Ennis comes together to create a wonderful holiday experience

    ENNIS – Ennis is alive with holiday magic. The Lights of Ennis Board, Chamber of Commerce and city staff are busy preparing for the annual Christmas Parade of Lights and Block Party taking place in the heart of downtown Ennis on Thursday, Nov. 29.

    The evening includes a block party complete with dance and musical performances by GO! Dance, The Harvesters, Jr. High Band Ensemble and the Covenant Christian Academy Dickens Carolers.

    There will be food trucks, an open house at the Ennis Railroad Museum, children’s crafts and fun photo ops with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Elsa.

    This year’s block party will take place at the Farmers Market parking lot. The parade boasts wonderful floats full of holiday spirit that go right down the middle of historic downtown. “Everyone loves watching all of the festive floats, firetrucks and bands. The event is full of wonderful music, lights, friendly faces and good old fashioned holiday cheer. It is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends and is sure to be a memorable night.”

    Throughout the month of December, there will be spectacular 50-ft and 30-ft digitally lit trees. Pierce Park will come alive with colorfully lit trees, a Nativity scene and a 12 days of Christmas display. New this year are a huge sleigh, Christmas trees and painted displays for photo ops, and also a Santa Claus hanging out on the bench at Minnie McDowal Park, ready for photos.

    “We are thrilled to bring back horse drawn carriage and wagon rides through our historic downtown neighborhoods for a second year. The elf seek and find game is also returning this year with the addition of a new Bluebonnet Spirit elf. Elves are placed throughout downtown in festive decorated windows and people are asked to match elves with the correct window for a chance to win an awesome holiday gift basket.”

    The game worksheet can be found inside downtown businesses, in the Ennis Daily News and on the Ennis TX: A Main Street City Facebook page.

    Other upcoming holiday events in downtown Ennis include:

    • Dec 1: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Lucky’s CC Car Show and Toy Drive

    • Dec 1: 7 to 9 p.m. – Free Downtown Movie Night: Home Alone

    • Dec 8: 7 to 9 p.m. – Free Downtown Movie Night: The Star

    • Dec 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession

    • Dec 13: 5 to 8 p.m. – Sip Shop Stroll

    • Dec 15: 7 to 9 p.m. – Free Downtown Movie Night: Frozen-with a visit from Elsa!

    Thank you to Frank Kent Ennis, Ennis Regional Medical Center, First State Bank and Vistra Energy/Ennis Power Co. and all of our other generous sponsors. Their donations help us bring these special holiday events to our community.

    For more information, contact the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau at

    (972) 878-4748 or follow Ennis, TX: A Main Street City on Facebook. Download the Ennis Y’all mobile app for a complete listing of all holiday events and activities or visit www.visitennis. org.