In what might be the coolest thing I've never heard of, Palo Duro Canyon is hosting a hot air balloon glow for Christmas. It's not a new idea, but it's new to me, and it sounds awesome.

On Saturday, December 16th from 5-8 p.m. inside Palo Duro Canyon State Park is Christmas in the Canyon. Starting at 4 p.m. that day, if you bring non-perishable food items for the High Plains Food Bank you can get into Palo Duro Canyon for free. Then you can watch as the balloons light up from inside the canyon. (If you've ever seen the play Texas Outdoor Musical, this is happening at that same area.)

Santa Claus will be there and taking pictures, and kids can make free mouse ornaments for the tree, too. Bring a food item for each member of your family (or more) and come celebrate a Canyon Christmas for free on December 16th.

You can get an idea of what a hot air balloon glow is like from the below video, which was taken at an event at Quincy University in Illinois.

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