Tis’ the Season, Local Christmas events begin this week

Now that the turkey has been served, everyone can turn their attention to that most joyous time of year, as Christmas is just around the corner. Liberty County, as always, is gearing up to celebrate. With holiday events planned across the area, it’s sure to be another festive season.

Local communities are gearing up for a slew of festive celebrations across the area, and the fun all gets underway this weekend.

HULL-DAISETTA FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Residents in the communities of Hull and Daisetta are kicking off the season with Family Fun Friday on Dec. 1 from 5-9 p.m. The Grinch Parade starts at the Hull-Daisetta High School parking lot, and the Visit from Santa begins after the parade inside the pavilion. The night’s last event is at the Daisetta City Pavilion parking lot, where “How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will be shown.

There will also be a Chili Cook-off at City Hall that begins at 4 p.m. The contest is free to enter, and awards will be given. For details and rules, contact 337-226-9439 or hdneat2020@gmail.com.

DAYTON COOKIE CRAWL

Once again, it is time for the Dayton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Cookie Crawl event on Friday, Dec. 1, from 6-9 p.m. This year, the event will be slightly different as businesses are encouraged to set up a booth at Crossroads Plaza, but others will continue to invite guests to their locations to enjoy cookies. Organizers are excited to have everyone coming together in the Downtown area, and there should be plenty of sweet treats for all. Some businesses will also have crawl stops at their locations, just like in years past. For more information on this year’s event or to sign up, call the Chamber at 936-257-2393 or info@daytontxchamber.com.

NUTCRACKER MARKET

The City of Dayton will host the annual Nutcracker Market at the Dayton Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 2. The event begins at 11 a.m. It will feature vendors with Christmas items, handmade crafts, and more. If you are interested in participating in the event, call the Community Center at 936-258-6630.

HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS

The City of Cleveland Hometown Christmas 2023 will get underway at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Cleveland Civic Center, located at 210 Peach Ave. There will be vendors, live entertainment, a kids’ zone, food trucks and a downtown lighted parade starting at 6 p.m. For more information on how to be a vendor, call 281-592-2395.

JINGLE JINGLE CLEVELAND ALL THE WAY

Celebrate Christmas after the Hometown Christmas Parade at Cleveland High School. Santa will be there for photos, and they will be serving up hot cocoa, tamales, games, vendors, music and more. Bring family and friends, and you will need cash for the vendors. The event takes place from 7-9 p.m.

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

The City of Dayton will host their annual Spirit of Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 2, with holiday cheer for everyone. The parade starts at 6 p.m., and the tree lighting will take place at 7 p.m. There will be loads of activities for the entire family with the snow field sponsored by Community Resource Credit Union, the all-new Trackless Train sponsored by DayNet, Santa’s workshop, children’s activities, face painting, balloon twisting, costumed characters, entertainment, live music and food trucks. The Dayton Chamber will host Candy Cane Lane, and there will be a Christmas Village, hot cocoa and much more. To participate in the parade, contact the Dayton Community Center at 936-258-6630 or fill out an application at cityofdaytontx.com.

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

Mark your Calendars for the City of Liberty’s Country Christmas Parade on Tuesday, Dec. 5. at 6 p.m. As always, the annual event will offer plenty of holiday joy in the streets of Downtown Liberty.

LIBERTY COOKIE CRAWL

The Dayton Chamber of Commerce is hoping to bring the fun and joy of the annual Cookie Crawl event to Liberty this holiday season. The festivities will be held after the Country Christmas Parade at Vara Faye Daniel Pavilion. For more information, contact the Dayton Chamber at 936-253-2393.

HARDIN CHRISTMAS

Residents in Hardin will celebrate the season on Saturday, Dec. 9, at Hardin Elementary School as Hardin Helping Hands again hosts this festive holiday event. This year, there will be singing, hot chocolate, and cookies, as well as the annual Hardin Community Member of the Year announcement.

COUNTY LINE CHRISTMAS

If you have not seen the festive lights off County Line Road south of Dayton, you have missed out on a jolly old treat. Spectators can drive through the display located on CR 4014 that leads to Santa’s Workshop, where you can tell Ol’ Saint Nick what you want for Christmas this year. The display is open daily, but every Thursday through Saturday from 6-8 p.m. leading up to Christmas, you can stop by and visit Santa and Rudolph. Donations and canned goods are being accepted so they can be distributed by local law enforcement.

CLEVELAND CHRISTMAS RANCH

For 38 years, the Christmas Ranch has dazzled families with its annual light display, but if you have never enjoyed the holiday spectacle, you must plan to come out, as this will be the final year. The ranch is open daily through New Year’s Eve from 6-10 p.m. and is located at 14651 FM 1725 in Cleveland.

The Vindicator will announce any other events of interest to the area when available.