Good morning, Tyler!
We are officially in the "home stretch." Christmas is just around the corner, which means it’s time to wrap those last-minute gifts, finish your final grocery runs, and, most importantly, squeeze in every bit of holiday magic Tyler has to offer before the season peaks.
If you’re looking to escape the gift-wrapping station for a few hours, this weekend is packed. You can step back in time at A Dickens Christmas at the fairgrounds, catch the final nights of SantaLand, or take a peaceful stroll through the Holiday Lights in the Garden (they even had a mini train last time we were there!). Whether you’re looking for a high-energy dueling piano party or a quiet morning of trout fishing at the State Park, we’ve got your itinerary covered.
Let’s dive in.
In today’s edition:
🌆 Downtown Developments: A 10-year tax break for the Blackstone Hotel and the relocation of some historic greenery.
🥳 Entertainment News: It’s official — Dave & Buster’s is planting roots on South Broadway.
🎄 The Big Guide: Over 20 holiday events, from Viking festivals to Elvis Christmas concerts.
Tyler Lowdown
Downtown Tyler boutique hotel gets a 10-year tax break
Smith County commissioners voted 4–1 on Dec. 16 to approve a 50% property tax abatement for the planned 144-room Blackstone Hotel at Broadway & Ferguson (the old Regions lobby site). The project is pitched as a ~$47.7M investment with 60+ jobs, and another big bet on downtown’s long game during the improvement project. Read more
Dave & Buster’s is officially headed to Tyler
Tyler Economic Development Council says Dave & Buster’s has closed on property at The Village at Cumberland Park on South Broadway. More dining + entertainment momentum on the way. Read more
Tyler gears up for a post-holiday waste surge and pushes smarter recycling
City staff expect an extra 10 tons of holiday waste at the recycling center, with cardboard and gift wrap leading the way. Pro tip from the city: avoid “wish-cycling” (foil wrap, ribbons, and other non-recyclables can contaminate loads). Read more
True Vine downtown closes its doors
True Vine Brewing downtown has officially closed, while the Earl Campbell location stays open. It’s a tough headline for downtown — especially with the multi-year construction timeline still ahead. Read more
Crape myrtles begin moving from the Tyler Square to TJC
Crews have started relocating 10 crape myrtles from the square to Tyler Junior College as part of the downtown work. It’s an interesting move, but good to see the beautiful old trees preserved. Read more
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Tyler Events
Family Fun
A Dickens Christmas
ETX fairgrounds | Tyler | 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.
Santa is coming to Brookshire’s Wildlife Museum
Brookshire’s Wildlife Museum | Tyler | Sat, Dec 20 | 9:00 AM | Learn more
Get a free photo with Santa + checkout the newly reopened wildlife museum.
Santa Photo Experience
Broadway Square | Tyler | Special hours Dec 18–24 (Dec 24: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM) | Learn more.
Your go-to Santa photos stop — ideal if you want something indoors.
Holiday Lights in the Garden
Tyler Rose Garden (420 Rose Park Dr) | 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.
Up In Lights / TylerLights
TylerLights (12885 County Road 192) | Tyler | Nightly Dec 17–25, 6:00 PM | Learn more.
Big, drive-thru holiday lights experience — great for a cozy car night with hot chocolate.
SantaLand
SantaLand | Tyler | Park open nightly; Santa’s last night: Dec 23; Trailer rides last night: Dec 26 | Learn more.
Classic holiday drive-thru with add-ons (gift shop + rides) — good “after dinner” outing.
A Storybook Christmas in Lindale
Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square | Lindale | Daily Dec 6–31, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM | Learn more.
Walk-through Christmas scenes and photo spots — easy add-on if you’re headed through Lindale.
Carmela’s Magical Santa Land
Carmela’s Magical Santa Land | Longview | Nov 22–Dec 23 (running Dec 18–23), opens 5:30 PM | Learn more.
Another drive-thru lights option nearby — good backup if you want a second lights night.
Caldwell Zoo: Holiday Fun
Caldwell Zoo | Tyler | Sat, Dec 20, 9:30–11:30 AM | Learn more.
Zoo morning + Santa + holiday treats + Mrs. Claus Storybook Day, and more.
Open Makerspace
Tyler Public Library Makerspace (3rd Floor) | Tyler | Fri, Dec 19 | 2:00–3:00 PM | Learn more
Come-and-go makerspace time for kids/families — build, tinker, make art, and try hands-on activities.
Photos with Santa - The Boulders at Lake Tyler
The Boulders at Lake Tyler | Flint | Fri, Dec 19 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Learn more
Santa photos with a lakeside backdrop — easy, festive stop if you’re out near Flint.
Christmas ExtravaGANZA + Kid’s Market (Rose City Birth Center)
Rose City Birth Center | Tyler | Sat, Dec 20 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM | Learn more
Family-friendly holiday hang with kid-focused activities and shopping.
Pop Up Shop
Good Vibes Nutrition Tyler | Tyler | Thu, Dec 18 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Learn more
Drop in for a casual pop-up shopping day with Reading in the Dark— books, bookish shirts, mugs, and more.
DIY Cookie Plate for Santa (Pinot’s Palette Tyler)
Pinot’s Palette Tyler | Tyler | Sun, Dec 21 | 2:00–4:00 PM (Santa 3:00–4:00 PM) | Learn more
Make a cookie plate for Santa, then catch Santa during the photo window.
Sports & Outdoors
Holiday Crafts (Tyler State Park)
Tyler State Park | Sat, Dec 20 | 10:00–11:00 AM | Learn more
A simple, seasonal craft session at the park — pair it with a walk around the lake.
Trout Fishing (Tyler State Park)
Tyler State Park | Sat, Dec 20 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Learn more
Bring a pole and try your luck with freshly stocked trout.
Christmas Light Rides (Ride Tyler)
Bergfeld Park | Tyler | Dec 18 - 23 – 5:30pm | 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.
Arts & Culture
Tyler Public Library: Art 4 Fun
Tyler Public Library (Makerspace) | Tyler | Thu, Dec 18, 5:30 PM | Learn more.
Grades 3 and up. Decorate ceramic coasters to keep or gift - registration is required.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Liberty Hall (103 E Erwin St) | Tyler | Fri, Dec 19, 4:30 PM / 6:00 PM / 8:15 PM | Learn more.
Classic holiday music in a candlelit setting — great date night or friend outing.
Tyler Civic Theatre: “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”
Tyler Civic Theatre | Tyler | Now - Dec 21, plenty of show times available | Learn more.
Based on the original film. A Christmas classic!
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Music, Nightlife & Comedy
Uncle Lucius
Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ | Tyler | Fri, Dec 19, 8:00 PM |Learn more
Live show at a Tyler staple — grab BBQ and make it a full night.
The Week Before Christmas
Empire Lounge (2511 Old Jacksonville Hwy) | Tyler | Sat, Dec 20 & 21| Learn more
Holiday party night out — Enjoy a great night with some of the most talented Southern Soul Blues artist visiting East Texas.
Blue Christmas: An Elvis Christmas Concert
Serenade Range | Whitehouse | Tue, Dec 23, 5:00–7:00 PM | Learn more
A different kind of holiday show — Elvis Christmas + early evening time.
Angela Owen
Rose City Comedy Club | Tyler | Fri, Dec 26, 7:00 PM | Learn more.
Post-Christmas laugh reset — an easy “we need to get out of the house” plan.
Matthew Marcus McDaniel
Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse | Tyler | Fri, Dec 19 | 7:30 PM | Learn more
No-cover live set — solid pick if you want music without the big show commitment.
Jimmy Nelson
Rose City Comedy | Tyler | Fri, Dec 19 & Sat, Dec 20 | Learn more
Two-night run at Rose City Comedy — Jimmy Nelson is a Dallas native who swaps his firefighter gear for a mic when the trucks are out of service.
Live Music: Gypsum & The Travelers — Moody Family Wines
Moody Family Wines | Bullard | Sat, Dec 20 | 3:00–6:00 PM | Learn more
Afternoon live music at the winery — easy, relaxed vibe.
Eve’s Road — Live at Stanley’s
Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ | Tyler | Fri, Dec 26 | 7:00–10:00 PM | Learn more
Post-Christmas live music + BBQ — good “get out of the house” night.
Around Town & Community
All the Jingle Ladies
Painted Tree Boutiques | Tyler | Thu, Dec 18, 6:00–9:00 PM | Learn more
Holiday shopping night with an event feel — good for gifts and browsing.
Christmas Under the Bridge (Hunger4Love)
300 E Valentine St | Tyler | Sat, Dec 20, 5:00–8:00 PM |Learn more
Local community outreach event — a meaningful way to spend part of Saturday evening.
Tyler Public Library: Dungeons & Dragons Club
Tyler Public Library | Tyler | Sat, Dec 20, 2:00 PM | Learn more.
Meet people, roll dice, and do something different. For grades 8-12.
Yule Viking Festival
14200 County Road 3104 | Gladewater | Sat, Dec 20, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM | Learn more.
A totally different holiday vibe! Costumes, vendors, and festival atmosphere.
Christmas Tree Recycling (Keep Tyler Beautiful)
Golden Road Park + Fun Forest Park | Tyler | Begins Fri, Dec 26 | Learn more.
Easy post-Christmas cleanup. Drop your real tree responsibly once you’re ready.
Pinot’s Palette Tyler: “Jolly Snowman” (paint & sip)
Pinot’s Palette | Tyler | Fri, Dec 26, 2:00–4:00 PM | Learn more.
A relaxed afternoon activity — good for friends, dates, or a “do something” break.
Pinot’s Palette Tyler: “Galaxy Nightfall” (paint & sip)
Pinot’s Palette | Tyler | Fri, Dec 26, 3:30–5:30 PM | Learn more.
Same venue, later slot — pick the time that fits your day.
Pinot’s Palette Tyler: “Winter Lights” (paint & sip)
Pinot’s Palette | Tyler | Fri, Dec 26, 7:00–9:00 PM | Learn more.
Evening option if you want to get out after Christmas Day recovery.
50% OFF Storewide: Once Upon A Child – Tyler
Once Upon A Child | Tyler | Thu, Dec 18 – Sun, Dec 21 (during store hours) | Learn more
Big kids’ resale sale — worth a trip if you’re stocking up on clothes/toys.
Grand Opening Weekend Celebration (Kid to Kid Tyler)
Kid to Kid Tyler | Tyler | Thu, Dec 18 – Sun, Dec 21 | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | Learn more
New store opening weekend with deals/giveaways — swing by early for the best selection.
Cousins Maine Lobster at Moody Family Wines
Moody Family Wines | Bullard | Fri, Dec 19 | 12:00–8:00 PM | Learn more
Food truck day at the winery — easy lunch/dinner plan.
Whether you’re heading out for some live music, catching the last few days of Christmas lights, or just trying to navigate the traffic to finish your shopping, we hope you find some time to slow down and enjoy the spirit of the season.
We’ll be back next week, and possibly a little earlier, with a look at how to ring in the New Year right here in the Rose City. Until then, Merry Christmas and happy preparations, Tyler!
Eric
From Tyler
