In Texas, the holiday season begins in earnest in November. This month, Lone Star State residents and visitors will be treated to a variety of events, activities and festivals, including Thanksgiving and Christmas parades.
Held the first Saturday of November, the Terlingua International Chili Championship is the "grandaddy" of all chili cookoffs. This CASI sanctioned event is actually a four day festival that culminates with the chili cookoff on Saturday.
For over four decades, the German-influenced Hill Country town of New Braunfels has held their annual Wurstfest, which features plenty of sausage, strudel, pretzels, polka music and more.
Held in the tiny town of Pearl, this monthly festival features a full slate of bluegrass music. Admission is free, but donations and any money raised from food concessions and RV space rental goes towards the restoration of the Pearl Community Center.
Now wrapping up its first decade, the Austin Celtic Festival has grown to include over 200 artists, musicians, actors and storytellers.
The first Saturday of November each year sees the small town of George West host its annual Storyfest, which features a variety of storytellers offering renditions of folklore, cowboy tales, fables, legend and lore.
Held in Harlingen on an annual basis, the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival is a five-day event featuring vendors, seminars, presentations, workshops, youth activities, guided field trips and more.
Held at the Hangar Hotel, Art Past Dark is a weekend-long celebration of arts, antiques and music in Fredericksburg.
For over 10 years, the annual Nine Flags Festival in Nacogdoches has celebrated the rich history and culture of Texas' oldest town. This year's festival is set for Nov. 16 - Dec. 8.
An annual tradition for over 50 years, the HEB Holiday Parade winds its way through downtown Houston, featuring floats, marching bands, and an appearance by Santa.
Why wait 'til December for a Christmas Parade when you can attend Chuy's Christmas Parade in Austin during November? This unique Christmas parade raises money for "Operation Blue," which provides toys to needy children in the Austin area.
