7 Unique Events Happening In East Texas This Weekend

(East Texas) We say it all the time, "The holidays are coming fast". However, in reality, time is a constant event, and the holidays aren't getting here any sooner or later than in years past. It's just that we have so much going on in our lives - work deadlines, kids' sports practice, house projects, less daylight - that it feels like the holidays are coming faster than ever.

We will put forth our best plan and do what we can to get things done. With that in mind, Thanksgiving is just two short weeks away. Plans are being worked, reworked, and reworked again to figure out where visiting family is going to stay and then who is going to bring the mashed potatoes loaded with butter and cranberry sauce to the Thanksgiving feast.

Get our free mobile app

As we make Thanksgiving plans, we need to make sure we take some time for ourselves and our family. Do something as a family unit this weekend before the real rush of the holidays begins. It could be something as easy as playing a board game, going out for dinner, or casually decorating the Christmas tree a few weeks early.

It's going to be another nice, warm, and sunny weekend in East Texas. Seeing how Christmas is on the way, there will be many Holiday Market events popping up across East Texas for you to visit and find that perfect and unique gift for Aunt Carol or for your Gigi.

Here's a look at what's happening this weekend in East Texas.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the ticketed events we’ve listed, click or tap the event name to go to their official page.

A Very Derrick Christmas

Thursday @ 5p
downtown Kilgore - Kilgore

Kilgore will kick off the Christmas season with the annual lighting of the world-famous oil derricks in downtown Kilgore on Thursday, December 13. Celebration begins at 5p.

Holiday Market

Saturday 9a-3p
109 E Main St - Whitehouse

This holiday market will be the first of two this year. This market will feature everything you need for your Thanksgiving celebrations. Lots of local vendors will be on site with handmade and homemade creations that will make your Thanksgiving special.

ETX Market Fall 2025

Saturday @ 10a
222 E Tyler St - Longview

This outdoor market in downtown Longview will have local makers, crafters, artists, and food trucks, where you can shop for great gifts and feed your appetite at the same time.

Barks -N- Rec

Saturday 10a-11a
789 Park Road 16 - Tyler

Nothing is better than wagging tails and winding trails. Join a Tyler State Park Ranger and SPCA for an easy one-mile hike around Blackjack Interpretive Loop with your dog or one that you adopt from the SPCA! Registration and signed waivers are required to participate.

READ MORE --> Here Are The 6 Different Types Of Emergency Alerts Your Phone Can Receive

Pet Pictures With Santa

Saturday 10a-3p
3200 SSW Loop 323 - Tyler

It is time for your pet to meet Santa! Your fur buddy can meet Santa for a festive picture that will create a memory that lasts forever. For a fee, you will receive your pet’s holiday photo plus the option to turn it into a keepsake ornament — perfect for the tree or gifting!

Come celebrate the season, snap the cutest Christmas photo ever, and let your pet tell Santa what’s on their wish list — because they deserve goodies, too!

LMFA Live Concert Series - Helene Cronin & Scott White

Saturday @ 6:30p
225 E Tyler Ave - Longview

The Longview Museum of Fine Arts invites you to enjoy a night of unforgettable live music and remarkable storytelling through vibrant performances by Helene Cronin and Scott White. This is a ticketed event.

Movies In The Park

Saturday @ 6p
Bergfeld Park - Tyler

Gather the family, some blankets, and snacks, and head to the amphitheater at Bergfeld Park on Saturday evening for a free movie. Tyler Parks and Recreation will be showing The Wild Robot on the big screen for free, underneath the stars.