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11 things to do in Waxahachie during the 2022 Christmas season

Marshall Hinsley | November 3, 2023 November 8, 2022 | Things To Do

See our current Waxahachie Insider’s Guide to Christmas Events in Waxahachie, Texas .

From the downtown tree lighting ceremony and the Christmas parade to Bethlehem Revisited, community theatre and other holiday season events, here’s our list of 11 things to do in Waxahachie during the 2022 Christmas holiday season.

1. The Ellis County Habitat for Humanity Festival of Trees

Date: November 18, 2022: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and November 19, 2022: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: First United Methodist Church, 505 West Marvin Avenue, Waxahachie, TX 75165

Raising money for helping families gain access to home ownership, the Ellis County Habitat for Humanity will host a silent auction of decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, handmade decorations and other holiday items, along with a visit from Santa Claus and plenty of children’s activities.

2. Coleman Junior High Old-fashioned Craft Fair

Date: November 19, 2022: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Coleman Junior High School, 1000 North Highway 77, Waxahachie, TX 75165

Shop for Christmas decorations, home decor, Christmas gifts and more when you browse through the wares of more than 100 vendors during the Coleman Junior High Old-fashioned Craft Show, benefitting the Waxahachie Independent School District.

3. Christmas at S.A.G.U.

Date: November 28, 2022: 6:30 p.m. Location: S.A.G.U., 1200 Sycamore Street, Waxahachie TX 75165

Southwestern Assemblies of God University will host an event featuring Christmas music, hay rides, hot chocolate, kids train rides, pictures with Santa, and ornament decoration. Vendors will also be present. Admission is free. Vendor activities may require a purchase.

4. Jingle Jam Pre-parade Party

Date: November 29, 2022: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Location: Railyard Park, 455 South College Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165

The Jingle Jam Pre-parade Party is your chance to get started early with Christmas festivities before the annual Downtown Waxahachie Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. Admission is free. Vendor activities may require a purchase.

5. Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Date: November 29, 2022: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Location: Downtown Waxahachie, 101 Main Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165

Each year, the Downtown Waxahachie Christmas parade winds its way through Old Waxahachie and reaches its destination at the Ellis County Courthouse. Following the parade, the community tree lighting takes place as Santa flips the switch to light up the elaborate Christmas tree on the courthouse grounds. All around the square, family-friendly activities spread the Christmas spirit through the crowd. Admission is free. Vendor activities may require a purchase.

Christmas Parade route:

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the parade will start from Getzendaner Park and proceed north on Grand Avenue, then it will turn eastward on Main Street (U.S. Hwy. 287 Business), then it will turn southward on Rogers Street and end at Railyard Park. See parade route on Google Maps .

6. Sounds of the Season

Date: December 2, 2022: 7:00 p.m. Location: Waxahachie I.S.D. Performing Arts Center at  3001 U.S. Highway 287 in Waxahachie

The Waxahachie Symphony Association hosts the Fort Worth Symphonic Orchestra for an evening of winter holiday classic music and Christmas carols. For ticket prices and more information, read our Sounds of the Season article .

7. Bethlehem Revisited

Date: December 2 – 4, 2022: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and December 9 – 11, 2022: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Location: 402 North College Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165

Enjoy and evening within the totally-immersive nativity scene experience of Bethlehem Revisited, a live portrayal of the stories of the birth of Jesus in the New Testament books of Matthew and Luke. Attendees can follow Joseph and Mary as they wind their way through Bethlehem, are turned away from overbooked lodging and eventually find comfort among donkeys and other welcoming animals, later to be visited by three wise men bearing gifts for the newborn in the manger under a bright star. Admission is free.

8. Waxahachie Junior Service League Christmas Market

Date: December 3, 2022: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Lane, Waxahachie, TX 75165

During the Waxahachie Junior Service League Christmas Market, shop for Christmas decorations, home decor, children’s clothes, toys, home accents and more. Admission is $10; children under 10 years old may enter for free. All proceeds fund the charitable work of the non-profit organization throughout Ellis County. For tickets and to see when V.I.P. shopping hours and a Mimosas at the Market event are scheduled, visit the Waxahachie Junior Service League website .

9. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Date: December 9-11, 2022: various times Location: University Church at 221 Solon Road, Waxahachie, TX 75165

Waxahachie Community Theatre presents A Charlie Brown Christmas for their final performance for the 2022 season. Audience members of all ages will enjoy the stage adaptation of the classic, Christmas animation by Charles Schulz in which Charlie Brown discovers the true meaning of Christmas. View the schedule of performances and buy tickets in advance by visiting the Waxahachie Community Theatre website .

10. Historic Waxahachie Christmas Tour of Homes

Date: December 10-11, 2022: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Location: Various homes throughout Waxahachie

Tour four historic homes in Waxahachie all decorated for the holidays along with the Waxahachie I.S.D. administration building which was formerly Ferris Elementary (built in 1911) during the Historic Waxahachie Christmas Tour of Homes.

The homes on the tour are:

• 1121 West Main Street, featured nationally on For the Love of Old Houses in May 2022
• 1012 West Main Street
• 310 Williams Street
• 308 South College St. #C, a 4,000 square-foot loft in historic Downtown Waxahachie — formerly the location of the opera house

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 6-12 years old. Proceeds benefit Historic Waxahachie, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Purchase tickets online through the Historic Waxahachie website .

11. Waxahachie Y.M.C.A. 5K Santa Run and Walk

Date: December 10, 2022: 9:00 a.m. Location: Waxahachie Railyard Park, 455 South College Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165

Don your provided Santa suit and join the fun in the 9th Annual Y.M.C.A. Santa 5K Run, Fun Run and Walk. The event starts at Railyard Park in Downtown Waxahachie. Participants may enter the 5K run, 5K walk or a 1-mile fun run and walk. This year’s proceeds will be directed toward the construction of the Cindy Hess Memorial Park to be built behind the Y.M.C.A. location in Waxahachie. Those who show the most Christmas spirit by decorating their santa suit, their stroller or their pet for the season will be eligible to receive a prize. Register for the run at the Y.M.C.A. Santa Run webpage .

Waxahachie Symphony Association presents Sounds of the Season

S.p.c.a. of texas helping cats and dogs live their best lives.

Get Your Tickets to the 1st Annual Historic Waxahachie Christmas Tour of Homes!

Tickets for the 1st Annual Historic Waxahachie Christmas Tour of Homes are now on sale!

The Christmas Tour of Homes will take place Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th from 2-8pm and will feature homes in architecture styles for every taste! Victorian, Craftsman, Mission-style and more!

Also included on the tour will be the iconic Ellis County Courthouse called a “fairy tale palace” by author James Michener, and the historic Chautauqua Auditorium.

Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 the weekend of (will be available for purchase at the Ellis County Courthouse).

Find out more or get your advance tickets now through Eventbrite .

Waxahachie – Christmas Tour of Homes

Three unique homes, spanning from the Victorian era to the 21st Century, will don their holiday finery. Step into the Victorian era during the Waxahachie Christmas Tour of Homes and enjoy turn-of-the-century holiday décor as the residents of the historic homes open their doors to holiday visitors.

This event typically takes place in December.

Waxahachie – Festival of Trees

Waxahachie - Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Waxahachie – Gingerbread Trail Home Tour

Waxahachie – Vintage Market Days

Waxahachie – Meat Church

Waxahachie – Tulipalooza at Poston Gardens

A field of 300,000 tulips! Tulipalooza at… Read more…

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Events in Waxahachie

From parades and concerts to a big-time renaissance festival, there’s no shortage of memorable annual events in Waxahachie. If you’re planning a visit to “Hachie,” make sure to check out our list of the town’s events so that you don’t miss out.

April Scarborough Renaissance Festival Embark on an adventure to the 16th century at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie. Experience the thrill of watching full-armored jousts, interact with hundreds of costumed performers, and watch a variety of entertaining performances on 21 stages. Then explore 200 exquisite crafts shops, dine on tantalizing food, and drink delicious beer and wine at a pub; truly a great time worthy of the most discerning lord or lady.  The renaissance festival begins in early April and concludes at the end of May. 2511 FM 66 Waxahachie, TX 75167

July Crape Myrtle Festival Waxahachie’s Crape Myrtle Festival is a dual two-day celebration of colorful blooming flowers and the birth of the United States. Along with the patriotic flower-themed parade that marches through the downtown area, the festival includes a concert, a fireworks display, food vendors, and old-fashioned games. 101 West Main Street Waxahachie, TX 75165

October Texas Country Reporter Festival Celebrate all that makes the Lone Star State Great at the Texas Country Reporter Festival, held in late October in Waxahachie’s picturesque courthouse square. Enjoy great live music, browse display of arts and crafts made by Texas artists, and savor succulent food from all over the state. An appearance by Bob Philips, the host of the popular TV show Texas Country Reporter, is part of the festivities as well. 101 West Main Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 Screams Halloween Theme Park For the ultimate Halloween experience, look no further than Screams Park. Enjoy a ghoulish night of thrills and chills while you explore one of three haunted houses, conquer the CarnEvil Clown Maze, and try to escape the Castle of the Doomed. Screams Park is open throughout October and tickets are available online or at the venue. 2511 FM 66 Waxahachie, TX 75167

Veterans Day/WWII Weekend If you’re a World War II history enthusiast, don’t miss Waxahachie’s Veterans Day/WWII Weekend. Walk around the downtown area during Veteran’s Day Weekend and you’ll see reenactors dressed in period military and civilian clothing, more than 60 antique military vehicles, and a variety of static displays. Tour historic American and German camps, watch a battle reenactment and weapons demonstration, and shop in the “Blackmarket” vendor area. Downtown Waxahachie, TX 75165

December Bethlehem Revisited Experience life in ancient Bethlehem at the time of Jesus Christ’s birth during this annual event, which takes place during the first two weekends of December. 402 North College Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 Candlelight Home Tour Get in the spirit of the season on the Candlelight Home Tour, a journey past many of Waxahachie’s historic homes decked out in holiday lights and decorations. The tour also features a stop at the spectacular Ellis County Courthouse. 101 West Main Street Waxahachie, TX 75165

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Things To Do In and Near Downtown Waxahachie Texas: A First Timer’s Guide

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I have personally used and would recommend. Also, Two Worlds Treasures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Often noted as the most photographed courthouses in the State of Texas, a visit to magnificent Ellis County Courthouse is one of the things to do in and near downtown Waxahachie Texas. A free walking tour around downtown will present you with beautiful unique buildings from the late 1800s to early 1900s, and eating and shopping experiences await you there, too. But that’s not all.

Following is a guide to things to do in Waxahachie Texas for a day visit, based on my three times visiting the area, including information on annual festivals in town. 

Before I take you to the fun things you can do around downtown Waxahachie, let’s take a look on where the city is located and when did it start.

Where Is Waxahachie?

Just 26 miles south of Dallas and 42 miles east of Ft. Worth, so it makes a perfect day trip from the Metroplex. It is settled between I-35E and I-45 on the north part of Texas.

A bit history of Waxahachie

It all started on the banks of the Waxahachie Creek, from which the city derived its name in the year of 1850. The famed Shawnee Trail, a cattle drive from South Texas to Kansas City up north, ran through what is now the center of town.  

The earliest inhabitants of the area were Tonkawa, Kickapoo, Bidai, Anadarko, and Waco Indians. Emory W. Rogers was the first white settler to this area in 1846.

The Waxahachie name is derived from the Indian word meaning “Buffalo Creek”.

In the late 1880s, Waxahachie was one of the prosperous cotton producer. As a result, beautiful Queen Anne and Victorian homes with their ornate “gingerbread” trim are lining the arteries leading into the downtown square. Not just 4 or 5 houses, so the city has earned the name “The Gingerbread City”. You will be able see some of them on your way to the downtown area. You can see plaque of historic preservation mounted by the door of the houses, or on the ground stating the year the houses built.

Gingerbread refers to the architectural form born from the development of Gothic stonework into “Carpenter Gothic” using intricate, detailed wood ornamentation. At its best, extravagant wooden lace work, spindles and trims appear on the true Gingerbread era homes. Others show restraint in trim, associated Styles or contemporary looks. (an excerpt from the History of Waxahachie information).

Every year in the first weekend of June, the city conducts a Gingerbread Trail Home Tour . Don’t miss the opportunity and find out more about the Gingerbread Trail, such as ticket prices, hours, how many houses in the tour, and what other buildings included in the tour by clicking the highlighted link above.

How to pronounce Waxahachie

Before I take you to downtown Waxahachie, let me teach you how to pronounce the city’s name. (credit to Yes To Texas).

• Walks-uh-hatch-ee
• Wox-uh-hat-chee
• Wocks-uh-hatch-ee

Things To Do In and Near Downtown Waxahachie Texas

Ok. Here are the things to do in Waxahachie Texas that you will do when you make a day trip from Fort Worth or Dallas area.

#1. Hiking, Walking, Running, or Biking at Getzendaner Memorial Park – 400 South Grand Avenue

Start your day in Waxahachie at Getzendaner Park, arrive around 8 a.m.. This 33- acre parks provide areas for playing, picnicking, and exercising. What’s even better is this park also serves as a starting point for hiking and biking trail, connecting Getzendaner to Lions Park (351 Lions Park Road).

This hiking/walking trail is paved and mostly covered by big trees. The distance is about 3 ¾ miles to the end and there are trail marks every ¼ mile. You can walk the whole trail or part of it, it’s up to you. There are 10 surprising things to see along Getzendaner trail , like bamboo forest, old cemetery, and crossing a historic Rogers Street Bridge.

I’m not a biker, but I think the bike trail is awesome! I saw a group of mountain bikers while I was there and they moved fast. So, don’t take a chance to hike on the bike trail when in use.

Other things to see at this park:

– Matthews Street Bridge that for many years served as the only access for people who lived outside the county to bring and sell their cotton and other crops to nearby gins and First Monday Trade Days in the county.

– Historic Chautauqua Auditorium, one of the few octagonal auditoriums in the country. It is only open during special events and Gingerbread Trail though.

– Squirrel carving on a big tree by the playground. Don’t miss it!

– Two Hachie Heart (I will tell you more about it below).

When you’re done, it’s time to move to downtown Waxahachie. It’s not far, just around 10 minutes driving. On the way, you will see the historic houses of Waxahachie (a.k.a. the gingerbread.) You can also stop at White Rhino Coffee for a cup of latte or tea before you start your exploring downtown. I haven’t visited this coffee place yet, but a couple of local ladies whose husbands were mountain biking at the park told me about the place and they even invited me to join them. Too bad I had to pick up my husband from the university at the time. But I will make a stop there soon.

#2. Stop at the Visitor Center/Ellis County Museum – 201 S. College St.

Here’s the second things to do in and near downtown Waxahachie Texas on your list. A first place to stop in downtown Waxahachie. A place for you to grab the brochures of Historic Waxahachie Inc.’s Downtown Walking and Driving Tour, Ellis County Courthouse information, and learn about the history of the city. Yes, this Visitor Center is also home of the Ellis County Museum. Open on Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm.

If you arrive around 10, there’s a chance for you to find a parking space around the Courthouse, which is located across the building. If you arrive after 11, there’s a free city parking garage a block away to the east on S Jackson and E Jefferson, if all the parking spots around the square are taken.

When you’re done with the museum, go outside and you will see a City of Waxahachie mural on the building across the street. You won’t miss this giant mural, but don’t go cross the street yet. Turn left from the museum and walk a few yards. You will see a selfie station on the floor with hashtag hachie heart. Stand there with the mural as the background, then take a picture with your smart phone. Share it in your social media with hashtag #hachieheart.

#3. Lunch time

Chances are it will be closer to noon by the time you leave the Visitor Center area. What’s better than eating lunch before you do the Walking Tour?

Waxahachie has several good eating places around downtown, serving Southern-comfort food to BBQ, Mexican to Cajun-style seafood, and burger to sandwiches. We’ve been to 3 places and we liked them all.

Here are our recommendation:

Pop’s Burger Stand – the best burger and fries in town, recommended by my IG friend. Try their El Camino, the 6.5 oz. premium Angus beef with crispy bacon, pico de gallo, pepper jack cheese and cilantro Mayo. It’s so good! My niece likes their Low & Slow Burger, the 6.5 oz premium Angus beef with crispy bacon, grilled onion, and cheddar cheese topped with Pop’s low & slow BBQ sauce. The milkshake looks good, but we didn’t try any. Prices are below $10. Address: 107 S Monroe St., 3 blocks to the west from Visitor Center. Just walk there.

Farm Luck Soda Fountain & Dry Goods – a place for light lunch, serving all kind of sandwiches and milkshakes. I like their Aunt’s Sandy Chicken Salad served on a toasted croissant. Save a room for their World’s Smallest Sundae. Beautiful place, and everything is under $10. Address: 109 W Franklin St., just a block away to the west of Visitor Center. (The same block with the mural).

Straight From Philly – we ate here because we parked near the restaurant and we weren’t disappointed. Their Philly cheese steak was really good as well as the fries. There’s a nook for live band in the restaurant, and that Saturday a local boy was performing Michael Jackson and he really knew all the movements for every songs. Prices are $15 and below. Address: 110 E Main St., one block to the north from the Visitor Center.

#4. Ellis County Courthouse Tour – 109 S Jackson St.

Now that you’re full, it’s time to visit Ellis County Courthouse . Located right in the middle of downtown, you won’t miss this nine stories courthouse, towering over downtown Waxahachie. Like I mentioned above, it’s one, or probably #1 things to do in and near downtown Waxahachie Texas.

The courthouse was designed in Richardsonian Romanesque architecture style by James Riely Gordon, and was built in 1895. With its turrets and spires, this courthouse looks like a fairy tale palace. Not to mentioned the pink granite and red limestone used to build the courthouse.

You must walk around the building and step back, look up, and inspect closely the exterior of the building. The most striking features you will find are the carved faces at the four entrances of the buildings. Each entrance has different carved faces, depict a man, a woman, a lion heads, a child, or a youth, including a “Green Man”, an ancient figure prevalent in European architecture.

When you look up to the roof, you will see the genuine four-faced clock tower, as well as the bronze eagles perched on the roof. You can see the tower from Getzendaner Trail when you hit the historic Rogers Street Bridge.   

One other thing about the Ellis County Courthouse, it has long been designated as “number 8” on the list of outstanding architectural achievements in Texas. You will take lots of pictures here.

#5 Waxahachie Downtown Walking Tour & Shopping Time

I hope you still have the walking tour brochure with you. With the brochure in hand, walk 2 blocks north from the courthouse to start the tour. You will see buildings built from the late 1800s to the early 1900s on this tour, where today some of them houses stores, restaurants, and the Visitor Center.

Just follow the arrows and the numbers in the brochure. Stop, look up and below, step back, and inspect closely the buildings you will see in the tour. Some of them are really in good condition, while a few of them need work and better maintenance.  

If you want to check out the stores around downtown Waxahachie, I suggest you to do it while doing this walking tour, rather than mark the stores and back again after the tour. Save time and energy. If you come with your family, hubby and kids can take a rest while you do shopping break.

Antique/vintage stores, gift shops, boutique, quilting store, and herb shop are dotting the downtown area. Here are some of them that you need to check: Old Town Vintage Antiques, The Doves Nest, Multitudes, Junk For Joy, Wild Thyme Herb Shop, Common threads Quilting, and Bon Ton Vintage. If you get to intersection of N. Rogers St. and Madison St., turn west for a block, then you will see Red Barn Flea Market across the street. It’s big and has lots of stuff. You can always drive here when you leave downtown, but parking is limited.

Some of my favorite found on this walking tour are Old Ellis County Jail, Rogers Street Iron Bridge, the Victorian Buildings on N. College St., Rogers Hotel, and of course the Courthouse.

Remember the Hachie Heart I mentioned earlier?

Oversized heart sculptures have popped up across Waxahachie as part of the city marketing campaign “Waxahachie: A place in your heart, Texas”. There are at least 20 hearts (and counting) set out at various locations throughout the downtown area and at Getzendaner Park.

Local businesses support this campaign by adopting the hearts and contacted local artists to paint it. Each heart reflect the business or an aspect of Waxahachie, so none of them look-alike. So far I’ve seen 9, including 3 at the Getzendaner Park.

So, use this walking tour as a Hachie Heart hunting activity , too.

The other thing you will find during the walking tour is the Love Lock fence. It is on the corner of Franklin and College Street. You can buy the red heart-shaped locks at the Ellis County Museum for $10 and put your heart there.

#6 Historic Waxahachie Driving Tour

At the end of your walking tour, you have 2 options: straight to driving tour or stop for a coffee, ice cream, soda pops, or milkshake break, or whatever you call it, at one of the restaurants around the square. This is also the end of your day ticking off things to do in and near downtown Waxahachie Texas.

The driving tour has two directions: East Driving Tour and West Driving Tour. Both begin at the courthouse square. When you see the brochure, you’ll find that you already covered most of the places around downtown. Since Waxahachie is not very big, you can do both directions easily. Just be careful when you drive around.

Before you leave home, there’s one place that you need to check. Head to Munster Mansion. Remember “The Munsters” 60’s sitcom show? Yep, you can find the replica of the house in Waxahachie. The McKees, the mansion owner, designed and built the house based on the footage of the shows.

This is a living “mansion”, so respect the owner’s privacy. You might just click a picture from outside the fence, or if you’re visiting Waxahachie during their annual open house, then you can get in. They also host events from time to time, and you can find all the information and the address of the mansion by clicking this Munster Mansion .

Some of the Annual Event in Waxahachie

SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL   8 weekends in April and May through Memorial Day Monday.

CROSSROADS OF TEXAS FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL  A celebration of the best in Texas film and music. Last weekend in April, starting on Thursday.

CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL

GINGERBREAD TRAIL HISTORIC HOME TOUR   First Saturday and Sunday in June.

COW CREEK COUNTRY CLASSIC BIKE RIDE  Third Saturday in June.

CRAPE MYRTLE FESTIVAL  Waxahachie was designated as the “Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas” and each year they have concert and fireworks show on July 3rd and a parade on July 4th.    

ANNUAL CHAUTAUQUA ASSEMBLY  Every September, features cultural and educational events, speakers, programs, and demonstrations.

SCREAMS  Walk the world’s largest Halloween theme park in the month of October, every Friday & Saturday prior to Halloween.

TEXAS COUNTRY REPORTER FESTIVAL   One day arts & music festival hosts by Kelli & Bob Phillips from the Texas Country Reporter weekly TV show. Last Saturday in October.

VETERANS DAY WEEKEND  On Friday and Saturday of the weekend, an area of downtown Waxahachie turns to WWII battle scene.

CANDLELIGHT HOME TOUR  Some of the historic houses open their door for visitors to enjoy the decorated homes. Second Saturday & Sunday in December.

BETHLEHEM REVISITED   A recreation of Old World Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth. The first 2 weekends in December.  

Now it’s your turn to visit Waxahachie, Texas. If you’ve been here before, let me know what you think about this Gingerbread City. If I miss something that you must do while visiting for a day, leave a comment below so I can put it in the article.

In the meantime, I’ll be very happy if you share this article about things to do in and near downtown Waxahachie Texas with your friends and families, and pin it for later. Enjoy Waxahachie and have a good time exploring the city!

Thank you for sharing this:

Umiko Buhl is a travel blogger and the founder of Two Worlds Treasures. She travels around Texas to neighboring states and around the country with her family and dog from their family home in the south of Dallas/Fort Worth. Originally from Indonesia, she tries to go home every 2-3 years to spend time with her families and friends while exploring Indonesia. Her mission is to share her honest reviews of places she visited.

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36 comments.

I am great fan of architectural buildings and I have lost my soul to Ellis County Courthouse . I would love to walk around the courthouse to just take photos. What a lovely town to live a few days. I love these kind of small towns with a lot of history. You have given a good guide and I am still practicing how to pronounce waxahachie correct way.

Yes, the Courthouse is a photographer heaven. It’s so beautiful! I hope you can pronounce Waxahachie easily now. 😉

Thanks for helping me pronounce the name Waxahachie, I actually tried saying it the way you mentioned in your post. It’s a very pretty city that I was never aware of. The gingerbread buildings look great, so is the park and the museum. I guess it’s a nice place to spend a weekend in.

Texas has pretty cities or small towns that not people aware of, even the one who called themselves Texan.

I haven’t been to Waxahachie before, but it seems like a place you can explore the whole day! Love everything <3 shape and would definitely want to find all the heart scultures 😉

I have been to many states but somehow i never got to texas! it is such a vast piece of land so it is amazing i managed to pass it by so many times. waxahachie? i will never be able to pronounce that right! this guide will definitely be helpful for my next visit which i hope can be soon!

You really should visit us in Texas! There are so many things await you here.

This is a useful guide for anyone who wants to visit Waxahachie, Texas. I love that heart sculpture. Thanks for sharing!

This is such a nice and comprehensive guide for the things to do in Waxahachie!

Ha, I’d heard of Waxahatchie before (thanks to the band of the same name), but I’d been mispronouncing it for years! Glad to finally have a visual to put to the name.

Waxahachie seems like a nice and laid-back town to explore (had to google how to pronounce the name!). The details of the courthouse reminds me of French architecture. very nice building.

If you really read the article, you didn’t need to google how to pronounce it. It’s right here in the article.

Reading the phonetic pronunciation and hearing how it is really pronounced are different things. I’m not a native English speaker so reading pronunciation doesn’t always help. But thank you for trusting a honest comment.

Don’t worry! I’m not a native English speaker myself, I ask my husband a lot. My son even likes to correct me. 🙂

What a gorgeous city mural! The first thing I was thinking was ‘how on Earth do I pronounce this name’ – so glad you have that covered! The architecture, especially the mansion house, is not what I would expect to see in Texas at all.

I know people would have trouble in pronounce it! lol. Yes, that Courthouse is something.

Maybe it’s because I haven’t yet explored Texas, but I hadn’t even heard of Waxahachie. I enjoyed the pronunciation guide, by the way. I think the architecture alone makes it worth going… the courthouse pillars dropped my mouth open from beauty. AND the Gingerbread Trail tour seems like a fun way to check it all out. Thanks for expanding my world!

You are welcome, Taylor! I’m bringing small towns or cities in Texas to the surface. One at a time.

I’ve never heard of Waxahachie, Texas before, but it looks lovely! Those little heart sculptures around the city remind me a bit of San Francisco. And I would love to stop by Pop’s Burger Stand!

Someone told me about the heart that reminded her of San Francisco, too. You will like the Pop’s Burger Stand. I still have to bring my husband and son there though.

We were just in Texas in March – I wish I had known about Waxahachie at the time! I love visiting courthouses in various cities around the country. For some reason they always provide some of the best architecture in the town. I’ll keep your post in mind the next time I’m in Texas!

I think because they built courthouses mostly one hundred years ago and still got a strong influence from Europe? I don’t know, but they tend to be the best architecture in the town. I hope you will come back to Texas and make a stop here in Waxahachie.

I never knew about Waxahachie Texas before reading your post but there are many interesting places here. It is good to know Waxahachie name is derived from the Indian word. Never knew that there is so much impact of Indians even in ancient Americas. The architecture of Ellis County Museum looks elegant and impressive.

Lots of places in Texas or other parts of the U.S. using names that derived from the Indian word. Sometimes it’s hard to pronounce, like Waxahachie. 🙂

What a comprehensive guide to Texas and specially to this interesting place . I have never been to States but now this place seems to be definitely on the cards .

Hope you will make it here one day.

I’m getting ready to move to Texas this summer and have been looking for fun road trips to take. Waxahachie sounds like it fits the bill! I’m SO GLAD you included a little pronunciation guide, because it seriously drives me nuts when I’m not sure how to pronounce names, even when I’m not reading aloud. The courthouse looks really awesome and I’d love to do the historical drive!

Cool! What part of Texas that you will call home?

Texas is so big and with that so many amazing places to check out. I really do hope to see this side of the USA someday.

That is quite the mouthful! What a wonderfully comprehensive guide you have here. We’ll need to add it to our places to visit. Thanks for sharing!

You are welcome!

Seems like a cute town to visit. Love the architecture at the courthouse and a good cheesesteak!

Yeah, love that courthouse!

I am planning to visit Texas in the next week and I really want to add getting a picture at the Hatchie Hart on my itinerary!

That’s cool! Tag me when you make it.

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Upcoming Events:

History of Homes

Parker County is full of lovely vintage homes. If you are interested in learning the history about a particular home, check out our Heritage Map .

Candlelight Tour

All of the homes ever included in our annual Candlelight Tour of Homes are captured on the Heritage Map along with a photo and the history for each. When you click on the Map, you will be able to find the home based on its location from the courthouse square.

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We welcome all who share our passion for the historic homes and buildings of Parker County. Use our Member Signup form or contact us to become a member.

Weatherford, TX 76086

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Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes® 2024

Lavishly decorated historic homes in jefferson, texas, buy tickets - use paypal "buy now" button below.

PLEASE NOTE: No Will Call, No Tickets Mailed. 

Please print your PayPal receipt and bring it with you to the Tour Homes, as it is your ticket. 

You may pay using your PayPal account or if you don't have a PayPal, no worries, Pay with Debit or Credit Card securely via PayPal Guest Checkout. 

Advance Adult tickets $22.50 each, Children 12 and under Free. Ticket price increases to $30.00 after Thanksgiving.

Candlelight Headquarters

Port Jefferson Outpost

220 N. Polk St. 

Additional parking at corner of Polk and Henderson Streets adjacent to Red Bus Cupcakes.

Tour Homes & More!

The benefield house • 1009 s. line street, the painted ladies of jefferson • 403 e. walker street.

The Benefield House is a true gem of history and hospitality. The J. H. Benefield, Sr. home was known as the "Gay 90's" house because of the many social affairs that were held in the drawing room when Jefferson was a leading port in Texas. It is a Queen Anne Victorian style house, with fine architectural details, as is typical of the spacious old homes built around the turn of the 20th century.  

The Painted Ladies of Jefferson, formerly known as Captain's Castle, also known as the Rogers-McCasland home, was so named by Captain Thomas J. Rogers, a confederate officer and local pioneer banker. In the early 1870's he combined two older houses, one already located on the present site (the back part of the existing structure) and the other, an imposing landmark of Tennessee Planters Architecture (the two-story front portion), he moved across town on log rollers, with oxen, from down on the river front. 

The Tarry House • 419 Polk Street

The sherrill-benefield house • 504 w. austin street.

The Tarry House is an American Craftsman style home which emerged between 1900 and 1929. These homes were a backlash against the Industrial Revolutions mass-produced Victorian architecture, which prized ornamental decoration as opposed to the Craftsman's natural and simplistic form. The Craftsman homes were very popular in California and the Midwest, however, the Tarry Home, built in 1919 by Radford Tarry, is purported to be the oldest brick Craftsman in East Texas.  

Of Victorian/Farmhouse architecture, the Sherrill-Benefield House was built by Benjamin F. Sherrill just before the turn of the century in or around 1895. Mr. Sherrill served as Jefferson's mayor at one time and was still living there in 1900, according to the census. A fire occurred early in the 1900s that burned the top story and was rebuilt as the siding on the second story is different, which leads to its charm.  

Enchanted Forest • 502 E. Jefferson Street

Stroll through 115 Decorated and Lighted Christmas Trees at no charge. Various individuals, families, businesses and organizations decorate these endearing trees in support of the Jefferson Lions Club. 

The Enchanted Forest is located in Lions Park at 502 E. Jefferson Street.

Tour Dates & Times

Thursday, dec. 5.

3 pm - 7 pm

Friday, Dec. 6

4 pm - 8 pm

Saturday, Dec. 7

Thursday, dec. 12, friday, dec. 13, saturday, dec. 14.

4 pm - 8 p m

Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes®

Come celebrate our 42nd Candlelight Tour of Homes®. This Jefferson event is among the top Christmas events in east Texas, welcoming visitors from Shreveport, Texarkana, Longview, Marshall, Tyler, and beyond. Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend stay, enjoy our unique holiday festivities. Your ticket allows you to visit the homes on any date.   Buy tickets now...

The Historic Jefferson Foundation wants you and your friends or family to enjoy seeing beautifully decorated residences reflecting the grandeur of an elaborate Victorian theme or matching the period of the home. In addition to visiting lovely homes, there are many special local attractions:

Enchanted Forest - 115 Decorated & Lighted Christmas Trees

Enchanted Forest – Stroll through 115 Decorated & Lighted Christmas Trees at no charge. Various individuals, families, businesses, and organizations decorate these endearing trees in support of the Jefferson Lions Club. 

The Enchanted Forest is located in Lions Park at 502 E. Jefferson St . 

Proud Sponsors of the Historic Jefferson Foundation

Learn more about the many places to stay and holiday activities in Jefferson during the Candlelight Tour of Homes by visiting Jefferson-Texas.com , Jeffersonian Online , or VisitJeffersonTexas.com . Here's a brief list:

• 503 Lake St.  

• Alley St. Cutting Co.  

• Art on the Bayou Splatter Room  

• Azalea Inn Bed & Breakfast  

• Battle for Jefferson  

• Benefield House B&B 

• Bessie's Landing  

• Bohn's Gift Shoppe  

• Brownrigg Insurance  

• Butler & Haggard Realty Executives  

• Calavera Leather & Cigar Co.  

• Century 21 Real Estate - Beverly Bradley  

• Christ Episcopal Church 

• Deer Trail Lodge  

• East Texas Realty  

• Edward Jones Investments  

• Enoch's Wine Cellar & Coffee House  

• Excelsior House Hotel  

• Fantasy & Fairytale Floral Designs  

• First Baptist Church  

• First Methodist Church Jefferson  

• Friends of the Arts Jefferson  

• GG's Antiques & Collectibles  

• Historic Tours of Jefferson  

• Immaculate Conception Catholic Church  

• Jefferson Antique Mall  

• Jefferson Carnegie Library  

• Jefferson First Assembly of God  

• Jefferson General Store  

• Jefferson Realty  

• Jeffersonian Institute  

• Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club (Pilgrimage)  

• Johnson Collision Repair  

• Johnson's Ranch Marina  

• Junkin' is my Jam  

• Kennedy Manor Bed & Breakfast  

• Kitt's Cornbread Sandwich & Pie Bar  

• Krewe of Hebe  

• Lonesome Dove Safari  

• LW Davis House Leveling  

• Made in the Shade Boutique  

• Marion County Chamber of Commerce  

• My Father's Garden  

• Old Mulberry Inn & Cottages  

• Port Jefferson Outpost Espresso Bar  

• Port Jefferson Outpost, LLC  

• Red Bus Cupcakes  

• Scarlett O'Hardy's Gone with the Wind Museum  

• Taste of Caddo  

• Texas Farm Bureau - Mike Clayton  

• Texas Treasures  

• The Hive  

• The House of the Seasons  

• The Knightlight Theater & Wine Tavern  

• The Old Store & Fudge Store  

• The Steamboat Inn

• Turner Fine Jewelry Studio

• United Country Realty  

• VeraBank  

• Yesteryear Gift Shop

Special Thanks To Media Sponsors

Thank you to KTAL Ch. 6 Shreveport/Texarkana for the live broadcast and donated advertising.

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Candlelight Tour of Homes is produced, hosted, organized, and directed by the Historic Jefferson Foundation , a non-profit charitable 501(c)3 corporation.

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Experience The Magic

Will Call and tickets for purchase available at the Granbury Square Plaza Pavilion 201 E. Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048 during the Candlelight Tour Weekend. This is a self-guided tour to enjoy at your leisure.  While many of the homes and sites are located just off the Granbury Square, this tour does require a good amount of walking.

December 1, 2, 3 2023

Event information.

Meet us at the Granbury Square Plaza Pavilion: Will Call and tickets for purchase available at the Granbury Square Plaza Pavilion 201 E. Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048 during the Candlelight Tour of Homes weekend – Dec 1-3, 2023.

Experience the magic of the holiday season as we illuminate the historic town of Granbury, TX. Join us from December 1st to 3rd for a captivating journey through charming streets adorned with twinkling lights and the timeless beauty of historic homes.

Event Schedule:

• VIP Night: Friday, December 1st, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM ( Limited Tickets Available! )
• Saturday: December 2nd, 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: December 3rd, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Get Your Tickets: Choose from VIP, or General Admission tickets for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the enchantment of our Candlelight Tour.

Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities: Illuminate the magic with us by becoming a sponsor or advertising in our program. Showcase your brand and support this cherished holiday tradition.

Join the Celebration: Celebrate the spirit of the season with friends and family as we light up Granbury in all its holiday splendor. Come and be part of the 39th Annual Granbury – A Candlelight Tour!

Christmas Concerts in the Sanctuary

First presbyterian church – 309 w. bridge st..

December 1st – – Melody Belles – 6pm

December 2nd – Grace Classical Christian Academy – 1pm – North Central Texas Academy (Happy Hills Farm) – 2pm – Madrigal Singers – 3pm – Sanctuary Tours – 4pm – Cross Timbers Tuba Ensemble – 6pm

December 3rd – Sanctuary Tours – 1pm

Learn More About The Homes

Experience the magic of the holiday season as we illuminate the historic town of granbury, tx., interactive map.

Purchase Here

Join us in celebrating the holiday season’s magic as we take you on an extraordinary journey through Granbury’s Candlelight Tour.