Marshall Texas Winter Wonderland of a Million Lights November 21

Looking for something to help you get into the holiday spirit Thanksgiving weekend? Look no further than Marshall, Texas.

Take a short drive to the East Texas town of Marshall and marvel at millions of Christmas lights and more than 400 lighted area Christmas displays. These lighted exhibits are placed throughout downtown and the Marshall area allowing visitors the opportunity to see the displays by horse-drawn carriage, on a nostalgic English-style double-decker tour bus, or in their own car.

One of the most exciting attractions is the Samsung Ice Skating Rink, the only open-air ice rink in the Ark-La-Tex. Ice skating is available nightly, subject to weather conditions. New to the festival this year, kids will love the North Pole Play Land, an area exclusively for children aged 10 and under. It’s all part of the Wonderland Village’s attractions and rides in the courthouse square.

The Washington Square Variety Show is also new this year. The show will begin at 7 p.m. nightly in front of the historic courthouse. This 50-minute show features an entertaining blend of local talent and special artists during the festival. Admission is free, and the show is sure to delight the entire family. After leaving the show, families will enjoy shopping along the Street of Dreams, alive with thousands of pulsating, differently colored lights.

Wonderland of Lights Festival will also feature several special events. The Opening Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 21, and will feature the Marshall Symphony Orchestra performing sounds of the season.

Country music artist Jacob Lyda will perform in a free concert on Saturday, Nov. 24. The lighted Christmas parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. with each entry giving this parade an extra special Christmas flare. Runners can participate in the Wonderland 5K event on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. Get Healthy Marshall will present two celebrity chef cooking and sampling classes on Dec. 1 and Dec. 15. Visitors can ring in the New Year in downtown Marshall when all attractions will be open until midnight.

The Wonderland of Lights Festival will be open Nov. 21 through Dec. 31, (closed Christmas Eve and subject to local weather conditions ). Operating hours, ticket information, and festival schedules are on VisitMarshallTexas.org. Or contact the Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau at (903) 702-7777.

PHOTO: Historic Harrison County Courthouse adorned with more than 150,000 lights.