The Historic Texas Theatre , 213 W. Crawford St.

This play by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields of Mischief Theatre Companym was a global phenomenon when it debuted in 2012, leaving audiences aching with laughter.

thetexastheater.com

Downtown Jefferson

Come for bikes, bands, and beer all weekend long. Centering around historic Auntie Skinners Riverboat Club, this event has bike games, a live auction, live music, a bike show, and a raffle for a brand new 2021 motorcycle. Sponsored by the Phoenix Organization of Jefferson and Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club, the event benefits Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation and Camp I'm Still Me.

easttexasburnrun.com

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

The 10 for Texas is a 10-mile USA Track and Field sanctioned event held annually in The Woodlands each September. In conjunction with the 10-mile course are a 3.1 Armadillo Run 5K and a One 4 Texas Kids' Fun Run.

visitthewoodlands.com/10fortexas

Grand Central Park: Lake House, 1039 Lake House Drive

A wide selection of exhibitors bring the very best in 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. All exhibitors are small business owners. Free admission and free parking.

bigtop.show/conroegrandcentral

Woods Park, 210 E. Hiram St.

Atlanta Local is a vibrant quarterly market where shoppers and creators can connect. A celebration of local talent, vendors are encouraged to showcase their homemade, handmade, and homegrown items right in the heart of the community. Crafts, furniture, food, produce, art, trinkets, and gifts are just some of the offerings.

Tyler Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Drive

Since its beginning in 1933, the Texas Rose Festival has represented the spirit that brings Tyler together as a community. Rich in heritage and tradition, the festival offers enchanting ceremonial events such as the Queen’s Coronation, Ribbon Cutting and Rose Presentation, the Queen’s Tea, and the Rose Parade, all amidst a backdrop of brilliant roses as vibrant and colorful as the community they represent.

visittyler.com/texas-rose-festival

Rusk County Expo Center, 3303 FM 13 W.

The Rusk County Rodeo Association presents the 28th annual PRCA Rodeo. Top cowboys and cowgirls perform in the enclosed arena. Festivities include mutton bustin', rodeo clowns, a sheep chase, and a calf scramble. In the covered pavilion, find mechanical bull rides, a petting zoo, shopping vendors, and food.

Heritage Village Museum , 157 Private Road 6000

As one of the largest fall folklife festivals in East Texas, Harvest Festival is full of crafts, demonstrations, people dressed in period costumes, music and dance, and food.

heritage-village.org/harvestfestival.htm

Jefferson Historical Museum, 223 W. Austin St.

Explore the history, descriptions, and objects associated with mourning and funeral customs that were prevalent during the Victorian era. The presentation takes place in the Jefferson Historical Museum's "parlor," which is specially decorated for the occasion.

Longview Museum of Fine Arts, 215 E. Tyler St.

Curated by Los Angeles art critic Peter Frank, this exhibition presents seven masterful painters from across the country pushing the boundaries of abstraction.

lmfa.org

Outlets at Conroe, 1111 League Line Road

The American Cancer Society celebrates and remembers loved ones lost and honors survivors of all cancers, both human and canine. There is a vendor fair, food, and games.

relayforlife.org/mocotx

Downtown Jefferson

The streets of downtown are closed off so Jefferson can showcase samples of local restaurants' favorite meals, accompanied by live music.

marioncountychamber.org

Downtown Nacogdoches, 200 E. Main St.

Join along for a weekend of '90s nostalgia featuring cover bands playing music from the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Green Day. Food truck fare and adult beverages are available for purchase. Bring your own blankets and chairs.

visitnacogdoches.org/things-to-do/concerts-and-nightlife/full-moon-concerts

Palestine High School Auditorium, 1600 Texas 256 Loop 

This Branson-style music show is filled with family fun, laughter, and great classic country music from talented artists. Listen to some of the golden hits in country music performed live onstage.

dogwoodjamboree.com

Main Street District

The 2022 Hot Pepper Festival features a wide variety of vendors, food and drinks, music and other live entertainment, and, of course, the Hot Pepper Eating Contest. The event is held at the Main Street District, which is comprised of 44 blocks that extend from the courthouse square to the Depot Visitor Center.

visitpalestine.com

Palestine Senior Citizen Center , 200 N. Church St.

The 37th annual Cars of Palestine People's Choice Car Show is a premier show that attracts around 200 auto enthusiasts from across Texas. Numerous trophies are given out in categories such as best paint, best host car, and best of show. Proceeds from the show fund local scholarships as well as other service projects each year.

carsofpalestine.com

Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce, 210 E. Hiram St.

It's time to glow up with the annual 5K Glow Run and the Monster Mile kids' costume fun run.

atlantatexaschamber.com

Downtown Huntsville, 1203 University Ave.

This spooky festival offers games, activities, giveaways, crafts, and trick-or-treating for all ages. Get in the spirit and dress in your best Halloween costume to be entered into the costume contest.

huntsvillemainstreet.com

UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd., FAC 1120

American rock band Chicago formed in 1967. In their 50-plus years of existence, Chicago has sold more than 100 million records, making them one of the best-selling musical groups of all time. This rock 'n' roll band with horns found success with their original sound of pop and rock fusion, including hits "Make Me Smile," "25 or 6 to 4," and "Saturday in The Park." Chicago continues to be true ambassadors for their beloved hometown, carrying the city's name with pride and dignity around the world.

cowancenter.org

Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

This fun event is for anyone who enjoys history, mystery, the unexplained, and things that go bump in the night, with special guest speakers, vendors, tours, and night time investigations at some of Jefferson's historic, rumored haunted locations.

visitjeffersontexas.com

Downtown Nacogdoches, 200 E. Main St.

Head to the square for a colorful, cultural event that has become a Nacogdoches tradition. Expect excellent music, dance, food, drinks, and vendors all over downtown.

visitnacogdoches.org

Downtown , 400 N. Queen St.

Starting at the historic Redlands Hotel, this event lets you explore historic downtown Palestine while admiring local artistic creations. Meet artists of various mediums and peruse through downtown shops and boutiques.

facebook.com/dogwoodartscouncil

Depot Museum Grounds and Downtown Historic District, 514 N. High St.

The tradition of ribbon cane syrup making is commemorated at this festival. The highlight of the only folklife festival in East Texas is the syrup-making demonstration on the Depot Museum grounds. Experienced syrup makers operate the museum’s antique mule-powered equipment to produce old-fashioned cane syrup. While the syrup cooks, other folk artists demonstrate the techniques of lace making, rope making, basket making, blacksmithing, wood carving, quilting, and other old-time survival skills. Festivities also include folk singers, antique tractors, a petting zoo, food and drinks, cloggers and square dancers, and a melodrama at the Henderson Civic Theatre.

visithendersontx.com

Downtown Gladewater, 100 E. Commerce Ave.

The Gladewater antique district begins the holiday season with an open house. Stores stay open late and there's seasonal entertainment along with the lighting of the 20-foot-tall Christmas tree. Children can write their letters to Santa.

gladewaterchamber.org

Walker County Fairgrounds, 3925 SH 30

This market kicks off the holiday shopping season with a wide variety of antiques, boutiques, home décor, holiday décor, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, vintage, wreaths, crafts, and gifts.

huntsvilleantiqueshow.com

Majical Wonderland, 2161 FM 315

Enjoy a stroll through a self-guided magical lit-up wonderland. Take pictures with Santa, sip warm hot chocolate, and indulge in lots of goodies available for purchase.

visitpalestine.com/walkoflights

Texas State Railroad, Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70

The Palestine depot offers a festive holiday setting that features lights, tinsel, garland, and costumed characters sure to excite and inspire every child and adult. The magical story comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole.

texasstaterailroad.net

The Texas Jailhouse, 704 Ave. A

He's mean, he's green, and he's in Palestine. This Christmas season don't miss a rare opportunity to come see Mr. Grinch in his Texas Jailhouse home in Palestine.

facebook.com/thetexasjailhouse

Heritage Place Park, 500 Metcalf St.

A wide selection of exhibitors bring the very best in boutique clothing, accessories, shoes, home decor, furniture, gourmet food, dips, sauces, art, yard decorations, and holiday items.

bigtop.show/conroetx

Downtown , Whetstone Square

Watch a Hallmark movie come to life as you stroll through downtown Marshall. The festival has an outdoor ice skating rink, vintage carousel, train, and a collection of tiny houses making up Santa's Village. Additional weekly special events are enjoyed by residents and visors alike, though the 1901 historic Harrison County Courthouse, adorned in millions of white lights, remains the crown jewel.

tx-marshall.civicplus.com/483/Wonderland-of-Lights-2022

Historic Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin St.

Make this a Christmas to remember aboard the Christmas Express Train. The antique narrow-gauge gas locomotive has three departures each day. Passengers enjoy vignettes along the Cypress Bayou River as they hear the story of Christmas. Night vignettes are lighted, but no lights along the tracks.

jeffersonrailway.com

Carnegie Library Building, 502 N. Queen St.

Climb into a beautiful antique carriage and enjoy a ride throughout the Palestine Historic Main Street District aglow with holiday lighting. Rides take place Fridays and Saturdays and can hold two to four adults (larger groups may be accommodated if children are included).

facebook.com/oldtowncarriageservice

Downtown Nacogdoches, 200 E. Main St.

Downtown merchants are competing for bragging rights for the best holiday brew during Wassail Fest. Wassail, made from hot mulled cider and spices, is served at various locations in historic downtown Nacogdoches, and patrons vote on their favorites to determine the winner.

facebook.com/downtownnac

Downtown and Lions Park

After the parade, which travels through Jefferson and ends at Lions Park, stick around for the "Enchanted Forest" tree lighting ceremony. Be inspired as 100-plus beautifully decorated christmas trees light up and ring in the holidays. Festivities also include Christmas carol singing and a visit from Santa.

visitjeffersontexas.com

The Woodlands Country Club , 100 Grand Fairway 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. Admission and parking are free and strollers are welcome.

bigtop.show/thewoodlandscountryclub

Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library, 1836 Sam Houston Ave.

At this holiday exhibit that celebrates Texas, visit the museum’s rotunda and see "The Lone Star in the East" Christmas Tree featuring the work of Texas theater artist and designer Barry Doss.

samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com

Historic Downtown Henderson, 100 E. Main St.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas as the holiday season begins with Henderson's annual tree lighting and Christmas parade. Full of beautifully lit floats, classic cars, trucks, and tractors, the parade is certainly a sight to see. As darkness rolls in, watch as the Christmas tree is lit for the season.

visithendersontx.com

Various locations

Step back in time and take narrated tours of historic homes lavishly decorated for an old-fashioned Christmas, with live greenery, candlelight, and trees adorned with tinsel, ribbon, and sparkling glass balls. Docents in period costumes greet you and describe each home's origin and finery.

jeffersoncandlelight.com

Various locations

Follow the trail of lights and greenery downtown to explore the 11th annual Festival of Trees. Each tree is decorated by a local nonprofit organization. Find the locations by downloading the Visit Palestine app in Google Play or the Apple Store and choose Tours at the top right. From there, you can choose the Christmas Light Tour.

visitpalestine.com/events/2020/11th-annual-festival-of-trees

Downtown Huntsville, 1203 University Ave.

Come to downtown Huntsville for Christmas performances, a special Christmas book reading for kids, snow, food, crafts, games, Santa Claus, and other holiday festivities.

huntsvillemainstreet.com

Various locations, Nichols Sawmill Road, Commerce Street, and Unity Park Drive

On the first Saturday of December, the Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce hosts a parade down the local streets of Magnolia to inspire the spirit of Christmas.

greatermagnoliaparkwaycc.org/parade-of-lights-the-magic-of-christmas

Palestine Chamber of Commerce, 401 W. Main St.

This Palestine tradition, organized by the local YMCA, is a festive fun run through downtown that gets the whole family into the spirit of the season. Wear your favorite holiday costume. The 5K is a USA Track and Field-certified course that utilizes chip timing. It is also a fundraiser for Palestine YMCA youth and senior scholarships.

palestineymca.org

Historic Downtown Palestine, Main Street

Palestine's only nighttime parade is themed "The Sweetest Christmas" this year. The courthouse lighting ceremony begins as the parade leaves the courthouse square and winds its way through downtown. See the streets of historic downtown aglow with colorful lights and floats. After the parade is a Christmas movie in Rotary Park. Meet Santa there and enjoy the hot chocolate bar and refreshments.

palestinechamber.org

Palestine Chamber of Commerce, 401 W. Main St.

Get a glimpse of some of the architecture of Palestine decorated for the Christmas holidays. For one day only, the Tour of Homes features properties with varying architectural styles from years gone by. Tickets available at the Chamber of Commerce office and participating homes during tour.

visitpalestine.com/events/2020/hearth--tinsel-tour-of-homes2

Farmers Market Pavilion, 813 W. Spring St.

Get your holiday shopping done at this farmers market, where you can find unique gifts for your friends and family along with merchandise like herbs, produce, local honey, homemade soaps, handmade items, jewelry, and art.

palestinefarmersmarket.com

Montalba Baptist Church, State Highway 19 North and 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.

montalbabaptist.church

Texas Theatre, 213 W. Crawford St.

Who is the man who wanted to be Santa Claus? That's what they're asking each other at the local police station when Santa Claus shows up handing out gifts. It's not so much the gifts that amaze Howard and Bertie but the fact that ol' Santa seems to know them all so well and they haven't a clue who's wearing the red and white.

thetexastheater.com

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.

bigtop.show/thewoodlandstxdecember

Jefferson Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

Shop for new and antique guns, knives, knife-sharpening equipment, ammunition, gun parts, archery equipment, reloading equipment and supplies, scopes, and holsters. There's a rifle giveaway, courtesy of J and N Motorsports.

tandkpromotions.com

Downtown Montgomery, Texas, 14420 Liberty St.

Montgomery County's oldest Christmas celebration—marking its 45th year—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, a marketplace with homemade gifts and décor items, old-fashioned decorations in the historic buildings on the evening 45th Historic Home Tour, and the 33rd famous Cookie Walk, where tables are laden with decorative cookies and candies to purchase by the pound.

mhs-tx.org

Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library, 1836 Sam Houston Ave.

The annual holiday event on the museum grounds has historical demonstrations and holiday goodies.

samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com

Palestine High School Auditorium, State Highway 287 South and Loop 256

Enjoy classic country music and comedy at this Branson-style show featuring a holiday theme and good clean family-style entertainment.

dogwoodjamboree.com

Sip, shop, and walk your way through historic downtown while enjoying culinary delights paired with fine wines and bold whiskies from Texas vineyards and distilleries. Your ticket includes entry to the after-party held at Tahwahkaro Distilling Company, where you can get a tour of the operations, an up-close view of the kettles, live music, and a dessert bar. Check in is at the Palestine Chamber of Commerce.

visitpalestine.com

Downtown Gladewater, 200 Broadway Ave.

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.

gladewaterchamber.org

Bowers Mansion, 301 S. Magnolia St.

Over 140 years old and harboring stories of murder, suicide, and death, the Historic Bowers Mansion in a small East Texas city is growing a reputation for one of the most haunted locations in the country, according to Haunted Rooms America.

hauntedrooms.com/texas/ghost-hunts/historic-bowers-mansion-palestine-tx

Texas Theatre, 213 W. Crawford St.

Put on your festive sweaters and head over to the Historic Texas Theatre for a classic Christmas sing-along of traditional Christmas carols. Free refreshments are served ahead of the singing.

thetexastheater.com

Various locations, 116 E. Commerce Ave.

Gladewater invites everyone to visit its historic streets during 2023. Each month, a special event takes place in different locations across Gladewater. Events include a "Night at the Museum" and lakeside festivities.

Tyler State Park, 789 Park Road 16

“Try” new skills for a new year. Visitors can sign up for guided hikes through the forest, mountain biking through pine savannah, and try out kayaking on a spring-fed lake.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/tyler

Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library, 1836 Sam Houston Ave.

This exhibition reveals the ongoing research by the museum of the 12 enslaved individuals listed on Sam Houston’s probate inventory in 1863, plus one who was not listed.

samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com

UY Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd., FAC 1120

"The Doo Wop Project" starts at the beginning: tracing the evolution of doo-wop (a popular singing style in the 1950s) from the classic sound of five guys singing harmonies on a street corner to the biggest hits of today. These stars of Broadway hits "Jersey Boys," "Motown: The Musical," and "A Bronx Tale" take audiences on a journey featuring foundational tunes from the Crests, Belmonts, and Flamingos through the vocal artistry of The Temptations and The Four Seasons plus modern hits from Jason Mraz and Maroon 5.

cowancenter.org

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, 341 State Park Road 2117

Multiple generations of families have attended this event over the years. At the 33rd annual Kids Fish Day, thousands of rainbow trout are stocked, and the park provides all the gear needed. There are casting games for beginners, fish prep and cooking demonstrations, and giveaways. Rangers are on hand to guide fishers. There are two different sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-bob-sandlin

UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd., FAC 1120

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a world-renowned presidential historian, public speaker, and Pulitzer Prize-winning, New York Times No. 1 best-selling author. Goodwin's career as a presidential historian and author was inspired when, as a 24-year-old graduate student at Harvard, she was selected to join the White House Fellows, one of America's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. Goodwin worked with President Lyndon Baines Johnson in the White House and later assisted him in the writing of his memoirs.

cowancenter.org

UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center, 3900 University Blvd., FAC 1120

Joel McHale is one of the most sought-after comedians and actors in the industry. Best known for his starring role in "Community" and twelve seasons hosting "The Soup," McHale can be seen on Netflix playing former "Community" co-star Chevy Chase in "A Futile and Stupid Gesture" opposite Will Forte. He also stars in his new weekly Netflix show, "The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale." Other work includes "The Happytime Murders" opposite Melissa McCarthy and the indie "Assassination Nation" for Sam Levinson, which premiered at Sundance.

cowancenter.org

Downtown Jefferson

The Krewe of Hebe presents Jefferson's annual Mardi Gras. The festivities last an entire weekend and feature parades, live music, food, vendors, a carnival, frosty beverages, and, of course, masks and beads.

mardigrasupriver.com

Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 W.

Take an interactive tour through the life of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Read about the corps' formation, get hands-on with their tools and uniforms, visit the camp store to shop the benefits of being an enrollee, and hear from members of the corps themselves, though their newsletter, as you stand in Ravens Lodge and look out at Lake Raven that they helped create.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville

Old Town Theatre, 1023 12th St.

Built with one overall objective in mind—to showcase independent films and filmmakers—the four-day independent film festival is where filmmakers break out.

oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Henderson Civic Center, 1500 Lake Forest Parkway

"Laissez le bon temps rouler" (let the good times roll) at Henderson's Mardi Gras Celebration with live entertainment from the Swampland Revival zydeco band, an old-fashioned cake walk, Cajun food, and plenty of beads.

visithendersontx.com

Downtown Square, 12th Street and University Avenue

This all-day crawfish and music festival takes place in conjunction with the Prison City Film Festival.

huntsvilledba.com