ALVORD
CHRISTMAS MARKET — The Alvord Events Association will hold its Christmas Market and Chili Cookoff noon to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Alvord High School cafeteria. It will feature local vendors, a socks and slippers drive and chili cookoff (bring your best batch to turn in by noon).
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING — The city’s Christmas Tree Lighting event is 5:30 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 3) at Gateway Food Truck Park. It will feature free cocoa and cookies, a visit from Santa and the tree lighting after sunset.
BOONSVILLE
BLOOD DRIVE — A Carter BloodCare blood drive will be held 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Bridgeport Community Center. Visit wcmess.com/donate121525 to sign up.
BOYD
CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET — First Baptist Church Boyd will hold a Christmas Craft Market 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 featuring arts and crafts booths and concessions. Call Sandy Lambert at 940-393-8583 or email sandy@jlcboydtx.com.
CHRISTMAS IN BOYD — The Boyd Municipal Development District will host Christmas in Boyd 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Boyd Community Center. The event will include a snow slide, snow machines, visit with Santa, hot chocolate, snacks, festive crafts and more.
BRIDGEPORT
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING — The city’s Cowboy Christmas tree lighting event is 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Harwood Park. The event will feature a photo opportunity with Santa, crafts, refreshments, bounce house, entertainment and the tree lighting at 7:30. Call 940-683-3480.
CHRISTMAS PARADE — The Lights on Halsell Christmas Parade is 6 p.m. Dec. 4.
FIRE DEPARTMENT SUPPORT — Rehab 113 Support Co., formed in partnership with the Bridgeport Fire Department, will hold an informational meeting 10 a.m. Dec. 6 at Bridgeport Fire Department, 1409 Carpenter St. The volunteer organization provides on-scene support, community engagement and organizes fundraising and event planning. Visit rehab113.org or email bportrehab113@gmail.com.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — Breakfast with Santa is Dec. 6 at Bridgeport Community Center. It will feature two times: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Tickets are $5 per person (under 2 years old free) and can be purchased at bridgeport.recdesk.com. No tickets will be sold at the door.
SANTA COPS — The Bridgeport Police Department’s Santa Cops program will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys at the police department through Dec. 18. Commonly requested items include headphones, art supplies, makeup/cosmetics, cologne/perfume, sporting goods and bicycles. Monetary donations may also be made at Bridgeport-Police on Venmo.
CHICO
ANGEL GARDEN — The Chico Memorial Angel Garden candlelight ceremony is 6 p.m. Saturday at the pavilion on the square in Chico. To reserve an area for your loved one’s angel or for more information contact Tammy Sosa at 940-393-1726.
DECATUR
LOCAL MEAL SUPPORT — The Decatur Conference Center will offer family-style meals on Mondays through the end of December to address food insecurity amidst ongoing uncertainty about federal support for food assistance programs. Call 940-393-0280 to confirm availability. Weekly updates will be posted at the Decatur Conference Center Facebook page.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING — The Decatur Chamber of Commerce Christmas Tree Lighting event is 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday on the Decatur Town Square. The event will include Santa’s village, hot chocolate, photos with Santa and a bounce house.
CHRISTMAS PARADE — The Decatur Chamber of Commerce Moonlight Madness Parade of Lights is 6 p.m. Dec. 6 in the downtown area. Deadline to sign up for the parade is 4 p.m. Monday. Visit decaturtx.com.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY — The next Decatur Cares Mobile Food Pantry will be part of the Wise Gives event 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 at Medical City Decatur Hospital. Fresh produce and other food will be available. Also, lunch is provided along with hygiene kits, flu shots and Santa Claus. Visit wisegives.org.
HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES — The Decatur Woman’s Club Tour of Homes is 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7. Purchase tickets at Patti’s Hair Parlor, Swanky Shack, iOffice or from any club member.
BLOOD DRIVE — Decatur Rotary Club will host a Carter BloodCare blood drive 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Walmart. Visit wcmess.com/donate121125 to sign up.
SANTA STORY TIME — Decatur Public Library will host a magical Santa Claus Storytime 10 to 11:15 a.m. Dec. 12. Children can enjoy festive stories and a special visit with Santa himself. Pictures can be taken on personal devices.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — Decatur Fire Department will host its Breakfast with Santa 7 to 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at the fire hall. It will feature free pancakes, sausage, juice and milk. Photos with Santa will be provided by Kaleb Elledge of e6pics.
SANTA ON THE STREETS — The Decatur Fire Department provides the escort for Santa as he visits all the neighborhoods in town Dec. 14 through 18. Check an upcoming edition of the Wise County Messenger for specific routes.
NEW FAIRVIEW
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — The city will host Breakfast with Santa 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at New Fairview City Hall. It will include free breakfast, coffee and hot chocolate, photo opportunity with Santa, gift bags, a present, bike giveaway and hay ride with Santa. Call 817-638-5366.
NEWARK
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK — The city will host Christmas in the Park 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Delora Doughty Park. It will include cookies, hot chocolate, vendors, bounce houses, food trucks and a photo booth. Contact Laura Pixler at 817-228-1890 or Rhonda Bedrick at 817-917-7536.
PARADISE
CHRISTMAS STREET FESTIVAL — The 9th annual Christmas in Paradise event is 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 in Paradise. It will include local vendors, a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses and the lighting of the Paradise Christmas Tree. Funds raised will help provide gifts and basic necessities to local families. Visit Christmas in Paradise and Beyond on Facebook.
RHOME
CHRISTMAS EVENT — The city will host a Christmas Event 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at Rhome Family Park. It will include a bounce house and obstacle course, face painting, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and more.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS APPLICATIONS — Rhome Spirit of Christmas applications are now available at Rhome City Hall. Applications must be returned by Friday, and child must reside in the 76078 zip code.
RUNAWAY BAY
CHRISTMAS GOLF CART PARADE — The Greater Runaway Bay Alliance will host its annual Christmas Lighted Golf Cart Parade at 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Parade will start and finish in the parking lot of the Norma Coble Civic Center. Email grbatx@gmail.com.
SLIDELL
TREE LIGHTING AND CHILI SUPPER — The Greenwood-Slidell Volunteer Fire Department’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Chili Supper is 6 p.m. Dec. 7. Chili and Santa Claus will be at Slidell Baptist Church followed by the tree lighting at the Slidell Park on County Road 2822.
WISE COUNTY
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE — Meals on Wheels will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving. Normal operations will resume Monday.
HOLIDAY CLOSING — Wise County Dumpsites and the Environmental Services will close Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Dumpsites will reopen regular hours on Saturday.
COLLEGE REGISTRATION OPEN — Registration is underway at Weatherford College Wise County for Spring 2026. All current and returning students can register now, and new and transfer students can register beginning Tuesday. Visit wc.edu to apply to the college and for more information, or call 940-627-2690.
KEONA’S THANKS-GIVING DAY EVENT — Wise Choice Custom Meats in Decatur will hold its Sixth Annual Keona’s Thanks-Giving Day event on Thanksgiving. Free, hot meals will be served to all who need one 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday. To pick up your meal at the store or for delivery, call Patricia Crawford at 607-282-2839. To participate in the sit-down meal at the Center for Emotional Wellness, 1602 W. Business U.S. 380, call Terra Durdon at 940-389-7730. Volunteers are needed to deliver meals.
TURKEY TROT — The 8th Annual Wise County Turkey Trot is Thanksgiving morning in downtown Decatur. The 1-mile run starts at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30, both starting on Main Street. Bring canned goods to benefit a local food bank. Visit wisecountyturkeytrot.com.
JINGLE MINGLE — Wise Republican Women will host Jingle Mingle 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Marker Cellars in Bridgeport. The event is a casual opportunity to meet the WRW leadership and find out more about the organization. Call 214-289-9857, visit wrwomen.com/events or find the group on Facebook.
TOY RUN — The 26th Annual Wise County Toy Run is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Registration is 9 a.m. to noon at a new location: Old Settlers Reunion Grounds on Joe Wheeler Park Road in Decatur. Parade leaves at 12:30 p.m. Bring a $10 donation and a new, unwrapped toy or coat or shoes for ages 1 to 17. The event will include live bands, food, vendors, a 50/50 raffle, live and silent auctions, bounces houses, Santa and more. Call Jeff Honeycutt at 817-980-1981 or visit lonestarcharitablefoundation.org.
FAMILY NIGHT — Wise County Christian Counseling in Decatur will host a Family Night 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 to decorate ornaments and luminaries in memory of loved ones. Bring a small photo of your loved one to fit inside an ornament. RSVP by Dec. 4 to 940-627-1618 or gina@wiseccc.org.
HEALING STRONG MEETING — The next Healing Strong Wise County meeting is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at 203 W. Walnut in Decatur. Jacqueline Bourne will present “Immune System To The Max.” RSVP to Eve Roberts at HS.WISECOUNTY@GMAIL.COM. HealingStrong is a non-profit whose mission is to connect, support and educate individuals facing cancer and other diseases through strategies that help to rebuild the body, renew the soul, and refresh the spirit.
NEW ESD SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS — The Wise County Commissioners Court has appointed a committee to interview and nominate five residents to serve on the Wise County Emergency Services District No. 4 board. ESD No. 4, which consists of the areas covered by Alvord, Chico, Crafton and Sand Flat Fire Departments, was established by voters in the Nov. 4 election. Qualified residents interested in being considered for this board may apply now at wcmess.com/esd4application. The deadline to apply is Dec. 12.
GIFT OF THE BADGE — Applications are now available for the Gift of the Badge Christmas program. Pick up applications in the lobby of the Wise County Sheriff’s Office.
BENEFIT ACCOUNT — A benefit account has been opened at Legend Bank for Karen Faulkner of Alvord, who is recovering from two aneurysms and a severe stroke.
ROTARY CLUB — The Decatur Rotary Club meets noon Thursdays at the Decatur Conference Center.
LIONS CLUB — The Decatur Lions Club meets noon Wednesdays, except fifth Wednesdays, at the Decatur Lions Club Building, 207 N. State St.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME — Rhome Community Library holds Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday. It features stories, music, crafts and games. Designed for preschool aged children, but all children are welcome. Call the library at 817-636-2767.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP — A stroke support group meets 5:30 p.m. every fourth Thursday at Cornerstone Caregiving, 301 E. Main Street in Decatur.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED — Wise County Committee on Aging/Meals on Wheels is in immediate need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens. Call 940-627-5329.
NEW HOURS FOR VETERANS MUSEUM — The Wise County Veterans Museum is now open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and every third Saturday. The museum is located at 1308 10th St. in Bridgeport.
MUSEUM ANNOUNCES NEW HOURS — The Wise History Museum and Gift Shop on the Decatur Square is now open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS — The Mary’s Gift program at Healthy Wise County provides free mammogram screenings to low-income, uninsured, or under-insured women in Wise County. Mary’s Gift is able to provide up to 15 mammograms each month. You can apply online at healthywiseco.org/marys-gift-application.
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