It’s always a good time to explore Texas’ beautiful countryside near Gates Ranch, an exclusive community of family farms. Here are a few fun activities, all just over an hour away from Houston and a stone’s throw from Gates Ranch.
Enjoy a Texas Christmas Experience at Santa’s Wonderland in College Station
Experience the wonders of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland, including adventures in Santa’s Town, a Texas Christmas village. The fun begins November 16 and lasts through December 30.
Board a fun hayride or horse and carriage tour to see the sights and sounds of Santa’s Wonderland, an amazing display that features millions of dazzling Christmas lights along a winding path stretching over a mile. Relax and enjoy holiday foods, unique shops and live music around a cozy campfire.
For more information, visit www.santas-wonderland.com, or call (979) 690-7212.
A Tuna Christmas is Coming to Unity Theater in Brenham!
The hilarious characters from Tuna, Texas, are back for the Christmas in their side-splitting performance of A Tuna Christmas. Local radio personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie once again portray all 24 residents of a little town called Tuna. Don’t miss it!
The show runs from November 29 to December 16. For more information, visit www.UnityBrenham.org.
Don’t Miss Downtown Brenham’s Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade
What do you think of when you picture small towns at Christmas? We hope you’ll think of Brenham! Downtown Brenham is decorated with thousands of lights to greet you as soon as you turn the corner for the town’s annual Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade.
On one special night of the year, Friday, November 30, Brenham keeps its doors open late, greeting people with smiles, hot cider and homemade goodies from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Brenham hosts a festive lighted parade at 6 p.m., complete with music, kids, horses and, of course, Santa Claus! After the parade, mingle in the streets, listen to the tuba band play Christmas carols, and peruse through the many shops. Plans are also underway for a fun-filled Saturday, too.
For more information, visit www.visitbrenhamtexas.com, or call (979) 836-3339.
Enjoy a Magical Evening at the Teddy Bear Parade and Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Chappell Hill
Santa is coming to town for the Chappell Hill Teddy Bear Parade and Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Children dressed in holiday attire are invited to bring their favorite teddy bears and spend the day in historic downtown Chappell Hill on Saturday, December 1st. Festivities include top prizes for costumes from Rudolph himself and story time with Mrs. Claus, all in anticipation of Santa! Get into the holiday spirit with this family event sponsored by the Chappell Hill Chamber Commerce.
The elves are busy preparing, so check in for more details atwww.ChappellHillTX.com.
Step Back in Time for a Christmas at Winedale 2012 in Round Top
Christmas at Winedale, a 19th century folk life celebration, will be held Saturday, December 11, from noon to 4 p.m. at Winedale Historical Complex. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.
Winedale’s annual Christmas celebration gives visitors a chance to experience a recreation of life in the 1800s. The event features the opportunity to tour Winedale’s historically significant buildings, decorated as they would have been in the 1800s. Visitors can also enjoy stagecoach rides, folk life demonstrations, tours of the herb garden, music, and other entertainment. Children will enjoy making crafts in the one-room schoolhouse, the corral’s kid-friendly farm animals, and candy canes from the Weihnachtsmann (German Santa Claus). Food and drinks will be available for sale.
Winedale Historical Complex is located four miles northeast of Round Top at 3738 FM 2714 (off FM 1457). For more information, please call 979-278-3530, email winedale@austin.utexas.edu or visitwww.cah.utexas.edu.
While you’re in Washington County, we invite you to take a private tour of Gates Ranch to experience the natural beauty and serenity first hand. For more information about Gates Ranch or to schedule your personal tour, please call 713-626-8050 or visitwww.gatesranchtx.com.
