The East Texas Weekend Preview (December 5th - December 8th)

The East Texas Weekend Preview — If you’re looking for fun things to do in East Texas this weekend, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our rundown of some fun things happening around the area!

If you know of another event, or see an inaccuracy below, please let us know here.

THURSDAY, 11/21

Holiday Craft Make & Take

When: 11am
Where: Tyler Public Library

Paint a unique holiday ornament and take it home!Pre-registration is preferred, as it reserves your supplies. Payment at the booth is accepted if supplies is available. Can’t make it? Reserve a kit and we can arrange pick-up at your convenience. Come create and have fun, while supporting our local Library and a local small business. Reserve your kit here!

Lights of Ennis Christmas Parade

When: 5pm
Where: Downtown Tyler

Enjoy a magical evening with the holiday parade, children’s Christmas activities, dazzling holiday performances, caroling, photos with Santa himself and keep an eye out for special guest appearances that are sure to add even more holiday cheer.

NacSpace’s Alive After Five

When: 5:30pm
Where: NacSpace, Nacogdoches

Join the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce for holiday greetings with Santa, refreshments and snacks at the Annual NacSpace Alive After 5

Jacksonville Christmas Parade

When: 6pm
Where: Downtown Jacksonville

Let the city of Jacksonville get you into the holiday spirit with their annual Christmas Parade! Enjoy the lights, the floats, and the performances as we welcome in the holiday season.

Tyler Rotary Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

When: 6:30pm
Where: Downtown Tyler

Bring your loved ones and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as Tyler transforms into a winter wonderland. Let’s make this season unforgettable together!

Downtown Longview AMBUCS Christmas Parade

When: 6:30pm
Where: Downtown Longview

Make the season merry and bright at the Downtown Longview AMBUCS Vintage Christmas Parade. Thursday, December 5, starting at 6:30pm. Marvel at over one hundred floats, marching bands, drill teams and more, all decked out in Vintage Christmas themed decorations and lights. Feel the family fun holiday energy and excitement, as the parade makes its way down Whaley, Horaney and Tyler streets.

It’s a Wonderful Life

When: 6:30pm
Where: Memorial City Hall Performance Center, Marshall

Frank Capra’s classic stars Oscar nominee James Stewart as George Bailey, a decent small-town banker who learns what life would have been like if he’d never been born after he unwittingly becomes involved in a mistaken case of bank fraud, which threatens his spirit and tests his will to live until a wise angel compels him to see how his presence has made an incredible impact on the people of Bedford Falls.

Trivia Thursdays

When: 7:30pm
Where: Rose City Draft House, Tyler

Come join us for Trivia Thursdays at Rose City Draft House and Bar $1 off mules and prizes for the best teams!!*This event is 21+ Only*

FRIDAY, 11/22

The Loblolly Model Train Depot

When: 10am-6pm
Where: Nacogdoches Train Depot

All aboard! Come visit the Loblolly Model Train Display at the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot and witness the history of Nacogdoches brought to life in miniature! The display features detailed recreations of local buildings, landscapes, and iconic landmarks, all expertly crafted and showcased through an impressive model train setup.

Cozy Little Book Club

When: 11am
Where: Tyler Public Library

The Cozy Little Book Club meets the first Friday of every month. This month they’re talking about Joanne Fluke’s Sugar Cookie Murder!

DSP on Ice

When: 1:30pm
Where: Discovery Science Place, Tyler

Get ready to glide into fun with our brand-new synthetic ice-skating rink!

Opening soon, this exciting addition is perfect for everyone—from beginners to seasoned skaters.

Enjoy public skating sessions, host unforgettable birthday parties, or book after-hour events that will leave your guests buzzing with joy.

Schools can take advantage of our special field trip packages, combining education and fun on the ice!

Lace up your skates and make unforgettable memories!

Admission is $7 per person per hour

2024 Christmas Carnival

When: 5pm
Where: Yesterland Farm, Canton

Your Christmas family tradition is here! Visit us during our 2024 Christmas Carnival season for holiday family fun including: Visit Santa Snow Play Area Christmas Light Experience Christmas Photo Ops Pre Harvested Trees Amazement Rides Specialty Cocoa & MORE!

Folktale’s Enchanted Christmas

When: 5pm
Where: Folktale Venue, Mt. Pleasant

Entry to Enchanted Christmas starts at the front of the farmhouse where you’ll get to tour Folktale’s Christmas Cottage and take pictures with Santa! Then head outside where hot chocolate and cotton candy are available for purchase before heading to the Light Show in the Park! Be sure to grab your camera - you won’t want to miss photo opps like our immersive snow globe experience and light canopy.

2024 Annual Supper with Santa

When: 5pm
Where: Marshall Convention Center

Thanks to our generous sponsors, each $5 ticket will provide a hearty meal of Cajun Tex’s Famous Chicken Pasta for adults or chicken tenders for the kids, with a sugar cookie made by Mrs. Claus. We’ll also have photo opportunities, homemade crafts, Christmas games, and a visit with our bi-lingual Santa this year! Take advantage of this event!!

Tyler Christmas Light Tours

When: 5:30pm
Where: Bergfeld Park, Tyler

Come experience the illuminating magic of the Christmas season in the Azalea District with us! Rides last 20-30 minutes and are first come, first serve starting at Bergfeld Park. Adult rides are $10 and kids are $5. Rides will begin at 5:30 pm and go until 9:00 pm!November Dates: 29th - 30th December Dates: 6th-7th, 12th-14th, 19th-23rd

Movie Night on the Lawn

When: 5:30pm
Where: Hallsville West Elementary School

Enjoy a special free showing of The Star on the lawn of Hallsville West Elementary with popcorn, water, and hot cocoa plus pizza!

Magic on Main

When: 6pm
Where: Downtown Bullard

Please join us for the first day of our 2-day Magic on Main event on Friday, December 6, 2024, for an evening full of fun, food vendors, shopping at our Mistletoe Market, kid’s activities, Pictures with Santa, and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting!

Main Street Christmas Movie Night

When: 6:30pm
Where: CVB Stage, Downtown Nacogdoches

Enjoy the magic of Whoville and watch as the Grinch schemes big this Christmas season! There will be a hot chocolate stand and fun dessert vendors to keep you warm and satisfied while you enjoy the show. This is a family-friendly event, so everyone is welcome. Don’t forget to dress warmly and come ready to enjoy a classic holiday favorite.

Sail On: Beach Boys Tribute Band

When: 7pm
Where: Liberty Hall, Tyler

Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute presents: “The Sail On Christmas Concert”, a Holiday entertainment for all ages! The show features a live performance of songs from the legendary Beach Boys Christmas album along with other classic seasonal favorites from the original Rock‘ N Roll era. As a bonus, the production also includes selections from the Beach Boys’ timeless catalog of hits! It’s a guaranteed good time for everyone with singalong music known and beloved the world over. Celebrate the Season with Fun, Fun, Fun!

2024 Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade

When: 7pm
Where: Downtown Sulphur Springs

Get festive with the annual Sulphur Springs Christmas Parade!

Longview Symphony’s Home for the Holidays

When: 7pm
Where: Letourneau University Belcher Center, Longview

On December 6, 2024 Santa Flavious is coming to town along with your favorite carols and carolers for Home for the Holidays Concert. Fun for the entire family to celebrate the happiest time of the year! With the jolliest Longview Symphony Orchestra, the Greater Longview Children’s Choir, Members of Hallsville High School Band, many special guests and the big man himself it is the merriest way to kick off the holiday season!

SATURDAY, 11/23

Christmas in Lindale 2024

When: 9am
Where: Picker’s Pavillion, Lindale

Enjoy Christmas in Lindale, when Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square is completely transformed into a Winter Wonderland! Your family is welcome to explore 10,000 square feet of beautiful Christmas vignettes and photo backdrops provided free of charge by the City of Lindale.While you’re there, stroll through the lights in Darden Harvest Park. Adjacent to Picker’s, Darden offers accessible routes to all areas of the park so that all children and adults, regardless of their abilities, can explore.Load up your loved ones, grab your camera, and make it a Selfie Party! Celebrate Christmas in Lindale!

Arp Christmas Festival and Parade

When: 9am-5pm
Where: Arp City Park

The Arp Annual Christmas Festival is just around the corner. We are extremely excited to see everyone for a full day of shopping, eating, dancing, singing, playing games, riding the train and having a blast! The events kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, parade starts at 6 p.m.

Christmas Market on Main

When: 9am
Where: Downtown Nacogdoches

Join us for a day filled with holiday fun for the family.

Christmas on Main

When: 9am
Where: Whitehouse City Park

Join us for a day filled with holiday fun for the family. Learn more here!

The Loblolly Model Train Depot

When: 10am-6pm
Where: Nacogdoches Train Depot

Salt City Christmas

When: 10am-7pm
Where: Downtown Grand Saline

Vendors on Main 10am - 7pm 4pm - 7pm Cocoa and Carols Downtown Sidewalks 6:30pm Lighted Christmas Parade Chamber Events 9am - 11am breakfast & pictures w/Santa $5.00 12pm - 2pm making Christmas Ornaments $5.00 Meet at Gazebo Park annual tree lighting by: 2024 Salt Queen Elise Elliott

Palestine Chamber Christmas

When: 11am
Where: Downtown Palestine

Head to Downtown Palestine for the Annual “Christmas on Main” holiday event! Along with special downtown shop events, the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 2nd Annual “Santa’s Workshop” to provide the littles in your life some Christmas Magic. Beginning at 11am, the kids can enjoy Christmas activities including arts & crafts, fun photo ops and even a snow ball fight! Hang around for the annual “Parade of Lights” and stay a little longer for “Christmas in the Park” where the Chamber will show a Christmas movie and hand out cocoa, cookies, popcorn and cozy blankets. It will be a day filled with merry and magic! Don’t miss out

The Grinch Interactive Movie

When: 11am
Where: Kurth Memorial Library, Lufkin

Join us for a jolly good time at 11am on Saturday, December 7, 2024, for an interactive movie extravaganza! We’re rolling out Jim Carrey’s hilarious live-action twist on a holiday classic. Get ready to join the fun with prop bags available for all attendees (while supplies last)—because who doesn’t want to join in on the movie magic? Bring the whole family along for a festive adventure! Just a heads up: little Whos under 13 need a grown-up Who buddy.This merry film is rated PG, so it’s family-friendly fun all the way! For more giggles and details, give us a ring at 936-630-0566!

Hometown Christmas

When: 12pm
Where: Downtown Quitman

All activities are FREE to the public. All day activities include a Skate Rink sponsored by Wood County Electric Co-op and Origin Bank, 9 Hole Mini Golf sponsored by Smith Builders, Bounce Houses for 10 year olds and under, Snow Globe photo booth (sponsorship available), Letters to Santa and Coloring Station run by the Quitman Pilots Club, and GameChanger Arcade Trailer. The Parade (sponsorship available) starts at 5pm and will run from the HS to Downtown. Following the Parade at the event area there will be the First Baptist Church live Nativity, petting zoo, popcorn, and cookie decorating as well as pictures with Santa and reindeer.

Winterfest With Santa

When: 1pm
Where: Bergfeld Park, Tyler

Enjoy the Winter Fest as Santa visits the children. This free, family-friendly event will include a tree decorating contest, write letters to Santa, handmake decorative crafts, games, local vendors and much more!

DSP on Ice

When: 1:30pm
Where: Discovery Science Place, Tyler

Get ready to glide into fun with our brand-new synthetic ice-skating rink!

Opening soon, this exciting addition is perfect for everyone—from beginners to seasoned skaters.

Enjoy public skating sessions, host unforgettable birthday parties, or book after-hour events that will leave your guests buzzing with joy.

Schools can take advantage of our special field trip packages, combining education and fun on the ice!

Lace up your skates and make unforgettable memories!

Admission is $7 per person per hour

Chess Club with Tyler TX Chess

When: 3pm-6pm
Where: The Board Room, Tyler

Come join us every Saturday for some Red-Hot chess action! We have plenty of boards, seats, clocks, or whatever you need to get your game on. Come meet some new members of the TBRT community and let’s build the best chess club in East Texas!

Holiday Tea at 3

When: 3pm-5pm
Where: Goodman-LeGrand Museum, Tyler

Join us for Holiday Tea at Three at the Goodman-LeGrand Museum, located at 624 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, on Dec. 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. The historic home will be decorated for the season, enjoy flavored teas, savory and sweets delights prepared by a local chef and entertainment! Tickets are on sale now! $40 per person and must be purchased in advance. For more information, please call (903) 531-1286

Canton Snow Day Festival

When: 3pm
Where: Downtown Canton

Get ready for a winter wonderland in the heart of Canton! Join us for our annual Snow Day Festival, filled with frosty fun for the whole family. Enjoy a giant snow slide, bounce houses, and unforgettable memories with Santa. We’ve got plenty of surprises in store!

Chandler’s Holly Jolly Christmas

When: 4pm
Where: Chandler City Park

Get ready to experience the magic of the season with our annual Christmas Parade! Mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for an evening of holiday cheer. The streets will come alive with dazzling floats, twinkling lights, and jolly sounds of the season. But that’s not all! After the parade, enjoy delicious bites from a variety of food trucks, and stay tuned for even more exciting surprises!

2024 Christmas Carnival

When: 5pm
Where: Yesterland Farm, Canton

Tyler Christmas Light Tours

When: 5:30pm
Where: Bergfeld Park, Tyler

Come experience the illuminating magic of the Christmas season in the Azalea District with us! Rides last 20-30 minutes and are first come, first serve starting at Bergfeld Park. Adult rides are $10 and kids are $5. Rides will begin at 5:30 pm and go until 9:00 pm! November Dates: 29th - 30th December Dates: 6th-7th, 12th-14th, 19th-23rd

Mineola Christmas Parade

When: 5:30pm
Where: Downtown Mineola

It’s a Candyland Christmas this year! Join us at our annual lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th, at 5:30pm. We will have Santa at the downtown Gazebo available for pictures after the parade!

Lufkin’s Lighted Christmas Parade

When: 5:30pm
Where: Downtown Lufkin

The City of Lufkin is thrilled to announce that the theme for this year’s Light Up Christmas Parade is “Christmas Around the World.” The parade, a beloved local tradition, will take place on Saturday, December 7th, 2024, at 5:30 PM in Downtown Lufkin.The parade invites participants from all walks of life—local businesses, schools, community groups, and individuals passionate about spreading holiday cheer—to showcase their creativity and festive spirit. This year’s theme encourages participants to celebrate the diverse ways Christmas is celebrated across the globe, bringing an international flair to the streets of Lufkin.

Annual Christmas Parade

When: 5:45pm
Where: Downtown Bullard

The Annual Christmas Parade is BACK and will lead up to the Movie on Main event located on the greenbelt in front of City Hall (address below).Bullard City Hall 114 S Phillips St, Bullard, TX 75757

Movies in the Park - Elf

When: 6pm
Where: Tyler Rose Garden

Join Buddy and the rest of the crew for a special screening of Elf!

Holiday Lights at the East Texas Arboretum

When: 6pm
Where: East Texas Arboretum, Athens

Stroll the garden as lights and holiday décor enchant the pathway. Santa is taking over the Little Red School House as his ETX base of operations and will be available each night for photos! Tickets sold at the gate. $20 per car of 1-10 passengers/$40 per vehicle of 10 or more passengers.

Wonderland of Lights Christmas Parade

When: 6pm
Where: Downtown Marshall

The Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce invites you to get into the holiday spirit with their Christmas Parade!

Yulefest Christmas Parade

When: 6pm
Where: Downtown Gilmer

The parade will start on Titus at the old hospital parking lot. The parade will go up Titus towards the square then take a Right on Buffalo, Right on Trinity and Left on Walnut.

Nacogdoches 9 Flags Lighted Christmas Parade

When: 6:30pm
Where: Downtown Nacogdoches

Join us on Saturday, December 7th in the Oldest Town in Texas for a spectacular show of Christmas cheer! Downtown Nacogdoches turns into a scene from a Hallmark movie, with fabulous holiday displays in shop windows and luminous light displays. Families line the brick streets while Christmas lights sparkle, and local organizations put on a show with decorated floats. The theme this year is Home for the Holidays, honoring our veterans and remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Annual Lighted Christmas Parade

When: 6:30pm
Where: Downtown Canton

Join us for the Annual Lighted Christmas Parade “Cowboy Christmas”

Christmas Parade of Lights

When: 7pm
Where: Downtown Palestine

JJoin us for a magical evening at the Parade of Lights in Palestine, TX! Watch as dazzling light displays and festive floats bring the season to life. Bring your family and friends to experience our historic downtown filled with holiday cheer. After the parade, head over to Rotary Park for a movie sponsored by the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy hot cocoa, and don’t forget to bring your camera for pictures with Santa at the Rotary Park gazebo.Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable together! For more details, visit www.visitpalestine.com/christmas.

SUNDAY, 11/24

The Loblolly Model Train Depot

When: 12pm-5pm
Where: Nacogdoches Train Depot

DSP on Ice

When: 1:30pm
Where: Discovery Science Place, Tyler

Get ready to glide into fun with our brand-new synthetic ice-skating rink!

Opening soon, this exciting addition is perfect for everyone—from beginners to seasoned skaters.

Enjoy public skating sessions, host unforgettable birthday parties, or book after-hour events that will leave your guests buzzing with joy.

Schools can take advantage of our special field trip packages, combining education and fun on the ice!

Lace up your skates and make unforgettable memories!

Admission is $7 per person per hour

4th Annual Christmas Parade

When: 130pm
Where: Rolling Oaks Community

4th annual ROVFD Christmas around the main streets of the Rolling Oaks community

*All dates and information are subject to change. Contact us if there are changes to the schedule or if we left anything out

The East Texas Weekend Preview (December 5th - December 8th)

THURSDAY, 11/21

FRIDAY, 11/22

SATURDAY, 11/23

SUNDAY, 11/24

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