Temperatures may be mild outside, but holiday music is starting to play on local radio stations. And in just a few short days, Austin's very own Trail of Lights will open for another glorious season. So, while it may not feel like it, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in ATX.
Unfortunately, along with this most wonderful time of the year comes added stress. Instead of letting crowded shopping malls and heavier traffic get you down, head outside for some holiday cheer.
Scattered across the great state of Texas are more than 90 state parks, 19 of which are relatively close to Austin. To help you steer clear of the crowds and spend more time with loved ones, we've rounded up six state parks near Austin that are featuring holiday festivities in 2017.
1/ Goliad State Park & Historic Site: History in Lights
Walk the grounds of the historic Spanish mission in Goliad (Credit: Goliad State Park Facebook)
Down in Goliad, Texas, sits Mission Espiritu Santo. This Roman Catholic mission was established by Spain in 1722 to convert surrounding inhabitants. During the month of December 2017, drive south to experience the park's History in Lights event, which tells the story of the historic area. Walk the same path as Native Americans and Spanish Franciscan priests from a bygone era, as you view the lights and shadows cast by cutouts. Entrance fee is $3 for adults, while children under 12 are free.
Month of December 2017
6-10 p.m.
Website
From downtown Austin: 2.5 hours
2/ Mother Neff State Park: Mother Neff Christmas
Southwest of Waco along the Leon River, this 259-acre state park was one of the first to be established in Texas. Mother Neff State Park is the perfect backdrop for holiday family fun during the 3rd Annual Mother Neff Christmas. Join Mrs. Claus to decorate Christmas cookies; take a holiday hike with a park ranger; or adventure on your own with a festively-themed scavenger hunt. The program is free with regular park admission.
Dec. 2, 2017
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website
From downtown Austin: 1.5 hours
3/ Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site: Trail of Lights
Follow the illuminated Trail of Lights to the historic Kreische House
Monument Hill State Park lies an hour west of Austin along the Colorado River. For another festive year, the park invites you to its annual Trail of Lights. Enjoy the quarter-mile walk complete to the historic Kreische House, illuminated with thousands of bulbs, with scenic views of La Grange. When you arrive at the house, enjoy entertainment and visits with Santa. Admission is free.
Dec. 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 2017
1-3 p.m.
Website
From downtown Austin: 1 hour
4/ South Llano River State Park: Christmas at the Ranch and North Star Party
A holiday party on the ranch includes star gazing. (Credit: Llano State Park Facebook)
Take a day trip west to South Llano River State Park to get in the holiday spirit in a Texas ranch atmosphere. Enjoy 18 miles of hiking/biking trails during the day, then head to Mr. Buck's historic ranch home for a holiday affair. Sip hot chocolate as you listen to live music and visit with Santa. After the sunset, view wintertime stars and constellations during the North Star Party.
Dec. 2, 2017
4-9 p.m.
Website
From downtown Austin: 2.5 hours
5/ Palmetto State Park: Old-Fashioned Holiday Taffy Pull
Enjoy hiking trails lined with tropical palmettos at Palmetto State Park (Credit: Palmetto State Park Facebook)
Sweeten your holidays by attending Palmetto State Park's 3rd Annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Taffy Pull. Depression era and World War II recipes yield delicious honey cream and saltwater taffy the whole family can sample. Afterwards, enjoy hiking or biking along the park trails, or kayaking/canoeing on the San Marcos River. The event is free with regular park admission.
Dec. 16, 2017
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Website
From downtown Austin: 1 hour
6/ Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site: LBJ Tree Lighting
Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm transports visitors back to the early 1900's (Credit: LBJ State Park Facebook)
This season, experience a 48-year-old holiday tradition started by President Lyndon B. Johnson himself. Join the surrounding community for the annual LBJ Tree Lighting. Live music and carolers, refreshments, and a live nativity will be included at this outdoor Christmas extravaganza. After the lighting, visit Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm for historical decorations, costumed interpreters, and fresh cookies.
Dec. 17, 2017
6-9 p.m.
Website
From downtown Austin: 1 hour
Give the Gift of Texas Parks and Wildlife
The outdoors is a gift that keeps on giving. So, while you're out visiting one of these stellar state parks, consider checking a few folks off your gift list with a Texas State Parks gift card. Most state parks treat gift cards like cash and allow holders to purchase entrance and overnight fees, retail items, and parking passes.
@dollarsaenz wants to know:
What's your favorite Texas state park during the Christmas season?
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