Christmas in
Jefferson, Texas 2026
Step back into an enchanting 19th-century Victorian winter wonderland — glowing with thousands of real candles, fresh cedar garlands, lighted brick streets, and warm B&B hospitality in East Texas.
44th Annual
Historic Home Tour
Dec 3–5 & 10–12
Two Tour Weekends
220 N. Polk St.
Ticket HQ Location
3–6 Months
Advance Booking Needed
Unforgettable Christmas Traditions
Jefferson becomes the Christmas capital of East Texas in December. Immerse yourself in authentic Victorian festivities and seasonal charm.
44th Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes
Explore selected historic Victorian residences lit purely by candlelight, decorated with hand-cut pine, cedar garlands, red berries, and costumed docents sharing home histories.
Downtown Lights & Tree Lighting
Jefferson’s historic brick streets glow under thousands of holiday lights. Enjoy the annual Christmas parade, tree lighting at the courthouse square, and late-night antique shopping.
Victorian B&B Parlor Gatherings
Jefferson innkeepers deck historic parlors with grand Christmas trees, crackling hearths, warm spiced cider, homemade gingerbread, and decadent multi-course breakfasts.
Candlelight Christmas Market
Browse handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and work by local artisans beneath the lights at William Perry Park beside the Excelsior House. The 2026 schedule has not yet been announced.
Visions of Jefferson: Candlelit Magic
Official photography provided by local partners including The Steamboat Inn, plus scenes from the Candlelight Christmas Market.
44th Candlelight Tour Schedule (2026)
Plan your evening tour itinerary around the first two weekends of December 2026.
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Opening afternoon & evening. Quieter crowds and early candle lighting.
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Evening home tours, warm cider tastings, and downtown brick street lights.
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Peak Saturday night tour. Early ticket pick-up strongly advised!
Port Jefferson Outpost: 220 N. Polk St., Downtown Jefferson, TX 75657
Where to Stay for Christmas 2026
Jefferson is known as "The B&B Capital of East Texas." Reserve your candlelit stay early.
The Steamboat Inn
Renowned for its wrap-around verandas, candlelit parlors, and authentic period holiday decorations.
- Candlelight Tour Partner
- Festive Parlor Breakfast
- Veranda Views
House of the Seasons
A masterpiece of 19th-century architecture featuring a stained-glass cupola and lavish holiday decor.
- National Register Site
- Victorian Stained Glass
- Historic Gardens
Kennedy Manor Bed & Breakfast
Deep double verandas and grand parlor rooms decorated with traditional cedar greenery and warm fireplaces.
- Grand Veranda
- Gourmet Breakfast
- Period Antiques
White Oak Manor Bed & Breakfast
Relaxed Southern hospitality, wicker porch swings, and warm mulled cider served on tour weekends.
- Private Porches
- Garden Setting
- Homemade Treats
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Candlelight tickets, parking, lodging, and timing.
Explore More Jefferson Guides
Candlelight Tour of Homes
The 44th Annual Candlelight Tour (Dec 3–5 & 10–12, 2026): historic homes in fresh greenery and candlelight, with docents in period costume. Early bird tickets available before Thanksgiving.
Dates & tickets
Christmas in Jefferson — official calendar
The CVB’s full 2026 holiday lineup: parade, Christmas tree lighting, downtown shopping events, and seasonal schedules across town.
Visit website
Book your December stay
Candlelight Tour weekends (Dec 3–5 & 10–12, 2026) are the busiest nights of the year in Jefferson — B&Bs and historic hotels fill well in advance.
Find your stay