Things to See & Do in Texas Before Dec 21, 2012

3. Go Rodeo

The annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest event of its kind in the country. Lasting a full three weeks, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo features a midway, carnival, BBQ cookoff, daily professional rodeo, stock show, and more. There are literally acres and acres of exhibitors, showcasing everything from vehicles to steak knives to art work. And, each year the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo brings in some of the biggest names in music for daily concerts following the rodeo performance.

5. Check Out the Kerrville Folk Festival

An 18-day music festival held just outside its namesake city of Kerrville in the scenic Texas Hill Country, the Kerrville Folk Festival is a unique event that is a must-see (and hear) for music lovers. Held every year since 1972, today the Kerrville Folk Festival draws in more than 30,000 annual visitors and features over 100 artists performing over the course of the festival.

6. Fish the Texas International Fishing Tournament

Jointly held in Port Isabel and South Padre Island, the Texas International Fishing Tournament is the largest fishing tournament in Texas. Having been held for more than seven decades, TIFT has evolved into a generational tradition among Texas fishermen and draws more than 1,500 anglers annually.

7. Go to the State Fair of Texas

Held each year in Dallas, the State Fair of Texas features the nation's largest midway and carnival, top shelf musicians performing live concerts nightly, and tons of other family friendly fun. But, the State Fair of Texas is best known for two things - fried food and the annual Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma. As the "fried food capital of the world," the State Fair of Texas gave birth to the corn dog and numerous other deep fried treats. The Red River Rivalry is a "must-see" event unto itself. With half the stadium blanketed in red and half in burnt orange, this is one of the nation's most intense rivalries and one of the year's most anticipated college football games.

8. Check Out the Austin City Limits Music Festival

Featuring a wide array of musicians from different genres, the Austin City Limits Music Festivals is perhaps the most eclectic music festival in the country. With Austin as a backdrop, the Austin City Limits Music Festival is one of Texas' most unique and popular annual events.

9. Attend the Texas Renaissance Festival

Held just north of Houston, the Texas Renaissance Festival is a six-week tour of the 16th century. With more than 3,000 costumed performers, 300 arts and craft shops, and 200 daily performances, the Texas Renaissance Festival is also the largest event of its type in the nation.

10. See a Holiday Parade

From Thanksgiving through New Year's, Texas is home to a variety of holiday parades, including some of the largest and most festival annual parades to be found anywhere.