Christmas at Old Fort Concho
Held across Fort Concho's grounds and historic buildings, this holiday event brings the 1800s to life with a Winter Rendezvous campsite featuring reenactors and period traders. Visitors can watch troops drill, ride, and conduct artillery demonstrations with blanks on the Parade Ground. Inside the original buildings, guests can shop merchant and artisan booths, enjoy a food court, listen to strolling musicians, and explore free crafts in the children's areas.
What to Expect
Historic 1800s winter festival featuring reenactors, artillery drills, shopping, and music.
Event Details
Duration
Allow at least a half-day; a full day or possibly a second visit is recommended to experience everything.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of San Angelo
Food & Drink
A food court offers various food options.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and history enthusiasts
Vibe
Historic and festive
Energy Level
High
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: The three-day weekend pass offers admission for all three days at the price of two; no dollar amount is stated.
- Hours: Friday: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Parking: Almost 1,000 parking spaces are located west and north of the site in paved, lighted lots. Listed event parking locations are Farmers Market Pavilion, State of Texas Building parking, the lot at Burgess Street and E Avenue C, and the lot near the railroad tracks at E Avenue A and S Oakes St.
- Accessibility: All programs, events, and displays are on the ground floor, and buildings include ramps and features accommodating mobility needs.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed; service dogs are welcome, and only service animals are permitted inside buildings.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive right after the gates open if you'd like to avoid crowds, since that's the quietest time to explore the grounds.
- Buy the three-day weekend pass if you might come back, because a single-day pass is good only on the day you buy it.
- Bring cash or a Visa or Mastercard, since only two ticket booths take cards; the ATM is between Barracks 6 and the Commissary.
- Dress in layers, since December mornings here are near freezing and afternoons warm up, and the event runs rain or shine with nonrefundable tickets.
- Book your hotel well ahead, because the first weekend of December gets very busy in San Angelo, though lodging is within 15 minutes of the fort.
Special Events & Promotions
- The three-day weekend pass gives admission on all three days for the price of two.
- There's a special program for school groups on Friday, which you book through the education coordinator.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to go during the day or in the evening?
Both have something to offer. In daylight, troops drill, ride and fire their weapons on the Parade Ground, including artillery demonstrations with blanks. In the evening, campfires glow across the Parade Ground.
Where do I buy tickets and get information?
Ticket booths are between Barracks 6 and the Commissary, and at both ends of the Parade Ground near Barracks 1 and Officer's Quarters 1. Two booths take Visa and Mastercard only. The Visitor Center in Barracks 1 is the information hub and the lost and found.
Are the buildings accessible?
Yes. All programs, events and displays are on the ground floor, and each building has ramps and other accessibility features.
How long should I plan to spend?
Allow at least half a day. Seeing everything takes a full day, and possibly a second visit.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The event goes on rain or shine. Some outdoor programs may be changed or moved indoors, and admission tickets and passes are nonrefundable.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.