Bookmark This List of 10 Upcoming Christmas Events in East Texas

If you're anything like me, you have the memory of a gnat and forget stuff almost as soon as you hear it. That's why I suggest you bookmark this list of ten upcoming Christmas events in East Texas. There's a bunch of fun activities like a balloon glow, holiday parades, a Christmas train, a 5K race, and even a holiday fashion event, plus your pet can score photos with Santa!

There are some things on this list I would love to do. For instance, I'm looking forward to taking my 8-year-old daughter, Willow, on the Santa train. I am definitely not a 5K race person (when there's a .05K, let me know and I'll do it), but I wouldn't mind doing one of the other activities like the pet photos with Santa. We have two guinea pigs that would love to tell Santa what they want for Christmas (probably some more carrots and cucumbers since those are their favorite snacks).

Let us know if there's an event you want to be listed here below, and we'll get it up for everyone to see. After all, this is the LAST Christmas of the decade. Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas to you!

1
Balloon Glow in Longview
100 Grand Blvd. at the Maude Cobb Convention Center, Longview, TX , 75604
December 12th from 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm, weather permitting and as long as it's not too windy.
On the lawn behind Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex. There will be Christmas music, hot cocoa, and you can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, who will be handing out gifts young children.
2
Lighted Christmas Parade in Mineola
Begins on Graham Street, Mineola, TX, 75773
Saturday, December 7th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm in historic downtown Mineola.
This year’s Christmas parade theme is “Texas Toyland”.
Two awards will be given, the Candy Cane Award and the Snow Flake judges' choice award. You can also expect a parade visit from Santa.
3
Santa Land Drive-Through Christmas Park in Tyler
11455 I-20, West Tyler, TX 75706
Ongoing until January 4, 2020 from 6 pm to 10 pm nightly.
$25 per car. Click here for pricing if you have more than 6 people in a vehicle.
4
The North Pole of Texas in Pickton
227 County Road 3378, Pickton, TX 75471
Friday & Saturday, December 6th & 7th
Friday & Saturday, December 13th & 14th
Thursday - Monday, December 19th - 23rd
Enjoy free train rides, free hot chocolate, and tons of free family fun. All weather cancellations can be found on the North Pole of Texas Facebook page.
5
Mount Vernon "All About Disney" Lighted Christmas Parade
December 7th from 4 pm to 9 pm.
The festivities begin at 4 pm. Lighted Parade begins at 6:30 pm. Parade Route begins on Rutherford Street, turns onto Kaufman and proceeds down to the square. There will be food vendors, bounce houses, train rides, knocker ball, a visit with Santa, plus you can meet all the characters from the parade.
6
2019 Tyler Christmas Parade
Downtown Tyler, TX, 75702
Thursday, December 5th at 6 pm in downtown Tyler.
The parade begins at 6 pm and the 34th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza will serve as the finale. Parade awards will be given for Best Holiday Theme, Best Band, Brightest Entry, Spirit Award, Most Creative, and Best Decorated Vehicle.
The parade will start on N Broadway Avenue, South of E Oakwood Street and finish at E Oakwood Street.
7
Wonderland Train in Longview
905 Pacific Avenue, Longview, TX, 75602
Sunday, December 8
Saturday, December 14
Saturday, December 21
Sunday, December 29
Train boarding begins at 5:45 pm*. Trip ends at 9 pm when the shuttle bus heads back to Longview.
Wonderland Train tickets are $20 per person. tickets for the round-trip Wonderland Train event are sold directly through the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau, not through Amtrak.
*The schedule is dependent on the arrival Amtrak train, which is sometimes delayed.
8
Santa Pet Photos at Kimbrough Animal Hospital in Longview
1613 Judson Rd, Longview, Texas, 75601
Saturday, December 7th from 1 pm to 3 pm.
COST: $10 donation towards our Avery Angel Fund.
Head over to the Christmas Tree in the Kimbrough Animal Hospital lobby to get a keepsake photo of Santa & your pet! There will also be cocoa and cookies for the humans.
9
Fashion and Firs at Gregg County Historical Museum in Longview
214 N Fredonia St, Longview, Texas, 75601
Wednesday, December 4th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
FREE to the public.
Bid on "Treasured Trees", take your chances on our raffle items, and enjoy some holiday cheer.
10
The Jingle Bell Jog Family Fun Run
313 W Tyler St, Longview, TX, 75601
December 14th at ArtsView Children’s Theatre in downtown Longview.
$40 registration for the 5K; $30 registration for the Family Fun Run or the Virtual Jog Race. Registration ends Friday, December 13th.
The race kick-off is at 8:00 am. All participants ages 12 & under be accompanied by an adult.
There will be prizes for "Most Jingliest" costume, plus Mens' 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places (5K); Womens' 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (5K); Kid's 1st, 2nd, 3rd in the 1-mile Fun Run.