events, festivals & fairs

Christmas in Palestine; Family-Friendly Fun to Brighten the Holiday Season

Palestine, Texas – A train ride is just the beginning of holiday traditions in Palestine. Christmas in Palestine will offer plenty of family-friendly fun this holiday season.Special events planned now through Dec. 30, 2014 make this Christmas an ideal time to visit the City of Palestine. The season is filled with family activities, events and decorations that capture the holiday season.

Highlights for 2014 Christmas in Palestine:

  • The Polar Express™ Train Ride

November 14 – December 30

Read along with the story as the historic steam strain makes its magical round-trip from the Palestine Depot to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift for each child.

  • Texas State Railroad Society Museum at the Carnegie Library

November 14 – December 30 (Wednesday – Saturday Only)

History steams into downtown with the Texas State Railroad Society. Marvel at model train displays, hands on exhibits, history, artifacts and train memorabilia.

  • Grinch’s Lair at the Historic Anderson County Jail

November 28 & 29, December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 – 23

He’s mean, he’s green and he’s in Palestine. The Grinch will take you on a tour of his home. Characters from the beloved book are staged throughout the historic attraction.

  • Santa’s Workshop

November 29 – December 21 (Sat. and Sun. only), December 22-24

Santa’s Workshop, located in the historic Main Street district, is an indoor Winter Wonderland filled with holiday delights. Take photos with Santa by Lee Loveless Photography, and don’t forget to bring your Christmas list.

  • Ice Skating in Palestine

November 28 – December 28 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only)

Experience ice skating under the Texas stars this holiday season. The synthetic “ice” skating rink that performs like regular ice will be located in Historic Downtown Palestine.

  • Frost Fest: A Vintage Holiday in the Piney Woods

December 5, 6 & 7

This heritage-filled weekend is full of holiday activities that include snow tubing, “Freeze Your Buns Run” 5k, historic homes tour, a wassail walk, fruitcake toss, live music, Ladies Day Out shopping event and much more.

  • Breakfast with Santa

December 6

Join Santa and friends at the Palestine Civic Center. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, holiday stories, sing-a-long, crafts and more.

  • Dogwood Jamboree “It Feels Like Christmas”

December 6

The Dogwood Jamboree, a Branson-style country music show held at the Palestine Civic Center is filled with family fun, laughter and great classic country music from some of the best artists around.

  • Christmas Parade of Lights

December 6

Beautiful floats march through Old Town and downtown Palestine, when the Christmas Parade of Lights sets sail at 7 p.m. to the delight of hundreds of residents and visitors. Let the spirit of the season embrace you as the historic Anderson County Courthouse comes alive with illumination at the Palestine’s most beloved nighttime event.

  • The Texas Theatre Presents: A Christmas Story

December 11, 12, 13 & 14

The Palestine Community Theatre presents A Christmas Story based on the 1983 Christmas comedy film by Jean Shepherd.

  • Palestine Main Street Wine Swirl

December 13

Swirl around Main Street and enjoy regional wineries, food and shopping. Tickets are available at the Palestine Visitor Center or online at palestinemainstreet.org.

For more information about Christmas in Palestine and for a full schedule of events, times and locations, please visit visitpalestine.com or download the free Palestine, Texas mobile app.

About Palestine, Texas: Palestine is a charming East Texas town that boasts more than 1,800 historic sites, including the award-winning Main Street District.  Home to the Texas State Railroad and Dogwood Trails, Palestine is graced with stately homes, gorgeous scenic drives and a Texas friendly welcome that offers a true Southern experience – recently named one of the Top Travel Destinations in Texas.