East Texas Weekend Events: Ice Skating, Christmas Shopping & More

East Texans are preparing for the holiday rush. With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, families are finalizing their holiday trip plans, divvying up the Thanksgiving menu, and getting ready to visit with family.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, there's quite a bit of pre-holiday fun for the entire family to enjoy this weekend. From synthetic ice skating to sliding down giant slides to seeing holiday lights and doing some holiday shopping, there are plenty of unique things to do this weekend in East Texas.

In between all of these weekend activities, I'm sure Christmas inflatables will pop up in front yards around East Texas along with Christmas trees being pulled out of the attic and put on display in the living room along with other Christmas decorations.

Here's a look at what's happening this weekend in East Texas.

For more information or to purchase tickets to listed ticketed events, click or tap on the event name to be redirected to their official page or website.

Ice Skating @ Discovery Science Place

daily
Discovery Science Place - Tyler

Get ready to glide into fun with their new synthetic ice-skating rink opening Thursday, November 14th. It's an exciting addition that is perfect for everyone—from beginners to seasoned skaters. Lace up your skates and make unforgettable memories!

A Very Derrick Christmas

Thursday @ 5p
N Kilgore St - Kilgore

A Very Derrick Christmas is scheduled for Thursday, November 14th at 5:00. Help us kick off the holiday season as we light the derricks in downtown Kilgore!

Piney Park Trail Of Lights

various hours
Martin Lake Rd - Marshall

Piney Park Trail of Lights is opening for its 4th Christmas season! Check-out the park on Opening Weekend.
Your admission ticket gets you into ALL of the attractions below! There are no extra charges except for food or merchandise.
✨Attractions✨
Visit with Santa
Slide
Jumping Pillows
.5 mile trail of lights
Cannons
Cow Trains
Light Maze

This is a ticketed event.

Girls Bonfire

Friday 6p-8p
FM 2015 - Tyler

Join us for our Girls Bonfire at Cross Brand Cowboy Church. We will meet behind the arena. This is a fun event for girls of all ages. So invite your mom, sister, grandmother, aunt, friends, co-workers!! We will have smores and much more. Don't forget to bring a chair!!

Christmas Market

Saturday 10a-4p
E Houston St - Marshall

With the beautiful Harrison County Courthouse in the background, enjoy unique products created by over two dozen local farmers, cottage food businesses, crafters, and artists. Free admission, and Santa photo board for family photos! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Veterans Tribute Car & Truck Show

Saturday 8a-1p
Hwy 69 S - Tyler

The event is happening at South Spring Baptist Church off S Hwy 69 south of Toll 49. 2024 Veterans Tribute Car & Truck Show Benefiting the East Texas Veterans Association of Warriors

Mineola Vinyl Record Show! Records, Cassettes and more

Saturday 10a-6p
N Johnson St - Mineola

Join us at the Mineola Vinyl Record Show for a groovy time browsing through records, cassettes, and more retro treasures!

Pop-Up Market On The Square

Saturday 11a-4p
downtown Tyler - Tyler

A monthly pop-up market filled with local vendors! From hand-crafted artisan goods to the latest runway styles, our local pop-up markets have something for everyone! Shop local art, baked goods, creatives, artisans, and boutique shops!
Come for the shopping. Stay for the fun!

Classic & Sports Car Show

Saturday @ 12n
N 4th St - Longview

It's a Classic & Sports Cars show for car enthusiasts. Visitors can cast a vote for their favorite car on display. There will be live music and food available too.

Fall Movies In The Park In Tyler

Saturday @ 6p
Faulkner Park - Tyler

The Fall Movies in the Park lineup is here! Join us for a season of throwbacks. The classics never go out of style!
Nov. 16 @ 6 p.m. - Bad News Bears @ Faulkner Park
Coming next month on Dec. 7 @ 6 p.m. - Elf @ Tyler Rose Garden (Queen's Court)

Singing In The Rain - The Musical

Thursday - Sunday
Longview High School - Longview

Come out to support our Lobo Thespians in their production of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN!
You have four chances to see it....
Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7pm
Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7pm
Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2pm
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7pm
Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults
Students will be selling tickets and they will also be available for purchase at each show.
We will also have our SILENT AUCTION and RAFFLE drawings at each show. Please bring cash for raffle tickets. All these help support our #LoboThespian scholarship programs.