If you’re heading to Texas for the winter, there are plenty of not-to-miss winter things to do in East Texas small towns.
Enjoy the special small-town charm that you’ll only find in Texas, and spend the winter visiting Christmas tree farms, exploring the outdoors, attending concerts, and so much more. Read on to discover the unique winter things to do in East Texas small towns that you won’t find anywhere else!
East Texas Outdoor Winter Activities
Mineola Nature Preserve | Mineola
Winter in East Texas doesn’t get too cold, with average daytime temperatures from December to February ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-60s. You can take advantage of the more temperate weather and enjoy the winter outdoors at the Mineola Nature Preserve!
The nearly 3,000-acre preserve is located on the Sabine River and is the perfect spot to bundle up and go out for a winter walk, run, hike, bike ride, horse ride, or picnic. There are also plenty of opportunities for bird-watching, spotting wildlife, fishing, primitive camping, stargazing, and more.
Mineola Country Club | Mineola
Play a round of golf without having to struggle in the tough, Texas summer heat! This semi-private, 9-hole golf course in Mineola is one of the best golf courses in the state’s small towns. It’s a traditional course with plenty of hills, water on four of the holes, and minimal bunkering.
Enjoy the crisp, refreshing air as you relax, golf, and maybe even catch a gorgeous winter sunset. When you’re finished, head inside for a hearty meal and drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar.
Wood County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens | Quitman
You can enjoy an idyllic winter stroll through 23 acres of gardens, trails, and a forest. Plus, the historic Stinson House is decorated each year for the holidays. Take advantage of gorgeous winter photo opportunities in front of the adorned 1869 home, which is complete with a white picket fence.
Also, you can tour the inside of the Stinson House and its period furniture. Or, rent the home for a private event. It’s the perfect place to hold a small winter luncheon or party!
Old Mill Pond Museum | Lindale
Meandering the grounds of this gorgeous, 20-acre park situated around Old Mill Pond is one of our favorite winter things to do in East Texas. Enjoy the scenery and historical artifacts — like classic cars, tractors, and a working mill — feed the fish and turtles, and bundle up for a cozy picnic by the pond.
The on-site museum has free admission and welcomes fur babies! The building itself is quite picturesque and is decorated for Christmas with a rustic holiday charm. Make sure to grab some photos!
Plantation Pines Christmas Tree Farm | Tyler
This idyllic, family-owned Christmas tree farm is right outside of Lindale on the outskirts of Tyler, less than a 10-minute drive south. Choose from a beautiful variety of pick-and-cut Christmas trees, including Virginia pine, Fraser fir, and Leyland cypress.
The Wiggins family runs a holiday gift shop that sells Christmas trinkets and decor, as well as handmade wreaths crafted from fragrant, fresh evergreen branches. While in the shop, you can warm yourself by the vintage wood-burning stove, and pick up s’mores kits to roast by the campfire.
Caldwell Zoo | Tyler
The Caldwell Zoo has been a local favorite destination for over 70 years. You and your family can enjoy the temperate winter weather while you explore the more than 3,000 animals of 200+ species — elephants, cougars, anacondas, lions, flamingos, and so many more!
While you’re here, don’t miss out on dining at Chakula Cafe. The restaurant is situated on top of the African Overlook, and its patio has gorgeous, panoramic views.
Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden | Gladewater
One of the best winter things to do in East Texas is to take a stroll through these gorgeous flower gardens in Gladewater. Visit the gardens in mid-February to enjoy 28 acres of lovely golden daffodils.
If you’re up for a long walk, there’s a 4-mile trail that meanders around two lakes, forested valleys, a farm, and an idyllic replica of an antique log cabin.
Indoor Winter Things to Do in East Texas
Speakeasy Coffeehouse | Quitman
Head to this 1920s-themed coffeehouse to warm up with a hot mug of tea, coffee, or specialty latte. This much-loved coffee shop has vintage decor and gets festive for the holidays!
The coffeehouse serves delicious, seasonal baked goods too, like buttercream spice cookies. And, you can follow its Instagram page for updates on special winter events and more!
Stitchin’ Heaven | Quitman
Get ready for winter by making your own winter quilt to keep you cozy!
Stitchin’ Heaven, the biggest quilt shop in all of Texas at over 17,000 square feet, has made Quitman famous. Head to the store to browse thousands of high-quality fabrics, and pick out the perfect ones for your next winter blanket!
The quilt shop holds classes, trips, retreats, and more. You can check its calendar for upcoming events as well.
Main Street Antiques & Beauweevils The Shop on Main | Winnsboro
Head to these two long-standing Winnsboro antique malls for some Christmas shopping and antiquing!
The eclectic stores carry not only antiques but also vintage furniture, clothing, and decor. Some new items and food are available too, alongside constantly updated selections from more than 45 vendors.
While you’re here, make friends with the Beauweevils’ adorable shop cat who has been a beloved addition for 12+ years!
Cypress Creek Southern Ales | Winnsboro
Sip on some seasonal craft ales — porters, stouts, heavy lagers, and brandy-wines — at this family-owned, small-batch nanobrewery. If you want to try a variety of the ales, indulge in a tasting or beer flight.
You can also take home a small variety of beers, or fill up a growler to go! The taps rotate often, so be sure to visit every time you’re in East Texas for a taste of something new.
Lindale Candy Co. | Lindale
The Lindale Candy Company in historic downtown Lindale is one of the oldest candy shops in the country! To this day, it’s well known for crafting delicious, hand-pulled peppermint.
Since 1946, this shop has been cooking seasonal, decorative, and artistic candies. During the winter, you can delight in candy canes, peppermint truffles, peanut brittle, seasonal pumpkin spice truffles, and more!
You can even watch the staff hand-pull the candy on certain dates. Check its Facebook page for upcoming events.
Canton First Monday Trade Days | Canton
Canton First Monday Trade Days has made the city famous. It’s boasted as the largest flea market in the world and is a perfectly splendid destination for winter shopping! Although the market is open year-round, its hundreds of vendors bring in a slew of seasonal items.
Search for amazing custom and handcrafted gifts, winter wares and foods, and so much more at Canton First Monday Trade Days this winter!
Can’t-Miss Winter Festivals in East Texas
Christmas Parade | Mineola
Enjoy holiday costumes and fabulous Christmas-themed floats at Downtown Mineola’s annual Christmas parade on the first Saturday in December.
Each year, the parade has a different holiday-related theme. For example, Christmas at the Movies. Get creative and inspired by your favorite Christmas film, and register to join the parade!
Christmas Bazaar | Mineola
This annual fundraising event held by the Mineola League of the Arts is a holiday shopping event that takes over the halls and auditorium!
You can find a great variety of locally crafted gifts and homemade goods that are perfect for everyone on your gift list — specialty candles, Christmas ornaments, sculptures, wood carvings, handcrafted wreaths, baked goods, fresh fudge, and more unique items.
Grab a shopping basket as you walk in because there will be plenty of seasonal shopping to do!
Christmas in Lindale | Lindale
One of the best winter things to do in East Texas is to visit Lindale! Each year, the town becomes merry with Christmas cheer during the winter.
The free-to-attend Christmas in Lindale festival is held annually in Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square and runs through most of December, ending on New Year’s Day. Head to the Square for a ton of festive family photo ops, Christmas vignettes, and lovely holiday decorations.
Rose City Christmas | Tyler
Just beyond Lindale is Tyler, which is famous for its rose garden that features over 35,000 rose bushes. The town goes all out for Christmas with a winter festival that includes festive lights at the Tyler Rose Garden, horse-drawn carriage rides in the Azalea District, a Santa pub crawl, drive-through twinkling lights at Santaland, and more!
Plan Your East Texas Winter Getaway
While enjoying the great variety of winter things to do in East Texas, stay at Fall Farm Country Inn. Our lovely boutique bed and breakfast has great amenities and is central to the winter activities in these charming small towns.
Every morning, you can enjoy a hearty gourmet breakfast before heading out on your next winter adventure. We can also arrange a one-hour, full-body Swedish massage and other special add-ons for your East Texas winter getaway.
Head to East Texas for the winter for a relaxing trip spent creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones!
