State Park Events
It’s the most wonderful time…
There’s magic for everyone when you visit a state park during December. Click here for the most up-to-date information on state park holiday events and promotions.

courtesy Comanche Trail of Lights SM
Big Spring
Poinsettias in the Park
Drive up to the top of Big Spring State Park’s 200-foot limestone bluff to gaze over the town’s beautiful lighted metal poinsettias, just a small part of the thousands of lights that illuminate the Big Spring community’s Comanche Trail of Lights.

courtesy Kitchen Floor Crafts
Brazos Bend
Silent Night, Forest Bright
Want to learn more about our nighttime friends? Come to the Nature Center for story and craft time and learn about animal friends that are more active at night. Then make a racoon or owl puppet to take home with you.

Yuliya Derbisheva | Dreamstime.com
Lake Corpus Christi
Watercolor Wonderland
Join a ranger for a basic watercolor skills class (all supplies provided) and learn about the significance of art in the parks. Then create a holiday watercolor card for your loved ones. Free with park admission.

Christopher Elwell | Dreamstime.com
Martin Creek Lake
Christmas in the Pineywoods
Ho! Ho! Ho! Martin Creek Lake State Park is full of the Christmas spirit. Come join the camper elves who have decorated their campsites for your enjoyment.
Visit Martin Creek Lake for its annual Christmas in the Pineywoods event. Drive or walk through the park’s camping loops and enjoy the festive decorations at the campsites. The kids will get a candy cane from Santa. There will be hot cocoa, cider and coffee, too.
Entrance fees will be waived for all visitors who bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the local community’s Operation Blue Santa program.

Earl Nottingham | TPWD
Fort Concho
Christmas at Old Fort Concho
Join Lt. Dolifka of the Buffalo Soldiers program and many more from the frontier Army as they celebrate Christmas and fort life on the Texas frontier. Come anytime — there will be many activities and stories throughout the entire day. For more information, visit www.fortconcho.com

Puripat Khummungkhoon | Dreamstime.com
Bonham
Light Up the Park
Visit Bonham State Park as it kicks off its first-ever Christmas Light Up the Park event. Drive through the campground and check out all of the campsites decked out in their holiday finery. Want to join in the fun? Campsite fees are waived December 13 – 19 for those who decorate their campsite with holiday lights and decorations. Contact park manager Jason Schooley at jason.schooley@tpwd.texas.gov to reserve your site.
The entrance fee of $4 per adult will be waived with the donation of a new, unwrapped gift for a child. Donations will go to the Fannin County Children’s Center.

N PO | Dreamstime.com
Lockhart
Sweet Treats
Get ready to get your hands sticky? Park staff will show you how to make homemade taffy at the Lockhart State Park Taffy Pull. Eat it as soon as it cools down, or take it home to give as a present. All ages are welcome, and the class is free with park admission.
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