The spirit of Christmas can be found all across Liberty County as holiday celebrations are being planned in nearly every city. The following is a compilation of all the events listed by city in alphabetical order:
CLEVELAND
Hometown Christmas is an annual event hosted by the Unity Committee of Cleveland and the City of Cleveland. The two-day event, which includes a shopping extravaganza and lighted parade, will be held on Nov. 30-Dec. 1.
Vendor booths offering items suitable for nearly every person on a Christmas shopping list will be set up inside and outside of the Cleveland Civic Center on Friday, Nov. 30, from noon to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
When the shopping ends, it will be time to gather in downtown Cleveland for a lighted Christmas parade featuring dozens of entries and music provided by local marching bands. The start time is 6 p.m.
Hometown Christmas includes a Christmas tree contest inside the civic center. More than a dozen uniquely decorated Christmas trees provided by businesses and organizations are set up in foyer. The winning trees will be featured on Bluebonnet News in the coming days.
For more information on any of these events, call the Cleveland Civic Center at 281-592-2395. Civic Center Director Frieda Joyce is chairing the event for the Unity Committee of Cleveland.
DAYTON
The City of Dayton is hosting its Eighth Annual Christmas Tree event to benefit the non-profit organization Liberty County Bikes for Christmas. The organization provides Christmas presents to children in the community who otherwise would not have presents this year.
Any business, individual, church or organization is invited to participate in the tree contest. There is no entry fee but participants are asked to make a donation of any size to Liberty County Bikes for Christmas.
The trees must be no taller than seven feet and can be real or artificial. Participants must have their tree set up by Nov. 29. The winners will be announced, and awards will be given on Dec. 20, 2018. Trees must be cleaned up and removed from the premises by Jan. 4, 2019.
Community center visitors will cast their votes for People’s Choice. An impartial panel of judges will select winners in four categories: Best Theme, Top Donor, Most Extravagant and Most Unique. The winners will receive a trophy and recognition by local media.
On Nov. 29, Country Christmas will be held at First Baptist Church in Dayton, 202 E. Houston St. The start time is 6 p.m. Activities include an appearance from Santa Claus, moonwalks, face painting, balloon characters, hot chocolate with cookies and indoor entertainment. Parents are encouraged to use their cell phones to take photos of their children and grandchildren with Santa.
On Saturday, Dec. 1, the Dayton Community Center will be a hub of activity with Dayton Spirit of Christmas events, including a Nutcracker Market. The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Vendor booths will offer items perfect for Christmas gifts.
At 7 p.m. Dec. 1, the Dayton Spirit of Christmas Parade will begin followed by a tree lighting at 7 p.m.
For more information on any of these events, call the Dayton Community Center at 936-258-6630.
DAISETTA
The City of Daisetta will host a Community Christmas Gathering on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the parking lot next to Daisetta Municipal Building, 412 Main St.
Daisetta Mayor Eric Thaxton and Daisetta City Council invite the public to participate in this first annual community tree lighting.
HARDIN
Hardin will host its annual tree lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m. at Harvest Event Center south of town on SH 146. Enjoy Christmas carols, cookies and hot chocolate, and visit with Santa. The Hardin Citizen of the Year award will be presented at this time. Food donations also are being sought to present to Hardin Lions Club, which helps feed the community during the holiday season.
For more information, call Hardin City Hall at 936-298-2117.
LIBERTY
Country Christmas in Liberty will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 27, starting at 6 p.m. Held at the Liberty Center at City Hall, the event will include a lighted downtown parade at 6 p.m. followed by activities for children, including an appearance from Santa, moonwalks, face painting, balloon characters, hot chocolate with cookies, and indoor entertainment. Parents are encouraged to take photos of their children with Santa with their cameras or cell phones.
For more information on Country Christmas, call the City of Liberty at 936-336-3684.
If you know of a community event being hosted by a church or non-profit organization and want to include it in this listing, please send information to editor@bluebonnetnews.com.