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, 11/27

First Monday Trade Days

When: Sunup to Sundown
Where: 800 1st Monday Ln, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

Explore the World’s Largest Outdoor Flea Market during our November show from 11/27 - 11/30! Seeking home decor, unique furniture, clothing, and an array of delicious food? You’ll find it all here! Join us at First Monday Trade Days in Canton, TX.

Free Turkey Day Yoga

When: 9am
Where: Release Yoga Studio - TX, Palestine

Before the cooking, the rushing, the laughter, the family, the full tables… Pause. Breathe. Be. Thanksgiving Morning Gratitude Flow - 9:00 AM - Palestine Studio - Free to attend Let’s start the day connected to our bodies, our breath, and to gratitude for everything we do have. This class filled up fast last year, save your spot early: vagaro.com/releaseyogastudiotx

The Fredonia Hotel’s 2025 Thanksgiving Brunch

When: 11am-2pm
Where: The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center, Nacogdoches

We invite you and your family to join us for our annual Thanksgiving feast. You won’t want to miss this expansive holiday buffet!

Ohayo Thanksgiving

When: 12pm
Where: 6205 S Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX

We will be handing out FREE FOOD to the community for our 2nd year in row and couldn’t be more excited! We will be featuring food from Ohayo, El Chino, and Liang’s Chinese Restaurant

FRIDAY, 11/28

First Monday Trade Days

When: Sunup to Sundown
Where: 800 1st Monday Ln, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

18th Annual “Walk off the Bird” Walk

When: 9:30am
Where: Tyler State Park

Let’s walk off that turkey! It’s time to walk off that ham and turkey by joining a ranger for a hike through the Whispering Pines. Bring: Water, Binoculars, Camera, and Proper Hiking Attire

Community Christmas Tree

When: 10am-1pm
Where: Panola County Chamber of Commerce, Carthage

Join us to decorate the Community Christmas Tree at the Chamber. Bring an ornament to adorn this beautiful tree donated by Merket Tree Farm. This is the second year for this new tradition for Panola County. Please remember that the tree is located outside when choosing your ornament. We hope to have the tree decorated and ready to shine bright for the Christmas Parade.

Candy Pouring

When: 10am-6pm
Where: Lindale Candy Company

Come watch us make candy!!!Shop from our wide selection of homemade and nostalgic holiday candies!!! BLACK FRIDAY: 11/28 OPEN 10-6PM 🍋‍🟩🍭Lime Lollipops - Pour @11:30AM 🍉🍭Watermelon Lollipops @2:30PM. FREE SAMPLES WITH EVERY BATCH!!

Loblolly Model Train Display

When: 10am-6pm
Where: 101 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches

The beloved Loblolly Model Train Display returns to the historic Nacogdoches Railroad Depot this holiday season, continuing one of Nacogdoches’ favorite festive traditions. Opening Friday, November 28, the display will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for three consecutive weekends. The event is free and open to the public. Each year, the depot transforms into a miniature wonderland filled with intricate Lionel model trains winding through detailed landscapes and small town scenes, many of which feature recognizable businesses and landmarks from around Nacogdoches. Visitors of all ages will enjoy watching the trains in motion and discovering new details throughout the display.

Baby Kangaroo Event

When: 12pm-2pm
Where: Red Lobster, Longview

REAL LIVING BABY KANGAROO IN LONGVIEW!!!!!MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!! Friday while you are Black Friday Shopping, stop by the Red Lobster Parking Lot in Longview and meet a REAL LIVING BABY KANGAROO from Wild World! You won’t want to miss this amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity! Adults and kids welcome!

Lighting of the Vines Ceremony

When: 5pm
Where: The Grand Room at Kiepersol, Tyler

Let us know if you’re coming to the opening ceremony to light the vines on Black Friday. Join us for a moment to breathe, reflect on our blessings, and get into the Christmas spirit! Bring your Christmas cheer! What to Expect: * Christmas music * Coffee cart and Food trucks * Devotional by Dr. Mike Miller * Weather permitting, fireworks * Hot cocoa and popcorn * Kiepersol wines and cocktails, of course * Twinkle lights on the vines turned on for the first time of the year * This is not a ticketed event - first come, first served

SATURDAY, 11/29

First Monday Trade Days

When: Sunup to Sundown
Where: 800 1st Monday Ln, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

Train Rider Fun @ Bralys

When: 8am-6pm
Where: Bralys Ace Hardware, Palestine

Riding the train this year? Well come to Bralys and make a keepsake wooden ornament for your tree to keep the memory forever! We also have a scavenger hunt through our historical school building available! Complete the Christmas Experience by browsing through our live tree lot and many gifts throughout the store!

4th Annual Henderson Turkey Trot

When: 8:30am
Where: Campfire Coffee Co., Henderson

Keep your eyes on the pies and join us for the 4th Annual Henderson Turkey Trot 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run on November 29, 2025! Proceeds from this event will go to Henderson Interchurch Ministry & Rusk County Legacy House.

Pancakes with Mrs. Claus

When: 9:30am-10:30am
Where: Home Grill Steak House, Palestine

Kick off the holiday season with a warm, delicious breakfast and a sprinkle of Christmas magic! Join Mrs. Claus for a fun and festive pancake breakfast the whole family will love. This is the perfect way to make memories, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and get in the holiday spirit.

Santa Stroll: Small Business Saturday

When: 10am
Where: The Platform Longview

Skip the big-box chaos and kick off the holidays by strolling through East Texas small businesses all in one place! Join us at The Platform for a festive vendor market featuring incredible makers, boutiques, and artisans from across East Texas. This is your chance to discover unique gifts, holiday must-haves, and one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting the dreamers and doers in our community.

Purse & Makeup Bag Decorating Class

When: 10am-12pm
Where: 306 N Sycamore Street, Palestine, TX

Join us Saturday, November 29th from 10am–12pm for a creative morning at Old Town Vintage. You’ll decorate your own beautiful purse and small makeup bag using lace, ribbon, buttons, and other vintage touches. All materials are included!

Community Christmas Tree

When: 10am-1pm
Where: Panola County Chamber of Commerce, Carthage

8th Annual Holiday Market

When: 10am-3pm
Where: Cain Center YMCA, Athens

📍 The Cain Center | Athens, TX | Nov 28 + 29, 2025. Hosted by the Athens TX Farmers Market, our 8th annual Holiday Market is back—bigger and better than ever! This indoor, two-day event will take place at the Cain Center (upstairs gym + foyer). Expect curated vendors, festive vibes, and record-breaking crowds!

Candy Pouring

When: 10am-4pm
Where: Lindale Candy Company

Come watch us make candy!!!Shop from our wide selection of homemade and nostalgic holiday candies!!! SMALL BIZ SATURDAY: 11/29 10-4PM 🍇🍭Grape Lollipops - Pouring @11:30AM. FREE SAMPLES WITH EVERY BATCH!!

Pottery Market

When: 10am-5pm
Where: Muddy Pants Pottery, Nacogdoches

It is Small Business Saturday and Nacogdoches Downtown Merchants will be participating in Wassail Fest. This will be Muddy Pants Pottery’s 2nd year and we are super excited! Many shoppers visit the studio in search of handmade gifts and of course a taste of our very own wassail. We will be giving away handmade wassail cups again this year. The first 100 wassail tasters will receive a cup of their own. This drives a lot of traffic right at the beginning of the event. We will all be set up and ready to receive them an hour before the Wassail Fest begins. We will take down an hour after the event concludes to allow all the shoppers a chance to visit each pottery booth and make their way through the downtown square.

Loblolly Model Train Display

When: 10am-6pm
Where: 101 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches

Christmas Market

When: 10am-9pm
Where: Rise & Shine Hills LLC, Hallsville

Wassail Fest

When: 11am
Where: Downtown Nacogdoches

Get ready to sip, shop, and celebrate the season! Wassail Fest is a festive holiday tasting event where downtown businesses serve up their best non-alcoholic wassail recipes — and you get to vote for your favorites while shopping small! 🍎 What’s Wassail? It’s a warm, spiced cider drink that’s a holiday classic — and every participating business will put their own unique spin on it! 🎶 Live Music + Food Trucks Celebrate the season with live music by Huffie and the Paintfish from 12:30–2:30 p.m. on the CVB Stage (200 block of Pilar). Plus, don’t forget to treat yourself at the Small Business Saturday Nac Snack, where food trucks will be serving up tasty favorites on the square from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

2nd Annual Christmas Moo Market

When: 12pm-5pm
Where: Holly Cow - The Udder One, Hawkins

Make sure to mark your calendars for our 2nd Annual Christmas Moo Market in downtown Hawkins on Small Business Saturday! Arts, Crafts, Food, & Music from Noon - 5... FREE SANTA VISIT Sponsored by Holly Cow from 3-5!!! Custom Santa and Me ornaments available upon request.

Grand Opening of Euro Dream Cafe

When: 1pm-8pm
Where: 10671 US Hwy 69 N, Suite 108, Tyler

Grand opening is Saturday Nov 29th 11am-6pm. Share Like and come on by for some delicious food and the best coffee in town 10671 US Hwy 69 N, Tyler, TX 75706 Euro Dream Cafe - East Texas HWY 69 Bazaar Violett’s Crafts

Tejas Watercolors

When: 2pm
Where: Mission Tejas State Park, Grapeland

Come join park rangers and create your own watercolor work of art and show just what the outdoors means to you! Please keep in mind that this is not a watercolors class, rather a Paint What You Want program for those wanting a more relaxed atmosphere. The park interpreter can help you get started with beginner’s tips but what you make is up to you! Please RSVP ahead of time so we can prepare!

Jefferson Christmas Parade

When: 6pm
Where: Downtown Jefferson, TX

Line up begins at 4pm. Parade begins at 6pm from Lafayette and Walnut; then to Austin; Market, Henderson, and ends at Lion’s Park where Santa will be stationed, and the lighting of the Enchanted Forest will take place.

Mingle & Jingle

When: 6pm-9pm
Where: 815 N Kilgore St, Kilgore, TX, United States, Texas 75662

You’re invited to an evening of festive holiday shopping and merriment in Historic Downtown Kilgore on Saturday, November 29th, as Kilgore Main Street and Downtown Merchants host Mingle & Jingle! The scene will be merry and bright as you shop after hours and enjoy the soiree under the Christmas stars of Historic Downtown Kilgore.

The Spirits of Christmas: Victorian Ghost Stories

When: 9pm
Where: The Historic Captain’s Castle, Jefferson

As the town of Jefferson glows with the warmth of the Candlelight Tour, a quieter gathering awaits within the halls of Captain’s Castle. This December, step back in time for an evening of candlelight, storytelling, and Christmas ghosts in true Victorian tradition. Within the glow of Captain’s Castle, guests will gather to hear haunting and heartfelt tales once told beside the hearth on Christmas nights long past. Each evening features different stories — some familiar, others nearly forgotten — all shared in the warmth of Emily’s Parlor, the Captain’s Quarters, and the grand hall beside the family tree.

SUNDAY, 11/30

First Monday Trade Days

When: Sunup to Sundown
Where: 800 1st Monday Ln, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

Pancakes with Mrs. Claus

When: 9am-10:30am
Where: Home Grill Steak House, Palestine

Loblolly Model Train Display

When: 12pm-5pm
Where: 101 Old Tyler Rd, Nacogdoches

Tigers on Ice

When: 6pm-8pm
Where: Old Harrison County Courthouse (Marshall, Texas)

Get ready for a roaring good time on the ice! Join us as ETBU brings the Tiger spirit on November 30th at 6pm to the Wonderland of Lights ice skating rink for a magical evening filled with fun, laughter, and holiday cheer. Meet the beloved ETBU Tiger mascot, lace up your skates, and glide into the Christmas season surrounded by sparkling lights, festive music, and community joy. If you’re a Tiger fan, a skating pro, or just there for the hot cocoa and smiles this is one event you won’t want to miss! ⛸️🐯🎄

*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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Events Around East Texas This Weekend!

THURSDAY, 11/27

FRIDAY, 11/28

SATURDAY, 11/29

SUNDAY, 11/30

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