- There are so many great places to visit and things to do in Texas for the holidays that it's hard to pick just one or two and call them the best. But we've put together a short list of events and destinations we think represent a good starting point if you're looking to get into the spirit of the season. Don't be blue for the holidays. Get out and getaway to a special place or activity that is guaranteed to bring good cheer! Home for the Holidays November 11 - December 10, 2006 - Old Town Spring Any time of year is a good time of year to visit Old Town Spring. But the holidays are special! Over 150 shops decorated with thousands of twinkling lights will welcome visitors to a season of unique Christmas gift shopping in this early 20th century town site. Shop in a fairyland atmosphere and enjoy the live music and entertainment on the weekends. Children will enjoy the Christmas train and can have their photo taken with Santa. ICE! November 16 - January 6, 2006 - Grapevine Back by popular demand, the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center ushers in the 2006 holiday season with its annual awe-inspiring ICE! exhibit and festive Lone Star Christmas events! ICE! will welcome children and families into a whimsical winter wonderland of interactive environments and dozens of holiday scenes and sculptures, all hand-carved from two million pounds of ice by visiting artisans from Harbin, China. Oversized parkas will be provided to all guests to keep them warm and comfortable while they explore the magical, 14,000-square-foot ICE! display, which is maintained at a wintry 9 degrees. Cost: Ticket prices, which include validated self parking, are $10 for children (ages 4 through 12), $17 for seniors (55+) and $20 for adults during the week and $10 for children, $20 for seniors (55+) and $23 for adults on the weekends. The Lighting of the Doves November 16, 2006 - FESTIVAL - The Woodlands The Lighting of the Doves Festival. The festival includes the brilliant illumination of twelve giant doves, a number of interactive booths and games, live entertainment and a special appearance by Santa, Mrs. Claus and some friendly elves. Time: 5:30-8:30. Cost: FREE. Location: Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. Festival of Lights November 18, 2006 - January 6, 2007 - Galveston Festival of Lights-Moody Gardens. The holiday magic glistens at Moody Gardens' annual festival of lights complete with ice skating. Bring the entire family and enjoy the million of twinkling lights along an amazing path. Enjoy a magical winter wonderland in Galveston Texas. Time: Call. Cost: $5.95. Location: One Hope Boulevard, Galveston. 8th Annual Seaside Treasure Festival November 18, 2006 - Galveston Join the fun and festivities in historic Galveston and ring in the season with a chance to browse through some really unusual and unique gift items. Seaside features over 100 arts and crafts vendors, a gourmet lunch in the Seaside Cafe, a silent auction, holiday entertainment, and much more. 9am-4pm. Cost: FREE. Location: 2803 53rd Street at Avenue U. Hearth and Home - Food and Family in the Republic of Texas November 19, 2006 - Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site Learn how food and social customs were related in the 19th century of life. Explore the lives and customs of the Jones Family and their neighbors. Time: 10am-5pm Sat., 11am-5pm Sun. Cost: Call for reservations and fees. Location: Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 12300 Park Road 12, Washington. 24th Annual Sundance Square Parade of Lights November 24, 2006 - Fort Worth The Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. presents Fort Worth's most beloved holiday tradition featuring over 100 highly illuminated entries, 500,000 lights and the brilliant Fort Worth Holiday Tree. From Belknap Street to Commerce Street, around 6th Street to Houston Street and up to Weatherford, the parade will wrap downtown in its own "Toyland" theme. Time: 6pm. Cost: Free. Location: Historic downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Held annually, Friday evening following Thanksgiving Day. 2006 Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children's Parade December 2, 2006 - Dallas This Children's Parade raises funds for Children's Medical Center Dallas. Each year, more than 325,000 attendees in downtown Dallas enjoy parade elements including professionally designed floats, giant inflatable balloons, bands, drill teams and costumed characters. The parade is broadcast to more than 75 million households in more than 280 television markets. The 2003 Parade won the Gold Grand Pinnacle Award, the highest honor of the International Festivals and Events Association. 10am. Cost: Reserved bleacher seats - $15; General Admission - free to the public.Downtown Dallas. 33rd Annual Dickens on The Strand December 2-3, 2006 - Galveston Presented by the Galveston Historical Foundation, Dickens on The Strand will take you and your family on an enchanted journey through history as a bustling 19th Century cityscape comes to life. Centered in a 10-block area of Galveston's The Strand National Historic Landmark District, the event will include three parades and free, nonstop entertainment on the festival's six stages, plus strolling carolers and roving street musicians, bagpipers and entertainers. Additionally, over 150 costumed vendors will be peddling their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with tasty culinary delights and Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations and gift items. Time: December 4, 10am-9pm, December 5, 10am-6pm. Cost: $10 in advance and $12 at the gate for adults, $4 in advance and $6 at the gate for children aged 7-12. Children six years & younger, and participants dressed in full Victorian costume will be admitted FREE! Location: The Strand. 44th Annual Candlelight Tour December 8-9, 2006 - Houston Holiday traditions shine at The Heritage Society's Candlelight Tour. Come tour Houston's most historic homes decorated for the season. Enjoy food, entertainment and more. Evelyn Boatwright and Ruth M. Smith Co-Chairs. Time: 6:30-9:30pm. Cost: Adults - $10, Students & Seniors $5, Under 12 free, with adults. Location: 1100 Bagby. 45th Annual Christmas Boat Parade on Clear Lake December 9, 2006 - Seabrook & Kemah More than 100 beautifully lighted and extravagantly decorated boats travel leisurely through the lake and up Clear Creek Channel to Galveston Bay. The parade can be viewed along the shoreline in Seabrook and Kemah. Time: 6:30. Cost: free. Location: Shoreline in Seabrook and Kemah.