The City of Longview has scheduled holiday events starting this week through December to spread cheer throughout the region.

Get ready to celebrate the holidays in Longview with events that will put you into the holiday spirit from Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas social events, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Downtown Longview Christmas Tree Lighting

Celebrations kick off Saturday, Nov. 19, with the Downtown Longview Christmas Tree Lighting at Heritage Plaza, 219 E. Methvin St.

The lighting, which is presented by VeraBank and hosted by Longview Main Street, will include live music, carriage rides, a petting zoo, snow play area, and a visit from Santa. The event starts at 4 p.m. with the tree lighting taking place at 5:30 p.m.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

District 3 Councilman Wray Wade will host a free community Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dinner will be held at the Green Street Recreation Center, 814 S. Green St.  For more information or to volunteer call 903-921-0129 or email ph@wraywade.com.

Longview AMBUCS Christmas Parade

Then on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. the Longview AMBUCS Christmas Parade will return to downtown Longview. This annual tradition, sponsored by Peters Chevrolet and hosted by Longview Main Street, includes marching bands, floats, and an appearance by Santa. The parade travels down Whaley and Methvin streets in downtown Longview.

Pics with Santa!

The Longview Public Library will welcome the one and only Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to Noon.  Guests are invited to come and take a free photo with St. Nick.  Participants will get a free 4x6 print to take home with them. The Longview Public Library is located at 222 W. Cotton St.

ArtWalk

ArtWalk Longview will return to downtown Longview on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. ArtWalk is a free, self-guided tour of downtown business venues exhibiting and selling art. ArtWalk is hosted by Arts!Longview, and is free to artists to participate and free to the public to attend.  The December event will include a holiday balloon glow on Methvin Street (weather permitting) throughout the evening and is the perfect place to snag last minute Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Longview Public Library Cheermeister Party

The Longview Public Library will host its second annual Cheermeister Party on Friday, Dec. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. Your favorite City of Longview departments and Arts! Longview groups will help host crafts, goodies, games, and activity stations on the library plaza. The event also includes special performances throughout the evening, including a Christmas Story Time with Santa Flavious and his magical elves. The Longview Public Library is located at 222 W. Cotton St.

A Green Christmas

Parks and Recreation invites families to join them for the second annual “A Green Christmas” event at The Green in Longview on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 2 to 7 p.m. This free event includes food, arts and crafts, game booths, performances, and a sleigh ride. Attendees will also be able to see trees adopted and decorated by City departments. The Green is located at 207 S. Spur 63.

“Barkin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Holiday Hop

The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center will host the “Barkin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Holiday Hop on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. This annual come and go open house will showcase the "Santa PAWS Giving Tree" with festive spirits and dessert provided. Visit with shelter animals, enjoy lively Rock-n-Roll Christmas carols played by Ben Shepherd and his talented, young musicians, and pick up some unique gifts for the animal lovers in your life. The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center is located at 303 H.G. Mosley Parkway.

Holly Jolly Cocoa Social

Visit Longview Texas and Longview Main Street will host a Holly Jolly Cocoa Social on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. The social will be held at the Visit Longview Marketplace, 109 W. Tyler St., and include warm holiday drinks, refreshments, and in-person voting for business and residential holiday decorating contests.