Communities planning Christmas festivities

Christmas events are right around the corner.

Mineola plans a busy weekend Dec. 6-8.

The city will bring back its Magical Mineola event that was begun last year during the city’s sesquicentennial.

The popular snow hill is returning, and there will be two this year.

Also the city Christmas tree will be lit at the 1888 Plaza for the first time.

Events run from 5-9 p.m. in the area around the Commerce St. gazebo. Blue Mudbone will perform, hot cocoa will be served by Mineola Main Street, photos with the Grinch and live reindeer, mini-train rides at Iron Horse Square Park, and it’s all free.

Saturday the Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual lighted Christmas parade through downtown at 5:30 p.m., with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will then make their way to the gazebo for photos and wish lists.

The theme is Candyland Christmas.

Many merchants will also be open for shopping.

The weekend concludes with the Landmark Commission’s annual tour of homes. 

Quitman kicks off the season with the tree lighting on the courthouse square on Thanksgiving evening, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. followed by Rural Black Friday shopping.

The Hometown Christmas parade and festival gets underway on Saturday, Dec. 7 at noon around the square and concludes that evening with the parade at 5 p.m. Letters to Santa, vendors, food trucks, games including mini-golf, skating rink, snow globe photos, arcade trailer and  shopping go on throughout the day.

Following the parade there will be a live nativity, cookie decorating, petting zoo and Santa selfies.

Alba celebrates Christmas on the Square Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4-7 p.m., capped off by the lighted parade at 7 p.m.

Events begin with a chili and soup cook off at the fire department.

Booths will be set up with Christmas games for kids, an ornament making station, bounce houses, hot cocoa bar, and a sock drive will be hosted.

For information contact Casey at 903-279-9755.

The Golden Sweet Potato Festival hosts a Jingle Jog on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 a.m., including a 5K fun run and a 1K family jog.

Registration is online at goldensweetpotatofestival.org/5K to receive a t-shirt or sign up at 7 a.m. on race day at the sweet potato pavilion, 5921 FM 779.

The best holiday costume receives a prize. Bring an unwrapped toy to be entered in a drawing.

Proceeds benefit the Golden Kids Christmas.