NOVEMBER

  November 1 - Port Isabel
22nd ANNUAL WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP SHRIMP COOK-OFF... Sunday. Awards in both professional AND amateur divisions, with contestants from both sides of the border. Also in  conjunction, a Folk Art Festival and Mini Carnival with all types of arts & crafts for sale & fun for all. (800) 527-6102.

  November 7 - George West
27th 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, 5K race & 1-mile fun walk at the Courthouse Square. (361) 449-2481. www.georgeweststoryfest.org.

  November 7 - Angleton
AUSTIN TOWN HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENT... Celebrating the lives of those pioneers who settled Colonial Texas. The fictitious “Austin Town” features interpreters, period craft demonstrators, sutlers, militia drill units, historical re-enactments, and period games. Presented by Brazoria County Historical Museum. In its 19th year! www.bchm.org.
(979) 864-1208.

  November 7 - San Felipe
HERITAGE CELEBRATION... The San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site presents a birthday celebration for Stephen F. Austin, “The Father of Texas”. Enjoy heritage programs, reenactments, entertainment & food. 9am-5pm. Call for more information: (979) 885-2181 or  (877) 558-7245. www.visitsanfelipedeaustin.com.

  November 7 - Devine
55th ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & AVACADO SHOWCASE... Wonderful hometown festivities include a Fall Fest Parade (10am), Avocado Cooking Contest, Avocado Seed Spitting contest, arts & crafts & food booths, Kid’s coloring con-test, Scarecrow contest & free evening street dance. Great entertainment all day, 11:30-midnight, including Billy & the Bailouts, Chris Salinas, Matt Hawke, and Jeremy Richards. For details: (830) 663-2739. www.devinechamber.com.

  November 20-21 - Hondo
CHRISTMAS IN GOD’S COUNTRY... Bring your family, friends & Christmas money to do your holiday shopping in Hondo. Have a funnel cake while you browse hand-made items, see Santa & watch a parade. Also enjoy the Christmas Tree Lighting, free hands-on kid’s activities & interactive historical museum exhibits. You may even see a snowflake or two. Fri 5pm-8pm; Sat 9am-9pm. (830) 426-3037. www.hondochamber.com.  

  November 26 - Houston
66th H-E-B THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE... Crowds line the streets of Downtown Houston to experience fantastic floats, high-flying hot air balloons, marching bands, cheerleaders, live entertainment & celebrity guests, starting at 9am. www.houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade.

  November 28 - 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, and browse Market Days booths featuring arts/crafts & food. Enjoy Saturday & Sunday’s “live” Christmas Pageant. www.hallettsville.com. (361) 798-2662.

DECEMBER

  December 3–5 - Seguin
HOLIDAY SIP ‘N STROLL... Enjoy a North Pole Stroll on the Square to shop and sample cocoa at each participating shop, plus a festive lighted parade on Town Square, photos with Santa, Christmas music, carriage rides, Heritage Tour of Homes, trolley shuttle, and much more! (830) 401-0810. www.visitseguin.com.

  December 4–5 - Sealy
FANTASY OF LIGHTS FESTIVAL... Enjoy a Live Snowfall (3pm), 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. For more info: (877) 558-7245. www.sealycommunityfoundation.org.

  December 5 - Port Isabel
28th 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 5 - McAllen
ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS POSADA... Experience the true spirit of the holidays at this tradition Mexican Posada, parade, luminaries, live nativity & caroling downtown on the square. Enjoy a host of costumed participants, events, lighting displays and music. www.mcallencvb.com. (956) 682-2871 or (877) 622-5536.

  December 5–6 - Cypress
20th ANNUAL CY-FAIR FFA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW... Held at the Cy-Fair Exhibit Center, 11206 Telge Road, off Hwy 290.  Sat., Dec. 5th 9am-5pm and Sun, Dec. 6th 10am-4pm.  160 indoor exhibitor spaces (10x10) at $110 and 20 outdoor spaces at $100.  Please visit the vendor page at www.cyfaircountrychristmas.org or email vendor.info@cyfaircountrychristmas.org.

  December 5–6 - Cypress
CY-FAIR FFA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW… A wide array of original hand-crafted artworks. 11206 Telge Road, off Hwy 290. Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. 160 indoor exhibitor spaces (10x10) at $110 and 20 outdoor at $100. Cy-Fair Exhibit Center. www.cyfaircountrychristmas.org.

  December 5 & December 11–12 - Gonzales
PIONEER VILLAGE LIVING HISTORY CENTER - “STARS IN THE VILLAGE”... Visit homes dressed in Christmas finery of yesteryear, watch craftsmen demonstrate pioneer skills, taste good foods, and listen to wonderful music. Gates open 6am-5pm. One mile north of courthouse on Bus-183N. (830) 672-2157.

  December 11–13 - Tomball
8th ANNUAL GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET... Shop 175 vendors for holiday decor, food & gifts at this open-air street festival with three tented stages of live performances, German Santa, biergartens, food, Kinderfest, carnival, hayride, arts/crafts, and German & Texas music. Free admission. Old Town near Depot Plaza. (281) 379-6844. www.TomballGermanFest.org.

JANUARY

  January 9, 2016 - Port Isabel
32nd ANNUAL PORT ISABEL “LONGEST CAUSEWAY RUN AND FITNESS WALK”.... In its 32nd 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 6, 2016 - Rockport
ROCKPORT CLAY EXPO... The Bountiful Bowl Pottery Fair features 35 potters & great food at the High School Commons. Rockport Center for the Arts, merchants and galleries feature clay art in the Historical District. (361) 729-5352.

  February 25–28 - Port Aransas
20th ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF WHOOPING CRANES... A year-round birder’s paradise! This annual festival features guided bus and boat tours, world-renowned speakers, demonstrations, a nature arts and crafts show, art classes, and more. (361) 749-5919. www.whoopingcranefestival.org. (800) 45-COAST.

MARCH

  March 4–13 - 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