PALESTINE
The Faire of Champions brings themed weekends, on-site camping, immersive cos-tumes, and nonstop entertainment for fantasy lovers, adventurers, and families seeking a one-of-a-kind escape. 5 Weekends beginning the first week in January.
The Faire of Champions brings themed weekends, on-site camping, immersive cos-tumes, and nonstop entertainment for fantasy lovers, adventurers, and families seeking a one-of-a-kind escape. 5 Weekends beginning the first week in January.
First Day Hikes
What: Recover from the holidays by joining a nationwide initiative and taking a hike on New Year’s Day. Most state parks across Texas will host special hikes, walks, runs or paddles for all skill levels.
Where: At state parks throughout North East Texas and around the state
Admission: Varies by location
Contact: TexasStateParks.org/FirstDayHikes or 512-389-8900
Mardi Gras 2026 – Krewe of Hebe
What: Mardi Gras Up River is one of the most festive events in Jefferson. Three pa-rades, live
music, food trucks, kids carnival and rides, frosty beverages and lots of beads make this a most fun weekend.
Where: Downtown Jefferson, Texas
Contact: www.mardigrasupriver.com or www.visitjeffersontexas.com
Impressionists Immersive, an exhibition presented by the Museum of East Texas-Step into the brushstrokes of Monet, Degas, Renoir, and more at this immersive expe-rience presented by the Museum of East Texas. Art lovers of all ages can walk through projection-mapped masterpieces while learning the stories behind the movement.
Where: Museum of East Texas, 503 N 2nd St, Lufkin, TX 75901
Wade T. Witmer Memorial Wild Hog Hunt
What: Out of county hunting permitted. Weigh-In on March 1, between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. 1st place – $1,000.00 each category – 2nd place – $500.00 each category.
Where: Fairgrounds at American Legion Park on US 82 Bus. East
Admission: $200.00 entry fee per team due by February 25 @ 5:00 PM Contact: Red River County Chamber – 903-427-2645, redrivercc@yahoo.com www.redrivercoc.com
East Texas Fiber Festival
What: Celebrate the vibrant world of fiber arts with two full days of vendors, demon-strations, classes, and door prizes. Growers, spinners, knitters, weavers, and makers of all kinds come together for one of East Texas’s most colorful and creative events.
When: 9am–5pm
Where: Canton Civic Center, 800 Flea Market Rd., Canton, TX 75103
Admission: Free
Contact: www.visitcantontx.com
The Dogwood Celebration showcases spring blooms, outdoor adventures, vibrant festivals, and family-friendly events that fill Palestine with color, music, and seasonal charm.
When: The last 2 weekends in March and the first weekend in April.
Azalea and Spring Flower Trail
What: Featuring mile after mile of blooming azaleas, dogwood trees and spring flow-ers is a site to behold. This annual spring event has been described as a floral wonder-land and a photographer’s paradise.
Where: Citywide
Admission: Trail is free. Paid admission required to some events.
Contact: Visit Tyler, 903-593-6905, VisitTyler.com/azaleatrail
Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion
What: Annual event held in Athens, Texas, at the Henderson County courthouse lawn. The 95th annual event is scheduled for April 17th and 18th, 2026, and includes a fiddling contest, street dances, and other festivities. It is one of the oldest and lon-gest-running fiddler’s contests in the country, with origins dating back to 1932.
4th Annual Steaks on Main
What: Make it a Weekend Getaway to Bonham! Experience the savory aroma of a huge Ribeye Cook-Off filling the air of our historic Courthouse Square. Enjoy a ticket-ed steak dinner cooked by competing teams, followed by a free live concert under the Texas stars. Come for the incredible food, stay for the authentic small-town fun.
Where: Historic Downtown Bonham, 101 E. Sam Rayburn Dr.
Contact: Steaksonmain.com
Greenville Farmers Market
What: Discover fresh local produce, handmade goods, unique crafts, and more at the Greenville Farmers Market! Join us every Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM
Where: Downtown Market Square – 2203 Lee Street
Contact: Madison Aguinaga, Main Street Manager – farmersmarket@greenvilletx.gov – 903-457-3138
Annual Jefferson Historical Pilgrimage & Historical Home Tours
What: The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club proudly presents the annual Pilgrimage & historical home and garden tours the first weekend of May. Four of Jefferson’s finest homes and featured gardens will be open for tour by docents dressed in period attire. Visitors to Jefferson can also enjoy a Craft Fair, Heirloom Plant Sale, Quilt Show, and A Civil War re-enactment. The weekend would not be complete without enjoying a performance of the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial Play.
Where: Downtown Jefferson, Texas
Contact: www.jeffersonpilgrimage.com or www.visitjeffersontexas.com
Rangerette Revels
What: Revels is the Rangerettes annual spring show and the culmination of their performing season. The show follows a theme and includes a wide variety of dance genres, including the Rangerettes signature “high kick” production for the finale. Revels is the hottest ticket in town and usually takes place before sold out crowds in Dodson auditorium on the Kilgore College campus. General Public sales open March 11 @ noon for ALL shows.
Where: Dodson Auditorium, Kilgore College Campus
Admission: Seats are reserved and tickets are purchased ONLINE only for $31.50 each
Contact: www.rangerette.com/events/revels
Downtown Live
What: Free outdoor music series featuring music, drinks, and food trucks. Bring a chair and come enjoy the music! Friday evening from 5-8pm in April and May in Heritage Plaza in Downtown Longview, 219 E. Methvin St.
Admission: Free.
Dalton Days – America 250 Kickoff
What: Dalton Days returns downtown with Western reenactments, live entertainment, kids activities, vendors and more, a free family tradition celebrating Longview’s heri-tage. Join us as we kick off Longview’s America 250 celebration.
Admission: Free
Paris Steak Wars
What: Steak, Drinks, and Live Music! Whether you’re here to compete or eat, this mouthwatering event offers something for everyone. Enter the steak arena where 40+ cook-off teams bring the heat for competing for a place in the top three or the ev-
er-so-coveted People’s Choice Award. Once you enter the arena, there will be all-you-can-eat steak and appetizers. The beer garden offers ice-cold beverages and vendors on-site, such as longhorns, a mechanical bull, local finds, and more! This two-day event starts with a pre-party featuring bands and a good time.
Where: Love Civic Center Complex at S. Collegiate Dr.
Contact: Visit parissteakwars.com for more information! Stay Saucy
45th Annual Terrell Jubilee
What: Held each spring at Ben Gill Park, this long-standing celebration of Terrell’s heritage is the community’s largest event of the year. Designed to attract visitors and provide entertainment and activities for local residents, the annual weekend festivities attract a crowd in excess of 15,000 people. Featured activities include carnival, live music, car show, arts and crafts vendors, health and business expo, 5K run, and numer-ous other events.
Contact: Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB 972-524-5703; chamber@terrelltexas. com; terrelljubilee.com
Bonham Heritage Day Festival & Live Music
What: Join us for an unforgettable day in Historic Downtown Bonham! This event is packed with fun for the entire family, featuring live music, a variety of food trucks and local restaurant specials, as well as unique shopping opportunities from vendors and local businesses, including antiques and boutiques. Kids will love the Bounce House Village and face painting, while everyone can enjoy the Car Show, participate in the 5K run, or take a tour of the 1888 Historical Courthouse. Come shop, eat, and play with us!
Where: Historic Downtown 327 N. Main St., Bonham, Texas 75418
Admission: Free
Contact: Bonham Visitor Center, info@visitbonham.com, 903-583-9830
Spring Piney Woods Wine Festival
What: Enjoy the Wine Garden with tastings offered by wineries of the Piney Woods Wine Trail, shop artisan vendors, try tasty food trucks, and listen to live music all in one place!
Where: Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square, 205 Cannery Row, Lindale
Admission: $15.00 Wine Garden Entry; Wine sold by the glass or bottle; Free Entry for Shopping and Food Trucks
Contact: Visit Lindale 903-881-5103, VisitLindale.com, Facebook @VisitLindaleTX
Hunt County Festival of the Arts
What: Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the vibrant artistic spirit of Greenville! This event promises to be a delightful celebration of the arts, offering something for everyone. So come along, explore the artistic creations sold by vendors, be amazed by live demonstrations, and enjoy the captivating performances by local talent!
Where: Downtown Greenville on Lee Street
Admission: Free to the public
Contact: 903-450-1491; www.TravelGreenvilleTX.com
Music in May
What: Local and regional songwriters and musicians perform outside in downtown on
Thursday nights
Where: Downtown at the Gazebo Admission: Free
Contact: City of Mineola Marketing Department 903-569-6183
Cinco de Mayo at Fair Park
What: Each year, up to 10,000 visitors gather at Fair Park in Mount Pleasant, TX for a day full of culture, music, and family fun. From delicious food to live entertainment and a festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration!
When: May 2026
Where: Fair Park, Mount Pleasant, TX
Spur Week
What: Join us for Spur Week, a week-long rodeo and community event series in May 2026, in beautiful Mount Pleasant, Texas! Experience rodeos and community activities at Priefert Ranch and The Mount Pleasant Rodeo Grounds.
When: May 2026
Where: The Mount Pleasant Rodeo Grounds
Eiffel in Love with Quilts” Annual Quilt Show
What: The Red River Valley Quilt Guild invites you to our 6th Annual Paris Quilt Show! Enter a quilt or be a vendor, or just come and enjoy the beautiful quilts on display Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Love Civic Center, 2025 S. Collegiate in Paris
Contact: For more information: parisquiltshow1@gmail.com or www.parisquiltshow.com
Terrell Taco Festival
What: The Terrell Taco Festival brings the flavor and excitement to Historic Downtown Terrell! From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the streets come alive with delicious tacos from local vendors, unique shopping opportunities, and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market-place showcasing young talent. Guests can enjoy live performances from a Mariachi band and Ballet Folklorico dancers, creating an authentic and festive atmosphere. A true crowd favorite, the day wraps up with the highly anticipated “Best Terrell Taco” award—celebrating the tastiest creation in town!
Contact: Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB 972-524-5703 chamber@terrelltexas.com
Annual Chamber of Commerce Barbeque Cook-Off
What: Competing teams cook brisket and/or pork ribs and/or pulled pork and/or
chicken. Musical entertainment all day. Where: Langford Lake Park Admission: Team entry fee is $50.00
Contact: Red River County Chamber – 903-427-2645, redrivercc@yahoo.com
Texas Shakespeare Festival
What: Come experience Shakespeare and more with the only professional theatre company in East Texas, the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Founded in 1986 as Kilgore College’s contribution to the Texas Sesquicentennial celebration, the festival’s inaugu-ral season featured Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Daisy Brad-ford 3 by Gifford Wingate. Now celebrating its 41st season, the 2025 Texas Shake-speare Festival will bring beloved productions like Hamlet, Emma, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, along with 1776 in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Tickets will be available in May.
Where: Van Cliburn Auditorium, Kilgore College Campus
Admission: All seats are reserved and tickets can be purchased for $40 online or by calling the box office.
Contact: 903-983-8119, www.TexasShakespeare.com/current-season
Great Texas Balloon Race & U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship
The Great Texas Balloon Race is the largest sanctioned hot air balloon race in texas. This three day world-class competition with Sport and Special shape balloons compet-ing for prizes and cash is a great family event.
Where: 1123 Jaycee Drive
Comtact: GTBR.net
Summer in the City
What: Lufkin’s signature summer event series brings live music, food trucks, and family fun to downtown every Saturday during summer. With themed nights, kid zones, and giveaways, this is the place to be when the sun sets in East Texas.
Where: Downtown Lufkin, Cotton Square, Lufkin, TX 75901
Texas Blueberry Festival
What: This family-friendly event features fresh local blueberries, live music, delicious food, and unique crafts from local vendors. Visitors can enjoy a classic car show, fun runs, and hands-on activities for all ages, making it a must-visit summer tradition.
When & Where: 8am-4pm | Downtown Nacogdoches
Contact: www.visitnacogdoches.org
Annual Car Show
What: Car enthusiasts will enjoy viewing antique, modified and stock cars. Contestants from the Four States area participate in the event.
Where: Downtown Detroit, Texas
Admission: Free to spectators. Participant Entry Fee is $25.00.
Contact: Kasey Wolf – 903-491-9686
Hopkins County Dairy Festival & Balloon Fest State Champion Ice Cream Freeze Off
What: Hot Air balloon festival, parade, homemade ice cream freeze-off, carnival, mu-seum and learning center and variety of dairy related events.
Where: City wide
Admission: Varies per event
Contact: Hopkins County Civic Center, 903-885-8071, www.HopkinsCountyDairyFes-tival.com and Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, 903-885-6515, www.Sulphur-Springs-TX.com
Independence Festival
What: Old-fashioned family celebration of our Nation’s birthday. Music and fun with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, Veteran’s March and a giant fireworks display. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy!
Where: Celebration Plaza, Downtown Sulphur Springs
Admission: Free
Contact: Sulphur Springs Department of Tourism, 888-300-6623, www.VisitSulphur-SpringsTX.org, Sulphur Springs Symphony League, www.SulphurSpringsSymphonyL-eague.org, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, 903-885-6515, www.Sulphur-Springs-TX.com
4th of July Celebration ft. The Longview Symphony
What: The main Fourth of July celebration in Longview is the Fireworks & Freedom Celebration at the Longview Convention Complex, home to the largest fireworks show in East Texas. This year, the Longview Symphony will take the stage with a special patriotic performance to elevate the celebration.
Where: Longview Convention Complex
Admission: Free
4th of July
What: Celebrate Independence Day with a community-wide event featuring live mu-sic, local food vendors, family activities, and one of the biggest fireworks shows in the region. A patriotic tradition Lufkin loves.
Where: Ellen Trout Zoo , 402 Zoo Cir, Lufkin, TX 75904
Annual 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks What: Food, Events, Music, and Community Fireworks Where: Mineola Civic Center
Admission: Free
Contact: Mineola Civic Center – Lisa Bright 903-569-6115 • www.mccrvpark.com
Freedom Festival – July 4, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Crowds will gather under the pines of Lake Forest Park. We outshine the sun with hotter music, food and fun than ever before! Mayor Henry Pace is rolling out the red carpet with FREE entry for all. Park and ride with the shuttle service from Henderson High School. Huge fireworks show kicks off around 9:20 p.m.
62nd Annual Fireman’s Rodeo
What: All rodeo and related activities
Where: Rodeo Arena – 724 Greenville Hwy (on Hwy 69 North), Mineola, TX
Admission: Info Coming Soon
Contact: Mineola Volunteer Fire Department, David Madsen 903-569-6183
42nd Annual Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally
What: Cycling at it’s best on Saturday, July 18th with 7 routes to choose from with plenty of Rest Stops and Happy faces to welcome YOU! Complimentary Hamburgers with all the trimmings and fuit smoothies at the Finish in the Air Conditioned Love Civ-ic Center! There are two of the 7 routes on our off road Trails, part of the NETT, North East Texas Trail!
Where: Start is at 8:00a.m.- Love Civic Center, 2025 C. Collegiate
Contact: Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, Paris Visitor Center at 903-784-2501 or visitparistexas.com, chamber@paristexas.com, Visit Paris Facebook
3rd Annual North Texas Antique Fishing Lure & Tackle Show
What: Whether you’re a seasoned collector seeking elusive treasures or simply drawn to the allure of bygone angling aesthetics, this event promises an unforgettable expe-rience for all who attend. Join us for a day of camaraderie, discovery, and appreciation for the timeless craftsmanship of antique fishing lures and tackle at the 3rd Annual Show. High School Bass Clubs get free entry and special gifts.
Where: Fletcher Warren Civic Center at 5501 Business Hwy. 69 S
Contact: 903-217-8588(Blake) or at www.TravelGreenvilleTX.com
Sacred Harp Singing Convention – August 8th & 9th, 2026
The East Texas Sacred Harp Convention celebrates its 171st anniversary at the Henderson Civic Center. Singings are from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. This annual gathering of shape note singers features a cappella music from the Sacred Harp tune book.
Moonlight Madness
What: Moonlight Madness is a fun downtown tradition held the Sunday before Labor
Day, with shops open late, local vendors, and plenty of browsing under the lights. Visitors can enjoy food, shopping, and crowd-favorite karaoke that keeps the evening lively.
Where: Downtown Atlanta, TX
Contact: Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce, 903-310-5260, atlantatexaschamber.com
Paris Balloon and Music Festival
What: Two nights of Hot Air Balloon Glows at dusk, Vendors, Kid’s Fun Zone, Food Trucks, and Live Music Concert, and Tethered Balloon Rides making it a fun filled Festival weekend!
Where: Paris/Lamar County Fairgrounds, 570 East Center Street – Paris, Texas Contact: parisballoonandmusicfestival.com or parisballoonandmusicfestival@gmail.com
Old Town Rig Down
What: Come to Downtown Nacogdoches where the biggest, baddest rigs in the country go on display on the beautiful brick streets! This family-friendly, one-of-a-kind event is open to the public and features an exciting display of big rigs, show trucks, and custom semis, all polished to perfection, plus live music, food vendors, and more. Where: Downtown Nacogdoches
Contact: www.visitnacogdoches.org
Lee Street Jamboree
What: This free, family-friendly street party is the perfect way to spend an evening in the heart of Downtown Greenville. Whether you’re riding in the Cotton Patch Chal-lenge bike event or just looking for a great night out, the Jamboree offers something for everyone. Enjoy our downtown restaurants, merchants, and vendors, along with concerts under the stars.
Where: Downtown Greenville on Lee Street
Contact: www.TravelGreenvilleTX.com
Indian Summer Festival and Dutch-Oven Cook-Off
What: Dutch-Oven cooking contest, candle making, quilt show, butter churning, soap
making, blacksmithing and gristmill operation.
Where: Heritage Park, 416 N Jackson St 8:00a – 2:00p
Admission: $10.00
Contact: Hopkins County Historical Society, (903)885-2387, www.HopkinsCountyMuse-um.org and Sulphur Springs Department of Tourism, 888-300-6623, www.VisitSulphur-SpringsTX.org
Red River County Fair
What: Featuring live entertainment, local food booths, displays of local crafters,
produce exhibits, livestock and a midway with carnival rides
Where: Fairgrounds at American Legion Park on US 82 Business East Admission: Fair is free. There is a charge for the Midway and carnival rides. Contact: County Extension Agent – 903-427-3867.
Fall Bazaar
46th Annual Red River County Historical Society Fall Bazaar
20th Annual Rotary Duck Race
8th Annual Clarksville Main Street Festival of Quilts
Musical entertainment all day
Where: On the grounds of the historic Red River County Courthouse Admission: Free to Public. Call for booth space and food vendor reservation Contact: Jim Clark 903-427-2374
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
What: The City of Terrell is excited to introduce Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a new festival that celebrates the community’s rich legacy of transportation and heri-tage. Held in Historic Downtown Terrell from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event combines favorite elements of past traditions with fresh experiences, including a community art project, the popular mural challenge, and the launch of new Discover Terrell Geotour stops. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, live music, and shopping at downtown boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops. The festival also features a Children’s Entrepreneur Marketplace and a variety of family-friendly activities, making it a day full of history, creativity, and community fun.
Contact: Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB 972-524-5703 chamber@terrelltexas.com
Canton Autumn Festival
What: Enjoy a day of family-friendly fall fun on the Canton Square, featuring local ven-dors, seasonal décor, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and small-town charm in the heart of East Texas. This festival highlights local artisans and captures the cozy spirit of autumn.
When: October 10, 2025
Where: The Canton Square, Canton, TX
Admission: Free
Contact: Canton Main Street Program • 903-567-1851 • cantonmainstreet.org
Kilgore Oktoberfest
What: Discover a Wunderbar Experience in Kilgore! Join Kilgore Main Street in Historic Downtown Kilgore for Oktoberfest 2026! From the Beer Garden, to the culinary faire and the artisans and vendors! This FREE event is your Oktoberfest destination in East Texas. So come dressed for the occasion in a dirndl or lederhosen and enter the Best Dressed competition or if that’s not your style get a Kilgore Oktoberfest Stein!
Where: Historic Downtown Kilgore
Admission: FREE
Contact: For more info, go to www.VisitKilgore.com/kilgore-oktoberfest/
Rose Season featuring Texas Rose Festival
What: Each October thousands of visitors flock to Tyler for the excitement and pag-eantry of the Texas Rose Festival. Tyler also celebrates Rose Season for the entire month, with a variety of activities that range from family fun to educational and cultural events. We welcome you to enjoy all Tyler has to offer during this special season.
Where: Citywide
Admission: Paid admission required to some events.
Contact: Visit Tyler, 903-593-6905, VisitTyler.com/roses or www.texasrosefestival.com
Fall Piney Woods Wine Festival
What: Enjoy the Wine Garden with tastings offered by wineries of the Piney Woods Wine Trail, shop artisan vendors, try tasty food trucks, and listen to live music all in one place!
Where: Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square, 205 Cannery Row, Lindale
Admission: $15.00 Wine Garden Entry; Wine sold by the glass or bottle; Free Entry for Shopping and Food Trucks
Contact: Visit Lindale 903-881-5103, VisitLindale.com, Facebook @VisitLindaleTX
Halloween Western Swing Weekend
What: A festive, Halloween-themed Western Swing celebration featuring live music, dancing, themed entertainment, and a weekend of lively Texas fun. Guests can enjoy concerts, dance floors, food, and seasonal surprises at this spirited autumn event.
Where: Canton Civic Center, 800 Flea Market Rd., Canton, TX 75103
Admission: Ticketed event • Pricing varies
Contact: 903-245-6300
City of Paris Annual Festival of Pumpkins
What: An area favorite for 25 years, featuring live music, great food, over 80 vendors. Attractions include, bounce houses, pumpkin decorating, costume contests, pet pa-rade, and much, much more! Special festival savings in downtown stores.
Where: Historic Downtown Paris
Contact: festivalofpumpkins.com
Uncorked Wine Festival
What: Join us for a vibrant celebration of local flavor and community at the Uncorked Food & Wine Festival in beautiful Mount Pleasant, Texas! This annual fall event brings together the best of Texas wineries, local restaurants, and boutique shopping, all in the charming atmosphere of Caldwell Park, just steps from Downtown.
When: October 2026
Where: Caldwell park, Downtown Mount Pleasant
Contact: Email Events@mtpleasanttx.com or call 903-572-8567
World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest
What: World Champion Stew Contest hosts over 100 cooking teams stirring up hearty chicken or beef stew in huge cast iron pots over open wood fires.
Where: Buford Park
Admission: Free to attend, $5 for an all-you-can-eat-till-it’s-all-gone bowl Contact: Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, (903) 885-6515, www.Sulphur-Springs-TX.com
Sulphur Springs Department of Tourism, 888-300-6623, www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org
The Hot Pepper Festival
What: The Hot Pepper Festival heats up downtown with bold flavors, live entertain-ment, food vendors, parades, and family-friendly fun that captures true East Texas spirit. Always the last Saturday of October.
Texas Radio Hall of Fame
What: Get ready to celebrate the voices that shaped the airwaves of Texas! The Texas Radio Hall of Fame will be honored during its 2026 Reunion Weekend, the first week-end in November, at the historic Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore. Attendees will enjoy a weekend filled with nostalgia, camaraderie, and recognition of broadcasting legends from across the Lone Star State. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a radio pro-fessional, or simply curious about the history of Texas broadcasting, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss.
Where: Texas Broadcast Museum, 416 E Main St, Kilgore, TX
Admission: $25
Contact & Info: https://www.trhof.net/
37th Annual Heritage Syrup Festival – November 14, 2026
It’s the sweetest festival in Texas! Come enjoy mule-powered old-time syrup-making with folk artists, food, bands, and antique tractors on the Depot Museum Grounds. Take a hayride shuttle into Henderson’s Downtown Historic District where you’ll find arts & crafts booths, retail vendors, food, antique and classic car exhibits, live entertainment, children’s activities, and special performances at the Henderson Civic Theater. Don’t miss a trip to the Syrup Capital of Texas!
Depot Grounds Entry: Adults $3, Children $1, Veterans FREE
Hayride Shuttle $2, Veterans FREE
NO admission fee into the Downtown Historic District.
REEL East Texas Film Festival
What: The celebrated Reel East Texas Film Festival returns to Historic Downtown Kilgore. Celebrating independent filmmakers, the REEL East Texas Film Festival brings together film audiences, filmmakers and film industry representatives for a few days
of celebration of artistic and independent spirit. The city’s Main Street and Historic District is host to these events including Texas landmarks – the Texan theater, and the Old Post Office – where all festival activities take place.
Where: Texan Theater, 201 S. Kilgore Street & The Old Post Office, 224 S. Kilgore St. Admission: Visit.www.ReelEastTexas.com for schedule and ticket information Contact: www.ReelEastTexas.com
Christmas in Palestine
What: Christmas in Palestine transforms the town into a glowing holiday destination with the Polar Express™, carriage rides, festive lights, and cherished small-town tradi-tions.
Christmas in Heritage Park
What: Christmas in the Park offers strolling carolers, a spectacle of lights, live nativity scene and Santa Clause. You can enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, punch, cookies and other goodies while you walk around and see all the historic buildings decorated for Christ-mas.
Where: Heritage Park, 416 North Jackson Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
Admission: $3.00 – admission ticket
Contact: Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park, 903-885-2387, www.Hopkin-sCountyMuseum.org and Sulphur Springs Department of Tourism, 888-300-6623, www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org
Holidays in the Parks
What: Discover a variety of special holiday events around the state, including decorat-ed campsites and historic homes, reenactments and holiday themed hikes.
Where: At state parks throughout North East Texas and around the state
Admission: Varies by location
Contact: TexasStateParks.org/Holidays or 512-389-8900
Christmas in the Pines
What: Kick off the holiday season with a full week of festive fun in downtown Lufkin. Christmas in the Pines is our annual celebration held the first week of December, bringing together families, friends, and visitors for magical moments all week long. The week includes the lighting of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit, the annual Christmas Parade, local shopping, live performances, photo ops, and more. This is one of Lufkin’s most beloved traditions and a perfect way to start your December with holiday spirit.
Where: Downtown Lufkin, TX 75901
Hometown Christmas in Henderson – Dec. 3-6, 2026
Annual Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade – December 3rd 2026 at 6 pm
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!
A Merry Christmas on Main and Holiday Home Tours – Dec. 5 and 6, 2026
A fun family event with games, prizes, Christmas activities, treats and more! Bring friends and family and let’s have A Merry Christmas on Main street in downtown Henderson! Be sure to save time for the Heritage Association’s Holiday Home Tour on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Atlanta Area Christmas Parade
What: Feel the magic of the season at the Annual Atlanta Area Christmas Parade! Held on the first Saturday of December, this spectacular nighttime parade is one of the big-gest and best in East Texas, thanks to incredible community support. Bring the whole family to enjoy festive floats, plenty of candy, and holiday fun for all!
Where: Downtown Atlanta, TX
Contact: Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce, 903-310-5260, atlantatexaschamber.
com
Christmas Wagon Rides
What: Gather your friends and loved ones and embark on a memorable adventure through Greenville’s historic district, where holiday magic awaits. This cherished holiday tradition takes guests on a charming wagon ride, where you can take in the must-see attraction of the Christmas Lights on Park Street.
Where: Load-in point is on the parking lot of Park Street Baptist Church, 2205 Park St.
Contact: Info@park-street.org
Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes in period
What: Tour Historic homes lavishly decorated for an old-fashioned Christmas with beautiful fresh greenery, candlelight, and gorgeous Christmas trees. Docents in period attire will greet you and tell about each homes origin and finery. Enjoy the Christmas Market and unique shops before or after enjoying dinner and Christmas music.
Where: Downtown Jefferson, Texas
Contact: www.jeffersoncandlelight.com or www.visitjeffersontexas.com
Nine Flags Lighted Christmas Parade
What: Enjoy twinkling holiday lights, a dazzling Christmas parade, live entertainment, crafting, shopping, and more. Come and celebrate with all the sights, sounds, and Christmas-themed activities that make this the most wonderful time of the year.
When & Where: December 5th, 2026 6:30pm | Downtown Nacogdoches
Contact: www.visitnacogdoches.org
Magical Mineola Christmas
What: League of the Arts Bazaar, Snow Hills Downtown, Free Mini Train Rides, Community Tree lighting, Annual Chamber of Commerce Parade with a visit from Santa at
the Gazebo, Annual Holiday Tour of Homes.
Where: Downtown & All Around Mineola
Admission: Free for snow hills, mini train, parade and Santa at the Gazebo
Contact: Mineola Main Street, 903-569-6183, www.Mineola.com
Holiday Wine Stroll & Taste of Bonham
What: Stroll the historic Fannin County Courthouse Square while enjoying the best wines North Texas has to offer, as well as delicacies from local caterers. Shop our bou-tiques, antique shops, and specialty retailers as you share a toast with local business owners while enjoying the Christmas beauty of downtown Bonham.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4pm – 8pm
Where: 327 N Main St, Bonham, TX 75418
Admission: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-wine-stroll-taste-of-bonham-tickets Contact: Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce, 903-583-4811,
Christmas Festival & Lighted Christmas Parade & Christmas Market on Main Street
What: Lighting of Christmas Tree; Snow Slide. Arts & Crafts; Entertainment. Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade. Christmas Market on Main Street
Where: Celebration Plaza, Main Street, Downtown
Admission: Varies per event
Contact: Sulphur Springs Department of Tourism, 888-300-6623, www.VisitSulphur-SpringsTX.org