Christmas in Longview, Texas starts with the downtown tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 21, and the AMBUCS Christmas Parade follows on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026. In between, the Longview Arboretum lights up for Bright! A Season of Lights from Nov. 28 through Jan. 3, and downtown holds a free Holiday ArtWalk on Dec. 10.
Below is every holiday event we could confirm on an official page, in date order. Where a 2026 date has not been posted yet, we say so and link the page to watch.
1. Christmas in the Pineywoods, Nov. 19 to 21
Where: Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, 100 Grand Blvd.
A three-day holiday shopping market, listed on the City of Longview calendar for Nov. 19 to 21, 2026. It is the place to knock out gifts early from local and regional vendors. Check the calendar page for daily hours and admission before you go.
2. Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting, Saturday, Nov. 21
Where: Heritage Plaza, 219 E. Methvin St., downtown.
Visit Longview lists the lighting for Saturday, Nov. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m., with the tree lit at about 5:30 p.m. Entry is free and photos with Santa are free. The page lists a petting zoo and pony rides for $5 and carriage rides at $5 for ages 3 to 12 and $10 for 12 and up. The page does not print a year, so if you are planning around it, call the Main Street office at 903-753-3281 to confirm.
The same day, the Gobble Wobble run is on the Paul Boorman Trail, per the city's November calendar.
3. Thanksgiving week: Turkey Trot, Nov. 26
The Turkey Trot runs at Guthrie Park on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, per the city calendar. It is a good way to earn the second plate.
4. Bright! A Season of Lights, Nov. 28 to Jan. 3
Where: Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, 706 W. Cotton St.
The Arboretum's walk-through light show runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from Nov. 28 through Jan. 3, according to the event page. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and last entry is 9 p.m. It is closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Posted prices: adults $15; under 12, $10; seniors 65 and up, military and first responders, $10; under 3 free. A season pass is $40, or $120 for a family pass covering up to five people. Tickets were marked "coming soon" when we checked, and the ticket list showed a few nights that differ from the FAQ, so check the page or call 903-212-2181 before you pick a night.
5. AMBUCS Christmas Parade, Thursday, Dec. 3
Where: Downtown, along Tyler and Whaley streets.
Visit Longview's parade page lists the 2026 parade for Thursday, Dec. 3, with the theme "A Texas Christmas." A start time had not been posted when we checked. The page says the staging area east of Green Street closes at 5 p.m., so plan to park and find a curb spot well before dark.
6. Holiday ArtWalk, Thursday, Dec. 10
Where: Downtown Longview, 5 to 8 p.m. Free.
Arts!Longview lists the Holiday ArtWalk for Thursday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown galleries and shops stay open late, and it pairs well with dinner at one of the downtown restaurants on Tyler Street.
Holiday events still waiting on 2026 dates
These happen most years, but their 2026 dates were not posted on an official page as of Oct. 26:
- The Nutcracker at the Belcher Center. LeTourneau University's Belcher Center has hosted a holiday Nutcracker in past seasons. Watch belchercenter.com or call the box office at 903-233-3080.
- Carmela's Magical Santa Land. A free drive-through light display that takes donations. In 2025 it ran nightly into early January, per KLTV. Dates are usually announced in November.
- LMFA Holiday Market and Tea Room. The Longview Museum of Fine Arts lists 2026 details as "coming soon" on its holiday page.
- Marshall's Wonderland of Lights. About 35 to 40 minutes east in Marshall, it usually opens Thanksgiving week, per KLTV's 2025 coverage. Dates are usually announced in November.
Tips for a Longview Christmas
- Dress for the Arboretum. Bright is outdoors and on foot. East Texas December nights can turn cold fast.
- Pick a weeknight for Bright if you can. Thursdays tend to be easier than Saturdays for parking and crowds at any light show.
- Go downtown early on parade night. Tyler Street fills up, and the side streets near Heritage Plaza are where most people park.
- Keep the Visit Longview calendar handy. New holiday events get added through November at visitlongviewtexas.com/173/Calendar.
For more ideas once the decorations come down, see our guides to free things to do in Longview and things to do this weekend.
Getting there from Grace Pointe
From Grace Pointe Apartments on Magnolia Lane in north Longview, downtown Heritage Plaza and the Arboretum are each about 10 minutes by car.
If you are moving to Longview this winter, Grace Pointe has one and two bedroom apartments a short drive from downtown. You can schedule a tour or call 903-414-6336.
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