Holiday Trail of Lights

Nov. 26-28: Celebrate the "Spirit of Christmas Past" aboard the Rail of Lights. Christmas Train in Jefferson, Texas. The unforgettable ride on an old fashioned steam train departs Thursday- Sunday, Thanksgiving Day until December 28 at numerous times. More than 300,000 lights will amaze you as the story of Christmas Past unfolds along the Big Cypress Bayou in more than 25 different scenes. Also, experience ringing in the New Year with our New Years train running December 31. All New Years trains will feature the dropping of a ball in Time Square, complete with beverages, noisemakers, and a fantastic fireworks show.Historic Jefferson Railway Depot, 400 East Austin, www.jeffersonrailway.com 1-866-398-2038

Nov. 27-Dec. 31: Enchanted Forest. Walk through an enchanting, sparkling wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Sponsored by the Historic Jefferson Foundation. Lions Park, 600 East Jefferson St. 6 p.m. 903-665-7064. Free.

Nov. 27: Merchants Open House. The Jefferson & Marion County Chamber of Commerce serves Christmas refreshments at the corner of Polk and Austin streets while the downtown merchants roll out the red carpet and display their great Christmas specials. Downtown merchants. 5-7 p.m. 903-665-2672.

Nov. 27 & 28; Dec. 4 & 5: Victorian Saint Nicholas. Donned in period costume, Saint Nicholas welcomes all boys and girls. Tell him what you wish for Christmas. Enchanted Forest. Call for reservations 903-665-3642. Photos available.

Nov. 30: Kansas City Southern's Holiday Express Train. On its ninth annual trip across the KCS U.S. rail network, the Holiday Express train will stop downtown between E. Austin St. and Lafayette at 4:00 p.m. The six-car train will bring Santa Claus for a visit with kids and offers visual displays inside and out for young and old alike. KCS will make a donation to the local Salvation Army. FREE

Dec. 3 (3-8 p.m.); Dec. 4-5 (5-9 p.m.); Dec. 10 (3-8 p.m.); Dec. 11-12 (5-9 p.m.): "27th Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes ®". Step back in time to a place where docents bedecked in Victorian attire greet you as you tour four of Jefferson’s most beautiful and historic homes framed by candlelight and festooned with natural cedar, pine, and fir. Sponsored by the Historic Jefferson Foundation. 903-665-7064. www.historicjeffersonfoundation.com

Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 24-27: Celebrate the "Spirit of Christmas Past" aboard the Rail of Lights. Christmas Train in Jefferson, Texas. The unforgettable ride on an old fashioned steam train departs Thursday- Sunday, Thanksgiving Day until December 28 at numerous times. More than 300,000 lights will amaze you as the story of Christmas Past unfolds along the Big Cypress Bayou in more than 25 different scenes. Also, experience ringing in the New Year with our New Years train running December 31. All New Years trains will feature the dropping of a ball in Time Square, complete with beverages, noisemakers, and a fantastic fireworks show.Historic Jefferson Railway Depot, 400 East Austin, http://www.jeffersonrailway.com 1-866-398-2038

Dec. 4 & 11, 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 5 & 12, 1 p.m. matinee, 7:30 evening. "A Christmas Story" presented by The Excelsior Foundation and Excelsior Theatre Players in the historic Jefferson Playhouse. $15. For reserved seating call 903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270 or visit www.TheExcelsiorHouse.com .

Dec. 7: Jefferson’s Annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade. Lighted floats, bands, and more Christmas fun. The honored guest riding atop a fire truck, making his list and checking it twice will be none other than Good Ole Saint Nicholas. 6 p.m. Historic downtown Jefferson. 903-665-2672. Free

Dec. 3-5, -10-12: Christmas Music Concert. Sounds of the season resonate throughout Jefferson as these musical concerts perform. Choral groups, hand bells and chimes delight all ages. Sponsored by the Historic Jefferson Foundation. Location: 1st Baptist Church, 523 N. Polk 903-665-7064. www.historicjeffersonfoundation.com Free.

Dec. 3-5 &10-12: Jefferson Riverboat Rides. Glide along Big Cypress Bayou on a riverboat and hear tales of legend and lore of Jefferson’s colorful past when once a thriving river port in the 1800’s. 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. (weather permitting) $6.50 Adults. $4 Children (3-12) plus tax. 200 W. Bayou 903-665-2222.

Dec. 31- Jan. 1: "Rail of Lights New Years Train". Celebrate the New Year with your family with our annual New Year's train. The train will depart at 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. and all rides view the dropping of the ball in Times Square, beverages, noisemakers, and a fantastic fireworks show on each ride. Historic Jefferson Railway Depot, 400 East Austin, http://www.jeffersonrailway.com 1-866-398-2038.