AUSTIN, Texas — With winter holidays on the horizon, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) announces family-friendly events hosted at historic sites statewide. The holiday events will meld modern traditions with historical customs.
The Texas Historical Commission celebrates the rich tapestry of Texas history by adding a nostalgic touch to winter festivities.
Below is a list of some of the events at the THC’s state historic sites. For a complete list of events, go to https://thc.texas.gov/events.
On Tuesday through Saturday afternoons from December 2 to 27, the French Legation State Historic Site is welcoming children and adults alike to create their own historic holiday crafts in Austin’s oldest home. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will not happen on December 6, 24, or 25.
On December 6, guests of all ages at Magoffin Home State Historic Site in El Paso can learn about the traditions of making fig pudding. Part of an America 250 series on cooking in El Paso, the event goes from 10 a.m. to noon, requires an RSVP and preregistration, and is $10 per person.
On December 6, visitors at the Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site in Brazoria can learn about the history of eggnog, its connection to the plantation, and try a few samples of the festive drink. The program is free with the price of admission and goes from 11 a.m. to noon.
Along the coast, on December 11, guests at Fulton Mansion State Historic Site in Rockport will experience a Victorian-era-inspired Christmas celebration. The home will be open from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring rooms adorned with seasonal splendor, period-appropriate greenery, and candlelight touches that reflect how Christmas was celebrated in the late 1800s. The event is free and open to all ages.
East of Austin, the Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites in La Grange will welcome the community to its annual Trail of Lights. Festival Nights on December 12 through 13 and December 19 through 21 will include the Kreische House, decorated in traditional 19th-century German style, live music, crafts, refreshments, and photos with Santa. Lights Only Nights on December 17, 18, 22, 23 provide an opportunity to enjoy the ½ mile of light displays. All tickets are sold at the door from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site will put its visitors’ noses to the test on December 20 when it hosts “Exploring Holiday Spices,” an event designed for visitors to learn about how those in Texas obtained important spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves some 200 years ago. The drop-in event goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is appropriate for all ages.
