I am writing about ways families may celebrate Christmas in a less commercial way. The State Parks (SP) and State Historic Sites (SHS) are made to order for authentic Christmas experiences.
First Stop : Wyler Tramway SP
Wyler Tramway Gondola
Holidays at the Wyler Tramway State Park
1700 McKinley El Paso, Texas 79930
(915) 562-9899
December 16–18, Noon–5 pm
Ride to the top of Ranger Peak in a gondola, where Santa Claus awaits your visit. After chatting with Santa and having pictures of the children taken with Santa, do not rush off. Take time to view the Christmas decorations and to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, apple cider or coffee at the gift shop. Make sure you look through the gift shop, where you will find candles, books, apparel, toys and other one-of-a-kind items.
You may notice you are viewing sequential rock layers ranging from ancient volcanic granite to more recently-deposited limestone. The view encompasses 7,000 square miles, 2 countries and 3 states. If you feel like hiking, follow a two-mile round-trip trail that curls its way around Ranger Peak from the observation deck. If not, there are accessible ramps and paved grounds leading into an observation deck with an unobstructed view. Try the pay per view high power telescopes. You are sure to spot birds and wildlife. You are one mile high and the view is fantastic. In the distance, you can see parts of Mexico and New Mexico. The City of El Paso lies at your feet.
Photograph at of El Paso at Dusk by Christopher Rose, The Texas Tribune
Note: You are a mile high, so make sure everyone has jackets and, perhaps, a Santa hat? Call ahead of time in case of weather or check the NOAA weather site before you set out.
Fees:
$7 for each person 13+ years
$4 for each person 12 years and under
Schedule:
Friday and Saturday: 12-8 pm
Sunday: 10 am-6 pm
Tram closed Monday-Thursday.
Ticket sales end and last gondola starts up one hour before closing.
Second Stop : Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS
Barrington Living History Farm
Barrington Farm Holidays
(at Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS)
21300 Park Rd. 12
Washington TX 77880
936/878-2214
December 17, 10 am-430 pm
Step back in time and into the lives of the original residents of Barrington Farm. The scene is complete with heritage breeds of livestock. Interpreters, dressed in period style clothing, help visitors understand what life was like 150 years ago. Make decorations to decorate your home or toys to give as gifts. Explore and enjoy the simplicity of farm life. Listen to popular music of that time. Learn the meaning of “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards all Men.” This is a wonderful trip for youngsters.
Fees:
$5 for adults
$3 for students 7 years and over.
Third Stop : Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery SHS
Kreische House Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2009
Trail of Lights
414 State Loop 92
La Grange, TX 78945-5733
(979) 968-5658
December 16 and 17, 6–8 pm
I know that Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites do not sound like somewhere you would celebrate Christmas. Take a chance. I know you will enjoy Christmas in early Texas-German style! Enjoy the genuine hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, sponsors of the event.
Stroll along a ¼-mile trail and thrill to the thousands of lights decorating Monument Hill and the H.L. Kreische House, which is decorated in the style of Texas-German 1850s-era Christmas. Bring your children; they will want to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus! View the town of La Grange from the trail’s hillside overlook. From the hilltop, you have a beautiful view of the Colorado River. Picnic sites, rest rooms, playgrounds, trail exhibits and scenic overlooks are found in this flat, bluff-top area. The trail is handicapped accessible and provides access to the Kreische House, Monument and Tomb.
Angel Statute on Monument photograph by Texas Escapes
The monument holds the remains of the fallen from two incidents in the Texas War for Independence, the Dawson Massacre and the Black Bean Death Lottery. The remains of the house and brewery are monuments to a German immigrant Heinrich Kreische. He purchased 172 acres on a hilltop, including the tomb. Kreische married and had six children. Built in two stages, the three-story Kreische house commemorates both the growth of the Kreische business and his family. The remains of the brewery remain as a monument to what one man can do with nothing but limestone, knowledge and hard work.
Fees:
$4 for adults
$1 for children 3-12 years ol
Fourth Stop : Lyndon B. Johnson SP and HS
Interpreter at The Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead. Photo by Jessica Schneider
42nd Annual LBJ Tree Lighting
Stonewall, Texas (from Fredericksburg go east on Highway 290 for 16 miles)
(830) 644-2252
December 18, 6–9 pm
Join in this Texas Hill Country tradition started 42 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy the tree lighting and an evening of family fun. Step back in time at the Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead, where visitors experience a German Texan farm in the early part of the 20th century. Snack on cookies under glowing lanterns and view the traditional candlelit German Christmas tree. A night to remember for the entire family, sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
This park on the banks of the Pedernales River is directly across from the LBJ Ranch. This site, and the nearby Lyndon B. Johnson National
Fifth Stop : Longhorn Cavern SP
Longhorn Caverns
Caroling in the Cave
6211 Park Road 4 S.
Burnet, TX 78611 (access PR 4 off HWY 281 between Burnet and Marble Falls or off HWY 29 between Llano and Burnet)
830-598-CAVE
December 17, 5–8 pm
You know how good you sound in the shower? Image your voice, with others, singing Christmas carols that echo in Longhorn Cavern. There are food and games in the administration building. Different musical artist play each week. Reservations highly recommended. Ask about fees.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish visitors and subscribers to this blog the best in 2012. My health has taken a turn for the worse, so I do not know if I will be able to update this blog as often as I would like. It has been big fun sharing Texas with you and your families. I hope to see you in 2012!
Remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.
CyberCelt
Big Bend Area of Texas
