East Texas Parades, Shopping, And Lights For This Weekend

(East Texas) We are in full Christmas mode at this point. Christmas trees, lights, and decorations are going up in our homes, offices, and the cities we live in. It is the most magical and meaningful time of the year.

While Christmas has become very commercialized, East Texans are in a rush to find the perfect gift that will bring joy and brighten someone's day. While we're all out doing our holiday shopping, we should think about those who are struggling to make ends meet. We should donate to a local nonprofit agency so they can make even more miracles happen with our money.

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There are a lot of things competing for our time right now. Just remember to take a break and take a little time for yourself and don't wear yourself down, and enjoy this wonderful time of the year.

While I talk about taking time for yourself, grab the kids and friends, and make some memories this weekend at these East Texas events.

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

For more information or to purchase tickets for the ticketed events we’ve listed, click or tap the event name to go to their official page.

Santa's Bake Shop

Saturday @ 10a
200 E Hubbard St - Lindale

The Santa Bake Shop is a fundraising event for the Lillie Russell Memorial Library in Lindale. Stop by and fill up your cookie jar by purchasing home-baked cookies and goodies from the Lindale community.

Christmas Parades

Athens @ 6:30p
Arp @ 6p
Bullard @ 5:45
Chandler @ 6p
Gilmer @ 7p
Marshall @ 6p
Mineola @ 5:30p
Nacogdoches @ 6:30p
Palestine @ 6p
Whitehouse @ 3:30p

 
Christmas Light Drive Thru Parks

open nightly
various locations in East Texas

Load up the family in the truck and head to a Christmas light park in Tyler, Marshall, Lindale, Athens, or Longview and celebrate the season and watch Christmas come to life through lights. There will be an admission fee for most of these parks.

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Rudolph The Red-Nosed Pumping Unit Lighting

Friday @ 5p
221 S 2nd St - Lufkin

The 45-foot-tall pumpjack is transformed each year to look like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Thousands of twinkling lights light up this pumpjack as a historical reminder to Lufkin's heritage and heart.

Cars & Coffee For A Cause

Saturday @ 9a
703 N Fredonia St - Longview

This is a community and toy collection event being hosted at SE Auto Products in Longview. There will be a raffle for charity, and they are collecting toys for children in need this Christmas.

Peppermint Land Holiday Expo

Saturday 10a-6p
1123 Jaycee Rd - Longview

The Longview Expo Center will be full of shopping opportunities for you, festivities, food, and entertainment. Entrepreneurs will have the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, unique gifts, and more.

Mentoring Alliance Christmas Bash and Health Fair

Saturday 12n-4p
3225 Old Jacksonville Hwy - Tyler

The Mentoring Alliance is hosting a community-wide event for the holidays. There will be health screenings for children, pictures with Santa and Grinch, letter letter-writing station to Santa, snacks, and lots of activities for everyone.

Christmas Parade Mini Train

Saturday 4p-7p
204 W Front St - Mineola

Hop aboard the mini-train at Iron Horse Square in Mineola. The special train will be running before the city parade so that you can enjoy more of downtown Mineola before the main event.

Christmas In The Park

Saturday @ 6p
110 E Dobbs St - Tyler

The Children's Park has been transformed and features thousands of lights throughout the trees and along the walking paths. The evening will be filled with carols, family activities, and love for children.