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, 12/4

Dollar/Quarter Book Sale

When: 10am-5pm
Where: Elsewhere Book Sales, Whitehouse

We’re going to squeeze one more book sale into 2025. We have an incredible selection of books to get you through the winter reading season. This sale will include thousands of books for just $.25 each on all 3 days of the sale. 3-Day Sale: December 4- December 6

Little Women

When: 10:30am
Where: Kilgore College Theatre

This fall, the Texas Shakespeare Festival will join forces once again with Kilgore College Theatre to create a show featuring both professional and student actors. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel has been adapted for the stage by Kate Hamill in a fresh take focusing on themes of identity, societal expectations, and the complexities of growing up--particularly for women. Don’t miss this unique co-production, directed by Meaghan and Matthew Simpson and starring TSF favorites along with a cast of Kilgore College theatre majors. Performance dates are December 4th-7th and will take place in the Van Cliburn Auditorium on the campus of Kilgore College. Tickets/Times, here!

Holiday Bazaar

When: 5pm-8pm
Where: Mineola League of the Arts

Join us for an evening Sip & Shop on Thursday, December 4th from 5pm-8pm or stroll our tables and rooms all day Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. All our vendors are makers and artists- no mass produced items and you won’t see these items in every store this holiday season! Come one come all! We are your unique gift depot!

Holiday Lights in the Garden

When: 5pm-10pm
Where: Tyler Rose Garden

Experience the Magic of the Season—Nightly in the Garden This December, the Tyler Rose Garden transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with the return of Holiday Lights in the Garden. Stroll through beautifully lit pathways and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the garden illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. This year’s event is bigger and brighter than ever, featuring dozens of new lighted displays and plenty of photo opportunities perfect for capturing holiday memories with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening walk, a festive outing with the kids, or the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos, the Rose Garden offers a magical setting for all ages. Event Highlights:- Open nightly until 8 p.m. from December 4-23 & 25-30 (Closed for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)- Free admission for all visitors- Donations welcome to support future garden events and displays- Ideal for families, couples, and holiday photo shoots

FRIDAY, 12/5

Merry Mosaic Christmas Market

When: 4:30pm
Where: True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler

Join us for a festive holiday celebration in the heart of Mosaic District! Experience the magic of the season with our Christmas Market featuring pictures with Santa, special giveaways, exclusive sales, live music, and the lighting of our True Vine Christmas Tree. Participate in our Punch Card Raffle by visiting participating Mosaic District businesses. Collect stamps at each location to be entered for a chance to win amazing prizes. We’re offering both an adult raffle and a youth raffle, each with first, second, and third prize winners.

Lufkin’s Lighting of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit

When: 5pm
Where: 222 E Shepherd Ave, Lufkin, TX 75901-0318, United States

Gather your loved ones, bundle up, and join us in Downtown Lufkin for the dazzling Lighting of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit! This 45-ft tall, fully operational oil pumpjack, decked out in thousands of twinkling lights, will once again light the way into the holiday season. Make your way to 222 E. Shepherd Ave on Friday, December 5, 2025 for a celebration full of wonder, cheer, and unforgettable memories. Festivities begin at 5:00PM. What Is Rudolph, Anyway? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit is a one-of-a-kind symbol of Lufkin Industries and Lufkin’s heritage and heart. Since the 1960s, this beloved industrial icon has been transformed into a festive reindeer with a glowing red nose. It now calls Downtown Lufkin home, bringing holiday joy to families far and wide. Dress up in your most festive, fabulous, or funny holiday attire, think elf hats, reindeer ears, ugly sweaters, or light-up shoes!

Lettuce Entertain You with Christmas

When: 5pm-9pm
Where: 813 W. Spring Street, Palestine, TX, United States, Texas 75801

Bring your chairs and settle in for a musical Christmas experience at the farmers market pavilion. Jake Honeycutt opens at 5pm and Texas Tribe takes stage about 7pm. Beer garden provided by Pint and Barrel Drafthouse. Tickets are $10. You can purchase online or at the gate

Christmas on the Corner

When: 6pm-10pm
Where: 304 E Tyler Street, Longview, TX

We’re teaming up with our neighbors Greenside Beverage Co, Ki Mexico, Cace’s Kitchen, and Woolley G’s for a night filled with local vendors, live music, good food, and tropical holiday vibes. Come shop, sip, and celebrate the season with us!

SATURDAY, 12/6

Cars & Coffee for a Cause

When: 9am
Where: 703 N Fredonia St, Longview, TX, United States, Texas 75601

Join us Saturday, December 6th at SE Auto Products for a Cars & Coffee meet — and help us give back to the community! We’re collecting toy donations and hosting a 50/50 raffle to support Legacy Closet. Every donation makes a difference! Bring your ride, grab some coffee, hang out, and support a great cause. Let’s fill the lot AND fill the donation boxes!

Deck the Halls - Using Evergreens to Decorate

When: 9am
Where: SFA Gardens, Nacogdoches

Join SFA Gardens to create elegant holiday decorations under the guidance of Dawn Stover, founder and owner of The Nectar Collector. SFA Gardens staff and volunteers collect beautiful leaves and branches from evergreens growing in the SFA Gardens for participants to use to make wreaths, garlands and table decorations during this popular annual event. All tools and supplies are provided, and participants take their creations home with them. Two sessions are offered, one from 9 A.M. to noon and the second from 1 to 4 P.M. Sessions are limited to 15 participants each and fill up fast, so purchase your tickets today!

Writer’s Club

When: 9am-11am
Where: Crazy Four Books & Coffee, Crockett

Calling aspiring and experienced writers! Join us at Crazy Four Books & Coffee for our monthly writing club. Meet other creatives, get some quiet writing time to work on an existing project or use the time to hone up on skills with prompts! Led by Melanie Hooks, our writing club is a great time to spend time doing what you love - writing!

Kids Party @ Bralys

When: 9am-12pm
Where: Bralys Ace Hardware, Palestine

Come join us and our elf helpers to create your own custom wooden ornament for your tree! The ornaments will be $3 each and we are welcoming kids of all ages! This is a come and go party!

Poses & Pints

When: 10am
Where: Oil Horse Brewing Company, Longview

Come join us for 1 hr of Yoga follow by pints of beer(and or rooter). Christy will walk us through our class and this is meant for all levels of yogis. $20 a person includes Yoga and a Beer or a Rootbeer!

Stocking & Shenanigans

When: 10am
Where: The Platform Longview

Get ready for one of the most fun + festive shopping events of the season at The Platform Longview! Our Stockings & Shenanigans event is all about the little things that make the holidays magical — stocking stuffers, thoughtful gifts, and holiday surprises around every corner. What to Expect: • Stocking stuffer + gifting ideas from 60+ local vendors & boutiques • Food trucks, coffee trailers, dirty soda vendors, & local wineries • Festive booth displays filled with holiday cheer From small treasures to unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else, Stockings & Shenanigans is your chance to finish your holiday shopping while enjoying the magic of the season.

A Morning Walk Through 1,000 Years of Memories

When: 10am-11:30am
Where: Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, Alto

Every first Saturday, the mounds wake up—and so do we. Join us for an unhurried walk through the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, where the earth still remembers the footsteps of the Hasinai Caddo who lived, built, danced, and dreamed here a thousand years ago. This isn’t a lecture—it’s a conversation between land and listener.We’ll explore how the mounds were made, what they meant, and how the stories of the Caddo people still echo across the prairie today.

Ornament Painting

When: 10am-2pm
Where: McCoy’s Building Supply, Tyler

Bring the kids out to your local McCoy’s to decorate ornaments and write letters to Santa – all project supplies provided. We’ll also be collecting toys for our Holiday Toy Drive. Event is free of charge and while supplies last. No registration required. Happening at all McCoy’s locations.

Merry Market on Main

When: 10am-2pm
Where: 305 East Main St, Nacogdoches, TX

Join us at Market on Main on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for festive, family friendly shopping and fun!Get some Christmas shopping done, and snag some unique finds from local makers!

Peppermint Land Holiday Expo

When: 10am-6pm
Where: Longview Exhibit Center

FREE Admission! Bring in the holiday season with family and friends at the Peppermint Land Holiday Expo! Enjoy a day of shopping, festivities, food, and entertainment while meeting whimsical characters inspired by the magic of Christmas. Shop at the Peppermint Village showcasing entrepreneurs and product vendors featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, health & wellness, lifestyle, gift ideas, gourmet goodies, rare finds, home decor, arts and crafts and so much more!

Hat Styling Party

When: 10:30am-6pm
Where: Sparrow & Hue, Lindale

Saturday Hat Bar + Styling Party! Join us Saturday Dec. 6th for a full day of hat try-ons, personalized styling tips, and custom add-ons to make your brim uniquely yours. Choose your style Try on unlimited looks Add bands, feathers, branding, pins & more Quick on-site customization

Roots & Roads Christmas Market Fair

When: 11am-3pm
Where: Roots & Roads Mentoring, Lindale

Come grab some coffee and Christmas shop with our local vendors!

Meet & Greet Frozen Character Brunch

When: 12pm-2pm
Where: Rowdy Creek Ranch, Gilmer

Do you want to build a BRUNCH? Join us at Rowdy Creek Ranch for a magical morning you’ll never forget! Bring your little snow queens & adventure princes for a frosty good time filled with sparkle, laughter, and winter magic. Don’t miss out — this one will melt hearts faster than Olaf in July!

Mentoring Alliance Christmas Bash

When: 12pm-4pm
Where: Grace Community Church - Old Jacksonville, Tyler

Join us for a holiday bash and health fair! - Community resources from local organizations -Access to medical screenings for children 18 and under - Tips on how to become a germ -fighter and stay flu - free during the holidays - Pictures with Santa and the Grinch - Letter-writing to Santa station - Hot chocolate and churros - Holiday fun at the children’s area with performances, music, face painter, rides, arts and crafts and much more.

Holiday Cheer at the Starrs

When: 2pm-5pm
Where: Starr Family Home State Historic Site, Marshall

Ease into the holiday spirit with a quiet moment of cheer before Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights Christmas Parade! Just a short stroll from the downtown excitement, the Starr Family Home offers a charming outdoor holiday gathering with warm spiced wassail, simple ornament-making for all ages, and a festive photo spot to capture your Christmas memories.

Christmas Sangria Class

When: 3pm-5pm
Where: Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards - Pittsburg, TX

Christmas Sangria Class & Competition! It’s the most wine-derful time of the year! Join us at Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards for a jolly afternoon of mixing, sipping, and merry-making as we craft the perfect holiday Sangria. Here’s what’s in store: Sample festive Sangrias created by our winemaker. Learn how to blend the best fruits, spices, and wines for that perfect Christmas cheer. Compete with your table for the title of “Holiday Sangria Champions”—judged by our merry panel of experts Enjoy a delicious Tapas Platter while you create and taste

Holiday Tea @ Three

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

Celebrate the season in elegant style at the Holiday Tea at Three, hosted in the beautifully decorated Goodman-LeGrand Museum. Enjoy a refined afternoon of: - Flavored teas served in fine china - Delicious savories and sweet treats prepared by a local chef - Live holiday entertainment in a historic setting - This cherished annual tradition offers a cozy, festive escape into - the charm of holidays past.

Christmas Market

When: 4pm
Where: Rise & Shine Hills, Hallsville

Join us for our first annual Christmas market! Enjoy music, vendors, meeting Santa, Christmas tree sales, and more family fun!

Christmas Parade Mini Train

When: 4pm-7pm
Where: 200 West Front Street, Mineola, TX, United States, Texas 75773

All aboard for a festive evening on the Christmas Parade Train at Iron Horse Square! This special train night will run in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, making it the perfect way to enjoy a full night of holiday fun in Mineola. Bring the family and hop on for a cheerful, holiday-themed ride filled with twinkling lights, Christmas spirit, and fun for all ages.

Mineola Lighted Christmas Parade

When: 4:30pm
Where: Historic Downtown Mineola

Come out to Downtown Mineola on Saturday, December 6, 2025 for our Annual Lighted Christmas Parade! Our theme this year is Home for the Holidays. The Christmas Market will be open from 4:30-6:30 pm. If you are interested in being a vendor, please reach out to the Chamber. Spaces are filling quickly! The parade will begin around 5:30pm. Don’t forget to bring your phone/camera and come see Santa at the Gazebo after the parade for pictures!

Lufkin’s Lighted Christmas Parade

When: 5pm
Where: 601 North Second Street, Lufkin, TX, United States, Texas 75901

The 2025 Lufkin Christmas Parade is bringing the magic of the season to life with this year’s theme: Christmas Classics! From Rudolph and Frosty to your favorite holiday tunes and timeless traditions, get ready for a night full of nostalgic cheer, dazzling lights, and festive floats.

2025 Atlanta Area Christmas Parade

When: 5:30pm
Where: 101 N East St, Atlanta, TX, United States, Texas 75551

Saddle up, Atlanta, Texas! The 2025 Atlanta Area Christmas Parade, presented by Genesis PrimeCare, will ride into town with a “Wild Wild West” theme. Join us on Saturday, December 6th at 5:30PM as downtown Atlanta comes alive with floats, lights, and holiday cheer with a western twist.

Christmas in the Park

When: 6pm
Where: The Children’s Park of Tyler

The Park is now filled each evening with Christmas lights, and we invite you to gather in person with us for one of our most cherished traditions—Christmas in the Park, happening Friday, December 6th at 6:00 PM. This evening of carols, family activities, and community is a time to celebrate a love that remains even in seasons of loss.

Wonderland of Lights Christmas Parade

When: 6pm
Where: Downtown Marshall, TX 1 Peter Whetstone Square Marshall, Texas, 75670

Get ready for one of Marshall’s most magical nights of the year! The Wonderland of Lights Christmas Parade will bring festive cheer to downtown Marshall on Saturday, December 6, as we celebrate this year’s theme — “A Classic Christmas. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as beautifully decorated floats, twinkling lights, marching bands, and holiday spirit fill the streets. Bring the whole family and experience the timeless charm and community joy that make Marshall shine during the holidays.

Nacogdoches Nine Flags Lighted Christmas Parade

When: 6:30pm
Where: Downtown Nacogdoches

Join us on Saturday, December 6th 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 “A Musical Christmas” with entries highlighting their favorite musical or Christmas song.

“White Christmas” Preview Show

When: 6:30pm
Where: Fresh by Brookshire’s (Tyler, TX)

Tyler Civic Theatre Center presents song selections from their upcoming musical, “White Christmas,” opening December 12th. Get a feel for the show and a preview from this talented cast!

Christmas Parade of Lights

When: 7pm
Where: Downtown Palestine

The 2025 Christmas Parade of Lights is just around the corner — happening Saturday, December 6th at 7 PM in Downtown Palestine! This year’s theme brings your favorite holiday stories to life — from A Christmas Carol to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and everything in between! Let your creativity shine with this year’s theme — and LOTS of lights — for Palestine’s only nighttime parade!

It’s a Wonderful Life: Classic Black & White

When: 7pm
Where: Liberty Hall, Tyler

Come to Liberty Hall for this absolute holiday classic!

Little Women

When: 7:30pm
Where: Kilgore College Theatre

SUNDAY, 12/7

Tiles & Tastings

When: 11am-3pm
Where: Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery, Harleton

Join us for a relaxed and fun afternoon of Mahj 101 and wine tastings at the beautiful Enoch’s Stomp. Whether you’re brand new to mahjong or just curious, we’ll walk you through the basics step-by-step so you can start playing with confidence. In between lessons, enjoy curated wine tastings, stunning vineyard views, and plenty of time to sip, socialize, and stack those tiles. Perfect for a girls’ day, date day, or a festive holiday outing.

Loblolly Model Train Display

When: 12pm-5pm
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.

ETSB Concert

When: 3pm-4pm
Where: LeTourneau University Belcher Center, Longview

Join us on Sunday, December 7th at 3:00pm at LeTourneau University Belcher Center in Longview for our next concert including the below pieces. Fire in the Blood. Music for a Festival. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer. Sleigh Ride. A Festive Christmas. Jingle Bells. And more! You will also have a chance to see Santa in the lobby before the concert!

The Light of Lufkin

When: 6pm
Where: Eastview United Pentecostal Church, Lufkin

The Fifth Annual The Light of Lufkin will be here before we know it! We are so excited about this time of holiday worship together, followed by the lighting of the tree out front!! We hope you and your family will join us in kicking off Christmas in this spectacular way

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

LOOKING FOR MORE?

Our mission at The East Texas Weekend is to show you that you’re never too far from FUN!

Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.

Live Music - Each month we show you where all the East Texas concerts are.

Food + Drink - Try some of these wonderful places to eat!

*Download our App on Apple & Google!