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.

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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

Willie Nelson chopped of his long, pretty braids last year.  It is his hair and I am sure short hair is easier to deal with on tour buses.  However, people are still talking about it.

As far as I am concerned, he can shave himself bald and go naked and he would still be Willie Nelson, singer, songwriter, friend to the farmer, friend to the trucker, larger than life Texan and MY HERO!

Almost cut my hair
Happened just the other day
It’s gettin’ kind of long
I could’ve said it was in my way..

Almost Cut My Hair by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

The original TV show, Austin City Limits, is a PBS series that has brought both well-known and up-and-coming artists to its stage for more than three decades. The show was filmed on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Willie Nelson played the ACL pilot episode on the UT campus in 1976!

Austin City Limits venue has moved to Moody Theatre on Second Street Willie Nelson Boulevard. Yes, Willie now has a street named after him in Austin.

In February, performers will be rocking this world-class studio space. Check out opening night with the Steve Miller Band (Fly Like an Eagle), or performances by Gipsy Kings, Styx, Robyn, Diana Ross, Bill Maher and more. Willie Nelson is playing February 13 and 14. Get tickets at www.acl-live.com.

July 4, 2010

Texans love to celebrate holidays.  Usually, we get a day off from work and maybe a three-day weekend in the bargain. Add fireworks, music and a patriotic theme and you have a party. Below are some 4th of July celebrations around Texas.  Mostly these are the big events.  For a more complete list, check out the Events Page on Texas Highways website.

Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic

Sunday, July 4, 2010
Doors @ 11am | Show @ Noon
The Backyard at Bee Cave
3472 Bee Cave Parkway (off Highway 620), Austin, Texas

Come celebrate the 4th of July with a true native Texan, Willie Nelson. Willie has been holding these picnics on July 4 since the early197os.  You will love Willie and his special guests at the new Backyard venue.  General admission tickets and information on Backyard website.

Note: The United States Library of Congress has added the album Red Headed Stranger to the National Recording Registry.

Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks

Auditorium Shores
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Austin, Texas

Each year, more than 100,000 people gather at Auditorium Shores for the Independence Day celebration, which consists of symphony music and fireworks over Lady Bird Lake. The Austin Symphony will begin performing at 830 pm.  The fireworks begin at 930 pm and finish at 10 pm.  When you hear the beginning of the 1812 Overture, cover your ears!  This last piece of  music is punctuated by 75-millimeter Howitzer cannons, courtesy of Texas National Guard Salute Battery.  This event is free.  More information at Austin Symphony website.

Freedom Over Texas

Eleanor Tinsley Park
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Houston, Texas

Texas singer-songwriter Pat Green will headline the annual event held from4 to 10 pm on Sunday, July 4.  Then the largest land-based fireworks show in the US will rock the sky. Admission to the event is FREE with the donation of one canned item per person to the Houston Food Bank.  Get all the details at the official website.

Celebrate Independence Day in Baytown

Bicentennial Park (Market Street / Lee Drive)
Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4, 2010
Baytown, Texas

Saturday night, there will be a performance by Blue Oyster Cult and Madigan. The annual July 4th Parade down Market Street and Lee Drive includes floats, military vehicles and classic cars. Local school bands and dance and cheer groups will march in red, white and blue! The Parade will kick-off the July 4th Celebration this year beginning at 530 pm. Enjoy music by C.C. Rider Band, Kyle Park and Joe Nichols and fireworks. See the Celebrate Baytown website for more information.  This event is free.

Friday Night Fireworks

Laguna Madre between Palm and Red Snapper Streets
South Padre Island, Texas

The Fireworks Capital of Texas celebrates summer with fireworks every Friday at 915 pm.  The displays can be seen throughout the area.

Dallas, Texas

Evidently, Dallas is having a little budgetary problem, so there will be no fireworks at Fair Park this year.  Do not despair. Many of the surrounding cities are holding their 4th of July celebration,  Find information on these events at the following links:  Grapevine |Farmers Branch | Frisco | Arlington |Fort Worth.