North Pole Bound
Since its debut in 1985, Chris Van Allsburg’s book The Polar Express has charmed kids and kids at heart with its tale of a magical train ride to the North Pole. The Texas State Railroad brings the story to life with its own Polar Express Train Ride, a vintage steam-train voyage through the Piney Woods of East Texas. Departing from Palestine, the train makes a one-hour round-trip journey to the North Pole as chefs serve guests hot chocolate and cookies, and passengers read along to The Polar Express. When the train reaches the North Pole, Santa Claus and his merry elves greet passengers, hand out commemorative sleigh bells, and pose for pictures. Visitors may stroll around the North Pole, trim a tree, and visit the gift shop. Then it’s “all aboard” again, with a train full of holiday cheer returning to the depot. Trips take place multiple days per week Nov. 16-Dec. 28 (excluding Christmas Day). For those who want to immerse themselves in the story, wearing your favorite pajamas is highly encouraged.
The Polar Express Train Ride, Nov. 16-Dec. 28, in Palestine. 855-632-7729; texasstaterailroad.net
BIG BEND COUNTRY
ALPINE
Christmas in Alpine
Nov. 30-Dec. 14
Head west for holiday events and shopping, including the Mountain Country Christmas Arts and Crafts Bazaar (Dec. 6-8), a parade of lights and tree lighting (Dec. 8), and Winter Wonderland ice skating, plus family activities, music, and treats all day long on Dec. 14. Downtown Alpine. 432-837-2326; visitalpinetx.com/christmas
DEL RIO
Wild Game Dinner
Dec. 7
Feast on a dinner of wild game cooked by the Chamber of Commerice. More than 125 guns will be raffled off this year, with a total value worth over $60,000. Del Rio Civic Center, 1915 Veterans Blvd. 830-775-3551; drchamber.com
EL PASO
Sun Bowl
Dec. 31
One of the nation’s oldest bowl games marks its 86th year in 2019. Game week events include the Fan Fiesta with live music and activities for kids and the Don Haskins Basketball Invitational. Various locations; sunbowl.org
FORT DAVIS
Frontier Christmas
Dec. 5
The highest town in Texas kicks off the holidays with Santa, a parade down the town’s main street, ornament crafts for kids, and other festivities. Various locations. 432-426-3015; fortdavis.com
FORT DAVIS
Open Weekend at Davis Mountains Preserve
Dec. 6-8
The Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Preserve is open this weekend for camping, hiking, biking, equestrian activities, picnics, photography, and bird watching. Davis Mountains Preserve, SH 118, 432-426-2390; nature.org
VAN HORN
Trans Pecos Big Buck Tournament
Nov. 29-Dec. 16
Deer hunters of all ages compete in antler categories such as most points and greatest spread at this annual hunting tournament. Van Horn Convention Center, 1801 W. Broadway St. 432-283-2682; vanhorntexas.org
VAN HORN
Lighted Christmas Parade and Show and Sell
Dec. 7
Enjoy a lighted parade along Broadway and an open house with vendors, food, arts and crafts, a pecan dessert contest, and other entertainment. Don’t leave before the lighting of the Christmas tree. Van Horn Convention Center, 1801 W. Broadway St. 432-283-2682; vanhorntexas.org
GULF COAST
BAYTOWN
Christmas Past and Present
Dec. 14
Step back in time at this holiday event hosted by the Baytown Historical Preservation Association. The 1894 one-room Wooster School and 1910 Brown-McKay Farmhouse, both located at Republic of Texas Plaza, are adorned with period decorations, and Santa Claus is in the barn, listening to children’s wish lists. Republic of Texas Plaza, 5117 N. Main St. 281-421-2099; baytownhistory.org
BROWNSVILLE
Holiday Village
Nov. 25-Jan. 1
Thirty-four life-size cottages are on display, each providing a window into
