Things to Do During Christmas in Palestine

The captivating story comes to life the minute the train departs the Palestine Depot for the journey to the North Pole. (The adventure is even more fun when families and friends show up in their pajamas!)

Enveloped by the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the tale as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies as they recite the classic children’s book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. (Be sure to purchase a book along with your tickets so your child can read his/her own book along with the chefs.)

Braly's Ace Hardware Holiday Events:

Step into one of Ace Hardware’s “coolest hardware stores on the planet” and experience Christmas like never before! Braly’s has transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring more than 100 Christmas trees, festive blow-ups, a towering 20-foot Santa, and photo ops the whole family will love.

From scavenger hunts inside a historic elementary school to hands-on creative activities, Braly’s is offering holiday fun for every age all season long.

Kids’ Christmas Party

• Date: December 6
• Time: 9 AM - 12 PM
• Description: Decorate a custom wooden ornament with Braly's and their Elf helpers!
• Ornaments will be $3 each.

Ornament-Making & Scavenger Hunt

• Dates: November 14 - December 28
• Times: Mon-Fri: 7:30AM-6:30PM, Sat: 8AM-6PM, Sun: 10AM-5PM
• Available any day the train is running at the Texas State Railroad.
• Description: Create a special keepsake ornament, then set off on a whimsical scavenger hunt through a historic elementary school. Perfect for memory-making and family fun! Ornaments will be $3.99 each.

• Each weekend, Braly’s will offer special experiences to enhance your visit. From a make-your-own candle bar to a mix-your-own perfume station, and more!

📅 Dates: December 6 & 13
🕡 Time: 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Location: 709 Crockett Rd, Palestine, TX (at the corner of Crockett Rd. and Colorado St.) Admission is free - donations are welcome!

903-723-3014 | Downtown Palestine

Santa at Rotary Park: After the Parade
Join Santa at the Rotary Park Gazebo at 407 W. Spring Street to share your Christmas wishes.

Christmas Movie in the Park: After the Parade - Approximately 8:30PM
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Rotary Park (407 W. Spring St.) and enjoy a free showing of a classic Christmas movie with cookies and hot chocolate, courtesy of the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce.

A Chamber Christmas:
City-Wide Christmas Light Contest

• Dates: December 1 - 31
• Description: Come see Palestine all lit up and join the fun. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite displays to help choose the winners!

Holiday Home Tour

• Date: VIP-December 12 at 7PM, General-December 13 from 4-7PM
• Description: Take the VIP tour on December 12th to ride on a bus to each location. Explore the charm of historic homes inside and out on the Holiday Home Tour hosted by the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Meet Santa Claus, His Elf, and Toy Soldier:
• Dates for Santa: November 15, 22, & 29 ; December 6-7, 13-14, & 20-21
• Time: 10AM-1PM
• Description: Visit the main lobby to snap free photos with Santa Claus, his elf, and his Toy Soldier using your own camera.

• Stunning Holiday Décor: Elves have meticulously decorated each suite and lobby area with beautiful Christmas trees and dazzling holiday decorations, ensuring photo opportunities at every turn.
• The Grinch’s Library: Step into the whimsical world of the Grinch and enjoy this unique themed area.
• Scavenger Hunt: Embark on a fun-filled scavenger hunt throughout the hotel and see if you can find all the special items hidden by the elves.
• Letters to Santa: Children can drop off their letters to Santa in the special mailbox located in the lobby.

This festive experience is open to both guests and visitors, so come and enjoy the holiday spirit at the Redlands Hotel!