Editor’s Note: This is one of multiple stories in ETX View’s 2025 November/December Holiday issue that published Nov. 15. To read more stories and view the full digital edition, visit our ETX View homepage. East Texas has a special aura all year long, but its communities really come alive during the holiday season to become a magical place of wonder. From Christmas parades to the lighting of Kilgore’s oil derricks, the cities and towns across the region come together to celebrate the season in a big way each one a little bit unique. Tyler In Tyler, the annual Rose City Christmas Parade is a beloved tradition that residents have enjoyed for decades. This year, a monumental change is in store as the parade will be held at an all-new location. “New year, new location, same Christmas magic,” organizers say, as the parade moves from downtown Tyler to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. A three-year construction project in downtown Tyler means ongoing road closures, construction equipment and more in the area the parade has called home for so many years. Organized by the city’s four Rotary International Clubs, members say the parade still promises to impress. Set to begin at 6: 30 p. m. Thursday, Dec. 4, the parade will line up on West Houston Street and go west to Fair Park Drive. Parade participants will begin staging at the Railroad Tracks on West Houston Street, but may be requested to stage at a different location based on entry type. The parade will continue onto Fair Park Drive before taking a left into the stadium parking lot and left onto the track around Earl Campbell Field. The parade will exit right into the stadium parking lot before taking a left going west on Fair Park Drive. The parade will continue North on Fair Park Drive to exit and complete the route. Public organizations, bands, and other groups will participate in the highly-anticipated “United For Good”-themed parade sponsored by South Tyler Rotary, Sunrise Rotary, The Rotary Club of Tyler, and the Tyler Food Bank Rotary Club. Like every other year, this year’s parade is expected to be Tyler’s most attended tradition to usher in the holiday season. The parade will feature Santa Claus and be followed by the Rose City Christmas Drone Show, visible from the stadium. Spectators can view the parade by parking or sitting along the parade route for free, but those who wish to sit inside the stadium will need to pay $1 or provide one canned food item. All proceeds and donations will go to the East Texas Food Bank. After the Rose City Christmas Parade, participants are invited to shift from the stadium to the W. T. Brookshire Center to enjoy the City of Tyler’s 40th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree-lighting ceremony, typically held on the downtown square, also had to be relocated this year due to construction. The square has been demolished to make way for a newly designed space. Longview The streets of downtown Longview will be sparkling with dazzling floats and cheery smiles awaiting the Longview AMBUCS Annual Christmas Parade, set for 6: 30 p. m. Thursday, Dec. 6. (If the parade happens to get rained out, it will be held Dec. 9 instead). Organized by AMBUCS, the City of Longview and Downtown Longview, the parade will feature marching bands, floats and an appearance by Santa himself. Food trucks will be on site. The parade route travels through downtown Longview, primarily on Whaley and Methvin streets. It’ll start at the intersection of Whaley and Green streets, moving west along Whaley before it turns south on Harney Street then east on Methvin, where it will conclude at the intersection with N. Third Street. Paradegoers are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and their Christmas spirit for this beloved Longview tradition. Kilgore Kilgore will be full of holiday cheer this season. To kick off the season, A Very Derrick Christmas will be held beginning at 5 p. m. Thursday, Nov. 13. The stars atop the city’s oil derricks will be lit at 7 p. m. creating a magically bright and colorful display downtown to last through the holiday season. During this event, downtown Kilgore will be filled with vendors, activities for the kids, entertainment by the Kilgore College Rangerettes and much more. Then from 6 to 9 p. m., the city will hold its Mingle and Jingle, during which downtown stores will stay open after-hours to allow shoppers to grab some deals while supporting the local economy. Kilgore’s 94th annual Christmas Parade is set for 6: 30 p. m. Dec. 2 in the town’s historic downtown center. Dozens and dozens of decorated floats will flood the streets, Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to appear, and a good time is sure to be had by all. Marshall Marshall has been named one of the 10 most magical Christmas towns in Texas, and for good reason. The city’s annual Wonderland of Lights is definitely worth a visit. An opening ceremony will kick off the festivities Nov. 26, followed by the Christmas parade at 6 p. m. Dec. 6. The city’s Main Street organization will host a variety of themed events throughout late November into December downtown such as an ice rink, Christmas carols, Santa sightings and much more. Gladewater Gladewater Chamber will host the Sounds of Christmas Open House from 5 to 7: 30 p. m. Saturday, Nov. 8 featuring late-night shop hours, kids activities, food trucks and a visit from Mr. Claus. The city’s tree lighting will be held that night at 6 p. m. in downtown historic Gladewater. The city’s Christmas parade is set for 5 p. m. Dec. 13. Gilmer Gilmer is the place ‘yule’ want to be on Dec. 6. The annual Yulefest is an all-day event, beginning with Breakfast with Santa sessions at both 8 a. m. and 9: 30 a. m. (tickets are required). More festivities will be held throughout the day before the annual Yulefest Parade, which is set for 6 p. m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The parade starts heading south on Titus Street, then it’ll take a right and head west on Buffalo. Be sure to make time for the annual tree lighting, held at 6 p. m. Nov. 20 at the Gilmer Civic Center. Hallsville Hallsville’s Christmas parade, organized by the Lions Club, will be held at 6: 30 p. m. Tuesday, Dec. 2. The parade starts on Tex Hatley Parkway then proceeds East on Highway 80 before turning left downtown onto North Central Street, where it ultimately concludes at the Hallsville City Park. The parade will be immediately followed by the Light Up the Park Celebration event, which features the annual tree lighting, pictures with Santa and more. Lindale The 13th annual Christmas in Lindale event is set for Saturday, Dec. 6 with a lineup of activities. Locals can head to Picker’s Pavillion at Blackberry Square, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland, for a Christmas festival set for 1 to 5 p. m. The parade will start to line up at Pepperell Primary School at 5 before officially starting at 5: 30 p. m. at Park Avenue. Athens This year’s Athens Christmas Parade, hosted by the city and Athens Chamber of Commerce, will be held at 6: 30 p. m. Saturday, Dec. 6 with a theme of “Sounds of Christmas.” Bullard Bullard is a special, cozy town year-round but Magic on Main makes the town really feel like a dreamy Hallmark movie. Join the city from 6 to 9 p. m. Friday, Dec. 5 for the start of two days of winter fun in front of Bullard City Hall. The first night will feature an evening filled with fun, food, vendors, shopping, kids activities, free pictures with Santa and of course, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting which is set for 6: 30 p. m. The annual Christmas parade, hosted in partnership with the city and Bullard Chamber of Commerce, returns at 5: 45 p. m. Saturday, leading up to a Movie on Main featuring a Christmas-themed movie at 7: 30 p. m. on the greenbelt in front of city hall (114 S. Phillips St.). Admission is free but attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Whitehouse Christmas on Main in Whitehouse is something residents cherish each year. One of the most anticipated events is the free ice skating rink, which will be open from 3 to 7 p. m. Dec. 5 and 9 a. m. to 7 p. m. Dec. 6 at 309 E. Main St. A holiday market will be held in that same location from 9 a. m to 5 p. m. Saturday, Dec. 6, featuring all sorts of fun activities, vendors, food and more. The parade will begin at 3: 30 p. m. with decorated floats, marching bands, local organizations and businesses and much more. Find a place to park and sit or bring your chairs for a front-row seat and enjoy the show. Jacksonville Jacksonville’s Christmas parade is scheduled for 6 p. m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at 307 E. Commerce St. in Jacksonville. The parade route starts at South Bolton/Commerce and goes to the Tomato Bowl, taking a left on Austin Street then another left on Wilson Street. Liberty City With a theme of “Favorite Christmas Movie,” there should be an exciting lineup of floats in this year’s Liberty City Christmas Parade set for 2: 30 p. m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Floats could be decorated based on movies like Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, A Christmas Story, Rudolph, It’s a Wonderful Life, the Grinch, Home Alone and much more. The parade begins at the intersection of Old Highway 135 and FM 1252, heading south to Interstate 20. Jefferson Jefferson is one of the best places to spend Christmas, as the city really comes alive with seasonal spirit this time of year. One of the best events is the annual parade, which is set to begin at 6 p. m. Nov. 29, followed by a grand finale an enchanting tree lighting ceremony at 6: 30 p. m. at Lions Park on Jefferson St. Henderson Henderson’s annual Downtown Christmas Parade is scheduled for Dec. 4 at 6 p. m. Enjoy town spirit and seasonal cheer during this special tradition.
https://news-journal.com/2025/11/17/east-texas-cities-celebrate-holiday-season-with-parades-and-more-local-traditions/