The City of Stars

Home of the Rangerettes

The World's Richest Acre

Texas Shakespeare Festival

Top Dining Spots

Bike East Texas

CHRISTMAS UNDER THE STARS

CHRISTMAS UNDER THE STARS!

Discover Christmas under the bright stars of Kilgore, Texas, this holiday season. Located in the Piney Woods just two hours east of Dallas, Kilgore kick starts the holiday season with a tradition unlike anything else here in Texas. Each Christmas season, the stars atop the oil derricks in Kilgore are lit, creating a magically bright and colorful display in Historic Downtown Kilgore at A Very Derrick Christmas. One of Kilgore’s seasonal favorites, this event includes the annual lighting of the derricks ceremony, shopping at the Kris Kringle Market, along with games and activities. This year’s theme is having fun with games and activities with the theme “Christmas In The Oil Patch.

Enjoy an alternative Black Friday shopping experience by starting your holiday shopping at Mingle & Jingle when you can safely shop Historic Downtown Kilgore’s independent boutiques.  Downtown Kilgore is a magical setting of holiday wonder as you shop small while experiencing the festive soiree. The holiday festivities continue with shopping at Mingle & Jingle, Christmas in the Woods, and Christmas in Kilgore. See why Christmas Under the Stars is favorite for so many.

A Very Derrick Christmas

Date: November 13th • 5 – 8pm

Historic Downtown Kilgore

Come join us Thursday, November 13, for A Very Derrick Christmas! Downtown Kilgore will be filled with kids activities, entertainment , and holiday cheer. The lighting of the derricks will be at 7 p.m. sharp.

 

 

Mingle & Jingle 

Date: November 29th • 6 – 9pm

Historic Downtown Kilgore

Get an early start on your Christmas shopping and discover the many surprises downtown Kilgore has to offer during Mingle & Jingle. Browse a collection of jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts for all ages at The Shops on Main, vintage-style clothing at Everything that Blings, or stylish women’s apparel at De Rigueur throughout the evening, when all the stores stay open for after-hours shopping. admire the illuminated stars atop the oil derricks, and start your holiday season in style right here in Kilgore.

 

94th Annual Kilgore Christmas Parade

Date: December 2nd • 6:30pm

Historic Downtown Kilgore

The Kilgore Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 94th Annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme, Miracle on Main Street, promises to create a magical evening for our community.
Kilgore’s Christmas Parade draws hundreds of families to downtown Kilgore each year. The Kilgore Parade is known for great floats and more than 90 entries each year. Plus, it is an evening lighted parade!
We invite businesses, organizations, churches, sports teams, and individuals to enter the parade. It is a great way to make people aware of your existence!
And yes, there are awards for the best of the best! Judges will be selected to evaluate all entries and choose the best parade entries for 2025. Awards will be presented in the following categories.
• Best Decorated Float – Business & Civic/Non-Profit Categories (1st-3rd places)
• Best Use of Theme – Business & Civic/Non-Profit (1st-3rd places)
• Best Overall (1st-3rd places)
For parade application, email Lmorgan@kilgorechamber.com

Kilgore College Rangerettes Christmas Show

Date: December 14th • 3pm & 6pm

Hallsville High School Auditorium

The Rangerette Christmas Show began in 2011 and is now an annual tradition. It is a community event including the Kilgore High School Hi-Steppers, Kilgore area dance studios, guest performers and features the Rangerettes. It is a Broadway style show and a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season. Christmas show 2025 takes place in Hallsville High School due to renovations at Dodson Auditorium.

Christmas In The Woods Outdoor Nativity

Date: December 11-13th • 6 – 9pm

Forest Home Baptist Church

Forest Home presents the Christmas story for the entire community. The Nativity is presented from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Thursday – Saturday nights. The cost is free. There are over 150 cast members in 13 different scenes. Free hot chocolate is also given to everyone who drives through. You will see scenes including Santa’s workshop, Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, The Polar Express, Singers and Handbell ringers, a biblical Market, the Shepherds in the field, the Nativity, and much more. Begun in 1993, the Drive-Through Nativity has become a family tradition for much of East Texas.