Experience the festive spirit of Longview with our comprehensive holiday guide. Whether you're rediscovering your city or seeing it anew, our guide brings you the best of Longview's holiday season.
One of the highlights is Christmas in the Park, where you can enjoy twinkling lights and festive displays among the beautiful natural surroundings. Add to that, the Holiday Boat Parade features beautifully lit watercraft slowly cruising the water, creating a magical sight. And definitely don't forget the Gregg County Historical Museum Christmas Tree Wonderland with its breathtaking collection of creatively decorated Christmas trees. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Longview
- Christmas in the Park
- Holiday Boat Parade
- Gregg County Historical Museum Christmas Tree Wonderland
- Longview Christmas Parade
- Living History Christmas
Longview Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Floating parade of illuminated boats on Lake Cherokee
Description:
Lake Cherokee sparkles with a procession of illuminated watercraft during Longview's Holiday Boat Parade. Decorated vessels glide across the water, creating a mesmerizing reflection on the lake's surface. Spectators line the shore, bundled up against the crisp winter air. You can vote for your favorite boat design using a mobile app, adding an interactive element to the evening. This aquatic spectacle honors Longview's connection to its waterways, a vital part of the city's development since the early 20th century.
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Longview Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gregg County Historical Museum Christmas Tree Wonderland
What to Expect:
Themed Christmas trees showcasing local history
Description:
The Gregg County Historical Museum's Christmas Tree Wonderland presents a unique blend of holiday cheer and local heritage. Each intricately decorated tree tells a story from Longview's past, with ornaments and trimmings reflecting different eras and events. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour, uncovering the tales behind each tree. The museum, housed in a 1910 bank building, adds an extra layer of historical charm to the experience. This event celebrates Longview's journey from a railroad town to a thriving city.
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Gregg County Historical Museum Christmas Tree Wonderland
Longview Other Holiday Activities
Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday village with live entertainment
Description:
Longview's Christmas in the Park transforms Teague Park into a bustling holiday village. Twinkling lights illuminate handcrafted wooden structures, each housing local artisans and performers. Visitors can participate in traditional candle-making workshops, learning techniques passed down through generations. The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread as local bakers showcase their skills. This event pays homage to Longview's rich history, featuring displays that highlight the city's evolution since its founding in 1870.
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Longview Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local businesses and organizations
Description:
Longview's Christmas Parade brings the community together in a vibrant display of local pride. Floats crafted by area businesses and organizations roll down the streets, each showcasing a unique interpretation of holiday spirit. The parade route winds through historic downtown, passing by buildings that have stood since Longview's early days. Spectators can warm up with cups of locally roasted coffee as they watch the procession. This event highlights the strong sense of community that has defined Longview since its incorporation in 1871.
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Living History Christmas
What to Expect:
Immersive 19th-century Christmas experience
Description:
Living History Christmas transports visitors to 19th-century Longview. Costumed interpreters bring the past to life, demonstrating traditional holiday preparations and customs. The event takes place in meticulously restored historic buildings, providing an authentic backdrop. Participants can try their hand at making Victorian-era Christmas cards using period-appropriate materials and techniques. This immersive experience offers insight into Longview's early days, when it was a fledgling railroad town in the 1870s.
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Nearby Events
Historic Candlelight Tour (Jefferson)
What to Expect:
Candlelit tours of antebellum homes in Jefferson
Description:
Jefferson's Historic Candlelight Tour illuminates the town's antebellum architecture. Flickering candlelight guides visitors through beautifully preserved 19th-century homes, each decorated in period-appropriate holiday style. The soft glow reveals intricate details of these historic residences. You can learn about Jefferson's role as a major river port in the mid-1800s from knowledgeable guides. This event celebrates Jefferson's rich architectural heritage, showcasing homes that have stood for over 150 years.
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Jefferson Christmas Express Train (Jefferson)
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with holiday storytelling
Description:
The Jefferson Christmas Express Train whisks passengers away on a journey through time. Vintage railcars, lovingly restored to their former glory, provide a unique setting for holiday storytelling. As the train chugs along, narrators share tales of Jefferson's railroad history and holiday traditions. Riders can participate in a holiday sing-along, their voices harmonizing with the rhythmic sounds of the train. This experience pays tribute to Jefferson's importance as a 19th-century transportation hub.
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Jefferson Christmas Express Train
Wonderland of Lights Festival (Marshall)
What to Expect:
Historic courthouse transformed into a light spectacle
Description:
Marshall's Wonderland of Lights Festival centers around the historic Harrison County Courthouse. Thousands of lights adorn the 1901 building, accentuating its stunning architecture. The surrounding square comes alive with holiday activities, including an outdoor ice-skating rink where visitors can glide under the stars. This festival has been a Marshall tradition since 1987, drawing inspiration from the city's rich history as a cultural center in East Texas.
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Drive-Thru Christmas Light Park (Carmela's Magical Santa Land)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with synchronized music
Description:
Carmela's Magical Santa Land offers a unique drive-through experience where lights dance in sync with holiday tunes. Visitors tune their car radios to a dedicated station, immersing themselves in a coordinated audio-visual spectacle. The winding path takes you past elaborate light sculptures and animated displays. This innovative approach to holiday lights began as a small family project in 2003 and has grown into a beloved regional attraction.
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Drive-Thru Christmas Light Park
Santa Land Texas (Lindale)
What to Expect:
Texas-themed Christmas village with live reindeer
Description:
Santa Land Texas in Lindale brings North Pole charm to the Lone Star State. This expansive Christmas village features uniquely Texan touches, including cowboy-hat-wearing elves and a oil derrick adorned with lights. Visitors can meet live reindeer, learning about these arctic animals from knowledgeable handlers. The village pays homage to Lindale's agricultural roots with displays showcasing the area's famous rose industry. Santa Land has been delighting East Texans since 1995, growing from a small family attraction to a regional destination.