Surprise! We’re sliding into your inbox a day early this week.

Because tomorrow is Thanksgiving, we know you’ll likely be busy wrestling with turkeys, mashing potatoes, or traveling to see loved ones. We hope your grocery runs are done, your pies are baked, and you have everything ready for a restful day tomorrow.

But once the leftovers are packed away, the holiday season officially kicks into high gear. This weekend is packed with "official" starts to the season — from the opening of SantaLand and ice skating to Small Business Saturday and lighting ceremonies.

Whether you are looking for a place to walk off the bird or the best spots to shop small, we’ve got you covered.

Happy Thanksgiving, Tyler!

Major manufacturing project bringing 120 jobs to Jacksonville
Cancoil USA is building a new $28 million manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, expected to create about 120 jobs and add another anchor employer for East Texas. Read more

Shopping small sends a big ripple through Tyler
A new feature from Tyler Morning Telegraph shows how spending locally at spots like WAGS Upscale Resale and Hangers of Hope helps fund housing, animal rescue, and more across multiple sectors of the community. Read more

Community rallies around baby Ellie Pride
Car lovers packed a “Pink trophies and prayers” car show in Tyler to raise money and support for baby Ellie Pride as she battles brain cancer — a very tangible picture of neighbors showing up for one family. Read more

‘Give United’ aims to match $100K for local nonprofits
United Way of Smith County is rebranding its Giving Tuesday event as “Give United” on Dec. 2, with donations matched up to $100,000 to support 27 local partner nonprofits serving families across the county. Read more

Caldwell Zoo mourns loss of beloved giraffe Cricket
Caldwell Zoo is mourning the loss of Cricket, a longtime reticulated giraffe who had been battling a serious infection for months; after exhausting treatment options, the zoo’s team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her and is inviting the community to share memories of a fan favorite. Read more

Tyler marks 30 years of philanthropy
Nonprofits, donors, and volunteers gathered in Tyler for the 30th annual National Philanthropy Day celebration, recognizing people and organizations whose giving has quietly shaped East Texas over the past three decades. Read more

Investigators check out major industrial fire near Tyler airport
An industrial fire at Four Seasons Containers off Highway 64 prompted temporary evacuations near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport; no injuries were reported, and investigators are now working to determine the cause. Read more

Gentz Hilburn named conference MVP as TJC heads to national semi
TJC wide receiver Gentz Hilburn — a freshman walk-on from Jersey City, NJ — has been named SWJCFC MVP, highlighting a breakout season for the Apaches as they rack up postseason awards and gear up for a national semifinal showdown. Read more

🎄 Christmas Light Rides (E-bike tours) | Bergfeld Park | Tyler | Fri, Nov 28 – Tue, Dec 23 – evening time slots | Learn more
Guided e-bike rides through Tyler’s best Christmas light displays, starting at Bergfeld Park; multiple evening departures during the season.

🎅 SantaLand Holiday Park & Santa’s Big Arrival | SantaLand | Lindale area | Thu–Sun, Nov 27–30 – 6:00–9:00pm | Learn more
Drive-through Christmas light park with Santa appearances opening Thanksgiving night and running through the weekend; pay by vehicle, open to the public.

⛸️ Holiday Ice Skating Rink | Discovery Science Place | Tyler | Open daily during museum hours starting mid-Nov | Learn more
Synthetic ice rink on the stage at Discovery Science Place, open to all museum visitors with regular admission.

🍬 Thanksgiving Week Candy-Making & Tours | Lindale Candy Co. | Lindale | Tue–Sat, Nov 25–29 – 10:00am–4:00pm | Learn more
Watch traditional candy canes being pulled, sample treats, and shop the old-school candy store.

🎅 Black Friday Extravaganza – Pictures with Santa & Bake Sale | Rega of Paris | Tyler | Fri, Nov 28 – 12:00–5:30pm | Learn more
Drop by this local boutique for Black Friday shopping, photos with Santa, and a holiday bake sale; open to all ages.

🧸 Sensory Day | Urban Air Adventure Park | Tyler | Sun, Nov 30 – 9:00–11:00am | Learn more
Low-sensory play time at Urban Air with reduced noise and crowds, geared toward kids who benefit from a calmer environment.

✨ Walk the Lights | “Up In Lights / TylerLights” – 12885 County Road 192 | East of Tyler | Tue, Dec 2 – 6:00pm | Learn more
Guided group walk through the Up In Lights drive-through Christmas display on a “no cars, walking only” night.

🎄 Holiday Lights in the Garden | Tyler Rose Garden Center | Tyler | Thu, Dec 4 – 5:00–10:00pm | Learn more
Nighttime walk-through event at the Rose Garden with light displays, holiday music, and family activities.

🎄 Rose City Christmas Parade & Holiday Drone Show | Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium & surrounding area | Tyler | Thu, Dec 4 – Parade 6:30pm, drone show to follow | Learn more
Annual city Christmas parade capped off with a holiday-themed drone show over the stadium.

🍪 Cookies With Santa | The Little Gym of Tyler | Tyler | Fri, Dec 5 – 5:30–7:00pm | Learn more
Kids decorate cookies, meet Santa, and play in the gym during this early-evening holiday event; pre-registration recommended.

🦃 Tyler Turkey Trot | Racquet & Jog | Tyler | Thu, Nov 27 – 7:00am | Learn more
Thanksgiving morning fun run with multiple distances, organized locally and open to the public with advance registration.

🦃 18th Annual “Walk Off the Bird” Bird Walk | Tyler State Park | Tyler | Fri, Nov 28 – 10:00–11:00am | Learn more
Guided bird walk at Tyler State Park to “walk off” Thanksgiving; park day-use fees apply, but the program itself is free.

🏃‍♀️ The Holiday Showdown (5K/10K/Half + Kid’s Dash) | Rose Rudman Park | Tyler | Sun, Nov 30 – first race 6:45am | Learn more
Holiday-themed race event with kids’ dash, 5K, 10K, and half marathon options; chip-timed and open to runners/walkers.

🎨 Colors of the Forest – Paint & Sip | Pinot’s Palette | Tyler | Fri, Nov 28 – 7:00–9:00pm | Learn more
Guided “Colors of the Forest” canvas painting class at Pinot’s Palette; ticketed but open to the public, 21+ recommended.

🕯️ Candle Painting Workshop | Flourish Nonprofits | Tyler | Sat, Nov 29 – 12:00–3:00pm | Learn more
Hands-on candle painting and decoupage workshop hosted by Recraft & Co at Flourish Nonprofits; low-cost kits, open to the public.

🧵 Christmas Tea Towel (ITH) Class | 3400 S Broadway Ave, Suite 207 | Tyler | Sat, Nov 29 – 10:00am | Learn more
In-the-hoop embroidery class teaching how to make a Christmas tea towel; beginner-friendly sewing/embroidery workshop.

🎨 Sundown Stream – Paint & Sip | Pinot’s Palette | Tyler | Sat, Nov 29 – 7:00–9:00pm | Learn more
Evening painting class at Pinot’s Palette featuring the “Sundown Stream” artwork; ticketed, but open to all adults.

 🎙️ Billy Wayne Davis (Stand-Up Comedy, 18+) | Rose City Comedy | Tyler | Fri, Nov 28 – 7:00pm | Learn more
National touring comedian Billy Wayne Davis performs an 18+ stand-up set at Rose City Comedy.

🎤 Friday Night Karaoke | The Lakeside Grill at Lake Tyler Marina | Whitehouse | Fri, Nov 28 – evening (see event page for time) | Learn more
Weekly karaoke night out at Lake Tyler Marina; the series runs through Nov 28 and is open to anyone who wants to sing or listen.

🎸 Garden Variety at Serenade Ranch | Serenade Ranch | Whitehouse | Sat, Nov 29 – 5:00pm | Learn more
Live music from Garden Variety at Serenade Ranch outside Whitehouse; family-friendly outdoor show.

🎵 Miami Horror – We Always Had Tomorrow Tour | Liberty Hall | Downtown Tyler | Sun, Nov 30 – 2:00am | Learn more
Late-night electronic/indie show at Liberty Hall featuring Miami Horror on their “We Always Had Tomorrow” tour.

🎸 Jon Kott Band | Rick’s on the Square | Downtown Tyler | Sun, Nov 30 (actually Sat night rolling past midnight; local listings show Sat, Nov 29 – 9:30pm) | Learn more
High-energy country/rock set at Rick’s on the Square.

🎷 Swingin’ Into Christmas with UT Tyler Jazz Ensembles | UT Tyler | Tyler | Fri, Dec 5 – 7:30pm | Learn more
Big-band style holiday jazz concert by UT Tyler’s jazz ensembles; ticketed but open to the public.

🎺 TACHE Band Christmas Concert | Crosspointe Church | Tyler | Fri, Dec 5 – 7:00pm | Learn more
Free Christmas concert by homeschool band at Crosspointe Church; open to anyone to attend.

🧸 Black Friday Giveaway | Tyler Bingo | Tyler | Fri, Nov 28 – 5:00–10:00pm | Learn more
Black Friday bingo night with special giveaways and promotions at Tyler Bingo on S Vine Ave.

🛍️ Small Business Saturday at Painted Tree Tyler | Painted Tree Boutiques | Tyler | Sat, Nov 29 – 10:00am–8:00pm | Learn more
All-day shopping event inside Painted Tree with dozens of local vendors and Small Business Saturday promos.

🎁 8th Annual Holiday Bazaar | First Methodist Church / The Hive | Chandler | Sat, Nov 29 – 9:00am–3:00pm | Learn more
Indoor holiday bazaar in Chandler hosted by The Hive at First Methodist, featuring local crafters, gifts, and food; free admission.

🍷 Lighting of the Vines Ceremony | Kiepersol Winery & Distillery | South of Tyler | Fri, Nov 28 – 5:00–8:00pm (main ceremony Fri; lights stay on afterward) | Learn more
Annual lighting of the vineyard at Kiepersol with live music, food & wine; a big holiday kickoff.

🥐 Grand Opening – Euro Dream Café | The Bazaar on Hwy 69 | Tyler area | Sat, Nov 29 – daytime (see event page for exact hours) | Learn more
Grand-opening celebration for a new European-style café inside The Bazaar on Hwy 69, with samples and shopping.

🧵 Childbirth & Lactation Workshops | The Tyler Birth House, 2050 Shiloh Rd | Tyler | Sun, Nov 30 – 11:00am–4:00pm | Learn more
In-person education day covering childbirth prep, breastfeeding, and postpartum topics; open to expecting and new parents.

🛍️ Craft & Trade Show | Bergfeld Park | Tyler | Sun, Nov 30 – 9:00am–5:00pm | Learn more
Outdoor vendor market in Bergfeld Park with crafts, food, and local makers; free to attend.

💄 Sol de Janeiro Beauty Event | Ulta Beauty (Broadway Square) | Tyler | Fri, Dec 5 – 10:00am–6:00pm | Learn more
In-store beauty event with Sol de Janeiro at Ulta: mini-services, product demos, and gifts-with-purchase while supplies last.

That’s all for this week!

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by good food and even better people. Enjoy the parade watching, the football, and the nap that inevitably follows.

We are incredibly thankful that you invite us into your inbox every week. We'll see you on the other side of the food coma!

And 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