Christmas in Palestine, TX

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Unwrap the magic of the holiday season in East Texas as Palestine comes alive with festive cheer. The crisp winter air and sparkling decorations set the stage for a memorable Christmas. 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 perfect Christmas getaway and discover the enchanting experiences that await you in Palestine.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride:

November - December*

*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
Get your tickets here.

Grinch’s Lair at the Historic Texas Jailhouse:
This Christmas, don’t miss your chance to meet the Grinch at the Texas Jailhouse! Known for his grumpy antics, our hilarious and endearing Grinch is now on a mission to make Christmas special for everyone. Come see him in his festive jailhouse lair, where he’s learning the joy of giving back.

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” this interactive, live production invites you to explore the Grinch’s world. Enjoy a fun-filled visit with the Grinch, his sidekick Max, and other delightful characters as they bring holiday cheer to life.

903-480-0212 | 704 Avenue A | $15 per person
Get your tickets here.

Braly's Ace Hardware Holiday Events:

Kids’ Christmas Party

Date: December 7
Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Description: Bring the little ones for a morning filled with holiday cheer, crafts, and activities.

DIY Paint a Train and Scavenger Hunt

Dates: November 15 - December 28
Time: 10 AM - 4 PM (available any day the train is running at the Texas State Railroad Park)
Description: Participate in a delightful DIY activity and scavenger hunt at Braly’s Ace Hardware, perfect for families to create memories together.

903-723-2179 | 420 W Palestine Ave/Hwy 79
For more information, please visit Braly's Facebook.

Pancakes with Mrs. Claus

Jump out of bed and start the day with a hot pancake breakfast with Mrs. Claus at Home Grill Steakhouse. Of course, PJ’s are welcome!

Dates: **Saturdays and Sundays Only**

11/30-12/01

12/07-12/08

12/14-12/15

12/21-12/22

Times:
8AM - 10:30AM

903-723-5192 | 223 W Crawford St | Please call for reservations.

For more information, please visit Home Grill's Facebook.

Christmas on Main:

Enjoy a full day of holiday festivities in the Palestine Main Street district on December 7!

Palestine Public Library Open House: 10 AM - 1 PM
Explore the library’s festive decorations, enjoy holiday-themed activities, and discover new books and resources.

Christmas Brunch at Queen St Grille: 9 AM - 2 PM
Savor a delicious holiday brunch with seasonal favorites at Queen Street Grille.

Christmas at the Farmers Market: 9 AM - 2 PM
Shop for unique holiday gifts, fresh produce, and homemade treats at the festive Farmers Market.

Downtown Art Walk: 11 AM - 4 PM
Stroll through downtown and admire local art displays, meet the artists, and find one-of-a-kind pieces.

Parade of Lights: 7 PM
Palestine’s only nighttime parade, where the streets of the Main Street district come alive with colorful lights, beautiful floats, and smiles all around!

Parade Application

Santa at Rotary Park: After the Parade
Join Santa at the Rotary Park Gazebo at 400 W. Main Street to share your Christmas wishes.

Christmas Movie in the Park: Approximately 8:30 PM
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a free showing of a classic Christmas movie with cookies and hot chocolate, courtesy of the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce.

Walk of Lights Extended Hours: Until 10 PM on December 7 only. Enjoy the extended hours of the Walk of Lights, a dazzling display of holiday lights and decorations.

Many downtown shops will also stay open late until at least 9 PM for holiday shopping. Stay and play in Downtown Palestine to make holiday memories for a lifetime!

Mark Your Calendar: Don’t miss out on the festive fun! Join us on December 7 for a magical day in Palestine, TX.

Share Your Experience: Tag Palestine Main Street to share your holiday memories with us!

903-723-3014 | Historic Downtown Palestine | FB Event

A Walk Through Bethlehem:

Embark on a magical journey through the streets of Bethlehem this holiday season! Your adventure begins with a delightful hay ride to the gates. Stroll through the lively streets, featuring live animals and local Bethlehem vendors, creating a truly immersive experience.

📅 Dates: December 13, 14, 15

🕡 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

📍 Location: Montalba Baptist Church, Palestine, TX

Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable evening that captures the true essence of Christmas.

903-549-2319 | Hwy 19 N / FM 321, Montalba | FREE

Railroad Heritage Center Extended Hours:

This holiday season, the Railroad Heritage Center of Palestine is extending its hours to give you more time to explore and enjoy!

📅 Dates: November 15 - December 28, 2024
🕤 Extended Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Railroad Heritage Center, Palestine, TX

Discover the rich history of railroads through fascinating exhibits, including a stunning 37’ x 17’ scale model railroad. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or looking for a unique holiday outing, the Railroad Heritage Center offers something for everyone.

For an even more immersive experience, visitors can explore the Railroad Heritage Center before or after their Polar Express™ Train Ride. Dive deeper into the world of railroading and make your holiday outing truly unforgettable.

Bring family and friends to experience the magic of the rails and make the most of these extended hours. The Railroad Heritage Center looks forward to welcoming everyone!

903-586-7141 | 808 W Oak Street | $5 Per Person at the Door

Festival of Trees:
Dogwood Garden Club’s 13th Annual Festival of Trees, supporting non-profit organizations. The decorated trees will be on display on Carnegie Library lawn, and on the porch at the Palestine Visitor Center during the Christmas season (11/21/2024 - 01/02/2025). The trees will be voted on and cash prizes will be given for the winning trees in 4 categories. Winners will be announced at the Palestine Visitor Center on December 21, 2024.

Walk of Lights:

Enjoy a stroll through a self-guided, magical light-up wonderland. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and other goodies from our concession stand. Don’t miss out on the festive vendors offering unique holiday gifts and treats. Plus, capture the joy of the season with pictures with Santa! Admission is $20.00 per car at the entrance.

Dates: **Weather Permitting**

11/22-11/24

11/27-12/01

12/06-12/08

12/13-12/15

12/19-12/30

Times:

6:00PM-9:00PM

Directions:

From Palestine, take 155 N, and turn left on FM 315. Travel 1.2 miles, destination is on the left.

903-922-9079 | 2161 FM 315 | $20 per car
For more info, please visit Walk of Lights' Facebook

Christmas at the Redlands Hotel: Making Sweet Memories

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas at the Redlands Hotel! Every corner of our historic hotel is transformed into a festive wonderland, creating the perfect backdrop for making sweet memories with loved ones.

Meet Santa Claus, His Elf, and Toy Soldier: On weekends from 10 AM to Noon, visit the main lobby to snap free photos with Santa Claus, his elf, and his Toy Soldier using your own camera.
Stunning Holiday Décor: Our elves have meticulously decorated each suite and lobby area with beautiful Christmas trees and dazzling holiday decorations, ensuring photo opportunities at every turn.
The Grinch’s Library: Step into the whimsical world of the Grinch and enjoy this unique themed area.
Scavenger Hunt: Embark on a fun-filled scavenger hunt throughout the hotel and see if you can find all the special items hidden by our elves.
Letters to Santa: Children can drop off their letters to Santa in the special mailbox located in the lobby.

This festive experience is open to both guests and visitors, so come and enjoy the holiday spirit at the Redlands Hotel!

Dates:
11/15-12/31

Times:
8AM - 9PM

903-729-2345 | 400 N Queen St
For more information, please visit the Redlands' Facebook.

Christmas Brunch at Queen St Grille
Celebrate the most festive season of all with a delightful Christmas Brunch at Queen St Grille, located inside the historic Redlands Hotel. Enjoy a delicious brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from November 16th to December 28th, from 9 AM to 2 PM, followed by lunch.

During your visit, you'll have the chance to meet Santa Claus, his elf, and the Toy Soldier, making it a magical experience for the whole family. Each weekend, our beautifully decorated venue provides the perfect holiday atmosphere to create sweet memories.

Reservations are recommended.

903-723-2404 | 400 N Queen St | Queen St Grille's Menu.

Live Show at the Texas Theatre:
Get ready for a whimsical holiday experience with A Seussified Christmas Carol and Variety Show at the Texas Theater!

Join us for a unique twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, reimagined in the playful and rhyming style of Dr. Seuss. This live, interactive production promises to bring joy and laughter to audiences of all ages. In addition to the main performance, enjoy a variety show featuring local talent, adding even more festive fun to your evening.

Don’t miss this enchanting holiday event at the Texas Theater, perfect for families and friends looking to celebrate the season in a truly magical way.

903-394-2173 | 213 W Crawford St | $17 or $12 for ages 4-18
Get your tickets here.

Palestine Christmas Market:
Get ready to experience the joy of the season at the 2nd Annual Christmas Market, where holiday magic truly comes alive! This festive event is the perfect place to find that special something for everyone on your list.

Happening Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th at 200 N Church St in Palestine, TX, Vendors are selected through a jury process to ensure a diverse and high-quality market. With over 20 unique boutiques, attendees will discover a delightful array of handmade, vintage-inspired treasures. There’s something special for everyone!

This isn’t just about shopping—it’s about the stories behind the gifts and the memories created. Discover the artistry of local creators and take home a piece of holiday wonder.

Tickets:

VIP Night: $10 online starting October 1st or $15 at the entrance.
Market Day: Free for everyone!

Mark your calendars and get ready to make this season unforgettable. The PCM Hostesses can’t wait to share the magic with you!

903-394-8223 | 200 N Church St | Palestine Christmas Market 2024

Anderson County Community Chorus & Orchestra:
Join the community for an enchanting afternoon filled with the joyous sounds of the season! The Anderson County Chorus and Orchestra proudly present “The Sounds of Christmas,” a festive concert that will warm hearts and lift spirits.

📅 Date: December 8, 2024
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Palestine High School Auditorium, Palestine, TX

Experience the magic of Christmas through a beautiful selection of holiday music performed by the talented local chorus and orchestra. This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to celebrate the holiday season with a touch of musical delight.

903-723-3014 | 1600 S Loop 256 | FREE

The Dogwood Jamboree - A Christmas Celebration:
Enjoy a special Christmas-themed, Branson-style country music show featuring classic country hits, holiday favorites, and plenty of laughter. The talented performers and comedians will ensure a night of unforgettable entertainment for the whole family.

📅 Date: December 14, 2024
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Palestine High School Auditorium

Doors open at 6:00 PM, so come early to get the best seats and soak in the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season with great music, comedy, and community spirit.

903-724-2556 | 1600 S Loop 256 | $20 per person at the door

Events & Activities