From parades to shopping and magical holiday community gatherings, to the arts and entertainment, get your calendars ready to experience this joyful season of 2025 in the Upper East Side of Texas. We’ve collected a few highlights here. Be sure to check the visitor pages of our thriving communities to find even more fun.
Through November 2
First Monday Trade Days. Canton. www.firstmondaycanton.com
Through November 14
Unsinkable: Voices from the Storm. Athens. This exhibition is produced by the Bullock Texas State History Museum, in partnership with Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and made possible by reporters at Texas Monthly. On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck near Rockport, Texas, leaving devastation across the state. Unsinkable: Voices of the Storm shares the firsthand accounts of 16 Texans whose stories of resilience, heartbreak, and recovery were captured through photographs and interviews by Texas Monthly. Their words and images highlight the extraordinary ways everyday people fed, clothed, rescued, and cared for one another in the midst of the storm. See the exhibition at Trinity Valley Community College, Athens Administration Building. For more information about Humanities Texas and its statewide programs, visit www.humanitiestexas.org
Through November 15
Cowboy Tales. Art Exhibition. Winnsboro Center for the Arts. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com. See an online gallery of the work on www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com/product-category/2025-cowboy-tales
Making a Mark: Women in Early Texas Art, Emma Richardson Terry, Tyler Museum of Art, Through November 30.
Through November 30
Making a Mark: Women in Early Texas Art. Tyler. Far from encyclopedic, Making a Mark celebrates a few women artists who were active and influential in Texas from the latter part of the nineteenth century through the end of the twentieth century.
While the 17 highlighted artists certainly worked in a broad spectrum of media, the exhibition focuses solely on works on paper. Within that scope, however, the artworks include a variety of printmaking techniques and the direct application of ink, watercolor, pastel and litho crayon on paper.
The artists featured are Emma Richardson Cherry, Marilyn Miller Kincheloe, Julya Kirkpatrick, Kathleen Lawrence, Mary Lightfoot, Verda Ligon, Josephine Mahaffey, Toni LaSelle, Constance Forsyth, Barbara Maples, Josephine Oliver, Janet Turner, Bertha Landers, Mary Bonner, Coreen Spellman, Kathleen Blackshear, and Rosalie Speed. www.tylermuseum.org
Through December 20
Six Degrees of Separation. Longview. www.lmfa.org
Through December 31
Texarkana and the Railroads. Texarkana. The exhibit includes the history of different gauge railways, short lines, freight and passenger service in Texarkana and the surrounding area. Guests see how Texarkana came to be after the implementation and influence of railroads, including interaction with the military, Red River Army Depot, support from the community, and the local economy through the history of the railroad. A tribute to musician David Alexander, Black Ivory King, is on display. He wrote four songs with his interpretation of life and times and the railroad life in the 1930s and 1940s. He wrote the music and lyrics to “The Flying Crow,” “Working for the PWA,” “Gingham Dress” (Alexander Blues), and “Matchbox Blues.” Nearby is the Scott Joplin display. Museum of Regional History. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call (903) 793-4831 and visit www.texarkanamuseum.org.
Scott Joplin special art exhibition, Texarkana, Through January 1, 2026
Through January 1, 2026
Scott Joplin: Father of Ragtime Special Limited Exhibition. Texarkana. Includes two original paintings by Henry Fort II presented by the Texarkana Museums System along with the Scott Joplin Support Group. The two paintings depict Scott Joplin, his music and ties to the community. Titled “Treemonisha – Texarkana, 1866” and “Scott Joplin at Mt Zion First Missionary Baptist Church Texarkana, 1880s,” the paintings are a temporary addition to the permanent Scott Joplin exhibit. “COBRA Ad-Shineum” method from the artist’s master studies at Howard University is represented in both pieces.
The two paintings are part of an expanding collection commissioned and curated by the Scott Joplin Support Group. Texarkana Museums System is offering one-time admission to this exhibit for $5 per person, to include the entire first floor. Each painting depicts an area of town known and believed to be part of Joplin’s formative years in Texarkana from the 1870s – 1880s. Museum of Regional History. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call (903) 793-4831 and visit www.texarkanamuseum.org.
Through January 4, 2026
Assembled: A Look at Contemporary Collage. Tyler. The exhibit focuses on the work of four different Texas-based collage artists. Jerry Jeanmard and Kelly Moran from Houston, Lance Letscher from Austin, and Ellen Frances Tuchman from Dallas all use the technique differently to bring their own artistic vision to life. While each artist has their own unique style, through lines within the medium are revealed when the works are viewed together. www.tylermuseum.org
Through Feb 21, 2026
My Ears to See. Longview. Art by Lee Albert Hill. www.lmfa.org
Flowers and Their Roots. Longview. Art by Diego Loya, tackling the barbed issue of Mexican immigration with powerful and poignant sculptures and installations relating to his family’s heritage. www.lmfa.org
November 1
Saturdays on Main. Palestine. A day full of special downtown shopping, dining, and public art opportunities. www.visitpalestine.com
Historic Skills Fair. Nacogdoches. Explore life on a 19th-century farmstead through a variety of demonstrations and activities. Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens. www.visitnacogdoches.org
Wesley Pruitt Band. Athens. The Texan. www.thetexanathens.com
Fall in Love with the East Texas Arboretum. Enjoy nature and beauty of the season with Richard Hawkins Photography or on your own. Treehouse Cupcakes and Frozen Treats are serving coffee, pizza, lemonades, and sweet treats, and enjoy live music. www.easttexasarboretum.org
Lufkin Heritage Festival. An annual cultural celebration that honors the heritage of Lufkin and the diverse traditions of East Texas. The event features live music and dance, local artists selling their work, a Kids Zone with hands-on activities, and special cultural programming including the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Free and open to the public, the festival fosters community pride, supports local artists and small businesses, and creates meaningful opportunities for families to celebrate together. www.lufkincreative.com
November 4
Texas Shakespeare presents Julius Caesar. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com
November 6-8
Reel East Texas Film Festival. Kilgore. www.reeleasttexas.com
November 7-8
Winnsboro Art & Wine Festival. Juried artists, award-winning wines, specialty foods, and live music. www.winnsboroartandwinefestival.com
Beatles tribute band, British Fest, Terrell, November 8
November 8
Veterans Day Parade. Nacogdoches. www.visitnacogdoches.org
Veterans Day Parade. Palestine. www.visitpalestine.com
Eldred Marshall. A virtuoso pianist takes the stage for a solo evening. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com
British Bash. A Christmas market celebrating Terrell’s long and storied history with England and the British people. www.discoverterrell.com
Ilya & Shmukler. Marshall. The Marshall Symphony Orchestra. Memorial City Hall. www.memorialcityhall.com
Heritage Syrup Festival. Henderson. Ribbon cane syrup making takes center stage with other activities including folk art and sawmill demonstrations, carousel rides, antique tractors, storytelling, live music, square dancing, pony rides, chili cook-off, and a children’s section. Henderson. Depot Museum, Downtown Square. www.hendersontx.us/14/Heritage-Syrup-Festival
Edgewood Heritage Festival. In a backdrop of 19th-century buildings, the festival celebrates regional heritage with an artisan village, classic cars, antique tractors, model trains, blacksmithing, print shop, barber shop, bake sale, jams and jellies, and live music. Heritage Park Museum of East Texas, Downtown Edgewood. www.heritageparkmuseumofetx.org
Dueling Pianos: The Eighty Eights. Athens. The Texan. www.thetexanathens.com
Art & Farm Block Party. Mineola. Stroll the sidewalks of downtown Mineola with an evening market offering local farm fresh produce and farm products among a backdrop of art galleries, shops, a historic hotel, a cigar bar and tavern. Sponsored by Promise of Peace Gardens and Art By The Tracks. 4-7 p.m. www.artbythetracks.com
November 9
Palestine Literary Arts Festival. Trinity Valley Community College, Palestine Campus. www.visitpalestine.com
November 9-13
East Texas Pipe Organ Festival. Kilgore. Celebrates the rich tradition of pipe organ music with a series of performances on meticulously restored Aeolian-Skinner organs. www.easttexaspipeorganfestival.com
November 11
Veterans Buffet & Dinner. Pottsboro. Tanglewood Resort Bar & Grill is offering a special from 6-8 p.m. Veterans from every branch are invited to proudly wear their service gear or logo apparel. An all-you-can-eat buffet includes meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, a salad bar, and assorted desserts for just $15. Drink specials include domestic draft beer for $4, imported draft beef for $5, and an Old Glory cocktail for $8. 290 Tanglewood Circle, Lake Texoma. www.tanglewoodresort.com
November 13
Holiday Open House Late Night Shopping. Rockwall. Downtown Rockwall offers a night of laughter, holiday cheer, and shopping in charming boutiques and a holiday pop-up in San Jacinto Plaza with local artwork. https://linktr.ee/downtownrockwall
November 13-16
A Streetcar Named Desire. Longview. www.theatrelongview.com
Pretty in Pink Ladies Night Out. Palestine. Pink décor, cocktails, and pampering. Bralys Hardware. www.eventbrite.com/e/pretty-in-pink-ladies-night-tickets-1366428627809
November 14-16 & 21-23
The Importance of Being Earnest. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com
The Polar Express Train Ride, Palestine, November 14-December 16
November 14-Dec 16
The Polar Express Train Ride. Journey to the North Pole with the Texas State Railroad. Guests are welcome to wear pajamas and immerse in reliving the magic of the story with hot chocolate and cookies. www.texasstaterailroad.net/the-polar-express
November 14-December 24
Old Town Carriage Rides. Palestine. Ride in a carriage through the Historic Main Street District, glowing with holiday lights. Sing along to Christmas carols and see the festive sights. https://www.facebook.com/OldTownCarriageService/
Once Upon a Small Town Christmas, The Redlands, Palestine, November 14-January 6.
November 14-January 6
Once Upon a Small Town Christmas at The Redlands. Palestine. Guests find the beautifully decorated lobby as well as rooms throughout with plenty of photo opportunities. Special activities include the Grinch’s Library, a fun hotel scavenger hunt, and visits with Santa Claus, Santa’s Elf and his Toy Soldiers. Find special treats in the on-site Queen St Grille casual fine-dining restaurant including Saturday and Sunday brunch buffet, as well as a full bar and an art gallery on the lobby level. www.theredlandshotel.com
November 15
Caddo Culture Day. Alto. www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/caddo-mounds
NacoPalooza Music Fest & Pub Crawl. Nacogdoches. www.visitnacogdoches.org
Helene Cronin & Scott White. Longview. www.lmfa.org
Art by the Tracks Holiday Party. Mineola. Live music, drinks, light bites, and art by local artists. 5-7 p.m. Beckham Hotel. Produced by the Commerce Street Collective merchants, who work together to provide memorable shopping experiences. Included are The Beckham Hotel, Horsefeathers Gallery, Gallery 119, Rustic Art Gallery, The Barnyard, and Mineola Music Co. www.artbythetracks.com
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. Nacogdoches. Turner Auditorium. www.visitnacogdoches.org
Trinity Valley Community College Fall Student Art Show. Athens. Learning Resource Center. (903) 675-6230
Winter Wonderland. Mineola. Shopping. Food trucks. Santa. Live entertainment. Civic Center and RV Park.
November 18-24
Trinity Valley Community College Instrumental Music Student Show. Athens. 6:30 p.m. Kevin & Jeaneane Lilly Music Education Center. (903) 675-6230
“Tattoo” by Ann Glaess won Honorable Mention in this year’s Cowboy Tales exhibit at Winnsboro Center for the Arts. The exhibit is on display through November 15. The artist is also featured in the next exhibit at WCA that runs November 18 through January 23.
November 18-January 23
Glaess, Murray, Kirkley art exhibition. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
November 20-22
Holiday in the Pines. Nacogdoches. More than 100 boutique vendors, seasonal treats, and holiday cheer. www.visitnacogdoches.org
November 20-22
Christmas in the Pineywoods. Longview. Shopping, breakfast with Santa, sweet treats. Longview Convention Complex. www.visitlongviewtexas.com
November 21
The Western Flyers. Athens. The Texan. www.thetexanathens.com
Red River Songwriters, Winnsboro, November 22
November 22
Red River Songwriters. Winnsboro. Featuring Susan Gibson, Josh Grider, Drew Kennedy, Kelly Mickwee, and Walt Wilkins. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
The Swon Brothers. Marshall. Memorial City Hall. www.memorialcityhall.com
November 22-December 21
The Grinch’s Lair. Palestine. Meet the Grinch this Christmas at the Texas Jailhouse for a live, interactive holiday adventure full of mischief, laughter, and a touch of Whoville magic. www.txjailhouse.com
A visit with Santa during Wonderland of Lights in Marshall. Photo by Ben Daily
November 26-January 3
Wonderland of Lights. Marshall. Features millions of twinkling lights around the Historic 1901 Courthouse, carriage rides, an ice skating rink, Santa’s Village, train rides, and special events each weekend. www.visitmarshalltexas.com
November 27
Hopkins County Turkey Trot. Sulphur Springs. www.visitsulphurspringstx.com
Thanksgiving Feast. Pottsboro. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The beloved tradition costs $60 per member, or $70 for non-members. Seniors eat for $20. Kids aged 6 to 12 can indulge for only $15, while children 5 and under dine for free. Specialties include garlic herb butter roasted turkey, bourbon honey glazed ham, sweet potato casserole, green bean almondine, giblet and brown gravy, dressing, cranberry sauce, a grazing table, soups and salads, and tons of assorted pies, cobblers, and more. To make reservations call (903) 462-7829 or go to www.tanglewoodresort.com/thanksgiving.
November 29 & Dec 6
Christmas in the Park. Sulphur Springs. Heritage Park & Museum. www.visitsulphurspringstx.com
November 27-30
First Monday Trade Days. Canton. www.firstmondaycanton.com
November 28
Get Lit Holiday Market. Longview. Indoor/outdoor shopping experience with live music, giveaways, holiday cheer. The Methvin Event Venue. www.visitlongviewtexas.com
November 29
Wassail Fest. Nacogdoches. www.visitnacogdoches.com
December 1
Snow & Starlight: A Cardinal Christmas. Athens. Presentation by the Trinity Valley Community College choir, band, and jazz band. 6:30 p.m. TVCC Auditorium. (903) 675-6230
December 2-26
Festival of Trees. Palestine. www.visitpalestine.com
The Rat Pack Holiday Show, Greenville, December 3
December 3
The Rat Pack Holiday Show. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. Experience Frank, Sammy, and Dean — the icons of crooning, cocktails, and cool. The show takes guests inside 1960s Las Vegas for an evening of glitz and glamour. Starring the acclaimed Brian Duprey as Frank Sinatra, Joe Scalissi as Dean Martin, and Kenny Jones as Sammy Davis, Jr. Side-by-side with a 6-piece band, they will dazzle with the great hits including — “My Way,” “Mr. Bojangles,” “New York, New York,” “That’s Amore,” “Fly Me To The Moon” and seasonal classics such as “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bells, and White Christmas. Tickets range from $45 to $75. www.showtimeatthegma.com
December 4-7
Fun Pick Weekend. Grapeland. Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass. www.slpbluegrass.com
Kolby Cooper, The Texan, Athens, December 5
December 5
Lighted Christmas Market. Sulphur Springs. www.visitsulphurspringstx.com
Greenville Christmas Parade of Lights. Nighttime spectacle with marching bands, antique cars, floats, horses, and more winding through the downtown streets. www.travelgreenvilletx.com
Home for the Holidays Concert. Longview. Belcher Center at LeTourneau University. www.visitlongviewtexas.com
Kolby Cooper. Athens. The Texan. www.thetexanathens.com
Jake Honeycutt, Texas Tribe Live. Palestine. Featuring live music, food trucks and beer garden provided by Pint & Barrel Drafthouse. $10. Bring your own seat. Farmers Market Pavilion. www.palestinefarmersmarket.com
December 6
Christmas in Candyland. Gun Barrel City. www.gunbarrelcity.gov
Art & Farm Block Party. Mineola. Stroll the sidewalks of downtown Mineola with an evening market offering local farm fresh produce and farm products among a backdrop of art galleries, shops, a historic hotel, cigar bar and tavern. Sponsored by Promise of Peace Gardens and Art By The Tracks. 4-7 p.m. www.artbythetracks.com
Peppermint Land. Longview. Characters greet and entertain guests with a visual feast inspired by fairytales and the magic of childhood dreams. Shopping, artisans, fashions, sweets. Longview Exhibit Center. www.visitlongviewtexas.com
Rockwall’s Hometown Christmas. Rockwall. Parade, snow hill, photos with Santa, tree lighting. https://linktr.ee/downtownrockwall
Christmas Parade of Lights. Palestine. www.visitpalestine.com
Christmas on Main Street. Palestine. Shop unique gifts, savor local dining, and stroll twinkling streets adorned with murals, sculptures, and Christmas décor for an enchanting celebration. www.visitpalestine.com
Hearth & Tinsel Tour of Homes. Palestine. 4-7 p.m. Explore charmingly decorated historic homes. www.palestinechamber.org
Nine Flags Lighted Christmas Parade. Nacogdoches. www.visitnacogdoches.org
December 6-7
Joy to the World. Sulphur Springs. Northeast Texas Choral Society. Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium. www.visitsulphurspringstx.org
Christmas at Farmers Market. Palestine. Handmade gifts. www.palestinefarmersmarket.com
December 7
All Star Christmas Concert. Greenville Pops Orchestra with Tatiana Mayfield and Friends. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com.
East Texas Symphonic Band Concert. Longview. Belcher Center at LeTourneau University. www.visitlongviewtexas.com
Sounds of Christmas. Palestine. Concert featuring the Anderson Community Chorus. www.visitpalestine.com
December 9-12
Holiday Tea Room & Market. Longview. Features unique and personal works of East Texas artisans. www.lmfa.org
December 11
Artwalk. Longview. www.visitlongviewtexas.com
December 11-20
Annie. Athens. Henderson County Performing Arts Center. www.hcpac.org
December 12
Christmas Tree Lighting. Terrell. Historic Downtown. www.discoverterrell.com
December 12-13 and 19-20
Christmas Wagon Rides. Greenville. www.parkstreetgreenville.com
December 12-14
A Christmas Carol. Winnsboro. Written by Charles Dickens, this play recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. In the process, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man. This version of the story directed by Sheila Brown is a Live Radio Play. It is adapted for radio and original music score by Anthony E. Palermo. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
A Walk Through Bethlehem. Palestine. Includes a hay ride to the gates, strolling through lively streets with live animals and Bethlehem vendors. www.visitpalestine.com
December 13
Rhythms of Belonging. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com
Nacogdoches Christmas Tour of Homes. www.visitnacogdoches.org
Monster Truck Wars. Sulphur Springs. Hopkins County Regional Lcivic Center. www.monstertrucks.fun
Annual Black Excellence Gala. Longview. Honoring veterans for their courage, service, and sacrifice. East Texas Builders Event Center. www.visitlongviewtexas.com
Dogwood Jamboree. Palestine. Palestine High School. www.visitpalestine.com
Christmas Market. Palestine. More than 20 unique boutiques with handmade and vintage-inspired treasures. www.visitpalestine.com
December 14
Rangerettes Christmas Show. Hallsville. Broadway-style show with the famous Kilgore Rangerettes. Hallsville High School Auditorium. www.visitkilgore.com
December 18
Christmas Carols Sing-Along at The Texas. Palestine. www.visitpalestine.com
The Nutcracker on December 19 at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium.
December 19
The Nutcracker with Ballet Frontier. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com
December 20
Echoes and Elegance. Greenville Chamber Music Society presents Ravel and Brahms piano trios. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com
The Texas Tenors. Marshall. Deep in the Heart of Christmas. Memorial City Hall. www.memorialcityhall.com
December 31
Adler & Hearne. Winnsboro. Afternoon New Year’s Eve concert www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
Anthony Bonnette. Longview. The Reo Palm Isle. www.reostarplex.com
January 4
Sounds of Spirit. Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Music Hall. www.mountvernonmusic.org
