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 19 through Dec. 27, 2021 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. Below are some of our special holiday events:

2021 Calendar

Polar Express Train Ride (TM) 2021 Calendar

The Polar Express™ Train Ride:

November 19 - December 26

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. 855-632-7729

texasstaterailroad.net/polarexpress

Free Shuttle Service to the Polar Express

Make your Own Glitter Ornament

November 19 - December 23 |
Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and December 24 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 11 | 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 and face painting. This is a free event. 903-221-6233

Old Town Carriage Rides

Fridays & Saturdays November 19 thru and December 18 from 4-10pm and a special opportunity to ride Christmas Eve, December 24th from 4-9pm.
Departing from Wells Creek Crossing, 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. $30.00 per ride.
For questions or more information, please call 903-804-0494. Private rides are available (price may vary)
305 E Crawford St. Weather permitting.
See Old Town Carriage Facebook

Elf: The Musical

December 10 - 12 & 17 - 19 |

Elf the Musical is based on the 2003 movie in which Buddy, raised as an over-sized elf, travels from the North Pole to NYC to meet his biological father who doesn't know Buddy exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 pm and Sunday shows begin at 2:00 pm. Order tickets online by clicking here.

Whiskey & Wine Swirl:

Our 8th Annual Wine Swirl is getting an upgrade!

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.

With 3 options to participate, there is something for everyone! We are offering tickets for:
Wine and Whiskey Tasting VIP Event which includes getting started an hour earlier at 4:00pm, shuttle service to the VIP event venue where there will be live music, a dessert bar, food trucks and more!
Wine and Whiskey Tasting
Wine Tasting Only

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

Grinch’s Lair at the Historic Anderson County Jail:

November 19 - December 19 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.

903-480-0212 | 704 Avenue A Tickets available at texasjailhouse.com

Driving Light Display Tour

Pancakes with Mrs. Claus

November 19 - December 22
Grab a plate piled high with pancakes and all the toppings you could imagine! Offered Monday - Saturday from 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. at Lulu & Kakes Cupcakery & Sweet Shoppe at 115 W Main St. 903-392-7917

Photos with Santa:

December 4, 11 & 18

Skip the big city lines and have your photo taken with Santa and write a letter to Santa from 11 am to 4 pm. 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. 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

Christmas in Candyland Market:

December 3 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
December 4 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Join us for a one stop Christmas Shopping experience. This market offers one of a kind vendors with items you are sure to love. Food trucks will be onsite! $5.00 admission Presented by Palestine Junior Service League.

200 N Church Street.

A Christmas on Main St

December 4

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

Courthouse Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade of Lights

December 4

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 4

Make the evening special & bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a holiday movie, The Grinch and enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn. 400 W. Main St.

Christmas at the Farmers Market:

December 4, 11 & 18 | 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 10 -12 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

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

18th Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along:

December 21

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