When you think of the holidays, what comes to mind? Santa Claus, snowmen, warm cookies, and adorable little villages. There’s just something about Christmas that makes you want to live in a small town lit up with lights, where strangers wave at you from across the street, and where every corner smells vaguely of warm pastries and pinewood.
That’s what you get when you leave the big city behind for Palestine, TX, which transforms into a veritable Christmas village during the holidays. Not one to rely on appearances, the city also hosts a slew of Christmas events all leading up to the big day itself.
Not to brag, but we have it on good authority that Santa Clause himself pays a visit to Palestine every Christmas, so you know it must be good! If Santa’s word isn’t good enough for you, Palestine has been named among the top 10 “Texas Towns that Look Like Something From a Hallmark Movie” by Only in Your State.
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate the holidays in the magical piney woods of Palestine!
North Pole Train
Few things are more synonymous with the season than a toy train riding ‘round and ‘round the Christmas tree, illuminated by the warm glow of the fireplace. A little part of you—the youngest part, where your imagination still runs wild—has always wondered what it would be like to ride that train. While we haven’t finalized our shrink ray technology quite yet, Palestine is home to the Texas State Railroad, which transforms every holiday season into a yuletide express headed straight to the North Pole.
All along the ride, you’ll be treated to warm cookies and hot cocoa, as well as recitations of The Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg. As the kiddos press their noses against the windows, they’ll be greeted with the storybook-esque piney woods until reaching the North Pole itself. At the North Pole, your family will be greeted by light displays, dancing elves, and Old Saint Nick himself.
No need to dress up for the occasion, either! In fact, you’re encouraged to wear your pajamas!
Grinch’s Lair at the Historic Texas Jailhouse
Everywhere you look during the holiday season, there’s a candy cane, a chocolate, or a milkshake posing as coffee. As much as we all love the sweets, we have to admit: there’s something even better about sweet and sour. And no one brings the sour better than the Grinch!
Before Santa comes to town, the Grinch will be at Palestine’s Historic Texas Jailhouse causing his usual brand of mischief. You may not be able to sit on his knee and ask for presents, but you’ll get a live, interactive comedy show you can’t get anywhere else. And don’t worry about the kiddos being scared—this Grinch’s heart has already grown three sizes, so he’s a big softy now (literally and figuratively).
As an example of the Grinch’s newfound Christmas spirit, he’s decorated the entire Historic Texas Jailhouse. Dark corridors are now illuminated with multicolored lights and tons of decorations. For the parents, there’s even a section dedicated to strolling through Blockbuster looking for your family’s next Christmas movie. Ah, the memories.
Oh, and Cindy Lou will be there too! Hey, we rhymed! We better move on to the next topic before we start caroling!
That’s Not All, Folks!
Trains and Grinches are only the beginning in Palestine. When it comes to yuletide cheer, the city is packed tighter than a pair of pants after Christmas dinner.
Take the Christmas at Curious Museum, for example, which is what happens when science meets Santa. You may not find the steam of a train engine, but you will find the other kind of STEAM at this enlightening wonderland. Kids can take part in “make-and-take” projects such as Hand Print Christmas Trees, Reindeer Masks, Peppermint Spinners, and more!
For a different kind of enlightening, the City-Wide Christmas Light Contest reveals just how competitive Texans get with extension cords and deadlines. Some houses go full Clark Griswold, so bring sunglasses!
Then there’s Christmas at the Redlands Hotel, which transforms this historic spot into a holiday dreamscape, complete with gorgeous decorations, special events, and cozy corners perfect for sipping something warm. Meet Santa Clause, visit the Grinch’s library, and go on a scavenger hunt.
Add a morning of Pancakes with Mrs. Claus at the Home Grill Steakhouse, an evening spent watching the Christmas Light Parade, and a cozy carriage ride through downtown under twinkling lights. Step inside some of Palestine’s most beautiful residences during the Historic Home Tour, then stop by the Visitor Center for a cup of free hot chocolate and a chance for the kids to drop their wishes in the Letter Box direct to Santa. Wrap it all in that patented small-town Texas friendliness, and you’ve got a holiday getaway so magical it is worth taking twice.
Once Upon a Small Town Christmas in Palestine
Christmas in Palestine isn’t just an event; it’s an experience you’ll still be thinking about come July. You’ll chug-a-chug-chug to the North Pole, share a laugh with the Grinch, and soak up holiday cheer in every corner of our delightful town. Whether you’re bringing kids, grandkids, or just that inner child you’ve been ignoring far too long, you’ll quickly find out why Palestine was listed by Texas Monthly as one of the “Top Small-Town Christmas Festivals Worth the Drive.”
Before you ready up your reindeer for the trip, be sure to book a hotel room! We have plenty of great lodgings just waiting to give you a warm welcome!
Neches River Wilderness Race