Wonderland of Lights
Marshall, Texas

When: Events run from mid-November until the end of the year.

Where: Most activities take place on the square in downtown Marshall.

The words of the holiday classic, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Ev'rywhere you go" could easily have been written about the seasonal celebrations that take place each year in the heart of the east Texas town of Marshall, where 15 miles of twinkling lights on display could make even the Grinch grin.

Attractions: Carriage wheels roll back to Yuletides of yesterday as passengers take a slow-paced, horse-drawn ride past 300 light sculptures that decorate the downtown square. Visitors can also meander in a modern manner as narrated bus tours take trips by the holiday-accented homes of the town's denizens. Through the frosty windows tourists can also catch a glimpse of promising Michelle Kwans and Brian Boitanos gliding across an outdoor ice skating rink, which is open to the public through New Year's.

After admiring the glow of the 10 million lights that twinkle in the trees and line the turn of the century courthouse, visitors can venture out in the residential area, where on select weekends the welcome mat is out at some of the town's most awe-inspiring abodes during the holiday tour of homes.

Over 100 floats file down the street during the Lions Club's annual lighted parade, while a floating Christmas parade transforms Caddo Lake into a winter-time water wonderland. Folks can enjoy a number of Noel-themed activities, including a visit from Santa, Marketfest, a buckaroo-style breakfast served from a chuck wagon at the East Texas Conference Center and a quilt show at the Marshall Visual Arts Center before the festive season is topped off with a ball drop on the square New Year's eve.

For more information:

• visit www.marshall-chamber.com or www.holidaytrailoflights.com

Photo courtesy TX Dept of Economic Development, Tourism Division