Christmas is a time to go big or go home with your lighting and decorations, and one small Texas town is following that to a “T.” Marshall, Texas, hosts its annual Wonderland of Lights featuring a giant ice rink for skating, a parade, and a vintage, restored 1948 Herschel carousel, among other fantastically magical holiday scenes! It’s the town’s 32nd year of celebrating in this manner. This year, their festivities begin on Wednesday, November 21 at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the Harrison County Courthouse – a historic venue that lends itself nicely to spreading Christmas cheer!
Outlined with millions of white Christmas lights, the courthouse illuminates the night sky at dusk on November 21 and kicks off what is for many the most wonderful time of the year. From Tuesday to Sunday, 6 – 9 p.m., and Saturdays 4 – 10 p.m., from November 21 through December 30 inclusive, visitors to Marshall can experience horse-drawn carriage rides, town tours by train (the Holly Trolley or the Wonderland Express), and wonderful shopping and dining as it’s meant to be for the holidays – enjoyable and stress-free! Their charming downtown restaurants and shops will be beautifully decorated, inviting everyone to come in from the cold and prepare to be delighted! Not only that, but your kids will love the wonderful Santa’s Village – a collection of tiny houses which each feature a free and fun activity – and a visit with the big man himself!
Photo: Facebook/Wonderland of Lights
In conjunction with Wonderland of Lights, Marshall will be holding the fourth annual Wassail Walk during small business Saturday on November 24. Participants can sample this unique Norwegian holiday drink from a variety of Marshall’s shops, and then rank each of the merchants’ recipes in order to select the winners of the People’s Choice Award! Along the same vein (but with less walking for participants and more for the unique entries!) on Saturday, December 1, visitors to Marshall are welcomed for the Lighted Christmas Parade! The theme this year is candy, so it’s anticipated that an amazing array of sweet lighted treats will be on display.
Photo: Facebook/Wonderland of Lights
Then, on Sunday, December 2, from 4:45 – 9 p.m., the East Texas Baptist University Hockey team will be on hand in Marshall for Tigers on Ice! In this amazing event, the team exhibits their hockey prowess including skills and sportsmanship. A special souvenir that can get autographed on site will be given to the first 50 ticket purchasers, and the Tigers will also set aside time to skate with kids and their families! On Saturday, December 8, locals and visitors alike can shop for stocking stuffers, unique gifts, and holiday décor at the upcoming Marshall Outdoor Christmas Market! Vendors gear up for this Christmas event for an entire year, and shoppers are sure to come across some amazing items – made right here in Texas!
Photo: Facebook/Wonderland of Lights
On December 15, Marshall hosts the Wonderland of Sites tour – an interesting and inviting look at historic homes, patios, museums, churches and much more, decorated for the holiday season! Each location gives guests a sneak-peek at venues you may not otherwise be entitled to see. The tour is completed by self-guided map, which will be available at the Marshall Visitor Center as well as online, closer to the event.
Finally, on December 22, participating downtown Marshall merchants will be holding StoryFest. Featuring story time starting every half-hour, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the stores will host children for stories and crafts from a variety of Christmas and holiday books. While the children are being entertained, moms and dads are welcomed to browse the stores for their last-minute gift-giving ideas! Those participating merchants will have an event poster on their door identifying which book will be read. It’s a unique opportunity to shop local while allowing for families to be together, share in the holiday magic, and make Marshall their go-to for holiday cheer! All event details and links are available on the City of Marshall’s website, including event details, times, and rain dates. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
