A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Piney Woods
Palestine
The Polar Express Train Ride
Nov. 15-Dec. 28
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
Read along with the story as the historic steam train makes its magical round-trip from the Palestine Depot to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, and a treat and special gift for each child. Departure times vary by date. Please pre-purchase tickets, as most trains sell out.
Christmas on Main Street
Nov. 15-Jan. 2
Downtown , Main Street
See the Parade of Lights and a heartwarming Christmas movie in the park. Eat at the Christmas Brunch at Queen Street Grill. Then enjoy the magical Santa’s Workshop, pictures with Santa, and other festive fun.
The Woodlands
The Ice Rink at The Woodlands
Nov. 16-Jan. 20
The Ice Rink, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive
Enjoy ice skating this holiday season at the indoor ice skating rink located in the heart of The Woodlands town center. The Woodlands Ice Rink is open seasonally from mid-November through mid-January.
Palestine
Walk of Lights
Nov. 21-Dec. 30
Walk of Lights, 2161 FM 315
Enjoy a stroll through a self-guided magical lit-up wonderland. A concession stand with hot chocolate and other goodies is available.
The Grinch’s Lair
Nov. 22-Dec. 22
Texas Jailhouse, 704 Ave. A
He’s mean. He’s green. He’s in Palestine. Be greeted by a Who’s Who of Whoville before being sent down into the lair, where Mr. Grinch gives you a tour through his Texas Jail House home.
Jefferson
Candlelight Tour of Homes
Dec. 5-7, 12-14
Various locations
Tour historic homes not usually open to the public. Each home is lavishly decorated for the season. Docents in period costumes greet guests and chronicle each home’s origins and finery.
Lindale
Santa’s Bake Shop
Dec. 6-7
Lillie Russell Memorial Library, 200 E. Hubbard St.
On Friday night, the lighting of the Memorial Tree commemorates loved ones who have passed on. Saturday is Santa’s Bake Shop, where you can shop for homemade cookies. Kids can get a photo with Santa or play games outside while adults enjoy hot cocoa, a silent auction, and entertainment.
Nacogdoches
Nine Flags Lighted Christmas Parade
Dec. 7
Downtown, 200 E. Main St.
Nacogdoches rings in the season with their Christmas Parade. Lighted entries come from local businesses, schools, churches, and individuals, and include decorated floats, vehicles, and walking groups.
Hughes Springs
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Dec. 7
Hughes Springs Chamber of Commerce, 603 E. First St.
A Christmas parade rings in the holiday season, accompanied by a tree lighting that makes the town twinkle with Christmas cheer.
Woodville
Christmas Twilight Tour
Dec. 7
Heritage Village, 157 PR 6000
Tour the Heritage Village by oil lamps and lanterns. Enjoy natural greenery, cookies, and hot apple cider. There’s music on the Village Green stage followed by a Christmas service in the old Cherokee Church.
Palestine
Christmas Parade of Lights
Dec. 7
Downtown , Main Street
At Palestine’s only nighttime parade, the Main Street district comes alive with colorful lights, beautiful floats, and smiles all around.
“The Sounds of Christmas” Concert
Dec. 8
Palestine High School Auditorium, 1600 Loop 256
The Anderson County Community Chorus presents “The Sounds of Christmas,” an annual concert featuring traditional holiday songs and multiple instrumentalists.
A Seussified Christmas Carol and Variety Show
Dec. 13-15
The Texas Theater, 213 W. Crawford St.
Join along for a unique twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, reimagined in the playful and rhyming style of Dr. Seuss. This live, interactive production promises to bring joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. In addition to the main performance, enjoy a variety show featuring local talent, adding even more festive fun to the evening.
Christmas Market
Dec. 13-14
Meals on Wheels Senior Activity Center, 200 N. Church St.
This holiday shopping event offers a collection of specialty boutiques and merchants showcasing handmade, vintage-inspired gifts, artwork, gourmet foods, jewelry, seasonal decorations, housewares, adult and children’s clothing.
A Walk Through Bethlehem
Dec. 13-15
Montalba Baptist Church, SH 19 and FM 321
Free guided tours through the streets of “Bethlehem” begin with a hay ride to the gates. Take a walk through the streets, complete with live animals and a show with local vendors.
Nacogdoches
Christmas Tour of Homes
Dec. 14
Various locations , 200 E. Main St.
Tour some of the beautiful homes and structures of Nacogdoches during the holiday season. Tickets become available in November at the Visitors Center (200 E. Main St.) or during the event at any of the homes.
Millard’s Crossing Old-Fashioned Christmas
Dec. 14
Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, 6020 North St.
Guests experience live Christmas caroling, a photo op with Santa, a petting zoo, hayrides, a special Christmas tree lighting, face painting, a hot cocoa bar, food, lots of holiday demos, and crafts. Also, Lamp-Lite Theatre presents three showings of its “A Christmas Carol” production.
Gladewater
Christmas Parade
Dec. 14
Downtown, East Pacific Street
Excitement fills the air as patrons enjoy the annual Gladewater Christmas Parade. Participants show their creativity in decorating festive floats.
Woodville
Kids Winter Festival
Dec. 14
Heritage Village, 157 PR 6000
Tour the Heritage Village Museum and get a photo with Santa then watch “The Polar Express” while enjoying some hot chocolate and snacks.
Palestine
Dogwood Jamboree
Dec. 14
Palestine High School Auditorium, 1600 Loop 256
The Dogwood Jamboree is a Branson-style country music show filled with family fun, laughter, and classic country music.
Montgomery
Christmas in Historic Montgomery
Dec. 14
Montgomery Community Building, 14220 Liberty St.
Montgomery County’s oldest Christmas celebration offers a full day of events in downtown Montgomery. The event includes strolling carolers, the Holiday Marketplace offering homemade gifts and décor, old-fashioned decorations in the historic buildings on the evening historic home tour, and the famous Cookie Walk with tables laden with decorative cookies and candies to purchase by the pound. The city of Montgomery sponsors an old-fashioned parade in the morning.
Palestine
Dash and Splash 5K
Jan. 1
Palestine YMCA, 5500 SH-256 Loop
Kick off the new year with a refreshing challenge as you race through a scenic 5K course, starting and finishing at the pool gate. After crossing the finish line, take the plunge with an optional polar plunge into the pool. Participants receive commemorative shirts and medals, and those brave enough to take the plunge can compete for trophies in various categories.
Faire of Champions
Jan. 4-Feb. 2
Faire of Champions, 4033 CR 2212
This winter fantasy fair, where Renaissance meets Comicon, is set on a sprawling 107-acre property. Witness the mightiest of champions in thrilling combat, explore a marketplace filled with handcrafted goods, delicious food, and unique trinkets, and enjoy performances by talented musicians, dancers, and actors. Each weekend features a different theme. Camping is available.
Gladewater
Night at the Museum
Jan. 18
The Gladewater Museum, 116 W. Pacific Ave.
On the third Saturday of January each year, the Gladewater Museum hosts this fun and informative event which spotlights Gladewater’s past and present history. Guest speakers, craftsmen, and authors are only a few of the people that have been invited to participate.
Tyler
“Ain’t Too Proud–The Life and Times of The Temptations”
Jan. 21
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
“Ain’t Too Proud–The Life and Times of The Temptations” is the smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It’s a thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil unrest in America.
“Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change”
Feb. 6
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit “Menopause The Musical” is finally here. Join in on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail. Mature content and language.
Jefferson
Queen Mab Ball
Feb. 8
Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.
Welcome Mardi Gras season with an evening of fun, food and drinks, live entertainment, dancing, costumes, and the crowning of the 2025 Mardi Gras King and Queen.
Tyler
Beatles to Bourbon Street Featuring The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra
Feb. 13
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
How do you make Beatles music even more fun? Take it to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and orchestrate it all for a big band. Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, along with their Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, make their own revisions to America’s songbook, including melodies from more recent history.
Jane Pauley
Feb. 25
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
Jane Pauley is one of broadcasting’s most respected journalists and hosts. Prior to anchoring on CBS, Pauley spent over a decade on NBC’s “Today” and co-hosted “Dateline NBC.” She is the recipient of multiple Emmy Awards, the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, the Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding achievement, and the Gracie Allen Award from the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television.
Jefferson
Mardi Gras
Feb. 28-March 2
Downtown
The 36th annual event, themed Rock ‘n’ Roll on the River, offers all-day festivities including children’s activities, a carnival, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, a parade, and plenty of costumes, free beads, T-shirts, king cake, and crayfish.
Woodville
Toast to Texas Independence
March 2
Heritage Village, 157 PR 6000
Don’t miss this program of history, music, and a toast with Texas spring water with a black powder rifle salute. Texans gather to share in this special reflection on history.
Tyler
“Alice”
March 4
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
Blending illusion, acrobatics, magic, and whimsy, Momix sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, “Alice,” inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic “Alice in Wonderland.”
“Pretty Woman—The Musical”
March 12
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
Based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, “Pretty Woman” springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. The show features an original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. Mature content and language.
“The Cher Show”
April 5
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture—breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries, and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. “The Cher Show” is the Tony Award-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the bright-eyed kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon.
Montgomery
Gran Fondo Texas
April 13
Montgomery High School, 22825 SH 105 West
Gran Fondo Texas is a charity bike ride supporting The National MS Society, the Texas Medical Center Orchestra, and the Montgomery County Food Bank. Routes include passage through the beautiful Sam Houston National Forest with distances from 31 to 100 miles.
