MINERAL WELLS—Unwrap some small-town, holiday magic at the Merry Wells Festival and Lighted Christmas Parade in downtown Mineral Wells, Nov. 30.

‘A Gingerbread Christmas’ is this year’s theme for the festival running 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with a $5 entry fee. The family-friendly event features artisan-made goods, shopping, children’s activities, food trucks and live performances from local musicians and dance troops.

The Lighted Christmas Parade is free and gets rolling at 6 p.m.

Parade route:

• Starts at South Oak Ave and SW Third Street
• Travels north on South Oak Ave to SE First Street
• Turns east on SE First Street, down to SE Fourth Avenue
• The caravan heads north on SE Fourth Avenue for one block and turns west on E. Hubbard Street
• It travels west back to North Oak Avene, turns north and makes its way to its final destination at NW Sixth Street.

Don’t leave after the parade and have your wish lists ready! Santa’s helpers leaked to the Palo Pinto Press that Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos.

The night before the festival, bundle up for the Mineral Wells Christmas Tree Lighting and pictures with live reindeer in The Commons, 5-7 p.m., Nov. 29. The Commons is located behind The Market at 76067.

Snow Hill
Get ready to slide into the holiday spirit at the Merry Wells Snow Hill. The 10-foot-tall Snow Hill, made from real ice, is fun for the whole family. Participants slide down the strip of Winter Wonderland on an innertube.

The hill officially opens on Nov. 30. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for all day, unlimited rides. Tickets can be purchased onsite.

More photos with Santa
Capture the moment with the jolly old man himself. Santa will also be at The Crazy Water Hotel before the parade for the Merry Wells Festival, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Nov. 30.