A Piney Woods Christmas in Palestine, TX

Our elves are working extra hard to make sure the perfect Christmas season is on the way. Stay tuned. We expect this information will be fully updated no later than October 1, 2026.

When the weather cools and the scent of pine fills the air, Palestine, Texas transforms into a holiday fairytale. Recently described as “as close to a Hallmark movie as you can get,” this charming East Texas town captures the magic of the season in a way few destinations can. Enjoy a ride on the Polar Express™, explore charming holiday markets, and take in the twinkling lights that adorn the city. Whether you’re savoring seasonal treats or participating in unique holiday events, Palestine offers a delightful escape for the holidays.

Plan your Christmas Getaway

All Aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Step into a favorite Christmas story aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Texas State Railroad. From the historic Palestine Depot, families set off with hot chocolate and cookies, the familiar sounds of the story, and a little extra room for wonder.

Watch for the North Pole, meet Santa and his elves, and bring home the first gift of Christmas: a silver sleigh bell. Pajamas are welcome, childhood magic is encouraged, and the memory tends to outlast the cookies.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride departs from Palestine, TX throughout the holiday season. Choose from several seating options and reserve early for the date that fits your Christmas getaway.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride:

November 13 - December 28*

*Detailed schedule is available on the Texas State Railroad website.

The captivating story comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole. (The adventure is even more fun when families and friends show up in their pajamas!)

Enveloped by the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the tale as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies as they recite the classic children’s book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. (Be sure to purchase a book along with your tickets so your child can read his/her own book along with the chefs.)

At the North Pole, Santa and his elves greet passengers and then board the train. St. Nick gives everyone the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell (only believers can hear ringing!). On the ride back to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train depot, chefs lead passengers in singing joyous Christmas carols.

855-632-7729 | 789 Park Road 70 | Pricing Varies

Book your POLAR EXPRESS ride now

A Christmas Weekend in Palestine, TX

This is a sample itinerary of a few things you can experience in Palestine, TX. We encourage you to make your own adventure from any of our great events happening while you're here! We also encourage you to book tickets and make reservations ahead! Christmas is a very busy season for our small town, and events and activities DO sell out.

Day 1 (Friday):
10:00 AM Shop downtown Palestine merchants for unique gifts. You might even spot Santa!
12:00 PM Enjoy lunch at one of our local restaurants.
1:00 PM Stop at the Palestine Visitor Center to grab local information.
1:30 PM Explore the Palestine Railroad Heritage Museum.
5:00 PM Ride the Polar Express!
7:00 PM Dinner at one of our local restaurants.

Day 2 (Saturday):
9:30 AM Breakfast with Mrs. Claus
11:00 AM Explore our Curious Museum
12:30 PM Lunch at one of our local restaurants
1:30 PM Enjoy a slice of pie from Oxbow Bakery
3:00 PM Take an adventure through the Grinch's Lair
5:00 PM Dinner at one of our local restaurants
6:30 PM Explore the Walk of Lights

Day 3: (Sunday):
9:30 AM Enjoy a Christmas Brunch at the Queen St. Grille.

Events & Activities

Festive Events for All Ages

Palestine’s holiday calendar is filled with beloved traditions that bring the community together. The Christmas Parade of Lights is one of the season’s most anticipated events, with glowing floats, marching bands, and thousands of spectators filling the streets in celebration. The Historic Home Tour invites visitors to step inside some of the city’s most beautiful residences, where history and holiday charm create unforgettable settings.

Families will also love special experiences like pop-up photo ops with Santa, a morning of Pancakes with Mrs. Claus, and a playful trip to the Grinch’s Lair inside the Historic Texas Jailhouse. Seasonal markets add to the festivities with handcrafted gifts, artisan creations, and antiques perfect for holiday shopping.

A Town Wrapped in Lights

Photo Credit: Dave Shultz

Anderson County is home to more than 1,800 historic structures, and in December many of them sparkle with lights and seasonal décor. The entire downtown district glows with storefront windows dressed for the holidays, lampposts wrapped in greenery, and music drifting through the streets. The atmosphere is joyful and welcoming, whether you are visiting for the day or settling in for a weekend getaway.

A Picture-Perfect Setting

Every corner of Palestine is an instagrammable moment during the holidays. Visitors explore Christmas shops, discover a hidden elf workshop village, pose with historic buildings dressed in garland, and capture magical moments along the parade route.

While the events and attractions are memorable, what makes Christmas in Palestine truly magical is the hospitality. Shop owners welcome you with a smile, restaurants serve comforting seasonal dishes, and locals share the warmth of the season as if you were part of their own community. Staying in a historic 1914 hotel only adds to the feeling of stepping back in time for a simpler, more heartwarming holiday.

Whether you come for the Polar Express, the Christmas Parade of Lights, to discover the Grinch’s Lair, or have breakfast with Mrs. Claus, Christmas in Palestine is sure to create lasting memories. Plan your visit today and discover why so many families return year after year.