NOVEMBER

  November 5 - Angleton      
AUSTIN TOWN HISTORICAL REENACTMENT... Celebrating the lives of those pioneers who settled Colonial Texas. The fictitious "Austin Town" features interpreters, period craft demonstrators, sutlers, militia drill units, historical reenactments, and period games. Presented by Brazoria County Historical Museum. In its 20th year! www.bchm.org. (979) 864-1208. 

  November 5 - George West
28th ANNUAL GEORGE WEST STORYFEST... "The Storytelling Capital of Texas" presents tall tales, cowboy poetry, Texas State Liars' Contest, classic car show, folklore & ghost stories, live music, living history, arts/crafts & children's activities at the Courthouse Square. www.georgeweststoryfest.org. (361) 449-2481.

  November 6 - Port Isabel
23rd ANNUAL WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP SHRIMP COOK-OFF... Sunday. Awards in both professional & amateur divisions with contestants from both sides of the border. Also in conjunction, a Folk Art Festival & Mini Carnival with all types of arts & crafts for sale & fun for all. (800) 527-6102.

  November 18–19 -Hondo
CHRISTMAS IN GOD'S COUNTRY... Play in REAL SNOW, and celebrate a Hometown Holiday in Downtown Hondo. Friday evening presents a Snow Slide, Snow Play Area, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Pictures with Santa, Food Trucks and more. Come back Saturday for a day of shopping, and watch our Lighted Christmas Parade that evening. www.hondochamber.org.

  November 24 - Houston
67th ANNUAL H-E-B THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE… Crowds line the streets of Downtown Houston to experience fantastic floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands, cheerleaders, live entertainment and celebrity guests, starting at 9am. www.houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade.

  November 26 - Hallettsville
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS & PARADE... Saturday. An "elegantly awesome" lighting extravaganza illuminates Lavaca County's Courthouse and features a Lighted Christmas Parade highlighting the luminescent evening. Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus & browse Market Days booths featuring arts/crafts & food. Saturday & Sunday feature a "live" Christmas Pageant. www.hallettsville.com. (361) 798-2662.

DECEMBER

  December 2–3 - Sealy
FANTASY OF LIGHTS FESTIVAL... Enjoy a Live Snowfall (5pm), Kid's Fantasy, Santa Claus in the Gazebo, games, BBQ cook-off, vendors, bean-bag and Youth Girls' softball tournaments, all-day live entertainment, and ending with a SPECTACULAR EVENING LIGHTED PARADE (6pm). Levine Family Park on Main St. (877) 558-7245. www.sealycommunityfoundation.org.

  December 3 - Port Isabel
29th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LIGHTED BOAT PARADE... This spectacular lighted boat parade can be viewed bayside Saturday evening as floating, decorated vessels dazzle onlookers. All sizes and types of boats take part in this annual illuminations extravaganza -- even kayaks!  (800) 527-6102.

  December 9–11 - Tomball
9th ANNUAL TOMBALL GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET... Shop 175 vendors for holiday decor, food and gifts at this open-air street festival with three tented stages of live performances, German Santa, biergartens, Kinderfest entertainment for youngsters, carnival, food, hayride, arts & crafts, German & Texas music. Free admission. Old Town near historical Depot Plaza. www.TomballGermanFest.org. (281) 379-6844.

  December 10–11 - Ingleside
INGLESIDE RENAISSANCE FAIRE... Relive the 1700’s with medieval combat, archery, acrobats, costumes, jousting, juggling, belly dancing, food, musical entertainment, vendors & much more! Held annually at Live Oak Park. inglesidetxchamber@gmail.com. (361) 776-2906.

JANUARY

  January 14, 2017 - Port Isabel
33rd ANUAL PORT ISABEL "LONGEST CAUSEWAY RUN & FITNESS WALK".... In its 33rd year, enjoy 10K certified run, #TX15006WG and 3-mile fitness walk. Over 4,800 participants. Call Chamber of Commerce for info and applications. (800) 527-6102.

FEBRUARY

  February 4 - Rockport
ROCKPORT'S CLAY EXPO... The Bountiful Bowl Pottery Fair features 35 potters and great food at the High School Commons. Rockport Center for the Arts, merchants & galleries feature clay art in the Historical District. (361) 729-5352.

  February 18 - Edinburg
PIONEER AND RANCHING CRAFTS DAY... Featuring South Texas & Northeastern Mexican arts/crafts. Artisans demonstrate crafts used by early settlers of the area. Highlights include woodworking, horse-hair braiding, weaving, chuck wagon cooking & activities for children throughout the day. Traditional foods & live music, in an outdoor setting, make this event the largest of the year. 10am-4pm. (956) 383-6911. 

  February 23–26 - Port Aransas
21st ANNUAL WHOOPING CRANE FESTIVAL... A year-round birder's paradise! These festivities feature guided bus and boat tours, renowned speakers, demonstrations, a free nature-related trade show, photography experts, interactive workshops, children's art exhibit & more. www.whoopingcranefestival.org. (361) 749-5919 or (800) 45-COAST.

MARCH

  March 17–26 - Eagle Pass
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL...  This celebrated border festival presents carnival rides at Shelby Park, sporting events, downtown parade, Noches Mexicanas with live entertainment, and a variety of food & other booths at Shelby Park. Toll free 1-888-355-3224.  v