Parades on brick streets, candlelit homes, cannon fire, cryptid researchers, and fireworks over the bayou. Use this year-round calendar to choose your weekend—and your room—before Jefferson fills up.
Jefferson's beloved Mardi Gras celebration — parades, balls, food and arts vendors, live music, and the full purple-green-gold spectacle. One of the most festive weekends in East Texas.
Plan around this eventOver 79 years of tradition — Historic Homes and Twilight Garden Tours, Jay Gould Rail Car Tours, an Artisan Craft Fair, a quilt exhibit, plant sale, Saturday parade, and a luncheon. Jefferson's signature spring event.
Plan around this eventThe largest Civil War reenactment in Texas — two epic battles staged at Cypress River Ranch on Big Cypress Bayou, featuring cannon fire, infantry and cavalry, period sutlers, the Muskets & Magnolias Grand Ball, a Pilgrimage Parade, and Sunday church service.
Plan around this eventFree Independence Day celebration along the bayou — children's parade, cake and pie auction, live music from the Shreveport Metropolitan Band, and fireworks over Big Cypress Bayou.
Plan around this eventHosted by the Jefferson Historical Society & Museum, the 15th Annual Civil War Symposium features four renowned historians, authors, and scholars covering Trans-Mississippi history, cavalry leadership, wartime medicine, riverboat ironclads, and Texas Unionists. Includes a catered luncheon.
Plan around this eventJefferson's paranormal heritage celebrated over a full conference weekend — speakers, investigations, and tours through the most haunted locations in one of Texas's most spirited towns.
Plan around this eventThe original annual Bigfoot Conference in Texas, established in 2001. Jefferson proudly bills itself the 'Bigfoot Capital of Texas.' Two days of speakers, field researchers, and evidence displays at the Jefferson Tourism & Visitor Center. Friday evening dinner followed by Saturday presentations.
Plan around this eventJefferson's official kickoff to the Christmas season on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Stroll historic downtown sipping warm spiced wassail at participating boutiques during the Wassail Walk (12–5 PM), followed by the evening Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Enchanted Forest with 100+ decorated Christmas trees at Lions Park.
Plan around this eventJefferson transforms into a 19th-century Victorian Christmas town. The centerpiece of the season is the 44th Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes over the first two weekends of December (Dec 3–5 & Dec 10–12, 2026), featuring lavishly decorated historic mansions lit only by candlelight, docents in period attire, the Candlelight Christmas Market, and carriage rides along glowing brick avenues.
Plan around this eventJefferson is known as the Christmas capital of East Texas. Holiday traditions are concentrated around specific signature weekends—here is how to choose the right time for your getaway:
The premier event of the season. Four lavishly decorated Victorian residences open for evening candlelight tours with costumed docents in hoop skirts, plus the Candlelight Christmas Market at William Perry Park and carriage rides along glowing brick avenues.
The official kickoff to Christmas in Jefferson. Stroll downtown sipping warm spiced wassail during the daytime Wassail Walk (12–5 PM), followed by the evening Christmas Parade and lighting of 100+ decorated trees in the Enchanted Forest at Lions Park.
Want Victorian Christmas ambiance without the home tour crowds? Downtown shops and historic avenues remain fully illuminated throughout December. Enjoy peaceful antiquing, cozy parlor fires, and gourmet breakfasts at historic B&Bs.
Confirmed and reviewed
Sep 18–20
Sep 19
Oct 1–3
Jefferson, Texas - City Wide Rummage Sale. New! All listings are free Twice a year in the Spring and Fall the Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Jefferson Texas City Wide Rummage Sale. Jefferson Homeowners all around town go through their closets and storerooms bringing out treasures to sell that you might not find anywhere else. Many local businesses participate as well. You might find that perfect item you have had your eye on for sale on this weekend. Be sure to visit them. You can pick up a map of all the places that have wares for sale outside the Jefferson Convention & Visitor Center, 305 E Austin St - It will also be posted in The Jimplecute, and online. Sales starts on Thursday-Saturday from 8am-3pm or until they wrap up! Questions: Chamber of Commerce 903-665-2672
Official detailsOct 3
Oct 3
Oct 17
Established in 2001 as the original annual Bigfoot Conference in Texas by the Texas Bigfoot Research Center. The Texas Bigfoot Conference will be held the weekend of October 16 & 17, 2026 Event Schedule: Friday night, October 16 6:00-7:30 PM catered Dinner 7:30-8:30 PM Special Presentation by Lyle Blackburn Saturday, October 17 9:00 AM - doors open 10:00 AM - welcome 10:15 AM - Richard Taylor 11:00 AM - Shelly Covington-Montana 12:00 PM - Lunch Break 1:00 PM - The She-Squatchers 2:00 PM - Todd Neiss 3:00 PM - Break 3:15 PM - Lyle Blackburn 4:15 PM - Break 4:30 PM - Adam Davies 5:30 PM - Break 6:00 PM - conference ends 6:30-10:00 Saturday Night 6:30-8:00 PM Catered Meat n' Greet Dinner with the Speakers Catered BBQ dinner by: Riverport BBQ 8:00-9:00 PM special presentation by Adam Davies ht
Official detailsOct 17
Oct 18
Oct 23