Christmas in Palestine

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Hot Chocolate Served, PJ's Welcome

Christmas in Palestine

Hot Chocolate Served, PJ's Welcome

A train ride is just the beginning of holiday traditions in Palestine, Texas. Christmas in Palestine will offer plenty of family-friendly fun this holiday season. Palestine is the perfect destination to shop, dine and unwind during the most festive time of the year.

Special events planned November 18 through Dec. 27, 2022 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. Whether you are here with family or friends, you are encouraged to visit our shops, attractions and restaurants in your pajamas!

Hot Chocolate Served, PJ's Welcome!

Download our events flyer.

Christmas Events 2022 Flyer

The Polar Express™ Train Ride:

November 18 - December 27

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 Tickets on sale now at: texasstaterailroad.net/polarexpress

2022 Polar Express Train Ride Calendar

Polar Express Train Ride (TM) 2022 Calendar

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

Fridays 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturdays 2:00 pm - 10:00pm
November 18 thru December 24
Departing from the Redlands Hotel, 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. $40.00 per ride
For questions, reservations and more information, please call 903-804-0494. Private rides are available (price may vary)
400 N. Queen St.. Weather permitting.
See Old Town Carriage Facebook

Holiday Brunch at Queen Street Grille

November 12 - December 17 |
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
To celebrate the most festive season of all, brunch will be served at the Queen. Indulge in a holiday buffet or order from an a-la-cart menu as you sip Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas.
400 N Queen Street inside the Redlands Hotel

Make your Own Glitter Ornament

November 19 - December 24 |
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., stop in and create your own custom Glitter Ornament! Pricing starts at $10 per ornament. Fun for all ages! Chloe & Claire Co. 304 E Crawford St. 903-922-6954

Old Town Vintage Christmas Open House:

December 10 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Activities for the kids, Christmas cookies & hot chocolate, and sales throughout the shop for everyone. Activities include ornament making.
306 N Sycamore St. 903-221-6233

Whiskey & Wine Swirl:
December 10th

Join us for an evening of Texas whiskey and wine. Sip, shop, and walk your way through Historic Downtown Palestine while enjoying local culinary delights paired with fine wines and bold whiskies from Texas vineyards and distilleries.

2022 Whiskey & Wine Swirl with Top It Off at TAH Reception

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Dec 10, 2022 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Whiskey & Wine tickets include tastings at all winery and distillery locations from 4-8pm, event wine glass, whiskey glass/lanyard, bottle bag and access to the Top It Off at TAH Reception 7-10pm.

Whiskey & Wine Ticket $50.00 Whiskey & Wine tickets include tastings at all winery and distillery locations, event wine glass and whiskey glass/lanyard, and bottle bag.

Buy Now

Christmas Walk of Lights:
November 18 - Dec 10 | Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-9pm
December 11 - Jan 1 | Open daily
Enjoy a stroll through a self guided magical light up wonderland. Free Admission
2161 FM 315, Palestine, TX 75803
Come take pictures with Santa
4x6 $5.00 8x10 $10.00
(No Santa onsite December 25-January 1)
Concession stand with warm hot chocolate and lots of goodies will be available for purchase. Cash only please. Directions: 1.2 miles on the left down FM 315 from Hwy 155 in Palestine. Parking is $10.00 per car and larger vehicles will be extra.

Dogwood Jamboree- A Pineywoods Christmas
December 10th | 7:00 PM
Classic Country Music and Comedy. Palestine High School Auditorium. Hwy 287 South and Loop 256
Doors open at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00.
All adult Tickets are $18.00.
Visit website at www.dogwoodjamboree.org or call 903-729-7080 for information or tickets. Call for special hotel rates 903-729-6070 or 903-724-2556.

Take a look as the Grinch takes a stroll about Palestine!

Grinch’s Lair at the Historic Anderson County Jail:

November 18 - December 18 Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. $15.00 per person

This Christmas season don't miss a rare opportunity to come see Mr. Grinch locked-up at the Texas Jailhouse. It hasn't always been easy for the Grinch to give gifts, but all that has changed...at least a little! Admittedly, a bit of a grump from time-to-time, our funny, silly, lovable Grinch is on a mission to make sure all boys and girls have a magical Christmas. Even if that means giving gifts back!

The Grinch's Lair is a fun, festive experience inspired from "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" By Dr. Seuss. This whimsical, live, interactive, production let's you visit your favorite green guy while he's locked up in jail for stealing Christmas. You'll get to immerse yourself in the world of Mr. Grinch through his Christmas Texas Jailhouse Lair. You never know what ridiculousness he'll be up to with his pal, Max, and all the other adorable residents. 903-724-0212 | 704 Avenue A Tickets available at txjailhouse.com

Pancakes with Mrs. Claus

November 26th - December 3rd, 10th, 17th and 20th through 23rd

Weekdays November 29th - December 16th Reservations Require.

Saturdays No Reservations Required

Week of December 20th-23rd No Reservations Required

Closed on Mondays

Grab a plate piled high with pancakes and the toppings to match! From 8:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. at Lulu & Kakes Cupcakery & Sweet Shoppe at 115 W Main St. 903-392-7917. Call in advance for reservations on other days.

Photos with Santa:

December 3, 10 & 17

Skip the big city lines and have your photo taken with Santa and write a letter to Santa from 11 am to 3 pm. $10.00
Over Yonder 619 W. Oak St 903-731-4121

Christmas at Over Yonder
December 17th
Ornament Workshop and Cookie Decorating Workshop with Palestine Painted Cookie.
Come & Go from 10am to 2pm
$5.00 per workshop
Over Yonder 619 W. Oak St
903-731-4121

Railroad Heritage Center:

History steams into downtown with the Texas State Railroad Society's presentation at the Railroad Heritage Center featuring a 37' x 17' HO scale model train display. Marvel at model train displays, hands on exhibits, history, artifacts and train memorabilia. Special addition of the Polar Express O gauge model train will be on display in the window. Best viewed after 6 p.m. with a button on the exterior of the building. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and Sundays November 20, 27 December 4, 11 & 18 Closed Thanksgiving/Christmas Day 808 W. Oak Street 903-393-4014

Railroad Heritage Center

$3.00 per adult
$1.00 per child

A 37' x 17' HO scale model railroad

A Christmas at the Redlands Hotel

November 18 - December 27

Enjoy the season at the Redlands Hotel, where every suite has it's own tree along with the feature tree in the Lobby. Open daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm for guests and visitors. The hotel hosts outstanding Christmas décor throughout all floors making it a wonderful opportunity for a photo op! Santa Claus will be onsite each Saturday, November 19 through December 17 from 10:00am - 12:00pm for free photos with your own camera.

A Christmas on Main St

December 3

A full day of fun and holiday festivities coordinated by the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Palestine.

Courthouse Christmas Tree & Christmas Parade of Lights

December 3

Palestine's only night time parade, the streets of Main Street are aglow with colorful lights, beautiful floats and smiles all around! The courthouse will be lit at 7:00 pm to start the Parade, then join Santa at the Rotary Park Gazebo at 400 W. Main St to tell him what you would like for Christmas. To sign up to be in the parade, click here.

Christmas Movie in the Park

December 3

Make the evening special & bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a free showing of the movie Elf, featuring Will Ferrell. The movie begins shortly after the parade ends at approximately 8:30pm. During the show enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn. Rotary Park 400 W. Main St.

Christmas at the Farmers Market:

December 3 | 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Get your holiday shopping done by heading over to the Palestine Farmers Market and find unique gifts for your friends and family. Find herbs, produce, local honey, homemade soaps, handmade items, jewelry, art, and so much more. 813 W. Spring Street. 817-637-2687

A Walk Through Bethlehem:

December 9, 10, 11 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Guided tours through the streets of Bethlehem begin with a hay ride to the gates. Walk through the streets, complete with live animals, local Bethlehem vendors and a very happy ending. FREE

903-764-8048 Montalba Baptist Church - Hwy 19 N @ FM 321

The Man Who Wanted to Be Santa Claus

December 9-11 |Who Is that guy?” That’s what they’re asking each other at the local police station when Santa Claus shows up handing out gifts. This Santa seems to know them all so well…but they haven’t a clue who he is. From singing messengers to lovesick reporters this holiday comedy goes a long way to prove things aren’t always what they seem to be, especially for one old gentleman.

Historic Texas Theatre

213 W Crawford

Order tickets online by clicking here.

19th Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along:

December 22

Gather your family and friends and head over to the Historic Texas Theatre for a classic Christmas sing along to traditional Christmas carols. Free refreshments served at 6:30 pm, sing along begins at 7:00 pm
213 W. Crawford Street Free activity