You can almost feel the panic setting in. The Christmas rush is in full swing and will get overwhelming for some. There are so many things to do. There are so many decorations to put out. There are so many family gatherings to plan.

Don't get caught up in the hustle and bustle and run yourself into the ground. Carve out some time for yourself to decompress and relax and do something for you.

You can take a stroll through one of the many Christmas markets happening throughout East Texas and look at things for yourself and maybe just find that special something you've been looking all over for! Slow down and make it about you!

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.

East Texas Christmas Light Parks

daily
various locations

Gather up the family, pack away some gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate, and make a road trip of it and enjoy the beautiful lights on display throughout East Texas by driving through one of the many Christmas Light Parks. You can find them in Tyler, Longview, Athens, and Marshall. Tap here for all the locations.

 

Holiday Lights At The East Texas Arboretum

weekends
Patterson Rd - Athens

Stroll the garden as lights and holiday décor enchant the pathway. Santa is taking over the Little Red School House as his ETX base of operations and will be available each night for photos! This is a ticketed event.

 

Carols In The Park

Friday @ 8p
College St - Pittsburg

Location: First United Methodist Church – Ministry Center
Join us for an evening filled with the wonder and meaning of Christmas. Wander through over 100 stunningly decorated Christmas trees while listening to uplifting carols celebrating the story of Christ. Enjoy delicious refreshments in a warm, festive atmosphere. Admission is FREE, but love offerings are appreciated. Help us spread the spirit of giving by bringing non-perishable food items to support God's Closet, which helps provide food to those in need in our community.

 

Saint Nick's Fun Fest

Saturday @ 9a
Lindsey Park - Tyler

Saint Nick's Fun Fest is a 7k, 13k and 20k run throughout Lindsey Park. The run will be set in the cool early morning and is a charity trail run in the dirt with some hilly terrain. Registration is required.

 

December Winter Market

Saturday 9a-12n
E Carnigie St - Winnsboro

Come shop our local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and makers. Find all the freshest and highest quality ingredients!

 

Christmas At The Market

Saturday 9a-3p
Angelina County Farmers Market - Lufkin

Get those Christmas Shopping Lists ready. We will have a great variety of vendors for all of your shopping needs, photos with Santa, Food, and Fun activities. Come Sip and Shop and have a Jolly Good Time!

 

15th Annual Holiday In The Garden & Bazaar

Saturday 10a-8p
Rose Park Dr - Tyler

Everyone's favorite holiday event returns this year to the Tyler Rose Garden! Enjoy vendors, food, and entertainment on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Garden lights will begin at 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Palestine Christmas Market 2024

Saturday 11a-5p
N Church St - Palestine

Enjoy unique artisan crafts, delicious seasonal treats, and joyful entertainment for the whole family. Remember, it’s not just about the gifts, but the stories behind them. Each handmade item carries a piece of the artisan’s heart and creativity. Don't miss out on the festive fun—mark your calendars and celebrate the holiday season with us!

 

Christmas In The Park

Saturday @ 6p
E Dobbs St - Tyler

Join us for Christmas in The Park from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Children's Park in Tyler! This special FREE event brings families and our community together to celebrate in the beauty of the holiday lights in the park. Enjoy Christmas carols around the tree, festive crafts, a photo booth, s’mores, and our signature Snowman Soup. Don’t miss this very special evening!

 

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!

 

2024 Christmas Carnival @ YesterLand Farm

Friday - Sunday
I-20 - Canton

Visit us during our 2024 Christmas Carnival season for holiday family fun including:
Visit Santa
❄️ Snow Play Area
✨ Christmas Light Experience
Christmas Photo Ops
Pre Harvested Trees
Amazement Rides
Specialty Cocoa
with lots more fun, Christmas lights, and Christmas trees. This is a ticketed event.

Santa Claus Lives In A 2,086 Sq. Ft. Cabin In The North Pole. See It For Yourself

Santa has given Zillow unprecedented access to his 25 acres property in the North Pole to give us a special look inside his modest home and elf village.

Gallery Credit: Zillow-Elf Estates

These 21 East Texas Businesses Permanently Closed In 2024

It was a rough 2024 for these East Texas businesses that, unfortunately, had to close their doors permanently. They will be missed.

Gallery Credit: Lucky Larry, Mix 93-1

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