Good morning, Tyler!

The Christmas season is officially in full swing in the Rose City. If you haven’t had a chance to bundle up and head out yet, the city is glowing—literally. From the Rose Garden and The Children’s Park to the massive drive-thru displays at Santa Land and Up In Lights, there are endless opportunities to see holiday lights around East Texas this week.

Beyond the lights, the calendar is packed. We’ve got ice skating downtown, a classic Vivaldi performance, and the Blue Santa Car Show all coming up. Whether you are looking for a quiet evening of music or a high-energy family outing, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into what’s happening in Tyler.

Also… we’ve got a LOT in this email, so you may want to book mark this one

City accepts grant to preserve North Tyler’s cultural history
The Tyler City Council voted on Dec. 10 to accept a $37,500 Texas Historical Commission grant to fund a historic resources survey in several North Tyler neighborhoods between Wolford and North Broadway, including Woodhaven, Northridge, and College Lane. The survey will help document early families, postwar growth, and the Texas College community, guiding future preservation and revitalization work. Read more

$13M Bellwood Lift Station project approved to support Tyler’s growth
Council also approved a $13,075,678 (😳) contract with Wicker Construction to retire the Bellwood Lift Station and reroute wastewater so it flows downhill instead of being pumped. The project, required under the city’s federal consent decree, is designed to boost system capacity, reduce maintenance costs, and better support both existing and future development. Read more

Brookshire’s & Hormel Team Up to Fight Hunger
In a major charitable move, Brookshire Grocery Company and Hormel Foods announced a partnership to donate thousands of meals to the East Texas Food Bank. With food insecurity rising during the holidays, this corporate donation will provide essential protein and non-perishables to families across the region. Read more

AG Paxton Launches Financial Review of Tyler & Other Cities
In major state-and-local news, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into nearly 1,000 Texas cities—including Tyler—regarding compliance with financial transparency laws (Senate Bill 1851). The review aims to ensure cities are strictly following audit requirements before raising taxes. It is a developing story with significant potential impact on city budgets and tax rates. Read more here or here.

Longriders Motorcycle Club’s 40th annual Toy Run fills downtown with bikes & gifts
For the 40th year, the Longriders Motorcycle Club roared through downtown Tyler for its Toy Run, collecting unwrapped toys, canned goods, and donations for children and families across East Texas. Organizers say the run grows every year, bringing together bike clubs, churches, and local residents around a shared holiday mission. Read more

UT Tyler’s ‘Operation Save Christmas’ turns kids into junior detectives
UT Tyler’s Criminal Justice Department hosted its first “Junior Detective Academy – Operation Save Christmas” at the Forensic Simulation Complex, inviting kids ages 5–12 to solve a holiday mystery using fingerprinting, shoe-print casting, and other forensic skills. Organizers hope the event becomes an annual tradition that nudges more East Texas kids toward STEM and criminal justice careers. Read more

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

Christmas in the Park – Lights at The Children’s Park of Tyler
The Children’s Park | 110 E Dobbs St, Tyler | Light displays nightly through Dec 31 | Learn more
A quiet, reflective light display with carols and activities on the big event night — and the park stays lit each evening for families to walk, take photos, and enjoy the season.

Santa Land – Drive-Thru Christmas Park
11455 I-20 W | Tyler / Lindale area | Nightly now–Jan 4, approx. 6:00–10:00pm | Learn more
The original East Texas drive-thru Christmas park with millions of lights and handmade animated displays across 24+ acres — stay cozy in the car and cruise the lights.

Up In Lights / TylerLights – Drive-Thru Light Park
12885 County Road 192 | Tyler | Fri–Sun at 6:00pm through Dec 14; nightly at 6:00pm Dec 17–25 | Learn more
One-mile drive-thru light park on 12 acres — your date range includes the Dec 12–14 weekend plus the start of the nightly runs Dec 17–19.

Ice Skating at Discovery Science Place
Discovery Science Place | 308 N Broadway Ave, Tyler | Seasonal rink open for winter starting Nov 15; public sessions throughout December (check site for daily hours) | Learn more
A new synthetic ice rink in downtown Tyler — fun holiday outing for kids, teens, and adults, especially paired with the museum.

Carmela’s Magical Santa Land – Longview
Carmela’s Magical Santa Land | 6085 Hwy 259 N, Longview | Nightly through the holidays, typically 5:30–10:00pm | Learn more
Huge free drive-thru and walking-trail light park with hot cocoa, photos with Santa, and tons of displays — a popular regional tradition for many Tyler families.

Wonderland of Lights – Marshall
Downtown Marshall | Marshall, TX | Open now–Dec 30; Thu 6:00–9:00pm, Fri 6:00–10:00pm, Sat 4:00–10:00pm, Sun 4:00–9:00pm | Learn more
Historic courthouse wrapped in millions of lights, plus skating, carousel and train rides, carriage rides, and Santa’s Village — one of the biggest Christmas attractions in the region.

A Dickens Christmas
ETX fairgrounds | Tyler | Fri–Sun, Dec 12–14 & Fri–Sun, Dec 19–21 – 4–9pm | Learn more
Step into an Old English–style Christmas village with sparkling lights, vendors, food, and visits with Santa.

Breakfast with Santa
Glass Recreation Center | Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 – 9:30–11:30am | Learn more
Enjoy breakfast, holiday crafts, and photos with Santa at the City of Tyler’s Glass Rec Center.

Santa at the Coco Bean
The Coco Bean | Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 – Vendors 9am-1pm, Pictures with Santa 10am-12pm | Learn more
Grab a coffee, meet Santa, and snap photos in a cozy local coffee shop setting.

Parent Survival Night – Holiday Pajama Party
The Little Gym of Tyler | Tyler | Fri, Dec 12 – 5:30–8:30pm | Learn More
Drop the kids off in their holiday PJs for supervised games, activities, and fun while you enjoy a kid-free evening.

Christmas Photo Day
Cross Brand Cowboy Church | Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 – Starts at 9am | Learn more
Family and kid Christmas photos at Cross Brand Cowboy Church — a chance to get that holiday card shot done.

Gingerbread Engineering
Tyler Public Library | Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 – 4-5:30pm | Learn more
Hands-on STEM fun for kids as they design and build gingerbread “structures” at the library.

Christmas Light Rides (Ride Tyler)
Bergfeld Park | Tyler | Select evenings including Thu, Dec 11 – 5:30pm (plus other dates) | Learn more
Guided e-bike tours through the Azalea District’s Christmas lights — bundle up, ride through historic neighborhoods, and see the displays from the bike lane.

A Pineywoods Christmas – Trail of Lights at Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park | 789 Park Rd 16, Tyler | Fri–Sat, Dec 12–13 – roughly 5:00–9:00pm | Learn more 
Lighted trail under the pines with decorated campsites, holiday storytelling, and a Christmas celebration at the lake; they encourage canned-food donations for the East Texas Food Bank.

Holiday Crafts – Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park | 789 Park Rd 16, Tyler | Fri, Dec 19 – 1:00pm | Learn more
Daytime holiday craft program at the park — easy to pair with hiking, trout-stocking-season fishing, or a picnic by the lake.

Community Star Party – Tyler Public Library & ASET
Tyler Public Library | 201 S College Ave, Tyler | Mon, Dec 15 – 6:00–7:30pm | Learn more
Free public star party in the library parking lot with telescopes and guides from the Astronomical Society of East Texas.

Saint Nick’s Run Fest - 7k, 13k, & 20k
Faulkner Park | Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 – Races start at 9am | Learn more
Holiday-themed trail run featuring a 7k, 13k, & 20k! Supporting Operation Christmas Child, Toys For Tots, and Angel Tree.

Jacksonville Jingle Jog 5K and Fun Run
Jacksonville | Sat, Dec 13 – 9am | Learn more
Family-friendly Christmas 5K and fun run through Jacksonville with holiday costumes and cheer.

Holiday Open House – Discovery Science Place
Discovery Science Place | Downtown Tyler | Thu, Dec 11 – 4:00–7:00pm | Learn more
Downtown museum open house with holiday science demos, photos with Santa, snacks, and activities — admission is a canned-food donation for the East Texas Food Bank instead of tickets.

Art 4 Fun – Ceramic Coaster Decorating
Tyler Public Library – Makerspace | Tyler | Thu, Dec 18 – 5:30pm | Learn more
Kids in grades 3 and up decorate ceramic coasters to keep or gift — free program, but advance registration is required.

Winter Reading Challenge – Tyler Public Library (All Ages)
Tyler Public Library | Tyler | Dec 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | Learn more
An ongoing reading challenge for kids, teens, and adults — log time online or on paper and earn small rewards.

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Liberty Hall | Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 – evening concert | Learn more
A chamber concert performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons — a classical music highlight for the holidays.

White Christmas – Sing-Along
Liberty Hall | Downtown Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 – evening | Learn more
Interactive screening of White Christmas with on-screen lyrics so the whole audience can sing along.

Hope Has a Name – GABC Christmas
Green Acres Baptist Church | Tyler | Sun, Dec 14 — 6pm | Learn more
Big-production Christmas musical with choir, orchestra, and drama at Green Acres Baptist Church.

Derek Gaines – Rose City Comedy
Rose City Comedy | Tyler | Fri–Sat, Dec 12–13 – doors open at 5pm | Learn more
High-energy stand-up from Derek Gaines at Tyler’s Rose City Comedy, with two nights of fast-paced, big-laugh shows.

Southern Plainsmen Quartet Christmas Concert
Local church/venue listed in event | Tyler area | Sun, Dec 14 – 6-8:30pm | Learn more
Southern gospel Christmas concert from the Southern Plainsmen Quartet.

Friday Night – One Horse Town Live
The Grove – Tyler | 3500 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler | Fri, Dec 12 – 7:30-10:30pm | Learn more
High-energy country/dance band One Horse Town plays live at The Grove’s outdoor stage.

Brunch w/ Jessica Peacock
SKY Bar & Grill | 1721 S Broadway Ave, Tyler | Sun, Dec 14 – 11am–3pm (music midday) | Learn More
Live music over Sunday brunch at Sky Bar & Grill with local artist Jessica Peacock.

Sunday Brunch with Sean Fuller
Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse – Tyler (TXM Tyler) | 5424 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler | Sun, Dec 14 – 12–2pm | Learn More
Smooth sax and live music during Sunday brunch at TXM Tyler.

Lee & Jeff – The Grove Tyler
The Grove – Tyler | 3500 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 – 10:30am-1:30pm | Learn More
Live set from Lee & Jeff at The Grove, perfect for a relaxed daytime outing with food and drinks.

HTeaO Tyler - 2nd Tyler location Grand Opening
5250 Old Jacksonville Hwy | Tyler | Sat, Dec. 13 - 10am | Learn more
Get your favorite tea on the house + the first 250 people in line get a free t-shirt!

Open Makerspace – Kids’ Crafts & Games
Tyler Public Library – Makerspace | Tyler | Fri, Dec 19 – 2:00–3:00pm | Learn more
Drop-in crafting, art, and game time for kids of all ages; come-and-go format makes it an easy stop between other errands. 

Christmas Open House at Painted Tree Boutiques
Painted Tree Boutiques | Tyler | Sat  Dec 13 10am-8pm | Learn More
Holiday open house with local vendors, décor, and gift shopping inside Painted Tree.

Holiday Market
Oak Crossing| Whitehouse | Sat, Dec 13 – 9am–3pm | Learn More
Outdoor holiday market with local makers, food, and family-friendly shopping.

Toy & Coat Drive
Life Church Tyler  | Tyler | Dec 13  | Learn More
Drop off new toys and warm coats to support local families in need this Christmas.

Tyler Customer Appreciation Day
Broadstreet Bank | 917 E SE Loop 323, Tyler | Fri, Dec 12 – 10am–2pm | Learn More
Snacks, giveaways, and a thank-you celebration for Tyler customers at Broadstreet Bank.

Tyler Patrolman’s Blue Santa Car Show
1433 S Beckham | Tyler | Sat Dec 13  | Learn More
Car show benefiting the Blue Santa program, supporting local kids during the holidays.

Noonday Annual Christmas Market
Noonday Farmers Market | Noonday  | Sat, Dec 13 – 2-7pm  | Learn More
Outdoor Christmas market with local vendors, crafts, and holiday treats in Noonday.

Tyler Dad Collective Christmas Party
Venue listed in event | Tyler | Sun, Dec 14 – 11am-1pm | Learn More
Christmas gathering for local foster, adoptive, and kinship dads.

Give a Rescue Dog the Gift of Home This Season
Pets Fur People / Hollywood Feed | Tyler  | Sat, Dec 13 — 9am-2pm | Learn More
Adoption-focused event encouraging families to give a rescue dog a forever home for the holidays.

December Off-Square Sundaze Vendor Market!!!
Off-Square venues downtown | 235 S Broadway Ave #110, Tyler | Sun, Dec 14 – 12-5pm | Learn More
Downtown vendor market with local makers, pop-ups, and holiday shopping.

Electric Winter – Paint & Sip
Pinot’s Palette | Tyler | Fri, Dec 12 — 7pm | Learn More
A winter-themed paint-and-sip night — create a seasonal canvas while enjoying drinks with friends.

Paint Your Pet – Benefiting Pets Fur People
Pinot’s Palette | Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 — 3pm | Learn More
Bring a pet photo and paint a portrait; a portion of proceeds benefits Pets Fur People.

Intermediate Christmas Cookie Decorating Class
The Pink Rose Salon | Bullard | Sun,  Dec 14 — 4pm | Learn More
Hands-on cookie decorating class for those with a bit of experience, focusing on more advanced holiday designs.

East Texas Genealogy Society Meeting
Tyler Public Library | Tyler | Sat, Dec 13 — 2-3pm | Learn More
Monthly genealogy society meeting — membership encouraged but not required; learn tips for genealogy research.

That’s all for this week, Tyler!

Whether you are running a 5K, painting pottery, or just cruising through the neighborhoods to admire the lights, we hope you have a wonderful week. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy everything the season has to offer.

See you next week!

Eric
From Tyler