Good morning, Tyler!

I hope you and your family had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving. It feels like we blinked and went from turkey and stuffing straight into freezing temps and lights.

If you thought the fall was busy… hold on tight, holiday fun is ramping up all around Tyler! From the Rose City Christmas Parade to light displays popping up in every corner of the city, there is no shortage of ways to get into the spirit this week.

Let’s get into what’s happening in Tyler!

P.S. I know, I know… this isn’t the end of the newsletter, but we just launched Support From Tyler, with founding supporter levels for readers and local businesses who want to help fuel more great local content. If that sounds like you, you can read about it here: fromtylertx.com/support. If not, no sweat, this newsletter is, and will always be free.

Urgent Call for "Angel Tree" Adoptions
The Salvation Army of Tyler issued an urgent plea this week, noting that nearly 500 "Angels" (children and seniors) still need to be adopted before the deadline this Saturday, Dec 6. The community is being asked to step up to ensure these neighbors receive gifts and clothing in time for Christmas. Read more

Smith County Approves $1M Dispatch Upgrade
The Smith County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a nearly $1 million investment to upgrade the county’s emergency dispatch consoles. The move replaces aging equipment from 2010 with state-of-the-art Motorola technology, ensuring that 911 dispatchers have reliable, modern tools to handle critical situations effectively. Read more

SPCA of East Texas warns it may have to close
The SPCA of East Texas in Tyler says donations are down and intakes are up — and without a funding boost, they may have to cut services or even close their doors. They’re asking East Texans to step up by donating, fostering, or adopting. Read more

East Texans “Walk Off the Bird” at Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park’s annual “Walk Off the Bird” hike drew families out the day after Thanksgiving to burn off the big meal and enjoy the Pineywoods together — a growing post-holiday tradition. Read more

Holiday market highlights local vendors & gives back
A Black Friday holiday market in Longview brought shoppers and local makers together while raising money for a local nonprofit, blending shop-local vibes with a charitable cause. Read more

Caldwell Zoo launches holiday “giving tree” for animals
Caldwell Zoo rolled out a festive enrichment “giving tree,” where visitors can sponsor treats and activities that keep animals mentally and physically engaged all season long. Read more

Ruby’s Mexican Restaurant hosts free Thanksgiving dinner
Ruby’s Mexican Restaurant in Tyler served up a free Thanksgiving “give back” meal, providing holiday plates to more than 150 neighbors as part of its first community dinner event. Read more

🎅 Rose City Christmas Parade
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium | 609 Fair Park Dr, Tyler | Thu, Dec 4 – Parade 6:30pm; tree lighting & drone show to follow | Learn more
Tyler’s big Rose City Christmas Parade at Rose Stadium with floats, tree lighting, and a new holiday drone show. Stadium admission is $1 or a canned food item, with proceeds benefiting the East Texas Food Bank; free viewing along surrounding streets.

🎄 Holiday Lights in the Garden
Tyler Rose Garden | Tyler | Dec 4–23 & 25–30, nightly 5:00–8:00pm (closed Dec 24) | Learn more
Free, walk-through light display throughout the Rose Garden — family-friendly, stroller-friendly, and a great easy weeknight outing.

🚗 Up in Lights – Drive-Thru Christmas Light Park
12885 County Road 192 | Tyler | Fri–Sun, Now–Dec 14 at 6:00pm; nightly Dec 17–25 at 6:00pm | Learn more
One-mile drive-thru light park on 12 acres — “Tyler’s only drive-thru Christmas light park.”

🎅 Santa Land (Drive-Thru Lights)
11455 US Hwy 271 | Tyler | Nightly Nov 14–Jan 4 (evenings, typically 6–10pm, later Fri–Sat) | Learn more
Classic East Texas drive-thru lights with huge displays, gift shop, and photo ops with Santa on select nights.

🌟 Christmas in the Park – Lights at The Children’s Park of Tyler
The Children’s Park | 110 E Dobbs St, Tyler | Nightly through Dec 31; special event Fri, Dec 6 at 6:00pm | Learn more
A free, quiet light display at The Children’s Park all season; the 21st annual “Christmas in the Park” gathering is on Dec 6 (carols, activities, community service focus).

🚂 The Polar Express™ Train Ride (Texas State Railroad)
Texas State Railroad Depot | Palestine, TX | Multiple departures nightly in December | Learn more  
Full Polar Express experience with cocoa, cookies, and Santa onboard. Popular regional draw for families looking for a bigger outing.

💚 Pictures With the Grinch – Tyler Rose Garden
Tyler Rose Garden Center | 420 Rose Park Dr, Tyler | Sat, Dec 6 – 6:00–8:00pm | Learn more
Free photos with the Grinch hosted by Tyler Parks & Rec at the Rose Garden; often paired with crafts and a walk through the holiday lights.

🎬 Movie in the Park – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Tyler Rose Garden / Parks & Rec series | Tyler | Sat, Dec 6 – evening (around 6:00pm) |Learn more
Outdoor screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas as part of the city’s Movies in the Park + Grinch photo event. Bring blankets/chairs; family-friendly and free to attend.

🚲 Christmas Light Rides (Ride Tyler)
Bergfeld Park | Tyler | Fridays & Saturdays from Nov 28–Dec 23, ~5:30–9:00pm | Learn more
Guided e-bike “Christmas Light Rides” through the Azalea District lights, departing from Bergfeld Park. Reservations recommended; kids often ride in trailers or tag-alongs.

🌲 A Pineywoods Christmas – Trail of Lights at Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park | 789 Park Rd 16 | Fri–Sat, Dec 12–13 – roughly 5:00–9:00pm |Learn more
Lighted trail through the pines, ranger story readings, star party, and holiday crafts at Tyler State Park. Admission is free after 5pm; they encourage canned food donations for the East Texas Food Bank.

🍵 Holiday Tea @ Three – Goodman-LeGrand Museum
Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum | Tyler | Sat, Dec 6 – 3:00–5:00pm |Learn more
A seated holiday tea at the decorated historic Goodman-LeGrand House: flavored teas, sweet and savory bites, and live holiday entertainment in a Victorian setting.

🎥 It’s a Wonderful Life – Screening at Liberty Hall
Liberty Hall | Downtown Tyler | Sat, Dec 6 – 7:00pm |Learn more
Classic 1946 film on the big screen in Liberty Hall’s restored downtown theater—great nostalgic downtown night paired with dinner on the square.

🎄 Majestics Christmas Show – Liberty Hall
Liberty Hall | Downtown Tyler | Mon, Dec 8 – 7:00pm | Tickets
Holiday performance by the Tyler Junior College “Majestics” dance line (and guests) on the Liberty Hall stage.

❄️ Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – Tyler Civic Theatre
Tyler Civic Theatre | Rose Garden Center | Fri–Sun, Dec 12–14 – opening night Fri, usually 7:30pm |Learn more
Stage musical production of White Christmas with tap numbers, classic songs, and full holiday staging.

 🎷 Swingin’ Into Christmas – UT Tyler Jazz Ensembles
R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center | UT Tyler | Fri, Dec 5 – 7:30pm |Learn more
Holiday big-band concert by UT Tyler’s jazz ensembles—swing standards plus Christmas tunes in a formal concert setting.

🎸 American Aquarium at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q
Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q | Tyler | Sat, Dec 6 – 7:15pm |Learn more
Ticketed outdoor show at Stanley’s—American Aquarium’s alt-country / Americana set under the lights, with legendary barbecue in hand.

🤠 Robert Earl Keen – The Greatest Christmas on Earth
UT Tyler Cowan Center | Tyler | Sat, Dec 6 – 7:30pm |Learn more
Big holiday country show from Robert Earl Keen as part of the Cowan Center’s Big Country Series. Reserved-seat ticketed concert.

🎵 Shane & Shane – ‘Tis the Season for Singing
Sola Bread Co | 2453 Earl Campbell Pkwy, Tyler | Thu, Dec 11 – 7:00pm | Learn more
Christmas worship concert with Shane & Shane at Sola Bread Co—order pizza, bring the family, and ring in the Christmas season singing songs to the King of Kings.

🎄 Merry Mosaic Christmas Market
True Vine Brewing / Mosaic District | Tyler | Fri, Dec 5 – starts ~4:30pm | Event page
Outdoor Christmas market in the Mosaic District with vendors, pictures with Santa, giveaways, live music, and the lighting of the True Vine Christmas Tree.

📚 Dollar/Quarter Book Sale – Over 15,000 Books
Elsewhere Book Sales | Whitehouse, TX | Thu–Sat, Dec 4–6 – 10:00am–5:00pm | Event page
Massive used-book sale with more than 15,000 books priced at $0.25 or $1 each. Open to the public; easy quick trip from Tyler.

🚗 Annual Christmas Parade – Bullard
Downtown Bullard | Bullard, TX | Sat, Dec 6 – 5:45pm | Event page
Bullard’s annual lighted Christmas parade with floats, local groups, and Santa. Short drive south of Tyler and open to all spectators.

🎄 Downtown Tyler Holiday Open House (Dec 8–13)
Downtown Tyler (around the square) | Mon–Sat, Dec 8–13 – evenings | Learn more
Some shops/ locations around the square stay open late with some holiday fun.

🎨 Christmas Charcuterie Class – Gotta Graze
Gotta Graze | 123 E 8th St, Tyler | Thu, Dec 11 – 6:00pm | Learn more
Hands-on workshop where you build a Christmas-themed charcuterie board; ticket includes ingredients and instruction. Limited spots; tickets sold via Gotta Graze website.

This week offers a perfect balance of celebration and community spirit.

While you are out enjoying the parade or looking for The Grinch, please keep our local nonprofits in mind. Whether it’s adopting an Angel for the Salvation Army or skipping a latte to donate to the SPCA, a little bit of local love goes a long way right now.

Enjoy the lights, drive safe, and we’ll see you out there.

And, as always, if we missed something, or you’ve got an event or story we should feature, just reply to this email and let us know.

Eric
From Tyler