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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 17 through Dec. 27, 2023 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!

The Polar Express™ Train Ride: November 17 - 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

2023 Polar Express Train Ride Calendar

Pancakes with Mrs. Claus

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Nov 17- Dec 23
Jump out of bed and start the day with a hot pancake breakfast with Mrs. Claus. Of course, PJ’s are welcome! 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Home Grill Steak House at 223 W Crawford St (903) 723-5192

Photos with Santa:

December 2, 9 & 16, 2023

Skip the big city lines and have your photo taken with Santa and write a letter to Santa from 11 am to 2 pm. $10.00
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 19, 26 December 3, 10, 19 & 24.

Closed Thanksgiving/Christmas Day 808 W. Oak Street 903-393-4014

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 18 through December 16 from 10:00am - 12:00pm for free photos with your own camera.

Holiday Brunch at Queen Street Grille

November 18 - December 23 |
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

Christmas Walk of Lights:
November 17 - Dec 31 | Open on select days throughout the Christmas season. See the schedule here.
Enjoy a stroll through a self guided magical light up wonderland. Free Admission. 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.
2161 FM 315, Palestine, TX 75803

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

Grinch’s Lair at the Historic Anderson County Jail:

November 18 - December 23 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

Whiskey & Wine Swirl:
November 18, 2023

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.

Railroad Heritage Center

$3.00 per adult
$1.00 per child

A 37' x 17' HO scale model railroad

December 2, 2023

A Christmas on Main St

December 2 is a big day for Palestine Main Street. Enjoy a full day of fun holiday festivities including events like Christmas at the Farmers Market, for some holiday shopping, Freeze Your Buns Run, Main Street Art Walk, the Holiday Hearth & Tinsel Tour of Homes and the Christmas Parade of Lights, 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. After the parade, join Santa at the Rotary Park Gazebo at 400 W. Main St to tell him what you would like for Christmas and stay for a Christmas Movie in the Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a free showing a Christmas movie. The movie begins shortly after the parade ends at approximately 8:30pm. During the show enjoy hot chocolate and popcorn.

DECEMBER 2 ACTIVITIES

December 9, 2023

Dogwood Jamboree- A Pineywoods Christmas
December 9th | 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.

DECEMBER 9 ACTIVITIES

A Walk Through Bethlehem:

December 8, 9, 10 | 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

Miracle on 34th Street

December 15-17 | When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court, and a little girl’s belief makes the difference in the ‘miracle.’ With live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols, Miracle on 34th Street is a beloved musical that will melt even the most cynical of hearts. Historic Texas Theatre 213 W Crawford Order tickets online by clicking here.

20th Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along:

December 22nd

Share an evening with your family and friends singing traditional carols to celebrate the wonder of Christmas. FREE admission and FREE refreshments. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the singing starts at 7:00 PM | Texas Theatre at 213 W Crawford St