A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Piney Woods
Palestine
“The Sounds of Christmas” Concert
Dec. 3
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.
Texarkana
TXK 150 Sesquicentennial Celebration
Dec. 8
U.S. Federal Courthouse , 500 N. State Line
Texarkana celebrates 150 years since its founding. Join in as they light up the U.S. federal courthouse (the only one in two states) as part of a light sculpture project by renowned light artist Bill Fitzgibbons. Afterwards, the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra performs at the Perot Theatre.
Palestine
Christmas Market
Dec. 8-9
Meals on Wheels Senior Activity Center, 200 N. Church St.
This inaugural holiday shopping event offers a collection of more than 20 specialty boutiques and merchants showcasing handmade, vintage-inspired gifts, artwork, gourmet foods, jewelry, seasonal decorations, housewares, adult and children’s clothing, and activities including a VIP night on Friday, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids’ personalized handprint ornaments, on-site gift wrapping, and a raffle.
Montalba
A Walk Through Bethlehem
Dec. 8-10
Montalba Baptist Church, State Highway 19 North at Farm-to-Market Road 321
Guided tours through replicated streets of Bethlehem begin with a hayride to the gates of the city. Walk through the streets, complete with live animals and townspeople dressed in costume as merchants during biblical times. At the end, you reach the stable and nativity scene with baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph.
The Woodlands
Christmas Gift Market
Dec. 9-10
Town Green Park , 2099 Lake Robbins Drive
Start your holiday shopping at this indoor and outdoor market where a wide selection of exhibitors bring clothing, decor, solid-wood furniture, art, Christmas decor, and foods such as dips, salsas, artisan chocolates, pastries, and canned vegetables. The market is made up from half handmade items and half manufactured items, but all exhibitors are small business owners based in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Admission and parking are free and strollers are welcome.
Montgomery
Christmas in Historic Montgomery
Dec. 9
Old Community Building, 14420 College St.
Montgomery County’s oldest Christmas celebration offers a full day of events in downtown Montgomery, one of Texas’ oldest towns and the birthplace of the Texas flag. 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.
Gladewater
Christmas Parade
Dec. 9
Downtown Historic Gladewater, East Pacific St.
There’s a feeling of Christmas in the air as Gladewater hails the coming of the holiday season and offers a warm winter welcome to all with a festive Christmas parade. In honor of the 150th celebration of Gladewater’s rich train and oil history, the theme this year is Joy to the Rails.
Palestine
Gingerbread Man Decorating Class
Dec. 9
Wells Creek Crossing, 305 E. Crawford St.
Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies with elves and other helpers. Classes are $10 a person and hosted by Wells Creek Crossing. Sign up early, as there is limited space.
Dogwood Jamboree
Dec. 9
Palestine High School Auditorium, State Highway 287 South and Loop 256
Be entertained at this Branson-style show that features classic country music and family-friendly comedy. This show’s theme for December is “Country in Our Hearts.”
Hunstville
Centennial Wrap-Up
Dec. 9
Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 West
Wrap up this year’s centennial celebration by learning how to enjoy Huntsville State Park for the next 100 years. Ignite your passion for recreation and stewardship at the park. Recreational activities include hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, and archery. End the day with campfires, s’mores, and gazing into the night sky.
Palestine
“Miracle on 34th Street”
Dec. 15-17
The Texas Theatre, 213 E. Crawford St.
Come see the classic story about a jolly old man from a retirement home who gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. Kris unleashes waves of goodwill with Macy’s customers and makes everyone question the real purpose of Christmas.
The Woodlands
Glow in the Park
Dec. 15.
Texas TreeVentures, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive
Experience a thrilling climb at Texas TreeVentures during Glow in the Park, a three-hour nighttime climbing adventure. Lights illuminate the three-level aerial course from below as you climb with a headlamp, offering a totally new perspective.
Palestine
The Historic Bower Mansion Ghost Hunt
Dec. 16-17
Bowers Mansion, 301 S. Magnolia St.
Built in 1878 and located just a stone’s throw from downtown Palestine lies one of the city’s most historic and infamous mansions. This Victorian home and National Texas Historic Landmark has a deep history, with stories of death, murder, and suicide.
hauntedrooms.com/texas/ghost-hunts/historic-bowers-mansion-palestine-tx
Christmas Market by the Creek
Dec. 16
Wells Creek Crossing, 305 E. Crawford St
Come on down to this fourth annual Christmas market that features food and gift vendors, live Christmas music, and activities including ax throwing, a bounce house, and face painting. Santa is available for pictures.
The Woodlands
Jingle Boats
Dec. 16-17, 20
Riva Row Boat House, 2101 Riva Row
Participants depart from Riva Row Boat House in search of gift-wrapped presents on the local shores, then return to the boathouse for holiday treats and a special visitor.
Palestine
Christmas Carol Sing-Along
Dec. 22
Texas Theater, 213 E. Crawford St.
Share an evening with your family and friends singing traditional carols to celebrate the wonder of Christmas.
The Woodlands
Boutique Bargains
Jan. 6
Marriott Waterway, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive
Shop from a wide selection of exhibitors selling boutique clothing, accessories, shoes, home décor, furniture, gourmet food, dips, sauces, art, yard decorations, and holiday items. The market is half handmade items and half manufactured items. All exhibitors are small business owners, most based in Texas and others coming in from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Admission and parking are free.
Palestine
Winter Fantasy Faire at Faire of Champions
Jan. 6-Feb. 11
Faire of Champions, 4033 Broyles Chapel Road
Faire of Champions is a wintertime fantasy faire with themed weekends, including “Viking Invasion” and “Fantasy and Folklore.” Vendors are set up selling their wares and entertainment takes place later in the evening at the campgrounds. Camping and RV passes are available.
Gladewater
Night at the Museum
Jan. 20
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
“On Your Feet!”—The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan
Jan. 23
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3240 Old Glory Pkwy.
Her voice. His vision. Their story. “On Your Feet!” is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage, and two people who believed in their talent and each other and became an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Their story is an all-new, exhilarating musical winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike. It features some of the most iconic songs from the past 25 years, including “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3,” and “Coming Out of the Dark.” Prepare to be on your feet from start to finish.
Jefferson
Queen Mab Ball
Jan. 27
Jefferson Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.
Spend the evening celebrating at this Jefferson tradition that features food, live music, dancing, costumes, beads, and the crowning of the 2024 Mardi Gras King and Queen.
Tyler
“Sing and Swing”
Feb. 10
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3240 Old Glory Pkwy.
Wynton Marsalis, the director for Jazz at Lincoln Center, has created a new touring project called “Sing and Swing,” a six-member combo featuring Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III. “Sing and Swing” celebrates the Great American Songbook in all of its playful and sophisticated glory, brought to life by two of this generation’s brightest stars. Each armed with prodigious trumpet talent, Skonberg and Benack relive and reimagine some of the classic partners in jazz and popular song, including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Judy Garland and Bing Crosby, and Dean Martin and Peggy Lee.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band in Concert
Feb. 14
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3240 Old Glory Pkwy.
Utter the phrase “young blues rock guitarist” within earshot of anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the modern musical vanguard, and the first name they are most likely to respond with is Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The Louisiana-born axeman and songsmith has sold millions of albums while throwing singles into the Top 10, shining a light on the rich blues of the past and forging ahead with his own modern twist on a classic sound he has embodied since his teens.
Conroe
Big Top Shopping Festival
Feb. 24-25
Heritage Place, 500 Metcalf St.
Shop from a wide selection of exhibitors bringing boutique clothing, accessories, shoes, home decor, furniture, gourmet food, dips, sauces, art, yard decorations, and holiday items. The market is half handmade items and half manufactured items, but all exhibitors are small business owners. Most exhibitors are based in Texas, but others travel in from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Admission and parking are free, and strollers are welcome at this market.
Tyler
“Come From Away”
June 27
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3240 Old Glory Parkway
Winning Best Musical at the Tony Awards, this critically acclaimed musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. The musical was written by Tony nominees Irene Sanko and David Hein, and helmed by Tony-winning Best Director Christopher Ashley.
