Ultimate Guide to Holiday Events: 2025 Holiday Season in Downtown Ennis

Your Budget-Friendly Guide to Festive Fun

The holiday season in Downtown Ennis is filled with charm, community, and tradition. Even better, many of our events are completely free, family-friendly, and perfect for enjoying on any budget. Whether you're strolling Main Street, ice skating under the lights, or searching for elves in decorated storefronts, Downtown Ennis offers memorable experiences all season long.

Here is your complete guide—now with all dates and times included—to everything happening this holiday season.

Shop Small Saturday

Saturday, November 29th, 2025 | 10am–2pm

Celebrate the start of the holiday season by supporting small businesses in Historic Downtown Ennis. Enjoy shopping, strolling, holiday carolers, live reindeer, and a special visit with Santa Claus.

Begin at the Welcome Center (201 NW Main) to pick up your map and enter for prizes. This is a budget-friendly way to enjoy the holidays while uplifting local merchants.

Elf Seek & Find

November 29th, 2025 – January 6th, 2026 | During regular downtown business hours

Enjoy a completely free family activity throughout the season. Explore festive holiday windows and search for elves hidden by downtown merchants. Pick up your Elf Seek & Find map at the Welcome Center and see how many you can find.

Lights of Ennis Parade, Block Party & Christmas Bluebonnet Market

Thursday, December 4th, 2025 | 5pm–9pm

One of Ennis’ most beloved holiday traditions returns with the Parade of Lights, a downtown Block Party, the Christmas Bluebonnet Market, children’s crafts, reindeer photos, live performances, Santa photos, and more.

Admission is free, making this one of the most accessible and budget-friendly nights of the year.

December 4th, 2025 — Full Schedule

(Times approximate and subject to change.)

• Ennis Railroad & Cultural Heritage Museum Open House: 5 pm–8:30 pm

  Refreshments, model trains, and photos with Frosty the Snowman (5–7 pm).

• Block Party & Christmas Bluebonnet Market: 5 pm–9 pm on N. Dallas Street

• Live Reindeer Photos: 6 pm–9 pm

• Children’s Christmas Crafts at the Welcome Center: 5 pm–7 pm and 7:30 pm–8:30 pm

• Train Display at the Welcome Center: 5 pm–7 pm and 7:30 pm–9:30 pm

• Ennis High School Band Ensemble: 5:30 pm–6 pm at 108 W. Knox Street

• Avant Garde Theatre Holiday Performance: 6 pm at Minnie McDowal Park

• Ennis Choral Department Caroling: 6 pm–7 pm throughout Downtown

• Photos with Santa Claus at the Welcome Center: 5:30 pm–6:45 pm and 7:45 pm–9 pm

  Free professional family photos. Sponsored by City Real Estate, Guild Mortgage, and Amelia Valdez – City Real Estate en Español.

• Christmas Parade of Lights: 7 pm

• Polar Express Performance by GO! Dance: 7:45 pm at Minnie McDowal Park

• Food Trucks on N. Dallas Street: 5 pm–9 pm (Food available for purchase)

  
  

Lucky CC Car Show

Saturday, December 6th, 2025 | 10am–3pm

Bring an unwrapped toy for donation and enjoy a day filled with cars, trucks, hot rods, low riders, music, and food trucks. Free to attend, with food available for purchase.

ALL NEW THIS YEAR: Ice Skating Downtown — Free for Everyone

December 13th & 14th, 2025 | 5pm–9pm

Enjoy two evenings of completely free ice skating in Historic Downtown Ennis. Explore local shops and restaurants, then lace up your skates and glide under the holiday lights.

This is one of Ennis’ most popular and family-friendly traditions, offered at no cost to all visitors.

Celebrate the Season in Downtown Ennis

Whether you’re planning a festive outing, looking for free activities, or enjoying the holiday atmosphere, Downtown Ennis offers experiences for all ages and budgets. From Elf Seek & Find and the Parade of Lights to free ice skating and Santa photos, the season is filled with opportunities to make lasting memories.

Make Downtown Ennis part of your holiday tradition in 2025.