Your 2026 Guide to Christmas Weekends in Denison, Texas

The holiday excitement begins in Downtown Denison with festive shopping and the return of some favorite seasonal attractions. From a special holiday market to Small Business Saturday celebrations, there’s plenty to fill a weekend with Christmas cheer. 

The Junior League of Grayson County Mistletoe Market — November 19–21 

Get a head start on holiday shopping at the second annual Mistletoe Market, hosted by the Junior League of Grayson County. This festive shopping event brings together a wide selection of merchants from across the country at the Hilton Garden Inn Denison/Sherman at Texoma Event Center, 5015 U.S. 75, Denison. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts or a special something for yourself, Mistletoe Market offers plenty of opportunities to find that perfect gift. 

The festivities kick off Thursday evening with a VIP Preview Party from 6–9 p.m. Guests can enjoy an exclusive evening of shopping, live music, food and cocktails, a raffle, and door prizes. The Holiday Market opens to the public Friday, November 20, from 9 a.m.–8 p.m., and Saturday, November 21, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. This celebratory shopping event offers two days to check out all the goodies and check off those holiday shopping lists. 

For event details, tickets, and additional information, visit the Junior League of Grayson County’s Mistletoe Market webpage. 

Denison on Ice — November 21–January 3 

Ice skating is coming to Downtown Denison! Denison on Ice returns, bringing families from near and far together. Located at 111 Main St., directly across from the Denison Police Station, this seasonal delight offers a fun way for visitors to embrace the holiday spirit. 

The expansive, covered outdoor skating rink is back, so guests can enjoy their time on the ice. Whether you’re a confident skater or still getting the hang of those blades, it’s a great opportunity to make holiday memories and enjoy a little winter magic right here in Denison! The rink is open daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. 

For additional details about Denison on Ice, including hours of operation and admission fees, visit the official Denison on Ice webpage⁠. 

Frontier Village Holiday Lights Opening Reception — November 27 

Kick off the holiday season with glittering Christmas cheer at Frontier Village! Celebrate the opening night of the Holiday Tour of Lights on Friday, November 27, from 5–8 p.m., with a free festive reception inside the museum. Enjoy hot cocoa and Christmas cookies, take some photos with Santa, and listen to live music by Rita Sue Fulmer. Young visitors can get creative with face painting and kids’ crafts, while a hayride through the sparkling holiday lights adds even more fun to the evening. Bring the family to Frontier Village at 111 R.C. Vaughan Rd., Denison, for a merry start to the holiday season! 

For event details and additional updates, visit the Frontier Village Facebook page⁠.  

Grayson County Holiday Tour of Lights — November 27–December 25 

Get ready to roll into holiday magic with the Grayson County Holiday Tour of Lights! This beloved annual tradition transforms the season into a sparkling experience with a festive drive-thru featuring glowing light tunnels, animated displays, and many opportunities for memorable holiday photos. It’s a fun, free outing for families and friends of all ages. 

The lights shine every night from 5:30–10 p.m., rain or shine. This joyful event makes it easy to add extra sparkle to your holiday plans. Entry is located along the frontage road on the west side of Highway 75, just north of Loy Lake Rd. Donations are welcome and help keep this festive tradition shining year after year. 

For more information, visit the Grayson County Holiday Tour of Lights website. 

Small Business Saturday’s Donut Hole Stroll — November 28 

Celebrate the holidays, enjoy sweet treats, and show some love to local businesses during Small Business Saturday’s Donut Hole Stroll! Downtown will be decked out with holiday-decorated storefronts, complimentary donut treats, and plenty of opportunities to discover unique gifts for others or yourself! 

Joining the fun is easy! Pick up a shopping passport at a participating downtown business and visit the other participating businesses to collect stamps. Niche Coffee & Shop (formerly 410 Collective + Coffee) is a great place to start. It’s located at 410 W. Main St. Each stamp earns you an entry for a chance to win a $500 Downtown Denison gift card. Want an extra boost? Spend $150 at any participating business to earn a fast-pass entry into the drawing. 

There are even more ways to enjoy the day. Bring a receipt from any downtown business to Denison on Ice and receive $5 off admission. Once you’ve finished your stroll, return your completed passport to Niche Coffee & Shop by 4 p.m. Then tune in to Downtown Denison TX on Facebook for a live drawing to see who takes home the $500 gift card! 

It’s a wonderful way to shop small, support local entrepreneurs, sample some delicious treats, and soak up the holiday atmosphere in the heart of downtown Denison. After all, a little holiday shopping is even sweeter with a sweet treat in hand! 

For more information about Small Business Saturday’s Donut Hole Stroll, visit the event webpage. 

If you’re looking for a weekend filled with classic Christmas traditions, Denison has you covered! Enjoy the annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade, explore a historic downtown landmark during Christmas at the Depot, and get a peek inside some beautifully decorated homes and lofts. There’s plenty to keep the holiday spirit shining all weekend long. 

Tree Lighting, Christmas Parade & Hot Cocoa Competition — December 3 

Start the Christmas season with heartwarming traditions! Denison’s annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade return to downtown on Thursday, December 3, bringing together 92 years of Christmas magic and community spirit. The festivities run from 4–8 p.m., with plenty of jolly fun to enjoy along the way. 

Make an afternoon of it by checking out Downtown Denison’s varied shops before heading to Heritage Park (324 W. Main St.) for the Scott Scholars Hot Cocoa Competition, beginning at 4 p.m. Sample delicious cocoa creations while supporting a good cause! Proceeds from the competition help raise funds for area nonprofits, making this a sweet way to give back to the community. 

The day’s holiday festivities continue with the return of Downtown Denison’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting to Heritage Park! Shawnda Rains Entertainment Group will provide live music beginning at 5 p.m., followed by the much-anticipated tree lighting at 6 p.m. Join the crowd and watch as the Christmas tree lights up the evening! 

At 7 p.m., Main Street comes alive with the annual Christmas Parade. Find a spot along the route as the festive procession heads west on Crawford, turns onto Main, and travels east to Rusk. Enjoy the lights, floats, and some of your favorite local businesses and organizations decked out in their holiday best! Proudly hosted by the Denison Area Chamber of Commerce, this nighttime celebration is a spectacular way to wrap up an evening filled with holiday cheer. 

For additional details, visit the City of Denison’s Tree Lighting webpage⁠ and the Discover Denison Christmas Parade event page⁠. 

Christmas at the Depot — December 5 

Step into a little Denison history with a whole lot of Christmas cheer at Christmas at the Depot! Once an actual railroad depot, the historic Katy Depot has been beautifully transformed into a vibrant downtown destination featuring unique shops, restaurants, and inviting event spaces. This beautiful historic building is located at 101 E. Main St. During the holiday season, its charming setting gets an extra dose of Christmas joy with exquisite decorations that make it a wonderful place to gather and celebrate. 

Join the fun on Saturday, December 5, from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Explore the historic depot, browse market vendors, and shop the unique businesses inside. Families can enjoy rides aboard the Lil’ Katy train, bounce-house fun, and plenty of holiday shopping. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re hunting for special gifts or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere. 

The excitement builds around 5 p.m. when Santa makes his grand arrival by train! Bring the kids for a visit and a free photo with Santa to capture an adorable holiday memory. 

Gather your family and friends for a festive day of Christmas excitement at one of Denison’s most distinctive downtown landmarks. For more information about Christmas at the Depot and other upcoming events, visit the Katy Depot events page. 

Denison Holiday Tour of Lofts and Homes — December 5–6 

Get a peek inside some of Denison’s most beautiful living spaces during the 2026 Denison Holiday Tour of Lofts and Homes! This festive, self-guided tour invites visitors to explore unique lofts and beautiful homes throughout the downtown area, all charmingly decorated for the holiday season. 

The weekend begins Saturday, December 5, with a self-guided tour of Denison’s historic district, where visitors can step inside distinctive loft spaces and admire their holiday decor. On Sunday, December 6, the tour moves into Denison’s residential neighborhoods, offering a glimpse inside welcoming homes dressed up for the holidays. 

Both tours take place from noon to 5 p.m. and are self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace. Maps will be available at the ticket pick-up location, Main Street Mall, at 500 W. Main St. Online ticket holders can pick up their tickets there as well. 

Whether you love historic architecture, interior design, or simply enjoy seeing how others decorate for the holidays, this special weekend offers plenty of inspiration and a wonderful way to experience Denison’s character and community spirit. 

For tickets and additional information, visit the Denison Holiday Tour of Lofts and Homes 2026 on Eventbrite. 

There’s something special about celebrating Christmas in a small town, and Denison knows how to make the season merry! Plan a weekend around family-friendly winter activities and festive downtown shopping. 

Wonders of Winter — December 11 

Get ready for an evening of winter wonder and holiday fun! Wonders of Winter returns Friday, December 11, at Forest Park, 300 W. Crawford St. This event brings a sleighful of festive activities and family-friendly entertainment to Denison. From carnival rides and train rides to a petting zoo and a snow fight pit, there’s something to put a little extra sparkle in everyone’s holiday season. 

This free community celebration runs from 5:30–8:30 p.m. and offers plenty of ways to make merry. Kids can enjoy inflatables, a fake snow pit, and pictures with Santa, while the whole family can enjoy live performances, visit the petting zoo, or enjoy some s’mores while supplies last. There’s even a snow fight pit for those ready to take part in some winter shenanigans! 

Be sure to explore the vendor market, where you’ll find gifts, crafts, and other unique goodies. Food trucks will also be on-site serving up tasty food, making it easy to grab a bite while enjoying the festivities. Admission and activities are free but bring a little extra spending money if you’d like to shop or purchase food. 

Gather your favorite folks and make plans for an evening filled with holiday cheer! With free admission and activities for all ages, it’s a holiday event you won’t want to miss! 

For more information about event activities and details, visit the Wonders of Winter Facebook event page. 

A Sweet Small Town Christmas — December 12 

There’s something especially sweet and inviting about Christmas in a small town, and Downtown Denison is giving us plenty of reasons to join the festivities! Join Downtown Denison Inc. on Saturday, December 12, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. for A Sweet Small Town Christmas, a celebratory day filled with holiday shopping, seasonal treats, and plenty of cheerful Christmas decorations. 

As you stroll along Main St., pop into participating downtown businesses to discover candy canes, gingerbread, cookies, cocoa, Christmas candy, and seasonal treats and drinks. You might even come upon a few delightful samples along the way! 

Be sure to leave time for one of Denison’s favorite Small Town Christmas traditions: free horse and carriage rides! There’s nothing quite like taking in the sights of a beautifully decorated downtown from a cozy carriage. 

There’s a little holiday adventure waiting around every corner, too. Pick up a scavenger hunt card and explore participating businesses as you search for hidden items inspired by this year’s sweet Christmas theme. Once you’ve completed the hunt, turn in your card for a chance to win prizes. And keep your eyes open for Santa! He’ll be making an appearance downtown! 

With so much to enjoy, there’s no reason to rush through the day. Browse the shops for gifts, stop for a leisurely lunch, treat yourself to something sweet, and take your time exploring the restaurants and local businesses that make Downtown Denison such a unique place. 

For event updates and additional details, visit the A Sweet Small Town Christmas Facebook event page. 

Not every holiday adventure is limited to one weekend! Denison offers several seasonal experiences that make it easy to add a little extra Christmas magic throughout the season! 

Denison on Ice — November 21–January 3 

Lace up your skates! Denison on Ice brings seasonal skating fun to Downtown Denison throughout the holidays. Check the event details above for location, admission, and operating information. 

Grayson County Holiday Tour of Lights — November 27–December 25 

Make an evening of it with this free drive-through holiday attraction featuring glowing light tunnels, animated displays, and plenty of Christmas sparkle. See the earlier event listing for hours and directions. 

Christmas Tree Shopping 

Why not make choosing your Christmas tree part of the holiday adventure? Turn a family outing into a festive tradition by visiting one of Denison’s local tree destinations! Elves Christmas Tree Farm at 601 Harvey Ln., opens for Christmas tree season on Friday, November 27, offering families a chance to find that just-right tree and bring home a little holiday magic. Another option is Twin Oaks Nursery at 2107 FM 691, where you can explore the selection and enjoy the fun of picking out a tree together. Whether you're searching for a towering centerpiece or the perfect fit for your living room, a Christmas tree outing is a wonderful way to make memories. 

Holiday Shopping and Local Dining 

Of course, no holiday getaway would be complete without a little shopping and good food! Downtown Denison is filled with unique local businesses where you can browse charming shops and find special gifts. Don’t forget to take a break from shopping to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at one of Denison’s local restaurants. It’s a relaxing way to slow down and enjoy the season. 

Make Denison Your Holiday Destination 

From festive traditions to unique shopping and plenty of holiday joy, Denison is the perfect place to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year! With so many special events happening throughout November and December, there’s every reason to plan a day trip, turn your visit into a weekend getaway, or come back again and again. So gather your favorite holiday revelers and discover why Denison deserves a spot at the top of your North Texas holiday destination list! 

Photos courtesy of Diggs Darcey, Hayley Mundine, Ashley Toews, and Sarah Collins