A Pioneer Christmas
From Dec. 3-5, Christmas at Old Fort Concho recalls 19th-century gatherings known as “winter rendezvous” by bringing the San Angelo fort’s 40 acres and 24 buildings back in time.
At the 39th annual event, re-enactors in outdoor camps depict frontier soldiers, Native Americans, Texas Rangers, scouts, explorers, and settlers. “It really brings the history books to life,” says Bob Bluthardt, the site manager at Fort Concho.
Established in 1867 along the Concho River, Fort Concho protected Texas settlers as they moved into territories of multiple Native American tribes after the Civil War and mapped and patroled the western part of the state. Up to 500 men lived at the fort at any given time until it closed in 1889, including notable military commander William “Pecos Bill” Shafter. Buffalo Soldiers made up about half of the fort’s soldiers over its two decades of operation.
Shoppers can visit the period traders, who sell replica clothing and toys, plus the 50 to 75 vendors on-site selling jams, jellies, jewelry, baked goods, handcrafted wooden items, and gifts. Food trailers offer a variety of options, a root beer stand delivers an authentic version of the soda, and a kettle corn stand offers another sweet treat. Three historically accurate bands and other more modern groups play music throughout the weekend, and demonstrations keep the entertainment going with re-enactors firing artillery and playing baseball.
“With all of the fires going and outdoor cooking and guns going off, you’re truly getting a glimpse of the sights, sounds, and smells of the period,” Bluthardt says. —Amanda Ogle
Christmas at Old Fort Concho
Dec. 3-5 630 S. Oakes St., San Angelo.fortconcho.com/christmas-at-old-fort-concho
BIG BEND COUNTRY
DEL RIO
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Dec. 3
Get in the Christmas spirit with a holiday parade and tree lighting in downtown Del Rio. South Main Street. 830-774-8558; cityofdelrio.com
EL PASO
Sun Bowl and Fan Fiesta
Dec. 31
Held a day prior to the Sun Bowl, the Fan Fiesta is a free, familyfriendly event that features a fireworks display, musical performances by local bands, university pep rallies, and a battle of the bands. Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive. 915-533-4416; sunbowl.org
MARATHON
Fiesta de Noche Buena
Dec. 4
Marathon’s holiday party, Fiesta de Noche Buena, takes place the first Saturday every December on the main strip. First Street.
MONAHANS
Christmas and Chili Market
Dec. 4
Sample chili and cornbread while shopping from various vendors. Pictures with Santa and concessions are available.
Ward County Event Center, 1525 E. Monahans Parkway.
432-943-2187; monahans.org
MONAHANS
Lighted Christmas Parade
Dec. 6
Lighted Christmas floats feature in this holiday parade. Santa rides by on his sleigh before heading back to the North Pole to prepare holiday gifts. Monahans High School, 809 S. Betty Ave. 432-943-2187; monahans.org
VAN HORN
Lighted Christmas Parade and Show and Sell
Dec. 4
Activities include the lighted parade along Broadway and an open house with vendors, food, arts and crafts, a pecan dessert contest, entertainment, and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
1801 W. Broadway. 432-283-2682; vanhorntexas.org
GULF COAST
BAYTOWN
Christmas on Texas Avenue Festival
