东德克萨斯节日灯光巡礼：杰斐逊与马歇尔

Jefferson and Marshall are just 16 miles apart—approximately a 20-minute drive down US-59 South or TX-43 South. This close proximity makes it seamless to experience both towns’ holiday events in a single weekend.

The optimal itinerary is to base your entire stay at a Jefferson B&B. Spend Friday evening in Jefferson for the Candlelight Tour of Homes and a carriage ride, spend Saturday daytime on Caddo Lake and browsing antiques, and spend Saturday evening in Marshall (20 minutes away) for the Wonderland of Lights ice rink, carousel, and courthouse canopy.

The Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes takes place during the first two weekends of December (Dec 3–5 & Dec 10–12, 2026; Thursdays through Saturdays). Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights runs nightly from late November through late December (Tuesdays through Sundays with full activities, and nightly courthouse lights).

Staying at a historic bed and breakfast or inn in Jefferson offers the most authentic Christmas atmosphere. Because Candlelight Tour weekends are the most popular travel dates of the year in Jefferson, we strongly recommend reserving your room 3 to 6 months in advance at /bb-guide or /where-to-stay.

Yes. The Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes requires ticket purchase through the Historic Jefferson Foundation (online in advance or at tour headquarters on Polk St). In Marshall, viewing the million-light courthouse canopy and walking the square is free, while ice skating, carousel rides, and carriage rides require modest individual activity tickets on-site.

Yes! Both Jefferson and Marshall offer horse-drawn carriage rides during December. In Jefferson, carriages travel historic brick streets lit by antique streetlamps and holiday wreaths. In Marshall, carriages loop through the brightly illuminated downtown square beneath millions of twinkling lights.