211 North Washington Ave
Marshall, TX 75670
(903) 702-7777
www.marshalltexas.net/165/Tourism-Cultural-Arts

By Hunter Lanier

One of the best ways to get some family time during the holidays is a good ol’ fashioned road trip. But what’s a road trip without a destination that the entire family can get excited about? Enter Marshall, TX, a town where the holiday season comes alive with the quirky FireAnt Festival, the magical Wonderland of Lights, and the festive performances at the Memorial City Hall Performance Center.  

Before you fill up the tank, load up on snacks, and create the perfect road trip playlist, check out the list below to figure out which event you’d like to build your trip around. As in school, “all of the above” is an option! 

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FireAnt Festival 

With how amazing the fall weather is in Texas, it would be a crime not to have an outdoor celebration in the heart of downtown Marshall. Not being in the habit of breaking laws, Marshall puts on the FireAnt Festival every year for locals and visitors alike.  

No matter how old you get, everyone loves a good festival, but it’s especially exciting for the kiddos. Expect to find carnival rides, a toddler fun run, a diaper derby (a fun run for the babies), and a kid dance-off. To get everyone primed for Halloween, there will even be some monster inflatables to play on.  

For the grown-ups, the festival includes traditional competitions, such as the TourDeFireAnt long-distance bike ride and the FireAnt 5K. But there are also a number on the quirkier side. Take the gurning contest, which is a battle to see who can make the ugliest face. Or maybe chunkin’ rubber chickens is more your speed. In that case, join the aptly titled Chicken Chunkin’ contest.  

Suffice to say, if having fun were another quirky contest at the FireAnt Festival, first place would be a photo finish. 

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Wonderland of Lights 

In case you hadn’t heard, Marshall has been called one of the ten most magical Christmas towns in Texas. That’s due in no small part to the Wonderland of Lights, an annual celebration that kicks off the Christmas holiday.  

The centerpiece of the event, held on November 27th, is the lighting up of the stately 1901 Historic Harrison County Courthouse. Nearby trees, bushes, and businesses follow suit to illuminate the nighttime with holiday cheer.   

Beyond the lights, you’ll also be able to find an outdoor ice-skating rink, an old-timey carousel, a festive train, and a Santa’s Village made up of tiny houses! It’s the perfect mood-setter for the magic of Christmastime.  

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Memorial City Hall Performance Center 

If you’re traveling with family, one of the best communal events in Marshall is a visit to the Memorial City Hall Performance Center, which got its name to serve as a remembrance of the soldiers lost during World War I. Originally built almost a century ago, the performance hall hasn’t slowed down one bit.  

Memorial City Hall gets its performance season started around the beginning of fall, so it’s the perfect time to see a show if you’re in town to celebrate the holidays. Among the upcoming artists performing at the hall are country music star, Deana Carter, and a tribute to music legend, Sam Cooke, by Bradd Marquis.  

But if you’re looking for something more suited to the Christmas season, you’re probably going to want to check out The Dallas String Quartet, who will be at Memorial City Hall in early December. Using both acoustic and electric instruments, the group gets a unique sound as they perform covers of songs by artists such as Guns N’ Roses and Taylor Swift. During their December performance, they’re sure to break out some Christmas classics, such as their highly popular rendition of “Joy to the World.” 

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Gift Yourself a Trip to Marshall this Holiday Season 

Marshall, TX shows that small-town charm can serve up big-time fun. With the quirky charm of the FireAnt Festival, the enchanting beauty of the Wonderland of Lights, and the live music at Memorial City Hall, your weekend trip could easily turn into a yearly tradition.  

But first things first: you need to find a place to stay! Good thing Marshall has so many cozy spots to serve as your home away from home.   

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About the Author: Hunter Lanier is the head writer and content specialist for Tour Texas. When he isn’t writing about the many great places in the state of Texas, he’s writing books and screenplays. He may or may not own an armadillo in the future.

211 North Washington Ave
Marshall, TX 75670
(903) 702-7777
www.marshalltexas.net/165/Tourism-Cultural-Arts