Even though it rarely snows in Texas and snow-dusted winter wonderlands are foreign concepts to most Texans, we still love to celebrate the holiday season in style. Because of this, many of our guests look forward to attending our zoo’s annual Christmas with the Critters event! No matter what you celebrate, our event is sure to be the highlight of the winter parties you attend this season. Swing by Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo during the holiday season to find out why our guests consider AWSFZ the best way to celebrate Christmas In Texas! In an effort to make your holiday event planning more manageable, we will also be discussing our personal favorite ways to ring in the holidays. Here is a list of the 6 fun-filled events we will be focusing on throughout this blog:

  • Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo’s Christmas with the Critters
  • Houston Zoo’s Sensory Friendly Night
  • Houston Zoo’s TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights
  • The Greater New Braunfels Arts Council’s Caroling in the Park
  • The American Dance Co. Presents: The Nutcracker

Reserve your tickets now to celebrate the holidays with our animal-loving staff!

Some of the Best Christmas Lights In Texas!

The holidays are often characterized by jolly dispositions and festive lights and music, but many individuals overlook the fact that these abounding merriments can be quite overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities. Because of this, many of these individuals are unable to relish in these fun-filled festivities in the same way that people without these sensitivities can. However, the Houston Zoo has created an event that takes these sensitivities into consideration while ensuring that these guests can indulge in festive activities in a more comfortable setting! This makes Christmas Lights In Texas  fun for everyone! This sensitivity-minded Zoo Lights event, or Sensory Friendly Night, is specifically designed for guests with sensory sensitivities. Since this event is solely intended to be attended by individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families, guests can expect smaller, less overwhelming crowds. The event will also boast quieter music, limited flashing lights, and designated quiet areas where guests can temporarily escape from all the commotion. Houston Zoo’s Sensory Friendly Night will be held on December 5, so make sure to get tickets before they sell out!

The Houston Zoo will also be holding their annual Zoo Lights event that is more suited for guests who do not have sensory sensitivities. At this event, guests will be transported to a marvelous winter wonderland which boasts a 30-foot Christmas tree, the opportunity to visit Santa’s Workshop and meet jolly old Saint Nicholas yourself, and a wintery photo-op area to commemorate the occasion! This holiday party is also perfect for the whole family, from s’more making stations where families could make new, cherished memories to an illuminated, interactive dance floor where kiddos can dance to their hearts’ content! Since this event will be held from late November through early January, Texas families should have ample time to swing by this festive party at their convenience. Come see why this event made it to our top 6 list of the best places to celebrate Christmas In Texas!

 More Christmas Events in Texas!

While there are plenty of fun-filled Christmas Events in Texas to be noted, our definite favorite is Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo’s own Christmas with the Critters event from December 16th to January 7th! Each year, our staff goes above and beyond in making sure that the event showcases our amazing animal residents as a festive animal party for the whole family. From our jolly animal shows to our festive enrichment opportunities for our guests and animals alike, our holiday event will leave you dreaming of a white lion Christmas! Events such as this one— combined with our zoo’s diverse snake collection and passionate, animal-loving staff— have inspired our guests to sincerely consider AWSFZ as one of the best things to do for Christmas in Texas 2023. And we’re only just getting started!

We have already discussed some of the best ways to celebrate Christmas In Texas! From Christmas Lights In Texas (specifically Christmas lights in Texas Hill Country) to our very own Christmas with the Critters event there is so much to explore. While it is important to keep your little ones on their toes by discovering new, unique holiday events each year, it is just as crucial to honor traditional local celebrations! Without further ado, we will now be sharing some of our favorite ways to ring in the holiday season in New Braunfels. One festive event that New Braunfels families won’t want to miss out on is the Greater New Braunfels Arts Council’s 43nd annual Caroling in the Park event! The event will be held in Landa Park, and will boast plenty of merriment. From holiday arts & crafts to a festive caroling sing-along, this event is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Another jolly event that New Braunfels families can look forward to is the American Dance Co.’s production of The Nutcracker! The show will be held at the Brauntex Theatre. Enjoy an evening at the theatre and come away with an even deeper appreciation of the fine arts!

Festive Holiday Parties And Even More Places to go in Texas for Christmas!

Even though we have already discussed Christmas lights in Texas Hill Country and given you plenty of options to answer the dreaded “Christmas party near me”  Google search that always seems to give you too many options, it is time for us to dive into ways to help everyone enjoy the Christmas Events in Texas this season. This includes everyone in the community pitching in to help those who may be less fortunate have an amazing holiday season. Christmas In Texas can be even more beautiful when you give back to those in your community. 

The holiday season can be the perfect time to realize how fortunate you are for the things you take for granted on a daily basis. Such reflections inspire countless individuals to provide much-needed support to the less fortunate by volunteering with local organizations. In recognizing this, here are a few great opportunities for San Antonio residents to give back to their community during this season of giving. These  Places to go in Texas for Christmas volunteering include local organizations like the San Antonio Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity San Antonio. We highly encourage you to consider volunteering in these great spaces this holiday season. No contribution is too small, and every volunteer is sure to make a huge difference in their community!

Our Staff Can’t Wait To Celebrate Our Christmas Experience

Of a Lifetime With You and Your Loved Ones!

Since we have been focusing on a variety of fun ways to spend this holiday season, we want to take the time to remind you of our long-awaited Christmas with the Critters event! Besides encouraging our guests to appreciate the natural wonders of Texas at Christmas time, we will be featuring festive animal shows and delicious holiday treats for guests and animals alike at this epic Christmas Experience. As our animals indulge in delicious Monkey Mochas and use Christmas trees as scratching posts, guests can enjoy hot chocolate, warm apple cider, and yummy s’mores beside a roaring campfire. We look forward to celebrating this holiday season with you and hisss you a Merry Christmas!

Make sure to RSVP to our festive Christmas with the Critters event, which will be held from December 16th to January 7th!

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