Christmas in Texas

The Lone Star State’s Holiday Celebrations Shine Bright

Story by Jen Calhoun

Tracy Matthieu can see it as clearly in her mind’s eye as if it is happening right in front of her. Boats as far as the eye can see, covered in lights and decorated for the most festive holiday of the year. Who knows? Maybe there’s a cabin full of Santa-hat-wearing celebrants and an elf or 2 helping navigate.

“I’m still working out the kinks, but I’m trying to get people interested in doing a boat parade on Lake Livingston for Christmas,” says Tracy, an East Texas real estate agent and organizer of the lake’s July 4th boat parade.

Tracy’s hope is that the idea gathers enough interest to make the parade a tradition on Lake Livingston–an event that draws people to celebrate the holiday in an altogether new way.

Floats That Really Float

The date of the event and details had not been announced by the time of print, but Tracy expects the parade to take place around sunset in December. The parade “floats” would pass the Blanchard Boat Ramp, a public, 2-lane boat ramp that includes a courtesy dock and parking for non-boaters.

“This way, people could be at the boat ramp and see it, and then we would do a shoreline cruise-by,” she says. “Unfortunately, with it being after dark, Jet Skis wouldn’t be allowed for safety reasons. But any other kind of motorized boat, even a jon boat, could join.”

Like with the Lake Livingston July 4th Boat Parade, Tracy hopes to offer prizes to participants with the best decorations. “First prize was 2 tickets to a Houston Astros game with really good seats and an Astros merchandise basket,” she says. “Then we had hour-long massages from 2 different spas, Pure Radiance Med Spa in Tyler and The Body Therapy Center in Point Blank. We also had custom-engraved wine glasses and a bottle of wine from Teysha Vineyard in Huntsville.”

Other businesses around town donated, too, she says, and winners were chosen by popular vote. “We hope more businesses will donate this year,” Tracy adds. Summer’s parade entrants paid a flat $25 fee, which is donated to a local charity. The primary reason for the fee is to encourage people to show up after they’ve already registered. For more information on the event, closer to the time, join the Lake Livingston Boat Parade Facebook page.

Merry Texas Christmas, Y'all!

Boat parades aren’t the only things happening in East Texas around the holidays. The region is filled with parades, lights, festivals and even festivals of lights. We’ve compiled a list of a few of them, but make sure to get the latest information, including locations, dates and times, directly from the sources.

Henderson

Check out Henderson’s Downtown Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. This event features everything from the usual Christmas cheer to a procession of corgis decked out in holiday finery. Visit hendersontx.us for the latest information on joining the parade and attending it, or go to The City of Henderson, TX - Government Facebook page.

Livingston

A full day of fun is on tap every year during the Livingston Hometown Christmas. It starts with a Jingle Bell Fun Run in the morning, with arts and crafts and food vendors beginning at noon, winding up with the annual parade. For the latest information and news about the event, visit the Visit Livingston Texas website or check out the Livingston Main Street Facebook page.

Longview

Marching bands, intricate floats, food trucks, and Santa will converge on Longview when the Downtown Longview AMBUCS Christmas Parade hits the streets. For the latest information, go to the Livingston Texas website or the Downtown Longview AMBUCS Christmas Parade Facebook page.

Tyler

The Rose City Christmas Parade & Drone Show is scheduled to take off Thursday, Dec. 4, with some of the most professional-looking floats this side of the Rose Parade. Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Tyler, this event is sure to offer something for everyone. For more information, visit the Rose City Christmas Facebook page. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, send an email to Tyler.

Waskom

Do a little last-minute shopping and hang out with Santa at the Waskom Chamber Christmas Market. Local artisans and food vendors will be on hand for merrymaking at this free, family-oriented event. For the latest information, visit the Waskom Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.