Families, fun, and the magic of Christmas will be center stage in Marshall, Texas during the 27th annual Wonderland of Lights Festival. 
The largest Christmas festival in the region, visitors will enjoy millions of Christmas lights and hundreds of lighted Christmas displays. These lighted exhibits are carefully placed in the historic Washington Square District of downtown Marshall, allowing visitors the opportunity to see the displays by horse-drawn carriage, on a nostalgic English-style double-decker tour bus, or in their own vehicle. 

Ice skaters enjoy the synchronized light and music show on the historic Harrison County Texas courthouse during the Wonderland of Lights Festival in Marshall Texas. Beginning November 27, the festival is open every evening and on Saturdays at noon through December 31. Over 100,000 people are expected to visit during the holidays this year.

"We have new displays set up, and we've developed a new viewing route more central to the Washington Square District." said Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau Director of Guest Services Geraldine Mauthe. "We've taken some of the really large light displays that had been placed in other areas of Marshall, and have moved them into the historic downtown area as part of our new, expanded light tour."  Mauthe has participated in every Wonderland of Lights Festival since its beginning in 1987.

The historic Harrison County Courthouse, called the "crown jewel" of the festival, is adorned with 250,000 LED lights for the Christmas season. The courthouse, built in 1901, serves as an active courthouse, hosting trials and county government proceedings.  It was renovated during the past decade at a cost of $10 million, and is the only known working courthouse hosting a Christmas synchronized light and music show in the United States.  Each evening, all views of the courthouse glimmer and twinkle to a variety of Christmas songs. No two shows are alike, and they are sure to please everyone in the family.  Presented by Steve and Penny Carlile and Celebrating Home, the evening light and music shows have become a festival favorite.

A highlight of the annual Wonderland of Lights Festival is the outdoor Samsung Ice Skating Rink.  The only open-air ice rink in East Texas, visitors from miles around are drawn to Marshall to enjoy outdoor ice skating.  The ice skating rink provides hours of fun for families with children and also has a romantic ambiance appealing to couples with at least one proposal during the festival.  Skating sessions are offered nightly, weather permitting.

The Street of Dreams along North Washington Avenue is truly a sight to be seen.  Each building on the either side of the street is draped in colorful Christmas lights, delighting those visiting the festival.

This year, two professionally produced Christmas themed shows will be offered at no cost each night during the Wonderland of Lights festival, while carriage rides and activities for children round out the event. Shopping in Marshall's many boutiques, and dining in one-of-a-kind restaurants will also thrill visitors.

The Wonderland of Lights Festival is open evenings, and at noon on Saturdays from November 27 through December 31 with many special events also scheduled.