Holiday Traditions and Events Continue This Weekend In the City of Palestine
PALESTINE- A train ride is just the beginning of holiday traditions in Palestine. The holiday season continues with family-oriented activities, events and decorations that capture the Christmas spirit.
Special events and activities planned now through Dec. 22 make this holiday season an ideal time to visit the City of Palestine. Some of this year’s holiday attractions include: pop-up specialty Christmas stores, Christmas Gifts: Life, Laughter & Love at the historic Texas Theatre and The Grinch’s Lair, opened every weekend in December at the Old Anderson County Jail.
The Christmas Parade of Lights, a tradition that attracts residents and visitors to the streets of historic downtown Palestine, is scheduled for Dec.14 at 7 p.m.
Other City sponsored events scheduled for Dec.13 – Dec.15 include:
Dec. 13- Dec.15
Pop-Up Art Gallery
The Pop-Up Art Gallery is an innovative gallery that pops up for a limited time showcasing local and regional artists. The exhibit will show arts works in ceramics, sculpture, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, folk art and photography. The Pop-Up Art Gallery, free to the public, is a project of the Main Street Department and accomplished thru volunteers. The gallery is located at 213 W. Oak Street in downtown Palestine.
Dec. 13: 4 – 8 p.m. (Opening Reception)
Dec. 14: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dec. 15: 12 – 6 p.m.
Dec. 20: 12 – 6 p.m.
Dec. 21: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dec. 22: 12 – 6 p.m.
Ice Skating Under the Texas Stars
Experience Ice Skating under the Texas stars this holiday season. The synthetic “ice” skating rink that performs like regular ice will be located at the corner of Spring and John St., in the heart of historic downtown Palestine. Cost $10 – includes skates and 1 hour of skating. (Weather Permitting)
Dec. 13: 5 – 9 p.m.
Dec. 14: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Dec. 15: 12 – 5 p.m.
Dec. 20: 5 – 9 p.m.
Dec. 21: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Dec. 22: 12 – 5 p.m.
Santa’s Magical Workshop & Wonderland Depot
Enjoy an indoor Winter Wonderland filled with gingerbread, snowy trees and holiday delights. Write your letter to Santa and personally deliver it after traveling past the holiday train displays and candy cane lane before joining Mr. Claus in his parlor at the North Pole. Don’t miss the wooden model train display that is 42 feet long.
The Texas State Railroad Society will offer an interpretive center filled with educational artifacts and historic displays from the Texas State Railroad. A pictorial display, also known as “Life on the Neches,” will feature the route of the Polar ExpressÔ Train ride. Visitors will also get an in-depth look at the forest industry in East Texas. One of the main features offered by the Texas State Railroad Society will be an interactive train display.
An interpretive display, highlighting the City of Palestine Police and Fire Department, will also be featured this season at the workshop.
Come find your holiday joy at Santa’s Magical Workshop & Wonderland Depot through Dec. 22, 2013. Admission is $1 and professional photos with Santa are available for $5 each. The holiday workshop and interpretive center is located at 201 W. Oak Street in downtown Palestine.
Santa’s Magical Workshop & Wonderland Depot will be open the following days:
Dec. 14: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dec. 15: 12 -5 p.m.
Dec. 21: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dec: 22: 12 -5 p.m.
Dec. 14
3 -5 p.m.
Main Street Music in Old Town Palestine
Enjoy a free holiday concert with Shake, Rattle & Roll in Old Town Palestine. The magical music of the ‘50s and ‘60s is reborn through this unique all female East Texas show group. This group of friends and “seasoned” showbiz vets, also known as the “pride of East Texas”, is one of the hottest groups in the South today. Entering and winning the largest Doo Wop contest ever held in Las Vegas, gave them a recording contract with Memory Lane West in Las Vegas. Shake, Rattle & Roll have had their songs playing across the country on XM satellite radio.
The free concert will be from 3 – 5 p.m. in The Hollow in Old Town Palestine. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets.
Dec. 14
Dusk
Classic Movies in the Park “A Holiday Affair”
Enjoy watching a holiday classic in Reagan Park. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Event: Free
Dec. 14
7 p.m.
Christmas Parade of Lights
This year’s theme: Music & Magic of Christmas. Be filled with joy and excitement as brightly decorated floats meander through the gaily decorated historic downtown. The parade begins as the Anderson County Courthouse, heads down Avenue A to West Oak, to Queen St. and back up Crawford Street to the historic courthouse.
Dec. 14
8 p.m.
Christmas at the Courthouse
Let the spirit embrace you as the historic Anderson County Courthouse comes alive with family activities, a hot beverage kiosk sponsored by Cream & Coffee, a photo opportunity with Santa and other holiday fun.
Palestine is designated as a Texas Main Street and is home to over 1,800 historic sites; including churches, buildings, houses, monuments, cemeteries and museums. Established in 1846, Palestine has more buildings in the National Register of Historic Places than any Texas city except Galveston.
A complete list of holiday events and activities can be found at visitpalestine.com or contact the Visitor Center at 903-723-3014.