

Mesquite Convention Center, 1700 Rodeo Drive

The sixth annual Texas Fly Fishing and Brew Festival is a family-friendly event where you can learn every aspect of the quiet sport. At the indoor/outdoor venue, attendees can meet fly-fishing manufacturers, attend lectures on techniques and topics of interest to fly anglers of every stripe, and taste some of the Lone Star State’s best microbrewed beer. Meet nationally known fly-fishing authors, professional guides, expert casters, custom bamboo rodmakers, and fly tyers from across the country.

txflyfishingfestival.org

Laredo International Airport—Maher Entrance, 5210 Bob Bullock Loop

One of the most popular events hosted during the Washington’s Birthday Celebration in Laredo, the annual Stars and Stripes Air Show Spectacular offers a thrilling aviation show with a slew of amazing aerial maneuvers, static displays, awe-inspiring formations, and aircraft demonstrations.

thewbcaairshow.org

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Second Saturday Bird Walks in the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary are offered by volunteers from the Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. These bird walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. There are also plenty of opportunities provided for participants to ask questions from experienced birders. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in these walks.

heardmuseum.org

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Second Saturday Bird Walks in the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary are offered by volunteers from the Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. These bird walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. There are also plenty of opportunities provided for participants to ask questions from experienced birders. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in these walks.

heardmuseum.org

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place

Second Saturday Bird Walks in the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary are offered by volunteers from the Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. These bird walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. There are also plenty of opportunities provided for participants to ask questions from experienced birders. Prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats are included in these walks.

heardmuseum.org