Christmas Activities in Palestine
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Things to Do During Christmas in Palestine

The Polar Express™ Train Ride:
November 14 - December 28*
*Detailed schedule is available on the Texas State Railroad website.

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.)

At the North Pole, Santa and his elves greet passengers and then board the train. St. Nick gives everyone the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell (only believers can hear ringing!). On the ride back to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train depot, chefs lead passengers in singing joyous Christmas carols.

855-632-7729 | 789 Park Road 70 | Pricing Varies
Get your tickets here.


Grinch’s Lair at the Historic Texas Jailhouse:
This Christmas, don’t miss your chance to meet the Grinch at the Texas Jailhouse! Known for his grumpy antics, our hilarious and endearing Grinch is now on a mission to make Christmas special for everyone. Come see him in his festive jailhouse lair, where he’s learning the joy of giving back.

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” this interactive, live production invites you to explore the Grinch’s world. Enjoy a fun-filled visit with the Grinch, his sidekick Max, and other delightful characters as they bring holiday cheer to life.


11/22-12/21 | 903-480-0212 | 704 Avenue A | $15 per person
Get your tickets here.


Old Town Carriage Service (Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides)
Fridays 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturdays 4:00 pm - 10:00pm
November 14 through December 24
Departing from the Carnegie Library (502 N Queen St), climb into a beautiful classic carriage and enjoy a ride throughout the Historic Main Street District aglow with holiday lighting. Each ride can hold 2-4 adults, groups with children may accommodate more riders.
Short Ride (~15 minutes): $50.00
Long Ride (~30 minutes): $80.00
For questions, reservations and more information, please call 903-804-0494. Private rides are available (price may vary)
502 N. Queen St.. Weather permitting.
See Old Town Carriage Service Facebook

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.
Other Weekend Activities:
  • 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!

Whether you’re exploring the Christmas trees, making an ornament, joining the scavenger hunt, or discovering something, Braly’s Ace Hardware is the perfect place to shop, play, and celebrate the holiday season.

903-723-2179 | 420 W Palestine Ave/Hwy 79
For more information, please visit Braly's Facebook.


Railroad Heritage Center Extended Hours:
This holiday season, the Railroad Heritage Center of Palestine is extending its hours to be open on Sundays while Polar Express is running to give you more time to explore and enjoy!

📅 Dates: November 14 - December 28, 2025

🕤 Extended Hours: Sunday-Saturday - 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Railroad Heritage Center, Palestine, TX

Discover the rich history of railroads through fascinating exhibits, including a stunning 37’ x 17’ scale model railroad. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or looking for a unique holiday outing, the Railroad Heritage Center offers something for everyone.

For an even more immersive experience, visitors can explore the Railroad Heritage Center before or after their Polar Express™ Train Ride. Dive deeper into the world of railroading and make your holiday outing truly unforgettable.

Bring family and friends to experience the magic of the rails and make the most of these extended hours. The Railroad Heritage Center looks forward to welcoming everyone!

903-586-7141 | 808 W Oak Street | $5 Per Person at the Door


Christmas at Curious Museum:
Celebrate Christmas at the Curious Museum, an exciting STEAM wonderland filled with hands-on experiences.

Admission:
Children and Adults: $10
Senior Citizens: $8
Members and children 2 & under: FREE

To make your Christmas extra special, join us December 6th from 10AM-7PM for hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, food trucks, music, Christmas crafts, and more! Admission will be discounted for this event.

903-221-0118 | 619 W Oak St | More Info


Festival of the Nativities:
Experience a special Festival of Nativities at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. View a beautiful display of nativity sets, including collections from their church members and local friends. Enjoy warm beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, and wassail, along with festive cookies. They invite the everyone to share in this joyful celebration of the season!

📅 Dates: December 12-14
🕡 Time: Friday & Saturday 5PM-8PM, Sunday after church
📍 Location: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Palestine, TX

903-391-1691 | 1515 S Loop 256 | FREE


Visit with Santa:
Santa and Mrs. Claus would like to welcome all children near and far for a chance to visit them and the Elves at Santa's Cottage in Palestine, TX! This beautiful house will be transformed into Santa's Cottage and opened up to anyone who would like to come visit with Santa!
This will be a donation-based event, ensuring every child has the opportunity to visit Santa, no matter their circumstances.



📅 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!


Christmas Parade of Lights:
Witness the streets of the Main Street district come alive as Palestine’s largest parade lights up the night with glowing floats, festive fun, and a visit from Santa himself. Bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and enjoy the show.

7PM | December 6 (Inclement Weather Day: December 11)

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.

903-729-6066 | 401 W Main St
For more information, please visit the Chamber website.


Christmas at the Redlands Hotel:
This holiday season, immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas at the Redlands Hotel! Every corner of this historic hotel is transformed into a festive wonderland, creating the perfect backdrop for making sweet memories with loved ones.
  • 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!

Dates for Christmas at The Redlands:
11/14-01/06

Times:
8AM - 9PM

903-729-2345 | 400 N Queen St
For more information, please visit the Redlands' Facebook.


Christmas on Main:
Enjoy a full day of holiday festivities in the Palestine Main Street district on December 6!

Coffee & More at Old Magnolia: 8:00AM - 10:00AM | 120 W Oak St.

Christmas at the Farmers Market: 9:00AM - 3:00PM | 813 W Spring St.

Palestine Trade Days (Vendor Market):
12:00PM-6:00PM | 112 E. Oak St.

Kids Christmas Party at Braly's Ace Hardware: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 420 W Palestine Ave.

Christmas Activities at Curious Museum: 10:00AM - 7:00PM | 619 W Oak St.

Old Town Vintage & More Open House: 10:00AM - 3:00PM | 306 N Sycamore St.

The Christmas Shop at Wells Creek Crossing: 10:00AM - 5:00PM, September 1-December 31 | 305 E Crawford St.

Santa's Workshop at the Chamber of Commerce: 11:00AM-4:00PM | 401 W Main St.

Christmas Parade of Lights: 7:00PM | Downtown Palestine, TX

Santa at Rotary Park: After the Parade | 407 W. Spring St. (Rotary Park Gazebo)

Christmas Movie in the Park: After the Parade - Approximately 8:30PM | 407 W. Spring St.



Festival of Trees:
Dogwood Garden Club’s 14th Annual Festival of Trees, supporting non-profit organizations. Beautifully decorated trees will be displayed in downtown storefront windows during the Christmas season (12/01/2025 - 12/26/2025). The trees will be voted on, and cash prizes will be given for the winning trees in 4 categories. Winners will be announced on December 13, 2025, at the Palestine Visitor Center.

903-478-3264


Walk of Lights:
Enjoy a stroll through a self-guided, magical light-up wonderland. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and other goodies from our concession stand. Don’t miss out on the festive vendors offering unique holiday gifts and treats. Plus, capture the joy of the season with pictures with Santa! Admission is $20.00 per car at the entrance.
Dates: **Weather Permitting**
11/21-11/23
11/26-11/30
12/05-12/07
12/12-12/14
12/19-12/28

Times:
6:00PM-9:00PM
*Open until 10:00PM after parade on 12/6*

Directions:
From Palestine, take 155 N, and turn left on FM 315. Travel 1.2 miles, destination is on the left.

903-922-9079 | 2161 FM 315 | $20 per car
For more info, please visit Walk of Lights' Facebook


A Walk Through Bethlehem:
Embark on a magical journey through the streets of Bethlehem this holiday season! Your adventure begins with a delightful hay ride to the gates. Stroll through the lively streets, featuring live animals and local Bethlehem vendors, creating a truly immersive experience.

📅 Dates: December 12, 13, 14
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Montalba Baptist Church, Palestine, TX

Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable evening that captures the true essence of Christmas.

903-549-2319 | Hwy 19 N / FM 321, Montalba | FREE


Plan Your Holiday Visit

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