The Christmas season is so much more than a day or two on the calendar—it’s a whole stretch of time that lets us slow down, connect, and soak up those beautiful, everyday moments with the people we love.
From November 1st through New Year’s Day, we have these special touchpoints along the way—Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve—to remind us of what matters most.
Think of Thanksgiving as the season’s kick-off. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and be grateful for both the little moments and the big ones.
By Christmas Day, we’re deep into celebrating love, joy, and generosity—those things that make everything else fade into the background for a while.
And as New Year’s Eve comes around, it’s a time to wrap up the year with gratitude and step into a fresh start.
This season is your permission to pause, gather close, and let the simple joys of the season fill your home. Whether it’s baking cookies with sticky fingers, cozying up with holiday movies, or bringing a little joy to someone who needs it, the Christmas season lets us remember the beauty of slowing down together.
If you’re looking for ideas to make this season extra meaningful, check out our list of community events. It’s filled with inspiration for family activities that just might become the start of new holiday traditions you’ll cherish year after year.
I update this list as I find new events posted. If I am missing a fun family Christmas event, please leave the details in the comments and I’ll add it I update this list regularly as I find new events, so be sure to check back often! If you know about a fun family Christmas event I’ve missed, please share the details in the comments—I’d love to add it!
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CHRIST-CENTERED EVENTS
- Night In Bethlehem -
Saturday, December 14
6:00 – 8:00pm
FREE
Experience a night in Bethlehem, pay taxes to the Romans, see merchants and their good, listen to the angels announcement to the shepherds, the star and a stable with animals and the holy family.
West Lake Baptist Church
1439 FM 315, Chandler, TX
- The Journey -
Christmas Hayride 2024
Saturday, December 7
1:00 – 4:30pm
FREE
Come for a FREE 35-minute hayride through time, combining the present with the past. Witness characters such as shepherds, wise men, and others as they share their encounters with the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.
Hope Fellowship
465 Allen Rd, Longview, TX
- Drive Thru Bethlehem -
December 8-9
6:00-8:00
FREE
Listen to the nativity story as you drive through Bethlehem and see the holy story come to life.
First Baptist Whitehouse
801 E Main Street Whitehouse, TX
- Christmas Nativity Celebration -
SUNDAY DECEMBER 1, 6, 7, 8
4:00-8:00pm
FREE
Join this unique community event to view hundreds of Nativities from around the world beautifully displayed amidst a backdrop of lighted Christmas trees.
Many visitors also enjoy participating in a Nativity Scavenger Hunt while viewing the Nativities.
The Back to Bethlehem room offers a unique experience for children.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
200 Carroll St, Shreveport, LA 71105
- A Walk Through Bethlehem -
December 13, 14, 15
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
FREE
Step back in time and experience a first century Bethlehem Market. This is a live, outdoor, interactive, walking event with rough and uneven terrain.
Montalba Baptist Church
Hwy 19 N / FM 321, Montalba TX
- Walk Through Bethlehem -
Jesus’s birth, death & Resurrection
December 6, 7, & 8
6:00-8:00pm
FREE
Bring the whole family and see biblical artisans recreate an entire gospel story from a humble Bethlehem birth to the cross and an empty tomb experience.
Bar None Cowboy Church
9162 State Highway 43 East Tatum, TX
CHRISTMAS PARADES
- Rusk Annual Christmas Parade-
- Rose City Christmas Parade-
- Jacksonville Christmas Parade -
- Lindale Christmas Parade -
Saturday, December 7
5:30 – 6:30pm
EJ Moss Intermediate School
411 E Eagle Spirit Dr, Lindale, TX
- Bullard Annual Christmas Parade -
- Christmas Parade on Main Street -
- Parade of the Lights -
Saturday, December 7
7:00-10:00pm
Palestine’s only nighttime parade, where the streets of the Main Street district come alive with colorful lights, beautiful floats, and smiles all around!
Palestine Main Street
825 W Spring St, Palestine, TX
- Arp Christmas Parade -
Saturday, December 7
6:00-9:00pm
Pictures with Santa will be from 10 am – 2 pm.
Arp City Park
CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS
- CARMELAS MAGICAL SANTA LAND -
November 10 – Jan 5
Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Friday – Saturday: 5:30 PM – 11 PM
FREE but please leave a DONATION
6085 Hwy 259 N, Longview, TX
- THE CHRISTMAS PARK : LAND OF LIGHTS -
- AZALEA DISTRICT TRAIL OF LIGHTS -
Self-guided Tour
December 1- 31
FREE
Azalea District neighborhood
Bike Ride
Thursday-Saturday, November 29 – December 23
5:30-9:00pm
Adults $10
Kids $5
Bergfeld Park
Horse Drawn Carriage
November 29- December 31
5:00-9:00pm
$5-$20/person
Bergfeld Park
- A PINEYWOOD CHRISTMAS -
Saturday, December 14
5:00 – 10:00pm
Enjoy our Trail of Lights with your loved ones!
TYLER STATE PARK
789 Park Rd 16, Tyler, TX 75706
- UP IN LIGHts -
November 29-December 8
Fri/Sat/Sun @6PM
December 13-25
Every night @6PM
$20/car
WALK THE LIGHTS
Tuesday, December 3⋅
6:00 – 9:00pm
Walk the 1-mile trail of lights.
$5/person
12885 County Road 192, Tyler, TX
- CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING -
Thursday, December 5
7:00 – 10:00pm
FREE
The celebration will take place after the Annual Tyler Rotary Christmas Parade.
Downtown Tyler
100 W Ferguson St, Tyler, TX 75702
- HOLIDAY IN THE GARDEN -
- COLTON’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND -
Opening Night November 22
6:00 – 11:00
November 22 – December 25
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 6pm till 11pm
open all week of Thanksgiving & Christmas
FREE
Donations welcome
Bring the family or yourself and let them take you on a tour of his amazing collection of inflatables, blow molds, and lighted displays!
2697 STATE HIGHWAY 154 EAST , Gilmer, TX,
- WALK OF LIGHTS -
November 11 – December 30
Thursday, Friday Saturday & Sunday
6:00pm-9:00pm
$20/car
Christmas light walk-through with something for everyone to see!
Pictures with Santa, Grinch, and snacks too!
2161 FM 315 Palestine TX
- CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDEN -
Nov. 1st – Dec. 31st;
5:30pm-9:00pm.
Bring the family to stroll our property under the magical Christmas Lights.
FREE
Ellis Home & Garden
3110 North Eastman Rd, Longview, TX
- WALK THROUGH LIGHTS -
Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays in December
Closed Christmas Day
6:00pm-9:00pm
Last entry at 8:00pm
East Texas Arboretum
1601 Patterson Rd. Athens, TX
- 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS & CHRISTMAS VILLAGE -
November 13 – January 5
6:00 – 9:00pm
Holiday at the Arboretum returns with a garden transformed for the magic of the season including the return of the beloved Christmas Village and the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos!
Kids $15
Adult $22
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX
- TRAILS OF LIGHTS -
November 15 – December 31
6:00pm-9:00pm
Starting at $9.99/person
Walk the beautiful Trails of Lights, take pictures with Santa, eat dinner and sweets at the food trucks, and enjoy our many attractions such as our jumbo jumpers, light maze, barrel train rides, Piney Peak slides, shooting cannons, and more! All attractions are included in your admission!
Piney Park
600 Martin Lake Road Marshall, TX
- THE NORTH POLE OF TEXAS -
November 29, November 30 | 6-9 PM
December 6, December 7 | 6-9 PM
December 13, December 14 | 6-9 PM
December 20, December 21, December 22 | 6-9 PM
FREE
Grab your family and friends, bundle up, and come check out our newest additions, enjoy the tastiest cup of hot chocolate, grab a fresh sugar cookie from Gran’s Cookie Shack as you get off the train, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and have a ton of FUN! We love celebrating the birth of Jesus with you – He is the reason for the season!
North Pole of Texas
227 Co Rd 3378, Pickton, TX
- CHRISTMAS BALLOON GLOW -
Thursday, December 12
5:30pm- 10:00pm
FREE
Experience the thrill and wonderment of the holiday season at the Longview Christmas Balloon Glow. Get up close access to tethered hot air balloons as they illuminate the evening sky with vibrant colors flashing to the beat of popular holiday season music
Behind Longview Exhibit Center
1180 Jaycee Dr. Longview , TX
- Zip line through the lights -
November 30 – January 1
Weekends Only
6:00 pm & 8:00 pm
$29-$39/Person
Don’t miss out on the fun for the entire family! Ride an old-fashioned wagon and zip-line thru thousands of Christmas lights & decorations! Tour our Bethlehem Manger, Christmas Maze, Santa’s Gravity Defying Workshop & enjoy a Christmas Train Sleigh-Ride! Roast Marshmallows for Free! Enjoy Hot Cocoa & Hot Apple Cider for $1/each (please bring correct change) at our winter grotto! Bring your camera!
Thomas Falls Zip Line
HOLIDAY EVENTS
- Pizza with Santa at 6 Forks Farm -
- Breakfast with Santa -
Saturday, December 7⋅
9:00 – 11:00am
FREE
First Methodist Church Mineola
612 N Newsom St, Mineola, TX
- Santa Meet & Greet -
Saturday, December 7⋅1
10:00am – 1:00pm
FREE
Old Saint Nick is making a special appearance at Hughes Plant Farm!
Hughes Plant Farm
19980 Hwy 69 South Tyler, TX
- Santa’s coming to Plants of Texas! -
Saturday, December 7⋅
10:00am – 12:00pm
FREE Santa pics!
Plants of Texas
17470 FM 2493, Flint, TX
- Christmas at The Hendo -
- FREE Pictures with Santa Clause -
Saturday, December 7⋅
11:00am – 1:00pm
FREE
FREE pictures with Santa • Hot Cocoa Bar • Letters to Santa • Story Time with Santa
Bannister Plumbing and Air
4555 N Jackson, Jacksonville, TX, United States, Texas
- Winterfest with Santa -
Saturday, December 7⋅
1:00 – 4:00pm
FREE
Enjoy the Winter Fest as Santa visits the children. This free, family-friendly event will include a tree decorating contest, write letters to Santa, handmake decorative crafts, games, local vendors and much more!
Bergfeld Park
1510 S College Ave, Tyler, TX
- FREE Pictures with Santa -
- Downtown Tyler's Scavenger Hunt -
Thursday, December 12⋅
4:00 – 5:00pm
FREE
Explore Downtown Tyler through this magical event! During the event, some locations will be free and have extended hours. More details to come soon!
Downtown Tyler, Texas
110 N College Ave, Tyler, TX 75702
- Breakfast with Santa -
Saturday, December 14⋅
9:30am – 12:30pm
FREE
Join us for a Polar Express-themed Breakfast with Santa
Glass Recreation Center
501 W 32nd St Tyler, TX
- Canton Snow Day Festival -
Saturday, December 7⋅
3:00 – 6:00pm
FREE
Join us for the annual Snow Day Festival, filled with frosty fun for the whole family. Enjoy a giant snow slide, bounce houses, and unforgettable memories with Santa. We’ve got plenty of surprises in store!
Downtown Canton, Texas
290 E Tyler St, Canton, TX
- Polar Express Day -
Saturday, December 14⋅
10:00 – 11:00am
$25/person
Warm up at our Hot Chocolate Bar, get creative with festive crafts, and enjoy delicious snacks. The day will be filled with activities and surprises for all ages.
The Platform – Longview
813 E Methvin, Longview, TX
- Grinch’s Lair -
November 22 – December 22
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
12:30pm – 5:30pm
Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” this interactive, live production invites you to explore the Grinch’s world.
$15/person
Historic Texas Jailhouse
704 Avenue A Palestine TX
- The Polar Express™ Train Ride -
November – December
Times & Pricing Varies
Bring the award-winning book Polar Express to life.
Texas State Railroad
Palestine Depot
789 Park Road 70 Palestine TX
- ICE: Rudolph -
November – December
Times & Pricing Varies
One of my family’s FAVORITE holiday events
Experience beloved Christmas story in ice form. And enjoy other family activities throughout the resort.
Gaylord Texan
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
- Christmas in Lindale -
Winter Wonderland
December 7th – January 1st
Open Daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
FREE
explore and enjoy 10,000 square feet of beautiful Christmas vignettes and photo backdrops
Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square
205 Cannery Row (E. North St.) Lindale, TX
- Holiday Who-bilation -
December 21
9:00am-5:00pm
$25/person
Create your own quirky, green-themed decorations and festive keepsakes, and dive into the fun of making your very own slime. With all materials provided, just bring your crafty fingers and a sense of holiday mischief.
The Platform
813 E Methvin St Longview TX
- OPen HOuse & cookie with Santa -
December 7
9:00am-12:00pm
FREE
Bring your kids for a fun-filled morning of cookies, and photos with Santa!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
16700 FM 2493, Suite 500, Tyler, TX
CHRISTMAS SHOWS & CONCERTS
-Nutcracker Christmas Tea-
Saturday, December 14⋅
2:00 – 5:00pm
$25pp
Grand Empress Tea House
100 N Kilgore Street, Kilgore, TX
-Holiday Planetarium Shows -
All December long
Laser light show with Christmas Music
$5/per person
TJC Earth & Space Science Center
1411 E Lake St, Tyler, TX
- TJC The Nutcracker -
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday December 6 – 15
Matinee 2:00pm
Evening 7:00pm
$25- $45/Person .
Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center
1303 S Mahon Ave, Tyler, TX
- Miracle on 34th Street -
December 6- 15
Matinee 2:30
Evening 7:50
Adult $18
Student $12.50
Tyler Civic Theatre Center
400 Rose Park Dr, Tyler, TX
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet -
November 21
7:00pm
Starting at $33/person
Belcher Center at LeTourneau University
2100 S. Mobberly Avenue Longview, TX
- Vibre' Handbell Ensemble -
Christmas Concert
Thursday, December 12
7:00pm
FREE
The Hamptons Senior Living
4250 Old Omen Rd, Tyler, TX
Sunday, December 15
7:00pm
FREE
Henderson Methodist Church
204 N Marshall St, Henderson, TX
December 19
7:00pm
FREE
Pollard United Methodist Church
3030 Copeland Rd, Tyler TX
Sunday, December 29
7:00pm
FREE
Emerald Bay Community Church
160 La Salle Rd, Bullard, TX
- A Seussified Christmas Carol -
December 13-15
Join us for a unique twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, reimagined in the playful and rhyming style of Dr. Seuss.
$12-$17/Person .
Historic Texas Theatre
213 W Crawford St Palestine TX
- Movie on Main -
Saturday, December 7⋅
7:30 – 8:30pm
FREE
What the Grinch movie in Downtown Bullard following the Annual Christmas Parade!
- Movies in the Park - Elf -
The holiday season is a beautiful opportunity to slow down, connect with loved ones, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re sticking with cherished traditions or starting new ones, there’s so much magic to be found in these moments.
What traditions bring your family the most joy during this season? Share your favorites in the comments, and don’t forget to share this list with your family and friends.