Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like a Christmas tree all trimmed up with lights, ornaments, and the all-important gold star on top. While it's fun to decorate your own home and tree, exploring other people's decorations is just as much fun. Especially when they're professionally done up for the holiday season. At Lions Club Park in Jefferson, you can stroll through a trail of over 100 Christmas trees elegantly decorated for the season. This festive forest just might be the most magical thing you do this Christmas.
Nestled in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, Jefferson is a charming small town with a population of just under 2,000.
Despite being little more than a blip on the map, this close-knit community sure knows how to celebrate Christmas. In fact, that tight-knit feel is part of what makes the holidays so special in this small town.
Every year, right around Thanksgiving, the sleepy, slow-paced streets transform into a holiday wonderland of epic proportions.
From the old-fashioned general store to timeless bed and breakfasts, no hall is left undecked. Every building is adorned with holiday lights and decorations, there's not a street in town that's not beaming with holiday cheer. This Texas Christmas Tree Trail is unbeatable.
No matter how festive downtown may be, Christmas in Jefferson simply isn't complete without the Candlelight Tour of Homes.
This annual self-guided stroll showcases some of the town's most historic, Victorian-style homes that have been lavishly decorated for the holidays. You'll be transported back in time for this special wintertime experience. The only thing that makes fascinating history even better is a bit of holiday charm.
Tickets are $30 for adults, and children 12 and under can tag along at no charge. You'll tour the homes—usually about four or so—both inside and out, learning all about their architectural styles and rich histories. Even locals might learn something about the town history they thought they knew.
Perhaps you'll even see some snow! It's pretty rare in East Texas, but not unheard of by any means. That's the magical icing on this holiday cake.
After the tour, stop by Lions Park and frolic through the Enchanted Forest, presented by the Jefferson Lions Club. The attraction is free to visit.
Over 100 lighted trees illuminate the darkness, evoking a childhood sense of wide-eyed wonderment in all who behold them.
Each tree has been hand-decorated by a local family or business, in keeping with the small-town spirit so prevalent throughout Jefferson.
Take a moment to marvel at them one by one before admiring the whimsical scene as a whole. It's a wonderful way to illustrate town pride as well as holiday spirit and you'll enjoy spotting all the different businesses involved.
We can't imagine a better ending to an already magical night.
This Christmas tree trail promises to make your holiday season even more merry and bright than usual.
Visit the Jefferson Lions Club website or learn more about the Christmas Tree Trail on their Facebook page. Click here for the Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes website, and learn more about the beloved holiday tradition on their Facebook page.
Have you ever been to the Enchanted Forest? If so, tell us all the holly jolly details in the comments below. We love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique and magical holiday experiences.
Check out another can’t-miss holiday attraction that belongs on your bucket list for this season.
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