10 Best Things to do for Christmas in Jefferson, TX

The historic small town of Jefferson in East Texas is one of our favorite places to visit in Texas during the Christmas season.

While most people associate Christmas with snow and cold weather, in Jefferson, Texas, the holiday season is a time of warm temperatures and beautiful autumn scenery.

The town comes alive with decorations, festive events, and a variety of fun family attractions.

Christmas in Jefferson is a truly unique experience and one that everyone should try at least once.

If you’re looking for a place to escape the winter cold this holiday season, Jefferson is the perfect destination.

Also Read: Marshall, Texas Christmas Lights Guide

Best Things to do for Christmas in Jefferson, Texas 

Christmas in Jefferson is a truly magical time.

Here are the best holiday events and activities to get into the Christmas spirit in Jefferson, Texas.

Also Read: Best Things to do in Jefferson, Texas

Attend the annual Hometown Christmas parade and tree lighting

One of the highlights of Christmas in Jefferson is the annual Hometown Christmas parade.

It features floats decorated with lights and holiday themes.

The parade traditionally has vintage cars and Santa Claus riding in a fire truck!

The parade begins downtown and ends at Lions Club Park for the tree-lighting ceremony, where visitors can gather to enjoy the beauty of the holiday season.

Walk through the Enchanted Forest of Lights

The Enchanted Forest in Lions Club Park is a must-see during Christmas in Jefferson.

This holiday light display has over 100 beautifully decorated Christmas trees.

The display is open nightly from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve and is free to the public.

Take the Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes

The Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes is organized by the Historic Jefferson Foundation.

Each December, the historic homes of Jefferson are decorated for the holidays and open to the public for tours.

Visitors can stroll through the beautifully decorated homes, enjoying the festive atmosphere and getting a glimpse of holiday life in years past.

The tour is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and it’s also a great opportunity to support Jefferson’s historic preservation efforts. 

Enjoy holiday decor in Historic Riverfront District

The historic downtown district comes alive with lights, garlands, and wreaths.

Horse-drawn carriages clatter along the brick streets, and the air is filled with the sound of carols.

For a few weeks every year, it feels like Jefferson stepped out of a fairy tale.

Whether you’re strolling through the twinkling lights of Town Square or sipping hot cocoa by the fire, there’s no place like Jefferson at Christmastime.

Take a ride on the Christmas Express Train

The Christmas Express Train is a festive holiday train that takes passengers on a tour of the beautiful countryside around Jefferson.

The train is decorated with lights and garlands, and a variety of holiday displays are set up along the track.

Santa Claus himself visits and delights kids.

On the ride, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the Big Cypress Bayou.

This is a great activity for families and kids of all ages.

Also Read: Polar Express Train in Palestine, Texas

Shop for holiday gifts at local stores

Jefferson is home to several unique shops, and many of them offer special holiday shopping events.

You can find everything from handcrafted gifts to one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers.

Participate in the Wassail Walk

The Wassail Walk is a holiday tradition in Jefferson.

People gather to sing Christmas carols and enjoy wassail, a warm spiced cider.

The event takes place on the first Saturday in December and is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Sip hot chocolate at Jefferson General Store

No visit to Jefferson at Christmastime is complete without a stop at the Jefferson General Store.

This historic store is decked out in holiday decorations, and the hot chocolate is a must-try.

The store also has a great selection of gifts and souvenirs.

Santa’s Workshop is a holiday event for kids of all ages inside the store.

Kids can make crafts, write letters to Santa, and enjoy holiday snacks.

There’s also a visit from Santa himself!

Take a carriage ride through town

One of the best ways to see Jefferson at Christmastime is to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town.

You’ll get to see the beautiful holiday decorations, and the clip-clop of the horse’s hooves is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Carriage rides are available for a fee, and you can usually find them near Town Square.

See a show at the Jefferson Opera House

Visit Jefferson during Christmastime, and you’ll be charmed by the historic Opera House.

The Opera House is decorated for the holidays, and you can enjoy a variety of holiday shows there.

During Christmas, Jefferson is decked out in its holiday finest, and the spirit of the season is alive and well.

From the annual lighting of the big Christmas tree in the square to the festive decorations in the windows of businesses and homes, Jefferson is a magical place to be during the holidays.

What are your favorite things to do in Jefferson during Christmastime?

Let us know below.