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, 12/12
Genealogy Workshop
- When: 1pm-2:30pm
- Where: Marshall Public Library
The Marshall Public Library and Harrison County Historical Museum are teaming up to offer genealogy workshops at the library on the 2nd Thursdays of every month from 1:00-2:30 pm for individuals interested in researching their family trees.
The Discovery Science Place Open House
- When: 4pm-8pm
- Where: The Discovery Science Place, Tyler
Please bring a canned good for each person attending. Come enjoy some Holiday fun with DSP!
Longview ArtWalk
- When: 5pm-8pm
- Where: Downtown Longview
Local artists will be showcasing their talents during the Fall Longview ArtWalk from 5:00-8:00 pm Thursday, December 12, in Downtown Longview. Live music will include the Caldwell Fine Arts Academy Drumline from 5:00-5:30 p.m. and Covie from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Sculpture Garden at the corner of Tyler Street and Fredonia Street. ArtWalk is a FREE, self-guided tour of downtown business venues hosting local artists who exhibit and sell their artwork.
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Christmas Light Tours
- When: 5:30pm-9pm
- 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!
Christmas Toys Christmas Parade
- When: 6pm
- Where: Winnsboro Area Chamber of Commerce
Come join us for Winnsboro’s annual Christmas Parade of Christmas Toys!
Holiday Lights at the East Texas Arboretum
- When: 6pm-8pm
- 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.6:00pm-9:00pm. Last entry at 8:00pm!
Drive Through Nativity
- When: 6pm-9pm
- Where: Forest Home Baptist Church
Starting December 12-14, we will be having our Drive Through Nativity each night from 6-9pm. We serve free hot chocolate to every guest. You will see modern day Christmas lights and hear Christmas carols from a live choir before you enter Bethlehem on your way to the Nativity. Each scene is carefully designed to tell the story of the birth of our Savior. We hope you can come to see us this year!
Emma! A Pop Musical
- When: 7pm-9pm
- Where: Caldwell Auditorium, Tyler
Come see Caldwell Arts Academy middle school students perform LIVE! This performance is perfect for a family night out. Get your tickets now and see this vibrant and modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic featuring iconic pop songs. TICKETS HERE
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Stanley’s Jam!
- When: 7pm-10pm
- Where: Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue, Tyler
Free live music. Free live music.
FRIDAY, 12/13
Christmas Light Tours
- When: 5:30pm-9pm
- 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!
Streets of Bethlehem
- When: 6pm
- Where: Remnant Church
Take a walk through the Streets of Bethlehem and experience the story told by children!
Holiday Lights at the East Texas Arboretum
- When: 6pm-8pm
- 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.6:00pm-9:00pm. Last entry at 8:00pm!
Drive Through Nativity
- When: 6pm-9pm
- Where: Forest Home Baptist Church
Starting December 12-14, we will be having our Drive Through Nativity each night from 6-9pm. We serve free hot chocolate to every guest. You will see modern day Christmas lights and hear Christmas carols from a live choir before you enter Bethlehem on your way to the Nativity. Each scene is carefully designed to tell the story of the birth of our Savior. We hope you can come to see us this year!
Emma! A Pop Musical
- When: 7pm-9pm
- Where: Caldwell Auditorium, Tyler
Come see Caldwell Arts Academy middle school students perform LIVE! This performance is perfect for a family night out. Get your tickets now and see this vibrant and modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic featuring iconic pop songs. TICKETS HERE
Carols in the Park
- When: 8pm
- Where: First United Methodist Church Pittsburg
Join us for an evening filled with the wonder and meaning of Christmas. Wander through over 100 stunningly decorated Christmas trees while listening to uplifting carols celebrating the story of Christ. Enjoy delicious refreshments in a warm, festive atmosphere. Admission is FREE, but love offerings are appreciated. Help us spread the spirit of giving by bringing non-perishable food items to support God’s Closet, which helps provide food to those in need in our community.
The Final Show @ The Original Rose City Comedy
- When: 8:30pm
- Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler
Featuring Dustin Vance, Glenn Stuart, Stetson Banks, and Garrett Nelson. TICKETS HERE
SATURDAY, 12/14
Saint Nick’s Run Fest
- When: 9am
- Where: Lindsey Park, Tyler
Saint Nick’s Run Fest is a charity trail run that takes place in Tyler Texas. The race will be set in the cool early morning at Lindsey Park. Bring a Santa hat! SIGN UP HERE
December Winter Market
- When: 9am-12pm
- Where: Winnsboro Farmers’ Market
Come shop our local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and makers. Find all the freshest and highest quality ingredients!
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2024 Winter Rider Exhibition
- When: 9am-12:30pm
- Where: Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Whitehouse
Come join us for a heartwarming and free community event at Starbrite’s 2024 Winter Rider Exhibition! Watch our participants demonstrate the incredible progress they’ve made through therapeutic riding, and cheer them on as they showcase their skills. The event will feature refreshments, food, and a special presentation from our Veteran Mounted Color Guard Team. It’s a day of celebration, connection, and inspiration that you won’t want to miss!
Christmas at the Market
- When: 9am-3pm
- Where: Angelina County Farmers Market, Lufkin
Get those Christmas Shopping Lists ready. We will have a great variety of vendors for all of your shopping needs, photos with Santa, Food, and Fun activities. Come Sip and Shop and have a Jolly Good Time!
Polar Express Day
- When: 10am
- Where: The Platform Longview
All aboard for Polar Express Day at The Platform! Join us for a magical day of holiday fun from 10 AM to 4 PM. Warm up at our Hot Chocolate Bar, get creative with festive crafts, and enjoy delicious snacks. The day will be filled with activities and surprises for all ages. Don’t miss a special appearance by Santa Claus himself from 11 AM to 3 PM. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
15th Holiday in the Garden & Bazaar
- When: 10am-8pm
- Where: Tyler Rose Garden
Everyone’s favorite holiday event returns this year to the Tyler Rose Garden! Enjoy vendors, food, and entertainment on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Garden lights will begin at 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Black Beauty Ranch Tour
- When: 11am
- Where: Black Beauty Ranch, Murchison
Our next bus tour is December 14 at 11:00am. Come see and learn about the animals who have found a safe haven at Black Beauty Ranch where they enjoy expansive, natural habitats and pastures! Ticket pricing: $49 for adults. $39 for military/students ages 18+. $20 for youth 8 -17 years of age (Must be 8 years old to attend)
Santa Story Time
- When: 11am-12:45pm
- Where: Kurth Memorial Library, Lufkin
Join us on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11am for a jolly good time at our special Story Time at the library! Santa is sledding into our big meeting room to enchant us with Clement Clarke Moore’s classic, “The Night Before Christmas.” After the story, he’ll shimmy over to the Wi-Fi Cafe where you can snap a selfie with the big guy himself until 1:45pm! So grab your camera and get ready to make some merry memories this year!
Palestine Christmas Market 2024
- When: 11am-5pm
- Where: 200 N Church St, Palestine
Enjoy unique artisan crafts, delicious seasonal treats, and joyful entertainment for the whole family. Remember, it’s not just about the gifts, but the stories behind them. Each handmade item carries a piece of the artisan’s heart and creativity. Don’t miss out on the festive fun—mark your calendars and celebrate the holiday season with us! VIP Night on December 13th.
Paint Downtown at the Plaza with Rotolo’s & True Vine
- When: 12pm
- Where: Plaza Tower, Tyler
Downtown Tyler just got a tasty upgrade! Rotolo’s Pizza is teaming up with True Vine on the Square to serve up mouthwatering pizza by the slice alongside their fantastic beer and wine selection! Come paint, drink, and have fun with us!
The Nutcracker
- When: 12pm
- Where: Memorial City Hall Performance Center, Marshall
Join us as Marshall Ballet Theatre’s annual production of The Nutcracker returns to the stage with beloved characters, glittering sets, and dancing that will lift your spirits. TICKETS
Christmas Brass Quintet
- When: 4pm-5pm
- Where: Fresh by Brookshires, Tyler
Christmas Brass is here with a special treat, performing a brass quintet on the patio stage from 4 PM - 5 PM. Come show your support and indulge in the rich sounds of Christmas tradition!
Free Chess Play Saturdays
- When: 4pm-7pm
- Where: The Board Room, Tyler
Come on out every Saturday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the The Board Room Tyler to enjoy over-the-board (in person) chess. Free to play and boards provided.
Twinkle Tour 2024
- When: 5pm-8pm
- Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point
Join us for our annual Twinkle Tour at Lake Tawakoni State Park. Enjoy all the festive Christmas lights and listen to a reading of The Night Before Christmas at the amphitheater. Come camp with us and decorate your campsite with your favorite Christmas decorations to receive your second night of camping FREE during your stay. There will be a decorating contest with awards to the favorites. We will do a reading of The Night before Christmas starting at 7:00 PM. Come on out and take a drive while enjoying all the beautiful Christmas lights! The park closes at 10:00 PM. Cost: $5 per vehicle beginning at 5 p.m.
Christmas Light Tours
- When: 5:30pm-9pm
- 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!
Christmas in the Park
- When: 6pm
- Where: The Children’s Park, Tyler
Join us for Christmas in The Park from 6:00–8:00 PM! This special FREE event brings families and our community together to celebrate in the beauty of the holiday lights in the park. Enjoy Christmas carols around the tree, festive crafts, a photo booth, s’mores, a bounce house, and our signature Snowman Soup. Don’t miss this very special evening!
Holiday Lights at the East Texas Arboretum
- When: 6pm-8pm
- 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.6:00pm-9:00pm. Last entry at 8:00pm!
Drive Through Nativity
- When: 6pm-9pm
- Where: Forest Home Baptist Church
Starting December 12-14, we will be having our Drive Through Nativity each night from 6-9pm. We serve free hot chocolate to every guest. You will see modern day Christmas lights and hear Christmas carols from a live choir before you enter Bethlehem on your way to the Nativity. Each scene is carefully designed to tell the story of the birth of our Savior. We hope you can come to see us this year!
Blues Christmas
- When: 6pm-9pm
- Where: Oil Horse Brewing Co, Longview
Down for the holidays? We’ve got just the thing! Oil Horse and The SP!NZ present A BLUES CHRISTMAS! And this one is on a SATURDAY!!! We’ll have blues music, we’ll have holiday music, and we’ll have blues holiday music! In fact, we’re giving away 3 copies of The Alligator Records Christmas Collection, featuring Koko Taylor, Charlie Musselwhite, and many other blues artists covering some of your holiday favorites! See you in December!
Emma! A Pop Musical
- When: 7pm-9pm
- Where: Caldwell Auditorium, Tyler
Come see Caldwell Arts Academy middle school students perform LIVE! This performance is perfect for a family night out. Get your tickets now and see this vibrant and modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic featuring iconic pop songs. TICKETS HERE
SUNDAY, 12/15
E-Ride Outfitters Jump Jam
- When: 8:30am-5:30pm
- Where: Madden MX, Eustace
Get ready for an action-packed day of riding, thrills, and fun at the E-Ride Outfitters Jump Jam! Join us at Madden MX for an unforgettable experience featuring everything from freestyle jumps to wooded trails, and more. This event is for riders of all skill levels and offers something for everyone. Whether you’re tearing up the track, hitting the jumps, racing against the clock, or exploring the trails, the Jump Jam is your ticket to an adrenaline-filled day of fun. MORE INFO
Nac Rat Holiday Arts & Craft Fair
- When: 11am-3pm
- Where: Fire House Nac, Nacogdoches
Please join us at the Nac Rat Holiday Arts + Craft Fair on Sunday, December 15th from 11am - 3pm. We’ll be inside and out of Fire House Nac. We will have artists of many mediums selling their work for your last minute holiday gifts! The event is free to attend.
Santa, Skate, and Decorate
- When: 2pm-4pm
- Where: Rowdy Creek Ranch, Gilmer
Ice Skate, meet Santa, and Decorate a Sugar Christmas while sipping on hot cocoa. Tickets available on Eventbrite for $20 including 1 hour skate. Not sure about skating but you want to meet Santa? That is okay to. Come out and get pictures and decorate a cookie for $10.
Sing Joy! A Christmas Concert
- When: 6pm
- Where: Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler
Join us for our multigenerational Christmas concert featuring our Worship Choir & Orchestra, Highest Praise Senior Adult Choir, Student Worship, & KidzPraise. This is a family friendly event. Childcare will not be provided.
*All dates and information are subject to change. Contact us if there are changes to the schedule or if we left anything out
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