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.)

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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.

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Times:
8AM - 10:30AM

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Festival of the Nativities:
Experience a special Festival of Nativities at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. View a beautiful display of nativity sets, including collections from their church members and local friends. Enjoy warm beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, and wassail, along with festive cookies. They invite the everyone to share in this joyful celebration of the season!


903-391-1691 | 1515 S Loop 256

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Coffee & More at Old Magnolia: 8:00AM - 10:00AM
Enjoy 1/2 priced coffee, including seasonal and specialty brews. Plus, cookies, coffee, cocoa, and coloring are available all day during store hours.

Pancakes with Mrs. Claus at Home Grill Steakhouse: 8:00AM - 10:30AM
Join Mrs. Claus for a delightful morning of pancakes, holiday cheer, and festive fun for the whole family!

Christmas Brunch at Queen St Grille: 9:00AM - 2:00PM
Savor a delicious holiday brunch with seasonal favorites at Queen Street Grille.

Christmas at the Farmers Market: 9:00AM - 2:00PM
Shop for unique holiday gifts, fresh produce, and homemade treats at the festive Farmers Market.

Railroad Heritage Center: 9:30AM - 6:00PM
Choo-choo! All aboard for a fun-filled adventure, where visitors of all ages can explore train exhibits and amazing artifacts from the golden age of railroads!

Pictures with Santa:
Redlands Hotel: 10:00AM-12:00PM
Curious Museum: 11:00AM-2:00PM {Print on site with Photographer Jacquelyn-Paige}
Crimson Room: 12:00PM-5:00PM
Rotary Park: After the parade

Palestine Public Library Open House: 10:00AM - 1:00PM
Explore the library’s festive decorations, enjoy holiday-themed activities, and discover new books and resources.

Kids Christmas Party at Braly's Ace Hardware: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Bring the little ones for a morning filled with holiday cheer, crafts, and activities.

Christmas Activities at Curious Museum: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Experience festive Christmas activities at the Curious Museum, where holiday fun and learning come together for all ages.

Old Town Vintage & More Open House: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Bring the family for face painting and ornament making for the kiddos, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, cookies, and fabulous shopping throughout the shop, with FREE admission and fun for all ages.

Palestine Trade Days: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Explore a vibrant marketplace, where you can discover unique treasures, antiques, and handmade items, perfect for all ages to enjoy!

Christmas Market by the Creek at Wells Creek Crossing: 10:00Am - 5:00PM
Perfect for finding last minute Christmas gifts and supporting local artists/small businesses!

Downtown Art Walk: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Stroll through downtown and admire local art displays, meet the artists, and find one-of-a-kind pieces.

Santa's Workshop at the Chamber of Commerce: 11:00AM
Experience the magic at Santa's Workshop, featuring kids' activities, photo ops, family fun, arts & crafts, and even a snowball fight!

Holiday Home Tour: 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Explore the charm of historic homes inside and out on the Holiday Home Tour hosted by the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce; purchase tickets here.

Doggy Costume Contest at the Texas Theatre: 4:00PM
Attention all dog lovers! Come watch adorable pups in their festive Christmas wear and support a fantastic cause, with all proceeds going to BARC of Anderson County.

Christmas Parade of Lights: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEUDLED TO FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, AT 7:00PM
Witness 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: After the Parade - Approximately 8:30PM
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.

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Pancakes & Pics with Santa & Mrs. Claus:
Enjoy a festive morning with Altrusa International of Anderson County to savor a delicious pancake breakfast for only $10 Children 6 years old and under are $5, and pictures are $5 per digital image. Capture the holiday magic and make joyful memories!



817-395-2648 | 501 Ave A | Scan QR code to purchase your tickets

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Christmas Carol Sing-Along at the Texas Theatre:
Join us for the 21st Annual Christmas Carols Sing-Along at the beautiful Texas Theatre! Admission is FREE for this beloved community event. Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening filled with classic Christmas carols in a cozy and festive setting. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the singing starts at 7:00 PM. Come share in the joy and wonder of Christmas with family and friends!



903-394-2173 | 213 W Crawford St | FREE

A Chamber Christmas:
City-Wide Christmas Light Contest

• Dates: December 1 - 31
• Description: Come see Palestine all lit up and join the fun. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite displays to help choose the winners! For a map of all the must-see spots, click here.

Santa's Workshop

• Date: December 7
• Time: 11AM
• Description: Kids can enjoy Christmas activities including arts & crafts, fun photo ops and even a snowball fight!

Holiday Home Tour

• Date: December 7
• Time: 4:00PM - 7PM
• Description: Explore the charm of historic homes inside and out on the Holiday Home Tour hosted by the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce; purchase tickets here.

903-729-6066 | 401 W Main St
For more information, please visit the Chamber website.

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Admission:
Children and Adults: $10
Senior Citizens: $8
Members and children 2 & under: FREE

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 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.

903-478-3264 | 502 N Queen St

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Walk of Lights:

• 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

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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.

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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.

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

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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 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 | Purchase your VIP tickets here.

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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

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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

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