You are here

Celebrate The Christmas Season At The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Share

Published Date

October 25, 2013

See how Lyndon B. Johnson enjoyed Christmas as a boy with a visit to his home this coming holiday season. NPS photo.

How did President Lyndon B. Johnson and his family celebrate Christmas during his boyhood days in Texas? Find out during the coming holiday season by visiting the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park to experience "Christmas at the LBJ Boyhood Home."

The events are scheduled for November 30, December 7, and December 14. National park rangers will provide an open house of this historic Texas home, all decked out for a Christmas celebration in the 1920s, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each evening.

On these four Saturdays, the LBJ Boyhood Home will be lamp-lit, giving visitors an opportunity to experience family life at the Johnsons' house as it was more than 80 years ago.

National park rangers and volunteers team up to portray a 1920s Christmas, complete with a cedar tree in the parlor adorned with handmade ornaments and a toy display beneath, and authentic decorations and seasonal goodies throughout the home.

As a special treat on December 7 only, visitors can board the shuttle bus at the back gate for a five-minute ride to the Johnson Settlement, where they are guided by lantern light even further back in time to a late 1860s Christmas in frontier Texas.

The park's Exhibit Center will be open for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in what life was like on those cattle drives of long ago, or learn about Lyndon Johnson's ancestors and what their lives were like on the settlement lands and about other families who came after them and farmed this harsh land.

Further up the path is the original Sam Ealy Johnson cabin, where Lyndon Johnson's grandparents first homesteaded in 1869. Here the lighting is provided by candles, oil lamps, and two fireplaces. The decorations here are much simpler, but there is also a tree and some toys, as well as seasonal music. Just as strangers were welcomed in the past, visitors are offered refreshments before they strike out again on the trail home.

These park events are free of charge and are complemented by the stunning lighting display at the Pedernales Electric Cooperative, across the street from the LBJ Boyhood Home, with majestic live oaks resplendent in hundreds of thousands of tiny white lights.

In addition, the Blanco County Courthouse, just two blocks north of the Boyhood Home on Avenue G, is the centerpiece of the town's seasonal celebration, "Lights Spectacular", and is not to be missed. Visitor Center lot at Avenue G and Ladybird Lane. For detailed directions or additional information, please call (830) 868-7128, extension 244.

The turn for the LBJ Boyhood Home is just three blocks (turn left onto Avenue G) west of the intersection of Highways 281 and 290 in Johnson City. Parking is available in the Visitor Center lot at Avenue G and Ladybird Lane. For detailed directions or additional information, please call (830) 868-7128, extension 244.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.