Small Towns, Big Christmas Spirit

From Santa’s Arrival by Train to Oil Derricks Shining Beneath the Stars, Upper East Side Texas 

Celebrates Christmas in Its Own Special Ways

By Sharon Harper

There’s something about Christmas in a small Texas town. Maybe it’s the courthouse square wrapped in thousands of lights, the sound of a marching band coming down Main Street or the excitement of children waiting for Santa to arrive. It might be a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening or a familiar holiday tradition that brings families back year after year.

Across the Upper East Side of Texas, communities celebrate the season in ways that reflect their history and character. Railroad depots, oil derricks, historic courthouses and downtown streets become part of the holiday experience, giving visitors plenty of reasons to get out and explore.



Some celebrations have entertained families for generations. Others are becoming new traditions. All offer an opportunity to slow down, spend time together and experience Christmas beyond the shopping malls and busy highways.

Santa Arrives by Train in Denison

In Denison, children don’t have to look toward the sky for Santa’s arrival. They can watch for a train pulling into the historic Katy Depot.

Christmas at the Depot brings families downtown for an afternoon of holiday activities, shopping, entertainment and visits with Santa. The highlight comes when Santa arrives aboard a train, greeted by children eager to see the season’s most anticipated visitor.

The depot, a reminder of Denison’s railroad heritage, provides a fitting setting for the celebration. Families can explore the historic building, browse local shops and enjoy activities along Main Street before gathering to welcome Santa.

The festivities continue throughout December with the city’s Christmas parade, community tree lighting and Wonders of Winter celebration at Forest Park. Downtown’s seasonal ice-skating rink offers another reason to make the trip.

It’s a Christmas experience that connects Denison’s railroad past with the excitement of the season. Visit discoverdenison.com for more information

Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights

In Marshall, Christmas takes center stage at the Harrison County Courthouse.

Each year, the historic courthouse becomes the centerpiece of Wonderland of Lights, one of East Texas’ best-known holiday celebrations. Thousands of white lights outline the building’s architectural details, transforming the downtown square into a scene that has welcomed generations of visitors.

The celebration began in 1987 and has grown into a holiday destination with activities for all ages. Families can enjoy carriage rides, a carousel, train rides, ice skating and visits with Santa. Downtown merchants and restaurants welcome visitors who come to experience the lights and stay for an evening of Christmas shopping and entertainment.

The courthouse is especially impressive after dark, when the lights illuminate the square and visitors gather to take photographs.

For many families, a trip to Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights is as much a Christmas tradition as decorating the tree or hanging stockings. Go to visitmarshalltexas.com for more information.

Christmas Under the Stars in Kilgore

Kilgore celebrates Christmas with a nod to the industry that helped shape the community.

Known for its oil history, Kilgore is home to the World’s Richest Acre, where oil derricks still stand as reminders of the East Texas Oil Boom. During the holidays, illuminated stars shine from the tops of the derricks, creating a Christmas display unlike any other in the region.

The annual Christmas Under the Stars celebration begins with A Very Derrick Christmas, when the stars are illuminated and families gather downtown for music, entertainment and holiday activities.

The glowing derricks provide a distinctive backdrop for the city’s Christmas parade, downtown shopping and seasonal events.

It’s a tradition that tells Kilgore’s story while celebrating the holidays. Long after the oil boom changed the town, the derricks remain part of its identity, and each Christmas they light the way for another season of community celebrations. Make your way to visitkilgore.com for more information.

Christmas Traditions in Greenville

In Greenville, the Christmas season brings families downtown for a celebration that combines familiar hometown traditions with music and entertainment.

The annual Christmas Parade of Lights fills downtown streets with illuminated floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles and Santa Claus. Families gather along Lee and Washington streets to watch the procession, which marks the beginning of the holiday season for many residents.

The Greenville Municipal Auditorium adds another dimension to the festivities. The historic performance venue welcomes concerts, dance productions and other entertainment throughout the year, including holiday performances that give visitors another reason to spend an evening in Greenville.

The city’s historic Park Street neighborhood is also known for its beautifully decorated homes. Christmas wagon rides through the neighborhood have become a favorite way to enjoy the lights and architecture of one of Greenville’s most recognizable residential areas.

Together, the parade, performances and neighborhood traditions offer a Christmas experience that extends beyond a single evening. Visit travelgreenvilletx.com for more information.

A Christmas Journey in Palestine

In Palestine, the holiday season begins with a train ride that has become a tradition for families across Texas.

The Texas State Railroad’s Polar Express brings the beloved children’s story to life aboard vintage passenger cars. Children and adults, often dressed in pajamas, board the train for a journey filled with Christmas music, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa.

For many families, the experience begins long before the train leaves the station. Children arrive clutching their tickets, excited to climb aboard, while parents and grandparents prepare to share a little Christmas magic.

The train ride is only part of Palestine’s holiday celebration. Historic downtown streets, decorated storefronts and seasonal events welcome visitors throughout November and December. Christmas in Palestine includes holiday lights, shopping, entertainment and activities that encourage visitors to explore the community.

With its historic architecture, locally owned restaurants and shops, Palestine offers plenty of reasons to turn a train ride into a weekend getaway. Go to visitpalestine.com for more information.

Make Christmas a Road Trip

The celebrations may be different, but the spirit behind them is much the same.

In Denison, families wait for a train carrying Santa. In Marshall, the courthouse lights up the night. Kilgore’s oil derricks shine beneath the stars, Greenville’s downtown streets fill with parade spectators, and in Palestine, children climb aboard a train bound for a Christmas adventure.

Behind each celebration are the people who make it happen. Volunteers decorate streets and organize parades. Local businesses welcome visitors, and families return to the same places year after year, passing along traditions that become part of their own Christmas stories.

These holiday destinations offer more than an evening of entertainment. They provide an opportunity to discover the communities of Northeast Texas, visit locally owned shops, enjoy a meal and perhaps find a new favorite place to return to.

This Christmas, take the scenic route. Visit a town you’ve never explored, return to one that holds special memories or make plans to experience a celebration you’ve always wanted to see.

Sometimes, the best Christmas memories begin with a short drive to a small town.

And across the Upper East Side of Texas, there’s plenty of Christmas spirit waiting to be discovered.