Austin, TX
Want to take a day trip? Check out holiday events in these Texas cities
Three winter holiday events to check out in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi holds several winter holiday events, but here are three the Caller-Times thinks you should check out first.
Wanting to start a new holiday tradition this year?
Consider taking a day trip to a nearby city to check out winter events.
The Caller-Times suggests visiting one of these events in Austin, McAllen and Victoria.
Trail of Lights in Austin
Austin is a popular destination as the capital of Texas, but it also is known for its annual Trail of Lights — an event that features more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 holiday displays in Zilker Park.
The event opened Tuesday and will run through Monday, Dec. 23.
Tickets may be purchased at austintrailoflights.org.
The Trail of Lights originally started in 1965 and was known as the Yule Fest. It involved the lighting of a yule log and included performances by carolers from local choirs. Over the years, the one-day event evolved into a four-day festival and then to one that lasts for nearly all of December.
Aside from lights, the festival also includes vendors, food, drinks and live performances. This year, several entertainers will perform through Dec. 23.
South Pole Illuminated Festival in McAllen
South Pole Illuminated Festival is an immersive holiday experience with the tallest RGB Christmas tree in the United States, spanning more than 10 stories tall.
RGB lights are color-controllable LED strings that can be animated with unique effects that may be synchronized to music.
Guests can experience a walking journey through millions of lights at the McAllen Convention Center featuring photos with Santa, train rides, gingerbread house building, live music, a s’mores station, a holiday food court, a NASA photo exhibit, a market, fireworks, a carnival and more.
The festival opened in November and will run until Dec. 29. Tickets may be purchased at southpoleoftexas.com.
Christmas Nights in Victoria
Grab your little ones and make a short drive to The Texas Zoo in Victoria for the annual Christmas Nights event, where attendees can stroll through light displays.
The event is held from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 23 and Dec. 24.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased on site.
For more information about the zoo, visit texaszoo.org.
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.
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