December 2012 Events

Western roundup of events where you can experience the Old West.

ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

WILD HORSE AND BURRO ADOPTIONS

Casper, WY, December 10-13: Wild horses and burros from Western states are offered up for adoption to folks who will provide long-term care.
866-468-7826 • BLM.gov

ART SHOW

ART OF THE AMERICAN COWBOY

Las Vegas, NV, December 11-15: View cowboy art by featured artist Brandon Bailey and others,
plus artist quick draws and an art auction.
509-962-2934 • ArtOfTheAmericanCowboy.com

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

Elk City, OK, Nov. 23-Dec. 31: Take a ride in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and on the wooden carousel or Candy Cane Express train.
800-280-0207 • VisitElkCity.com

CHRISTMAS IN OLD DODGE CITY

Dodge City, KS, Nov. 26-Dec. 25: Features a Christmas tree auction, craft and gift boutiques, the Parade of Lights and community chili feed.
800-653-9378 • VisitDodgeCity.org

DICKENS ON THE STRAND
Galveston, TX, December 1-2: Bobbies, beefeaters and Queen re-create the Victorian London of Charles Dickens in Galveston’s historic district, while the Texas Brigade troops (above) fire their guns for the crowd.
409-765-7834 • GalvestonHistory.org

— By David Canright / Courtesy Galveston Historical Foundation –

A GRAND CHRISTMAS
Deadwood, SD, December 1-23: In this holiday spectacle, Christopher Jingle guides the audience through a winter wonderland as part of Deadwood’s 1876 historic holiday party of the Old West.
877-907-4726 • DeadwoodMountainGrand.com

– By Bob Wilson / Courtesy Deadwood Mountain Grand –

PRESCOTT COURTHOUSE CHRISTMAS LIGHTING

Prescott, AZ, December 1: In Arizona’s territorial capital, enjoy the lighting of the courthouse, The Christmas Story readings and holiday carolers.
928-777-1100 • Visit-Prescott.com

CHRISTMAS IN THE STOCKYARDS
Fort Worth, TX, December 1: Families gather for the Christmas tree lighting, holiday parade, holiday caroling and a visit from Cowboy Santa.
817-625-9715 • StockyardsStation.com

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE
Ruidoso, NM, December 1: Festive parade floats sparkle with twinkle lights and feature holiday designs as they travel through midtown Ruidoso.
575-257-7395 • Ruidoso.net

PARADE OF LIGHTS

Grapevine, TX, December 6: More than 100 lighted floats pass through downtown Grapevine to the holiday tunes of marching bands.
817-410-8136 • GrapevineTexasUSA.com

— Courtesy Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau —

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

Canyon, TX, December 7-8: Pioneer Town offers up holiday music and storytelling, cookie decorating, festive kid’s crafts and more.
806-651-2244 • PanhandlePlains.org

CHRISTMAS AT OLD FORT CONCHO

San Angelo, TX, December 7-9: This 1867 fort celebrates the different cultures of West Texas with living history camps and 1800s holiday entertainment.
325-481-2646 • FortConcho.com

— Courtesy Fort Concho National Historic Landmark —

COWBOY CHRISTMAS POETRY GATHERING

Wickenburg, AZ, December 7-9: Poets, singers and storytellers bring the Christmas spirit to area ranchers; plus enjoy a cowboy breakfast.
928-684-5479 • WickenburgChamber.com

MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY’S COWBOY CHRISTMAS BALL

Oklahoma City, OK, December 14: Murphey headlines a Western concert for families that includes a buffet and a visit from Santa.
405-478-2250 • NationalCowboyMuseum.org

CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS

Wickenburg, AZ, December 14: Holiday parade showcases colorfully-lit entries and Santa and Mrs. Claus riding through historic downtown.
928-684-5479 • WickenburgChamber.com

BAR D WRANGLERS CHRISTMAS JUBILEE

Durango, CO, December 20: Country crooners perform their traditional Christmas show with Western music and cowboy poetry and humor.
970-247-7657 • DurangoConcerts.com

TRADE SHOW

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

Las Vegas, NV, December 6-16: More than 400 vendors display cowboy Christmas gifts, plus appearances and autographs from cowboy stars.
877-411-7277 • CountryChristmas.com

COLLECTOR’S FIREARMS AUCTION

Rock Island, IL, Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Up for bid are more than 2,700 lots, including historic Colts, Winchesters, Volcanic repeaters and Henry rifles. Shown here is a .38 Colt revolver with a bull’s head engraved on the ivory grip.
800-238-8022 • RockIslandAuction.com

– Courtesy Rock Island Auction Company –