Five unique winter water events in Texas

Five unique winter water events in Texas Posted on December 11, 2024

'Tis the season to explore Texas water destinations! Special holiday festivities are taking place along our state's rivers, lakes, and coastal shorelines. From the illuminated River Walk to Santas surfing along the Gulf Coast, check out five holiday events below that combine the season's magic with the beauty of our state's waterways.

A Very Marshy Christmas

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 14, as they make a spectacular entrance cruising into Sea Rim State Park on an airboat. The festivities start at 2:00 p.m. when the famous couple will make their appearance on the marsh side of the park, ready for photos with little ones. Hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts will be also available at the park. And before the jolly couple arrives, make plans to explore Sea Rim's natural beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Find out more information by visiting the Sea Rim State Park event website.

Fun fact: Sea Rim State Park has nearly two miles of Gulf shoreline and 4,000 acres of marshlands.

Surfing Santas in Surfside

Lone Star surfers ride the waves all year in Surfside, but December 21 marks the arrival of surfing Santas and their jolly crew hitting the Texas Coast. Join the festivities at the annual Surfing Santa event hosted by the local store, Surfside Surf Station, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Visitors can cheer on the competitors as they vie for trophies in categories like Best Surfer, Best Wave, and Best Dressed. Plus, warm up with delicious hot cocoa, coffee, and tasty snacks. Find out more information by visiting the Surfing Santa event page on Facebook.

Fun fact: Surfside Beach is on Follet's Island and features four miles of Gulf Coast shoreline.

First Day Polar Plunge at Balmorhea State Park

The annual tradition of a Polar Bear Plunge may have roots in New York, but visitors to West Texas can dive into a truly Texas experience to ring in the new year. The seventh annual First Day Polar Plunge is a chance to enjoy one of the state's most iconic springs and start the year with a splash. On January 1, beginning at 11:00 a.m., swimmers will meet at the pool area at Balmorhea State Park. Divers into the 25-foot-deep spring-fed pool might warm up because the water temperature remains around 72-76 degrees year-round! Find out more information by visiting the Balmorhea State Park event website.

Fun fact: Between 20-28 million gallons of water a day flow from the San Solomon Springs into Balmorhea State Park's pool.

Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk

If you'll be in the Alamo City before January 12, plan to visit an illuminated River Walk. More than 100,000 lights are draped in the bald cypress trees that line the iconic San Antonio destination. Best of all, visiting the River Walk is free and open to the public daily. Through the end of December, you can also make plans to boat along the river and enjoy live holiday carols. For a special holiday treat, visit the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias, the illumination of 2,000 luminarias at your feet along the banks of the river on select weekends in December. Find out more information by visiting the San Antonio River Walk website.

Fun fact: Most of the water in the River Walk is recycled water supplied by the San Antonio Water System.

Bastrop River of Lights

Just 100 miles northeast of the San Antonio River Walk, the City of Bastrop lights up the season with its dazzling River of Lights. The event takes place along the June Hill Pape Riverwalk and features seasonal displays along a magical half-mile stroll through a shimmering wonderland from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., now through January 6. The City of Bastrop Main Street Program presents the River of Lights, and it is free to the public. But that's not all-get ready for some extra holiday cheer with Christmas Carol Karaoke on December 13, a movie night in the park on December 20, and delightful treats at the Gingerbread House every Friday to Sunday until January 5. Find out more information by visiting the Bastrop River of Lights website.

Fun fact: The June Hill Pape Riverwalk Trail follows the Texas Colorado River, the longest river to start and end in Texas.

This article is posted in Springs/ Rivers/ Coast/ Reservoirs.

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