West, Texas - Lights of West
November 27, 2024 - December 30, 2024
Holiday drive-through light show with music, concessions, petting zoo and unusual animals (like camels), pony rides, photo ops, light maze, firepits (with smore kits to purchase), and more.
Note that Santa visits end December 24th
Address: 2818 Wiggins Road, West, TX 76691
Hours: 6pm-10pm
Fees: $35/vehicle
For more info: https://www.lightsofwest.com
Showing posts with label 2024. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2024. Show all posts
Event - #Travel #Texas - #Boerne - Winter Solstice Concert in the Cave - December 21, 2024
Boerne, Texas - Winter Solstice Concert in the Cave
December 21, 2024
Cave Without a Name
Come celebrate the Winster Solstice at a national natural landmark while enjoying Holiday mustic performed on both ancient and modern type of instruments. From the website: The concert features the words and music of singer/performance artist Rudi Harst (vocals, acoustic guitar, Native American flute, dulcimer, harmonica, Tibetan bowls) accompanied by The Rudiments: Ray Palmer (keyboards, guitar), Pat Carey (bass), Michael Madison (djembe), Oliver Steck (accordion, coronet, vocals), Medusa (didgeridoo), and award-winning guest vocalist, Michelle Garibay-Carey.
Address: 325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, TX 78006
Hours: 7pm
Fees: Tickets $35 in advance or $40 at door
For more information, https://cavewithoutaname.com/content/winter-solstice-rudi-rudiments-2024
December 21, 2024
Cave Without a Name
Come celebrate the Winster Solstice at a national natural landmark while enjoying Holiday mustic performed on both ancient and modern type of instruments. From the website: The concert features the words and music of singer/performance artist Rudi Harst (vocals, acoustic guitar, Native American flute, dulcimer, harmonica, Tibetan bowls) accompanied by The Rudiments: Ray Palmer (keyboards, guitar), Pat Carey (bass), Michael Madison (djembe), Oliver Steck (accordion, coronet, vocals), Medusa (didgeridoo), and award-winning guest vocalist, Michelle Garibay-Carey.
Address: 325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, TX 78006
Hours: 7pm
Fees: Tickets $35 in advance or $40 at door
For more information, https://cavewithoutaname.com/content/winter-solstice-rudi-rudiments-2024
Review - Dallas - Dallas Zoo Lights
Dallas Zoo Lights is a family-friendly event on select nights at the Dallas Zoo featuring millions of holiday lights strung throughout the zoo grounds, cute holiday-themed photo-ops with and without lights, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and treats on sale for purchase.
The Dallas Zoo closes at 4pm and the Dallas Zoo Lights starts at 5:30pm on select nights. I highly recommend arriving early to get into the main parking lot (versus going down and around the zoo to the back overflow parking lot). As an added bonus, the main parking areas also contain lanterns (the lit up animals as shown).
Although there are no animals present during Dallas Zoo Lights, the carousel and the mini-train are still running. Tickets are available for purchase at each ride's booth. Bring your patience to the train as the conductor was also running the ticket booth so the line got backed up.
You'll also find some special "characters" wandering throughout the zoo in costumes for photo-ops.
A big draw for this event is the Santa Claus meet-and-greet. I highly suggest your family head to Santa's workshop first because the line kept growing and growing throughout the night. The elf helpers will take your family picture on your own device. Please note you must climb stairs up and down the platform.
Some of the animal lanterns.
Some of the holiday light decorations.
One special treat - the Dinosaur exhibit is open during the Lights event and the dinos are decorated with holiday lights and accessories. (Sorry, my photos turned out horribly for those dark area dinos)
Address: 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35E), Dallas, TX 75203
Hours: 5:30pm-9:00pm
Tickets: Prices vary by dates but general starts at $16; certain Dallas Zoo membership gives discounts
For more info: www.dallaszoo.org
The Dallas Zoo closes at 4pm and the Dallas Zoo Lights starts at 5:30pm on select nights. I highly recommend arriving early to get into the main parking lot (versus going down and around the zoo to the back overflow parking lot). As an added bonus, the main parking areas also contain lanterns (the lit up animals as shown).
Although there are no animals present during Dallas Zoo Lights, the carousel and the mini-train are still running. Tickets are available for purchase at each ride's booth. Bring your patience to the train as the conductor was also running the ticket booth so the line got backed up.
You'll also find some special "characters" wandering throughout the zoo in costumes for photo-ops.
A big draw for this event is the Santa Claus meet-and-greet. I highly suggest your family head to Santa's workshop first because the line kept growing and growing throughout the night. The elf helpers will take your family picture on your own device. Please note you must climb stairs up and down the platform.
Some of the animal lanterns.
Some of the holiday light decorations.
One special treat - the Dinosaur exhibit is open during the Lights event and the dinos are decorated with holiday lights and accessories. (Sorry, my photos turned out horribly for those dark area dinos)
Address: 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35E), Dallas, TX 75203
Hours: 5:30pm-9:00pm
Tickets: Prices vary by dates but general starts at $16; certain Dallas Zoo membership gives discounts
For more info: www.dallaszoo.org
Event - #Travel #Texas - #Terrell - British Bash - November 9, 2024
Terrell, Texas - British Bash
November 9, 2024
Terrell City Hall
Ironically, Terrell played a crucial role in World War II and formed a unique relationship with the British government. Now they celebrate that special bond with a big annual bash! Check out their British Christmas Market as well as food vendors, arts and crafts, music, and more.
Address: 201 E Nash St, Terrell, TX 75160
Hours: 11am - 4pm
Fees: None
For more info: https://www.discoverterrell.com/
November 9, 2024
Terrell City Hall
Ironically, Terrell played a crucial role in World War II and formed a unique relationship with the British government. Now they celebrate that special bond with a big annual bash! Check out their British Christmas Market as well as food vendors, arts and crafts, music, and more.
Address: 201 E Nash St, Terrell, TX 75160
Hours: 11am - 4pm
Fees: None
For more info: https://www.discoverterrell.com/
Event - #Travel #Texas - #Austin - Celtic Festival - November 2-3, 2024
Austin, Texas - Celtic Festival
November 2-3, 2024
Pioneer Farms
One of the largest Celtic Festivals in Central Texas. One of my favorite parts (besides the costumes and foods/drinks) are the Highland Games. Watch the competitions of strength, speed, and even some kids games. Listen to some bagpipers. Check out the fun dances. Try some Scotch at the Scotch Tastings (extra$, ages 21+) or see the unusual Celtic Dog Breeds. Find schedules at the website below.
Address: 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin, TX
Hours: Saturday and Sunday (12pm - 6pm)
Fees: $25 Adults, $12 Kids 5-16; Weekend Pass $42 Adults, $20 Kids 5-16
For more info: https://www.austincelticfestival.com/
November 2-3, 2024
Pioneer Farms
One of the largest Celtic Festivals in Central Texas. One of my favorite parts (besides the costumes and foods/drinks) are the Highland Games. Watch the competitions of strength, speed, and even some kids games. Listen to some bagpipers. Check out the fun dances. Try some Scotch at the Scotch Tastings (extra$, ages 21+) or see the unusual Celtic Dog Breeds. Find schedules at the website below.
Address: 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin, TX
Hours: Saturday and Sunday (12pm - 6pm)
Fees: $25 Adults, $12 Kids 5-16; Weekend Pass $42 Adults, $20 Kids 5-16
For more info: https://www.austincelticfestival.com/
Event - #Travel #Texas - #Waxahachie - Crossroads of Texas Country Festival - October 26, 2024
Waxahachie, Texas - Crossroads of Texas Country Festival
October 26, 2024
For all things "country" which really just means "good old fashioned fun". Over 10 stages of entertainment throughout town plus the main festival stage featuring a variety of musicians including Grammy-winning Asleep at the Wheel. Over 200 vendors offering samples, handmade crafts and foods for sale, and more.
Address: Downtown Waxahachie
Hours: 9am - 7pm
Fees: None
For more info: https://www.waxahachiecvb.com/events/2024/crossroads-of-texas-country-festival
October 26, 2024
For all things "country" which really just means "good old fashioned fun". Over 10 stages of entertainment throughout town plus the main festival stage featuring a variety of musicians including Grammy-winning Asleep at the Wheel. Over 200 vendors offering samples, handmade crafts and foods for sale, and more.
Address: Downtown Waxahachie
Hours: 9am - 7pm
Fees: None
For more info: https://www.waxahachiecvb.com/events/2024/crossroads-of-texas-country-festival
Event - #Travel #Texas - #Plano - International Festival - October 19, 2024
Plano, Texas - International Festival
October 19, 2024
Haggard Park
Located in downtown Plano, this festival has grown into one of the largest (and longest running) festivals to celebrate international cultures in North Texas. This is the 19th year to be hosted by Plano and every year there are always new, exciting things to see and do. You will find lots of vendors, local community organizations, family-friendly activities, vendors with products and foods for sale, and on the stage there will be a variety of entertainment. There's even a wellness fair and fitness zone. Parking is limited so check the map or take a ride on the DART train which stops nearby. Check the website below for specific entertainment schedule.
Address: 901 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074
Hours: 11am - 5pm
Fees: None
For more info: https://www.planointernationalfestival.org/
October 19, 2024
Haggard Park
Located in downtown Plano, this festival has grown into one of the largest (and longest running) festivals to celebrate international cultures in North Texas. This is the 19th year to be hosted by Plano and every year there are always new, exciting things to see and do. You will find lots of vendors, local community organizations, family-friendly activities, vendors with products and foods for sale, and on the stage there will be a variety of entertainment. There's even a wellness fair and fitness zone. Parking is limited so check the map or take a ride on the DART train which stops nearby. Check the website below for specific entertainment schedule.
Address: 901 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074
Hours: 11am - 5pm
Fees: None
For more info: https://www.planointernationalfestival.org/
Review - Houston - Houston Zoo - Zoo Boo Event
This past Sunday I was able to visit the Houston Zoo and enjoy their annual Zoo Boo decorations. Zoo Boo is included with daily admission. Just a word of caution in case your kiddos are expecting some kind of candy, there are no trick-or-treats at this event.
What is Zoo Boo?
It's basically the zoo with lots of fun Halloween-themed or Fall-themed decorations. Lots of photo-ops.
The list of Zoo Boo attractions are shown on the bottom of the Visitor Guide Map (available just inside the Zoo at the digital map display).
New for 2024, you will find two giant Talking (and singing) Pumpkins. One is at the end of the Spooky Forest (which luckily for youngsters isn't too spooky during the day) and the other is in the African Forest. Also new this year are Glowing Pumpkins near the Flamingo Terrace as well as a "Ghost Town" just past the giraffe barn with great photo-ops and skeleton props. I'm sure at night, these are a lot scarier.
Zoo Boo is every day until October 31st. The price is included with regular admission (or free if you are a Houston Zoo Member). Zoo Boo After Hours is a separately ticketed event and occurs Friday nights and nightly October 23rd-30th from 5pm to 9:30pm.
Highlights of the Zoo Boo After Hours event is that the lights on many decorations will be turned on, including the Spooky Forest, the Glowing Pumpkins (near the Flamingo Terrace), and the Ghost Town. Some young children might be afraid of the glowing eyes and props. There will also be a Dance Party in the Children's Zoo area. And s'more making by the fire pit (or pay for a premium s'more).
Ghost town is series of prop buildings with cute skeleton photo-ops set up between each one. Across the way was another, bigger photo-op area.
Throughout the zoo were some really neat carved "pumpkins". Kiddos have fun searching for these and seeing which animals are carved in there.
Family-friendly costumes for both adults and children are encouraged. I personally saw very few people in costumes but I did see a lot of cool family-matching shirts and outfits. Perhaps when it gets closer to Halloween there will be more costumes?
Parking is FREE within the Hermann Park. Try to arrive early because parking filled up quickly as the park is home to lots of things to do and events. Also, it got a bit confusing driving through with some of the roads being closed by police due to pedestrian traffic.
Also, just FYI, ticket prices fluctuate by day/time. If you have some flexibility, you might want to visit on a weekday when the prices are lower.
For More Info, visit their website, HoustonZoo.org
What is Zoo Boo?
It's basically the zoo with lots of fun Halloween-themed or Fall-themed decorations. Lots of photo-ops.
The list of Zoo Boo attractions are shown on the bottom of the Visitor Guide Map (available just inside the Zoo at the digital map display).
New for 2024, you will find two giant Talking (and singing) Pumpkins. One is at the end of the Spooky Forest (which luckily for youngsters isn't too spooky during the day) and the other is in the African Forest. Also new this year are Glowing Pumpkins near the Flamingo Terrace as well as a "Ghost Town" just past the giraffe barn with great photo-ops and skeleton props. I'm sure at night, these are a lot scarier.
Zoo Boo is every day until October 31st. The price is included with regular admission (or free if you are a Houston Zoo Member). Zoo Boo After Hours is a separately ticketed event and occurs Friday nights and nightly October 23rd-30th from 5pm to 9:30pm.
Highlights of the Zoo Boo After Hours event is that the lights on many decorations will be turned on, including the Spooky Forest, the Glowing Pumpkins (near the Flamingo Terrace), and the Ghost Town. Some young children might be afraid of the glowing eyes and props. There will also be a Dance Party in the Children's Zoo area. And s'more making by the fire pit (or pay for a premium s'more).
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Ghost town is series of prop buildings with cute skeleton photo-ops set up between each one. Across the way was another, bigger photo-op area.
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Throughout the zoo were some really neat carved "pumpkins". Kiddos have fun searching for these and seeing which animals are carved in there.
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Family-friendly costumes for both adults and children are encouraged. I personally saw very few people in costumes but I did see a lot of cool family-matching shirts and outfits. Perhaps when it gets closer to Halloween there will be more costumes?
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Parking is FREE within the Hermann Park. Try to arrive early because parking filled up quickly as the park is home to lots of things to do and events. Also, it got a bit confusing driving through with some of the roads being closed by police due to pedestrian traffic.
Also, just FYI, ticket prices fluctuate by day/time. If you have some flexibility, you might want to visit on a weekday when the prices are lower.
For More Info, visit their website, HoustonZoo.org
Event - #Travel #Texas - #Abilene - Boo at the Zoo - October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 2024
Abilene, Texas - Boo at the Zoo
October 12, 13 and 19, 20 and 26, 27, 2024
Abilene Zoo
Dress the kiddos in costumes and come out to the zoo for some trick-or-treating fun (included with zoo entry). Come check out the newest baby giraffe and while you're over there, purchase some lettuce ($5.00) to feed the other giraffes (watch out for those long tongues!).
Address: 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX 79602
Hours: 8am - 4pm (attractions close at 3pm)
Fees: Zoo Entry $10 Adults, $7 Children, and $9 Seniors; ZooMore Entry bundle (includes Train Ride and Giraffe Feed) $15.99 Adults, $12.99 Children, and $14.99 Seniors.
More info: https://abilenezoo.org
October 12, 13 and 19, 20 and 26, 27, 2024
Abilene Zoo
Dress the kiddos in costumes and come out to the zoo for some trick-or-treating fun (included with zoo entry). Come check out the newest baby giraffe and while you're over there, purchase some lettuce ($5.00) to feed the other giraffes (watch out for those long tongues!).
Address: 2070 Zoo Ln, Abilene, TX 79602
Hours: 8am - 4pm (attractions close at 3pm)
Fees: Zoo Entry $10 Adults, $7 Children, and $9 Seniors; ZooMore Entry bundle (includes Train Ride and Giraffe Feed) $15.99 Adults, $12.99 Children, and $14.99 Seniors.
More info: https://abilenezoo.org
Event - #Travel #Texas - #West Colombia - Hoggtoberfest - October 5, 2024
West Colombia, Texas - Hoggtoberfest
October 5, 2024
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site
Feiern! Celebrate! Come out to this interesting historical site (about an hour southwest of Houston) for some German music, beer, food, merchandise, and more.
While you're in West Colombia, take a drive around town and check out the Mural art and stop by Carta Valley Soda Shop for some treats.
Hours: 12pm - 9pm
Address: 1702 N. 13th St, West Colombia, TX 77486
For more info: https://thc.texas.gov/events/hoggtoberfest
Get to know West Colombia: https://www.westcolumbiatx.org/
Additional info and other Texas travel/history fun: https://www.facebook.com/TexasHistoricalCommission
October 5, 2024
Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site
Feiern! Celebrate! Come out to this interesting historical site (about an hour southwest of Houston) for some German music, beer, food, merchandise, and more.
While you're in West Colombia, take a drive around town and check out the Mural art and stop by Carta Valley Soda Shop for some treats.
Hours: 12pm - 9pm
Address: 1702 N. 13th St, West Colombia, TX 77486
For more info: https://thc.texas.gov/events/hoggtoberfest
Get to know West Colombia: https://www.westcolumbiatx.org/
Additional info and other Texas travel/history fun: https://www.facebook.com/TexasHistoricalCommission
Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Zoo - Destination: Dinosaurs
This past Sunday I had the opportunity to visit the temporary exhibit, Destination: Dinosaurs, presented by Reliant Energy. The exhibit ends September 30th, so try to squeeze in a visit if you can. It's one of the largest immersive dinosaur exhibits in America. I personally thought it was well laid out and offered plenty of hands-on fun for visitors of all ages.
The exhibit is located in the back of the North Zoo (near the Tiger exhibit and some monkeys) - follow the dino footprints on the ground. After you purchase your tickets (see below for prices) at the ticket booth, you will walk along the paved trail that loops around and returns down a long hill (for those in wheelchairs please be careful) back to the booth. You will find a few photo-ops at the front entrance.
A fun banner allowing you to compare the wingspan of several creatures hangs on a fence to the right. A photo-op sign and dino behind some benches are on the left.
Most of the dinosaurs are animatronic with moving parts and sounds. Some of the dinosaurs were just statues. All of them were nestled into the scenery. A few were placed into scenes (which I'll show in a bit).
Cute baby dinosaurs
Two "scenes" where several dinosaurs or dinosaur species are put together in an interesting display. There's a "splash" zone area with dinosaurs that squirt water and there are many signs to warn you about such a thrill in case you prefer not to get sprayed.
Here are some of the hands-on fun within the dinosaur trail. Go ahead and touch the dinosaur bones or teeth. Compare your hands or feet to dinosaurs' prints or other animals' prints. They do have a dinosaur dig site (ask ahead to be sure it's open during your visit) and a few other interactive areas.
The merchandise store/area was closed during our visit.
Overall, it was a nice walk through a well-created exhibit with lots of greenery and animations. It didn't feel crowded and youngsters seemed to enjoy it as well as older visitors.
Tickets: General Admission $6.00, Members below Patron $4.00, and Patron or Above Members Free
information, visit https://www.dallaszoo.com
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Cute baby dinosaurs
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The merchandise store/area was closed during our visit.
Overall, it was a nice walk through a well-created exhibit with lots of greenery and animations. It didn't feel crowded and youngsters seemed to enjoy it as well as older visitors.
Tickets: General Admission $6.00, Members below Patron $4.00, and Patron or Above Members Free
information, visit https://www.dallaszoo.com
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