By P.A. Geddie
A warm glow hangs in the air all over the Upper East Side of Texas this time of year as good cheer, nostalgia, compassion, and kindness take center stage. Community organizers explore new ways each year to share the magic of the holidays while keeping honored traditions close at heart. Here are a few ideas for making sweet memories in the final weeks of 2024.
Sulphur Springs
Located just off Interstate 30 between Dallas and Texarkana, Sulphur Springs is a great weekend destination year-round and a magical setting during the holidays. The town has something going on every Saturday in its Celebration District, from shopping and dining to family-friendly events.
See White Christmas November 22-24 by Shining Star Productions at the Sulphur Springs ISD Auditorium.
On Thanksgiving morning, November 28, join others in a Kid’s Run, 5K, and 10K at the 14th Annual Hopkins County Turkey Trot in Sulphur Springs.
The Heritage Park & Museum in Sulphur Springs is hosting Christmas in the Park from 5-9 p.m. on November 30 and December 7. The village is decorated with natural greenery as well as lighted Christmas trees along the center of the park. The park serves a variety of punches and cookies and marshmallows are roasted over an open hearth in a log house. Carolers and ensembles perform.
At 7 p.m. December 6 is the 18th annual Sulphur Springs Lighted Christmas Parade.
On December 7, the Christmas Market on Main Street takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a mix of vendors and downtown shops offering unique gifts and local crafts.
See The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by the Community Players at Main Street Theater in Sulphur Springs December 5-8 and 12-15.
For more ideas to spend time in Sulphur Springs visit their tourism website.
Greenville
Greenville is a colorful town full of surprises. Its attention on entertainment and the arts is clear at every turn. The downtown area has a dynamic public art program that includes galleries, sculptures, interactive installations, and many big, beautiful murals created by local and visiting artists. Several venues feature shows weekly and special events are embraced by the whole town.
Bob Wills Fiddle Festival & Contest takes place November 1 and 2 honoring the life and music of Bob Wills with fiddling contest, concerts, dance, and more. At the Greenville Municipal Auditorium (GMA) on November 2, see Gary P. Nunn, Bob Wills Texas Playboys, and Pauline Reese.
Greenville Theatre Works features Arsenic & Old Lace on November 8 – 10 and 15-17 at GMA.
The Bellamy Brothers take center stage at GMA on November 21.
December at GMA kicks off with Sacred Christmas Sing Along at 3 p.m. on December 1. Guests are invited to join the Greenville Harmony Chorus and Greenville Community Band as they feature excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. Admission is free but donations are accepted.
The Greenville Christmas Parade of Lights 2024 takes place at 6 p.m. December 6.
Season of Lights is presented at 7 p.m. December 13 and 14 at GMA with holiday music performed by the Greenville Harmony Chorus.
December 14 and 21 features a Park Street Christmas, celebrating an old fashioned Christmas with horse drawn buggy rides down beautiful historic Park Street. Holiday beverages and goodies in the parking lot of Park Street Baptist Church are available and special holiday entertainment. Many of the homes on Park Street are decked out with lights and the sidewalks are lit with luminaries.
Also on December 14 is Greenville’s Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Market Square with holiday cheer, unique gifts, and delicious seasonal treats. Guests enjoy browsing through a variety of handcrafted goods from local artisans and vendors including beautiful ornaments, cozy winter wear, or sweet treats while enjoying music, warm beverages, and holiday treats.
Asleep at the Wheel is in town for two concerts December 20 and 21 at GMA.
Mount Vernon
This small-town treasure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The downtown plaza is often the location for special events throughout the year and is located on the Bankhead Highway — one of the nation’s earliest transcontinental roads going from Washington D.C. to San Diego — visitors quickly notice the many historic homes and carefully preserved buildings. Housed in a 1940 structure, the Fire Station Museum features permanent and changing exhibits, including one about its famous native son, Dallas Cowboys quarterback, sports commentator, and actor Don Meredith. The Bankhead Highway Visitors Center is in the restored home of the tallest Civil War soldier.
The town is home to Mount Vernon Music Association with a performance hall located in a refurbished former church at 402 Leftwich Street. Led by founders Mark and Ute Miller, a talented group of musicians bring refined music through concerts and outreach programs in Mount Vernon, Dallas, Tyler, and throughout Northeast Texas.
Mount Vernon Music Association presents Smiles Included from 2:30-4:30 November 24 at the performance hall promising music to warm hearts by Mark Miller and Andres Bravo, violins; Ute Miller, viola; and Laura Ospina, cello. Visit their website for tickets and more information.
Rockwall
The Hometown Christmas Festival in Historic Downtown is part of an all-day celebration in Rockwall. Shop the holiday market for festive food basket fills, like artisan chocolate, pecans, pound cakes, dips, jellies and jams, spices, and more.
Santa and the Grinch, along with their sleigh, will be located in San Jacinto Plaza all day. Wear your most festive attire and get those family Christmas card pics. Children’s activities on the square include bounce houses, games, crafts, giveaways, a snow play area, slides, photo ops, train rides, and more. Downtown Rockwall offers some of the best shopping and dining in DFW, so don’t forget to carve out a little extra time to shop. Go HERE for a list of places for overnight lodging.
Longview
Longview is celebrating in Vintage Christmas style this year in remembrance of all things Norman Rockwell to Rudolph to 1920s Americana charm. Some of the highlights visitors find in “The View” include a dazzling drive through Carmela’s Magical Santa Land, shopping markets, entertainment, and a Holiday Art Walk among many other opportunities for fun.
On November 9, Sara Evans performs at 7 p.m. at the Belcher Center as part of her Unbroke Tour. The multi-platinum entertainer is the fifth most-played female artist in country radio in nearly the last two decades — she’s notched more than 20 top 15 singles, including her five No. 1 singles “No Place That Far,” “A Real Fine Place To Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “Suds In The Bucket & A Little Bit Stronger,” both which spent two weeks in the top spot and were certified platinum.
Singer songwriter Pierce Pettis is in concert at 6:30 p.m. November 16 at the Longview Museum of Art (LMFA). Now in two locations, the museum is showcasing several events through the end of the year including George Rodrigue: Painting for Myself, Cultural Connect, and Glimpsing Through and Komorebi Scattered Light.
The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet kicks off the holiday season in Longview on November 21 and 22 at the Belcher Center with an international all-star cast. The 2024 tour unveils reimagined scenes crafted by acclaimed choreographer Viktor Davydiuk blending classical ballet with jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. Share the tradition of pure holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages.
Christmas in the Pineywoods takes place November 21-23 with a three days of shopping at Maude Cobb convention center. This event features more than 80 specialty boutiques and merchants from all over the state and country showcasing season decorations, housewares, artwork, gourmet foods, gifts and so much more.
Another Christmas Market takes place on November 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a multi-block collaborative event in The Junction District on East Methvin Street.
Other activities that Saturday, November 23 include the Downtown Longview Christmas Tree Lighting from 4-7 p.m. The lighting of the 23.5-foot Christmas tree at Heritage Plaza is an annual tradition featuring pictures with Santa, music, carriage rides, petting zoo, Ollie’s Faux Snow Hill, food trucks, and vendors.
On November 29 find “Get Lit” Holiday Pop-Up from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Methvin Event Venue in Longview where vendors from East Texas share their crafts, jewelry, snacks, cotton candy, clothing, and more. They’ll have a hot chocolate bar, gift wrapping, music, and door prizes.
In December, the Downtown Long-view Christmas Parade takes place December 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. that includes marching bands, floats, and an appearance by Santa.
The Longview Symphony Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays from 7-8:30 p.m. on December 6 featuring favorite carols and carolers.
On December 7, see Living History Christmas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gregg County Historical Museum. It’s a free day at the museum with exhibits coming to life. Guests begin the journey with a greeting and learning about the Kilgore Rangerettes, then hear a tale from “Bill Dalton” of the infamous Dalton Gang and see a 1930s oil field worker. Visitors experience authentic Caddo Indian face painting and learn to crochet in the Victorian Parlor as well as see a working blacksmith.
December 12 features ArtWalk and the Longview Museum of Fine Arts Market in the Arts Longview Cultural District. The self-guided tour features downtown business venues exhibiting and selling art.
The ArtsView Children’s Theatre presents an exhilarating challenge with its annual 24 Hour Musical at 7 p.m. on December 14 at the Belcher Center. The night before, a cast of eager performers will gather and be locked in, only then to discover which musical they will perform. With the clock ticking, they have exactly 24 hours to learn their lines, music, and choreography. The culmination of their hard work and dedication is showcased in a public performance the following day. Adding to the excitement, the audience is kept in suspense, as the title of the musical remains a secret until the overture begins. This unique event promises a thrilling and unpredictable theatrical experience, both for the performers and their audience.
Terrell Downtown Historic District keeps the charm of yesteryear with vintage lighting, wide brick sidewalks, and updated historic buildings. Unique storefronts are repurposed for retail, restaurants, offices, lofts, museums, and specialty services.
Visitors find an endless array of impressive historic businesses and homes with distinctive architectural features, opulent interior designs, and exquisite landscaping. Beyond history, downtown Terrell offers many attractions and activities. A state-of-the-art performance center presents world-class entertainment. Other things to do in Terrell include bowling, arcades, movies, country music dancing, beautiful parks, and museums. Plenty of unique shops are downtown and at the nearby outlet mall.
The British are coming to Terrell on November 9 for the annual British Bash from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Terrell transforms into a British Christmas Market with music, entertainment, shopping, food, adult beverages, and fun. Terrell has a long and storied history with England and the British people dating back to World War II.
Jessie Dowel, His Majesty’s Deputy Consul General in Houston kicks off the celebration featuring local shops, arts and crafts vendors, food, mini Cooper car show, Children’s Entrepreneur Market, and live music by Hard Night’s Day, a Beatles tribute band.
On December 7, the Social Science Club of Terrell is holding a Christmas Tour of Homes from 2-7 p.m. Guests enjoy beautifully decorated homes in historic Terrell.
Terrell’s Christmas Tree Lighting takes place at 6 p.m. on December 13 and at 10 a.m. December 14 is their Christmas Parade with the theme “A Dickens Christmas.” After the parade features activities for all ages and the Holly Jolly Downtown Party at Rockwall Street and Moore Avenue.
Edgewood
The 47th annual Edgewood Heritage Festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 9 at the outdoor Heritage Park Museum of East Texas in downtown Edgewood. In a backdrop of 19th century buildings, the festival celebrates regional heritage with an artisan village, classic cars, antique tractors, model train, blacksmithing, print shop, barber shop, bake sale, jams and jellies, and live music.
Henderson
Also on November 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the Heritage Syrup Festival in Henderson. Ribbon cane syrup making takes center stage with other activities including folk art and sawmill demonstrations, carousel rides, antique tractors, storytelling, live music, square dancing, pony rides, chili cook-off, and children’s section. Henderson. Depot Museum, Downtown Square.
Nacogdoches
Dia de los Muertos kicks off November celebrations from 4-8 p.m. November 2 in Heritage Plaza in downtown Nacogdoches. Guests enjoy a fiesta atmosphere with music, dance, food, drinks, and artisans.
Holiday in the Pines takes place November 21-23 at the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center. The three-day event features a vendor market with holiday treats, boutique shopping, raffles, and more.
Wassail Fest is November 30 where visitors enjoy tasting delicious spiced wassail while shopping with participating merchants in downtown Nacogdoches.
The Nine Flags Christmas Parade takes place December 7 with holiday displays in shop windows and luminous light displays. This year’s theme is Home for the Holidays honoring veterans and remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
On December 14 is the Christmas Tour of Homes from 1-5 p.m.
And An Old Fashioned Christmas takes place at Millard’s Crossing Historic Village from 3-9 p.m. featuring carolers, Santa photo ops, a petting zoo, hayrides, tree lighting, face painting, car show hot cocoa bars, food, and “A Christmas Carol” production by Lamp-Lite Theatre.
Marshall
Wonderland of Lights in Marshall is a magical site with millions of white lights and activities that include an outdoor ice-skating rink, vintage carousel, train, and a collection of tiny houses making up Santa’s village with the backdrop of the 1901 historic Harrison County Courthouse. Activities take place Thursdays-Sundays November 27 through December 29.
Shows take place throughout the year at Memorial City Hall Performance Center (MCH) in Marshall. On November 2 Deana Carter performs and John Conlee is there on November 9. MCH presents Pirate School: The Science of Pirates as part of its School-Time Series of educational programming for kids from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on November 15.
In December, MCH shows the classic Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life from 7-9 p.m. December 5 followed by the Dallas String Quartet at 7:30 p.m. on December 6. The international music sensation referred to as “Bach meets Bon Jovi” and compared to artists like Lindsey Stirling, Vitamin String Quartet, Brooklyn Duo and 2Cellos. They use both traditional and electric strings performing as a quartet with the full accompaniment of drums and guitar and are known for their eclectic renditions of everything from Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine” to Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” to their collaboration, “You Are The Reason,” with The Piano Guys. DSQ has performed for Presidents Obama and Bush, with superstars like Ed Sheeran, Luke Combs and Ashley McBryde, and at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Tickets are $46-$56 and available on the MCH website.
The Marshall Ballet Theatre presents its annual production of The Nutcracker December 13-15 at MCH.
MCH rounds out the year with the movie Home Alone at 3:30 p.m. December 22.
Winnsboro
Nestled among lakes and forest-filled country backroads, Winnsboro’s focus on the arts and history garners it a seat at the table with much larger towns as an official Texas Cultural District. With a very active art center anchoring the community, guests find creativity at every turn.
Winnsboro’s activities taking place this time of year includes the Winnsboro Art & Wine Festival happening November 1-2 downtown with talented artists and winemakers sharing their creative gifts.
A Dia de Muertos Art Exhibition also takes place during the festival on Market Street.
Christmas in the Park is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 9 at the civic center. The Farmers’ Winter Market is also that day.
A Christmas Wreath Workshop is form 10 a.m. to noon at November 16 at Winnsboro Center for the Arts and the art center presents Walt Wilkins in concert at 7:30 p.m. November 30.
The Winnsboro Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting takes place from 6-8 p.m. on December 12.
Scrooge the Musical, directed by Dr. John A. Price, has matinee and evening performances December 13-15 and 20-22 at Winnsboro Center for the Arts.
A Country Christmas Market is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 21 at the Farmers’ Market Pavilions.
The Winnsboro Center for the Arts features art exhibitions including Cowboy Tales through November 23 and Poetic Vision from November 27 through January 20 and a concert by Adler & Hearne at 2:30 p.m. December 31.
Palestine
A Texan Top Travel Destination, Palestine flourishes with holiday cheer throughout the town. Home to the Texas State Railroad, visitors enjoy nostalgic excursions through scenic woods and continue their explorations in an authentic community filled with friendly small-town hospitality.
Palestine’s downtown district is 44 blocks, including Old Town and the Courthouse Square featuring beautiful architecture, shopping adventures and an outstanding array of holiday activities.
“Unwrap a Small Town Christmas” is the theme this year as twinkling lights adorn the city and numerous events and activities promise enchanting holiday experiences.
The Polar Express Train Ride takes place in November and December bringing to life a train journey to the North Pole. Families and friends show up in pajamas and relive the magic of the tale with hot chocolate, narration, and Santa and his elves.
Visit the Grinch’s Lair at the Texas Jailhouse on select dates in November and December where the grumpy and endearing character learns the joy of giving back during interactive, live productions.
Christmas on Main features a full day of holiday festivities on December 7 including an open house in the Palestine Carnegie Library, Holiday Brunch at the Queen Street Grille, Christmas Farmers’ Market, Art Walk, Parade of Lights, Santa, Christmas Movie in the Park, and Walk of Lights.
A Walk Through Bethlehem on December 13-15 in Montalba is an immersive experience that starts with a hay ride followed by a stroll through the lively streets with live animals and local Bethlehem vendors.
The Railroad Heritage Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. November 15 through December 28.
Dogwood Garden Club’s 13th Annual Festival of Trees displays decorated trees at the Carnegie Library and Palestine Visitor Center from November 21 through January 2, 2025.
Walk of Lights is a self-guided, lighted wonderland featuring hot chocolate and festive vendors with holiday gifts and treats. Takes place on select dates in November and December.
A Very Merry Christmas at the Redlands Hotel invites visitors into the magic of this downtown destination from November 15 to December 31. Guests find the beautifully decorated lobby as well as rooms throughout with plenty of photo opportunities. Special activities include the Grinch’s Library, a fun hotel scavenger hunt, and visits with Santa Claus and his Toy Soldier.
A Seussified Christmas Carol is performed at the Historic Texas Theatre December 13-15.
The Dogwood Jamboree — A Christmas Celebration is a Branson-style country music show at 7 p.m. December 14 at the Palestine High School Auditorium.
Go to the Visit Palestine website to find many other opportunities to experience the joys of the holiday.