Pics with Santa & Holiday Activities in Palestine Texas 2023

Pics with Santa & Holiday Activities in Palestine Texas 2023

Where to go to get your pics with Santa this year? Be sure to check with each business before heading out, as hours/prices may be subject to change. Happy Holidays!

Check out this list of options for 2023:

NOTE:  THESE EVENTS ARE FROM 2023 AND HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED. STAY TUNED FOR THIS YEAR’S LIST!

Saturday December 2, 2023

• 9am-2pm – Holiday Brunch with Santa at the Queen, Queen St Grille, 400 N Queen, Palestine, TX -Join us for our Holiday Brunch every Saturday between now and Christmas. Visit with Santa and his Toy Soldier. Gorgeous Christmas displays on all floors for additional photo opps! Reservations: 903-723-2404. Other dates available: Every Saturday in December. Christmas magic can be found in every corner this season at the Redlands Hotel. On Saturdays through December 16, Santa Claus and his Tin Soldier guard will visit in the main Lobby from 10am-Noon for free photos with your own camera. And just like Santa’s List, the Redlands’ elves have checked their list twice to make sure no detail has been overlooked. Each suite and Lobby area feature an expertly decorated Christmas tree and outstanding Christmas décor throughout all floors, with photo ops at every turn! Be sure to check out the Grinch’s Library, and see if you can find all the special items on the new hotel scavenger hunt.
  Open daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm for guests and visitors at 400 N. Queen St.
• 8am-10:30am, Pancakes with Mrs. Claus at Home Grill Steak House. Fri, Sat & Sun 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! Home Grill Steak House at 223 W Crawford St, serving weekend breakfast 8am-10:30am. For reservations call: (903) 723-5192
• 9am-2pm- The last Palestine Farmer’s Market of the year! It’s that time of year! The weather is cooling and the holiday season is upon us. That also means that it is the end of the 2023 season at the market. Come celebrate one last time for 2023 at the pavilion. Connect with your favorite vendors and find out how to stay in touch and maybe even meet a few new friends! Open 9am-2pm and then we will be closed until March 2024! Also pics with The Grinch from Red Dirt Photography- digital and print packages will be for sale.
  
• Christmas on Main- Enjoy a full day of holiday festivities in the Palestine Main Street district on December 2, including holiday shopping at Christmas at the Farmers Market, strolling on the Downtown Art Walk, and finding the perfect spot to view the Christmas Parade of Lights – Palestine’s only night time parade – when the streets of the Main Street district are aglow with colorful lights, beautiful floats and smiles all around! The courthouse will be lit at 7pm to start the Parade with this year’s theme “Ringing in the Holidays.” After the parade, join Santa at the Rotary Park Gazebo at 400 W. Main Street 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 join the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce for a free showing of a classic Christmas movie with cookies and hot chocolate. The movie begins after the parade at approximately 8:30pm. Many downtown shops will also stay open late until at least 9pm for holiday shopping. Stay and play in Downtown Palestine to make holiday memories for a lifetime!
• 9:30am-6pm-Railroad Heritage Center, 808 W Oak St, Palestine, TX :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 6pm with a button on the exterior of the building. Open daily from 9:30am- 6pm Mon-Sat + Sundays Nov 19, 26; Dec 3, 10, 19 & 24. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
• 11am-2pm at Palestine Toyota, 2728 Loop 256, Palestine, TX.  Palestine Furniture on Palestine Main Street is teaming up with Palestine Toyota to provide Santa’s recliner for Pictures! Spread the word as there will be a special appearance by Mrs. Claus!
• 10am-2pm at Over Yonder, 619 W Oak, Palestine, TX.-   Santa and Mrs. Claus are back at Over Yonder! Bring the family and get your picture taken by Photographer Jacquelyn-Paige! Let the kids write their letter to Santa while your there, and shop deals and stocking stuffers from their amazing vendors!  Other dates available: Every Saturday in December from 10am-2pm! (2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd)
• 11am-2:30- Kids Christmas Party at Braly’s Hardware. -A fun filled day for the whole family. We will have wooden ornaments available for kiddos to decorate and ELVES to assist! Grab a snack from thegrill demonstrations and shop weekly specials!
• 11am-3pm – Annual Christmas Open House at Old Town Vintage & More- 306 N Sycamore, Palestine, TX. – Please join for our annual Christmas Open House. You can enjoy shopping all of the vendor sales while kids make an ornament and get their face painted while enjoying hot chocolate, hot apple cider and cookies.
• Noon-3pm at Clayton Homes, 4610 W Oak St, Palestine, TX -Come take photos with Santa and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa
• 4-7pm, A Texas Christmas at Palestine Senior Center. Fundraiser, Doors open at 4:00 p.m. Nobody’s Kings will play while you enjoy Shep’s BBQ. The kids can decorate cookies or ornaments. Tickets are $15 for adults 12+.
• 7pm- Palestine Christmas Parade of Lights- Downtown, Palestine, TX – The City of Palestine invites you to get into the holiday spirit at our Christmas Parade of Lights! Parade participants will make a joyful noise with this year’s theme – “Ringing In The Holidays” – and will use LOTS of lights for Palestine’s only night-time parade. The city streets will also be beautifully decorated for Christmas, and the downtown businesses are planning some extra magical holiday experiences for you. The parade will start at 7pm, as the lights are illuminated on the tree at the Anderson County Courthouse. The parade route then winds through Palestine’s historic downtown Main Street district, fabulously decorated for the holidays. After the parade, children can meet Santa and watch a movie in Rotary Park; or you can take stroll through the downtown streets and do some Christmas shopping with stores open extended hours.
• 6pm-9pm, 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: 4×6 $5.00, 8×10 $10.00. 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

Saturday December 9, 2023

• 8am-10:30am, Pancakes with Mrs. Claus at Home Grill Steak House. Fri, Sat & Sun 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! Home Grill Steak House at 223 W Crawford St, serving weekend breakfast 8am-10:30am. For reservations call: (903) 723-5192
• 10am-2pm at Over Yonder, 619 W Oak, Palestine, TX.-   Santa and Mrs. Claus are back at Over Yonder! Bring the family and get your picture taken by Photographer Jacquelyn-Paige! Let the kids write their letter to Santa while your there, and shop deals and stocking stuffers from their amazing vendors!  Other dates available: Every Saturday in December from 10am-2pm! (2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd)
• 1pm-6pm at Crimson Room Hidden Treasures, 206 W Oak St, Palestine, TX –  FREE photos with Santa and Mrs Clause, free cookies and hot cocoa too!  Bring your camera and take your photos for free with both Mrs Claud and Santa- and while your here shop for some the the latest boutique fashions for boys and girls! Sizes 0/3 mo to 14/16 as well as accessories to match. Lots of sales going on this season as well.
• 9am-2pm – Holiday Brunch with Santa at the Queen, Queen St Grille, 400 N Queen, Palestine, TX -Join us for our Holiday Brunch every Saturday between now and Christmas. Visit with Santa and his Toy Soldier. Gorgeous Christmas displays on all floors for additional photo opps! Reservations: 903-723-2404. Other dates available: Every Saturday in December from 9am-2pm! (2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd) Christmas magic can be found in every corner this season at the Redlands Hotel. On Saturdays through December 16, Santa Claus and his Tin Soldier guard will visit in the main Lobby from 10am-Noon for free photos with your own camera. And just like Santa’s List, the Redlands’ elves have checked their list twice to make sure no detail has been overlooked. Each suite and Lobby area feature an expertly decorated Christmas tree and outstanding Christmas décor throughout all floors, with photo ops at every turn! Be sure to check out the Grinch’s Library, and see if you can find all the special items on the new hotel scavenger hunt.
  Open daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm for guests and visitors at 400 N. Queen St.
• 9:30am-6pm-Railroad Heritage Center, 808 W Oak St, Palestine, TX : 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 6pm with a button on the exterior of the building. Open daily from 9:30am- 6pm Mon-Sat + Sundays Nov 19, 26; Dec 3, 10, 19 & 24. Closed Christmas Day
• 6pm- The Grinch movie at the Texas Theatre, The 2018 animated version of The Grinch will be shown at the historic Texas Theatre in downtown Palestine (213 W. Crawford). Admission for the movie will be $5. Come watch this classic Christmas story one weekend, and then return the next for live entertainment as PCT presents Miracle on 34th Street the Play (normal PCT ticket prices apply for this production).
• 6:30pm – 8:30pm A Walk Through Bethlehem: at Montalba Baptist Church,December 8, 9, 10th- 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
• 11am-5pm- Palestine Christmas Market 2023,672 E Spring St, Palestine TX (Meals on Wheels)- the inaugural PALESTINE CHRISTMAS MARKET!The Palestine Christmas Market is a two-day holiday shopping event held December 8th and December 9th at the Meals on Wheels in Palestine, TX. This holiday shopping event is a collection of more than 20 specialty boutiques and merchants showcasing handmade, vintage-inspired gifts, along with, artwork, gourmet foods, jewelry, seasonal decorations, housewares, adult and children’s clothing, and so much more!Other activities include our VIP Friday night, Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus with Photographer: Jacquelyn-Paige, kids’ personalized handprint ornaments, on-site gift wrapping, an Ultimate Christmas Eve Box raffle, with even more in the works!
• 7pm- Dogwood Jamboree- A Pineywoods Christmas, Classic Country Music and Comedy. Palestine High School Auditorium at Hwy 287 South and Loop 256.  Doors open at 6pm, Show at 7pm. All adult Tickets are $18. Visit website at www.dogwoodjamboree.org or call 903-729-7080 for information or tickets.
• 6pm-9pm, 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: 4×6 $5.00, 8×10 $10.00. 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
• The Polar Express™ Train Ride: November 17 – December 27, various times available. Buy tickets in advance.

Friday December 15, 2023

• 7:30pm- Miracle on 34th Street, The Play! at The Texas Theatre. 213 W Crawford, Palestine TX.

Saturday December 16th, 2023

• 9am-2pm – Holiday Brunch with Santa at the Queen, Queen St Grille, 400 N Queen, Palestine, TX -Join us for our Holiday Brunch every Saturday between now and Christmas. Visit with Santa and his Toy Soldier. Gorgeous Christmas displays on all floors for additional photo opps! Reservations: 903-723-2404. Other dates available: Every Saturday in December from 9am-2pm! (2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd) Christmas magic can be found in every corner this season at the Redlands Hotel. On Saturdays through December 16, Santa Claus and his Tin Soldier guard will visit in the main Lobby from 10am-Noon for free photos with your own camera. And just like Santa’s List, the Redlands’ elves have checked their list twice to make sure no detail has been overlooked. Each suite and Lobby area feature an expertly decorated Christmas tree and outstanding Christmas décor throughout all floors, with photo ops at every turn! Be sure to check out the Grinch’s Library, and see if you can find all the special items on the new hotel scavenger hunt.
  Open daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm for guests and visitors at 400 N. Queen St.
• 8am-10:30am, Pancakes with Mrs. Claus at Home Grill Steak House. Fri, Sat & Sun 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! Home Grill Steak House at 223 W Crawford St, serving weekend breakfast 8am-10:30am. For reservations call: (903) 723-5192
• 9:30am-6pm-Railroad Heritage Center, 808 W Oak St, Palestine, TX :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 6pm with a button on the exterior of the building. Open daily from 9:30am- 6pm Mon-Sat + Sundays Nov 19, 26; Dec 3, 10, 19 & 24. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
• The Polar Express™ Train Ride: November 17 – December 27, various times available. Buy tickets in advance.
• 10am-2pm at Over Yonder, 619 W Oak, Palestine, TX.-   Santa and Mrs. Claus are back at Over Yonder! Bring the family and get your picture taken by Photographer Jacquelyn-Paige! Let the kids write their letter to Santa while your there, and shop deals and stocking stuffers from their amazing vendors!  Other dates available: Every Saturday in December from 10am-2pm! (2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd)
• 5pm-7pm, Cookies with Santa at Van’s Country Store and Grill- 2569 FM 2574, Palestine, TX –free cookies and hot cocoa for everyone also will have coffee. Everyone come and visit with Santa!
• 7:30pm- Miracle on 34th Street, The Play! at The Texas Theatre. 213 W Crawford, Palestine TX.
• 6pm-9pm, 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: 4×6 $5.00, 8×10 $10.00. 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

Sunday December 17th, 2023

• 9:30am-6pm-Railroad Heritage Center, 808 W Oak St, Palestine, TX :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 6pm with a button on the exterior of the building. Open daily from 9:30am- 6pm Mon-Sat + Sundays Nov 19, 26; Dec 3, 10, 19 & 24. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
• Christmas at Hogwarts at Over Yonder- Looking for a magical Christmas experience? Come spend Christmas at Hogwarts! Wizards and witches of all ages welcome! Pass through Platform 9 3/4,  Be sorted into your house (if you have already been sorted, let us know in the notes which house you are in when registering),  Craft your own wand, Display your patronus, Attend Potions class, Care of Magical Creatures, and Herbology,  Enjoy themed snacks and drinks,  Leave with lots of goodies and full of magic. Themed attire not required but highly encouraged! Tickets must be purchased in advance. $40 per person.
• 8am-10:30am, Pancakes with Mrs. Claus at Home Grill Steak House. Fri, Sat & Sun 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! Home Grill Steak House at 223 W Crawford St, serving weekend breakfast 8am-10:30am. For reservations call: (903) 723-5192
• 2pm- Miracle on 34th Street, The Play! at The Texas Theatre. 213 W Crawford, Palestine TX.
• The Polar Express™ Train Ride: November 17 – December 27, various times available. Buy tickets in advance.
• 6pm-9pm, 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: 4×6 $5.00, 8×10 $10.00. 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

Friday December 22nd, 2023

•  7pm- 20th Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along: 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
• 6pm-9pm, 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: 4×6 $5.00, 8×10 $10.00. 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
• The Polar Express™ Train Ride: November 17 – December 27, various times available. Buy tickets in advance.

Saturday December 23rd, 2023

• 9am-2pm – Holiday Brunch with Santa at the Queen, Queen St Grille, 400 N Queen, Palestine, TX -Join us for our Holiday Brunch every Saturday between now and Christmas. Visit with Santa and his Toy Soldier. Gorgeous Christmas displays on all floors for additional photo opps! Reservations: 903-723-2404. Other dates available: Every Saturday in December from 9am-2pm! (2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd) Christmas magic can be found in every corner this season at the Redlands Hotel. On Saturdays through December 16, Santa Claus and his Tin Soldier guard will visit in the main Lobby from 10am-Noon for free photos with your own camera. And just like Santa’s List, the Redlands’ elves have checked their list twice to make sure no detail has been overlooked. Each suite and Lobby area feature an expertly decorated Christmas tree and outstanding Christmas décor throughout all floors, with photo ops at every turn! Be sure to check out the Grinch’s Library, and see if you can find all the special items on the new hotel scavenger hunt.
  Open daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm for guests and visitors at 400 N. Queen St.
• 9:30am-6pm-Railroad Heritage Center, 808 W Oak St, Palestine, TX :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 6pm with a button on the exterior of the building. Open daily from 9:30am- 6pm Mon-Sat + Sundays Nov 19, 26; Dec 3, 10, 19 & 24. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
• The Polar Express™ Train Ride: November 17 – December 27, various times available. Buy tickets in advance.
• 10am-2pm at Over Yonder, 619 W Oak, Palestine, TX.-   Santa and Mrs. Claus are back at Over Yonder! Bring the family and get your picture taken by Photographer Jacquelyn-Paige! Let the kids write their letter to Santa while your there, and shop deals and stocking stuffers from their amazing vendors!  Other dates available: Every Saturday in December from 10am-2pm! (2nd, 9th, 16th, & 23rd)
• 8am-10:30am, Pancakes with Mrs. Claus at Home Grill Steak House. Fri, Sat & Sun 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! Home Grill Steak House at 223 W Crawford St, serving weekend breakfast 8am-10:30am. For reservations call: (903) 723-5192
• 6pm-9pm, 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: 4×6 $5.00, 8×10 $10.00. 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

Merry Christmas! Hope you make some fabulous memories this year! <3