Nacogdoches, Texas – December 9, 2025 – As East Texas embraces the magic of the holiday season, the oldest town in Texas is rolling out a dazzling array of December events that blend historic charm, community spirit, and festive cheer. From parades featuring iconic Clydesdales to twinkling light displays and Victorian feasts, Nacogdoches offers something for every age and interest, drawing locals and visitors alike to its vibrant downtown and beyond.
Kicking off the month’s highlights is the Nine Flags Christmas Parade, set for Saturday, December 6, at 5 p.m. in downtown Nacogdoches. This year’s spectacle promises to be unforgettable, with the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales making a grand entrance as the parade’s honorary grand marshals. The majestic horses, each standing about 6 feet tall and weighing around 2,000 pounds, arrived earlier this week at the Nacogdoches County Expo Center, where they’ve been stabled ahead of the event. Expect a procession of floats, marching bands, and holiday revelers along Main Street, illuminated by the town’s signature lights. “It’s a tradition that captures the heart of our community,” said event organizer Sarah Jenkins. Free to attend, the parade is part of the broader Nine Flags Festival, which runs throughout December and includes vendor markets, food trucks, and live entertainment.
For those seeking a dose of nostalgia and holiday shopping, the Merry Christmas Market unfolded over the weekend of December 5-7 at the Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center. Shoppers browsed more than 60 specialty booths offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats—perfect for crossing off wish lists in one stop. The market, a staple of the Nine Flags Festival, also featured live music and family-friendly activities, underscoring Nacogdoches’ reputation as a holiday shopping haven.
Music lovers won’t want to miss Eileen Ivers’ Joyful Christmas on Tuesday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m. in W. M. Turner Auditorium at Stephen F. Austin State University. The Grammy-winning fiddler and her ensemble deliver a high-energy blend of Irish traditions and holiday classics, promising an evening of foot-stomping tunes and heartfelt carols. Tickets start at $25 and are available through the SFA University Series box office.
Step back in time with the Very Victorian Christmas Dinner on Friday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Zion Hill Historic Site (324 N. Lanana St.). Hosted by Nacogdoches Historic Sites, this immersive event recreates a late-1800s holiday feast with multi-course meals, mulled wine, and even Victorian dance lessons. Attendees in period attire are encouraged, adding to the evening’s elegance. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Zion Hill or online via Eventbrite—spaces are filling up fast.
The season’s philanthropic side shines through the CASA of The Pines Christmas Home Tour on Thursday, December 18, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. This self-guided tour visits four stunning holiday-decorated homes, including stops at 108 Old Pond Rd., 102 Harmony Hill Ct., 107 Audubon Ln., and 107 E. Lufkin Ave. Proceeds support Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care. Tickets are $20 in advance at the Bright House Visitors Center or $25 on the day of the event.
No December in Nacogdoches would be complete without the Annual Christmas Tour of Homes, benefiting the Nacogdoches County Historical Foundation. Scheduled for Sunday, December 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the tour showcases elegantly adorned residences, including the SFA President’s House at 505 E. Main St. Highlights include historic architecture, festive interiors, and light refreshments. Tickets, priced at $20, are available at the Bright Visitors Center or at the homes during the event.
Families can unwind with old-fashioned fun at Millard’s Crossing Historic Village’s Old Fashioned Christmas on December 13-14, featuring hayrides, Christmas movie screenings, craft workshops, and photo ops with Santa Claus. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, with the village’s 19th-century buildings aglow in period lighting.
Rounding out the month, catch Merry Christmas: Elvis Style on Saturday, December 20, at 7 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center in nearby Diboll (a short drive from Nacogdoches). This tribute concert brings the King’s holiday hits to life with high-energy performances—tickets available via Eventbrite.
Additional ongoing festivities include the Loblolly Model Train Display at the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot (December 7, 12-5 p.m.), a free holiday tradition delighting rail enthusiasts young and old, and the Wassail Fest throughout December, where downtown businesses serve warm spiced cider alongside shopping specials.
For music enthusiasts, Fredonia Brewery hosts live weekend performances through the month, pairing brews with holiday tunes in a pet- and kid-friendly atmosphere. And don’t miss Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Mid-Day Noels series—noon concerts on the first three Thursdays in December (December 4, 11, and 18) featuring seasonal music.
“December in Nacogdoches is all about connection—whether through lights, laughter, or legacy,” said Visit Nacogdoches Director Lisa Gelsomino. With events spanning the multi-week Nine Flags Festival, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. For the full calendar and tickets, visit visitnacogdoches.org/events or nactx.us/calendar. Bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and join the merriment in the Piney Woods!