A Relaxed Traveler’s Christmas in Longview, Texas

Christmas in Longview, TX means gentle charm that’s perfect for the seasoned traveler looking to enjoy the magic without the hustle. Forget the crowds and embrace the beautiful, accessible experiences East Texas offers this time of year.

The end of the Nutcracker

Joe and I recently had a splendid evening to start the holiday season. 

We started at Pietro's Neighborhood Pizzeria and Cafe, which is a Longview institution. It’s  highly regarded by locals for delivering authentic Italian-American comfort food in a friendly, family-owned setting. Get ready to order way too much or at least have a hard time deciding what to order. The restaurant offers a full menu of generous pasta dishes, 3-4 salad choices, sandwiches, full pies or pizza by the slice, and even gluten-free crust. We started with the meatball appetizer and a couple of fresh breadsticks to dip in the sauce. The caesar salad was large enough to share. Joe splurged on a sausage calzone with meat sauce and had a slice of double decker meat. I didn’t realize it was two layers of pizza when I ordered. It just looked like a thick crust in the window. Wasn’t I pleasantly surprised?

Double Decker Pizza!

Pietro's truly shines with its New York-style pizza, which many East Texans consider the closest authentic slice in the area. We have eaten there before and I also highly recommend the Sicilian. As if this meal wasn’t a treat enough, we shared a slice of pistachio cake that was light and airy. It was the perfect way to end the meal!

Small indoor seating area.

No Longview Christmas is complete without the annual performance of the beloved ballet,  The Nutcracker, a cherished tradition brought to the S.E. Belcher Jr. Performance Center. We were so thrilled to have such a professional production in such an accessible venue. Magical Christmas Ballet (formerly Moscow Ballet), transforms the Belcher Center stage into a shimmering, festive world. We were captivated by the stunning international cast, colorful and glamorous costumes, and large-scale puppetry that bring the classic story to life. From the mischievous Mouse King battle to the beautiful Land of Peace and Harmony everything was breathtaking. While we have seen this ballet many times before, they somehow kept it fresh by adding scenes with circus type dancing acts while keeping the classy, traditional feel. It’s a wonderful, world-class event that provides a casual, magical evening for families, friends, and ballet enthusiasts.

Circus type act

After the event we hustled over to experience the Magic at Carmela's Magical Santa Land. It’s a Christmas wonderland, boasting over 10 million lights across a spectacular mile-long drive-thru. Perfect if you prefer to stay cozy in the car. There is also a walking trail for a closer look. There are even themed areas featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and scenes from Whoville, all synchronized to Christmas music on your car radio. This beloved destination operates primarily on donations to keep the magic going so bring a little cash. We chose late night during the week to avoid the long lines to get in. Carmela's Magical Santa Land is typically open every day of the week throughout the holiday season, from approximately mid-November to early January. Some prime days offer extra holiday fun with food vendors, a gift shop, and the chance to visit with Santa Claus, making it a must-see East Texas tradition.

My nephew, Allen, and his sweet girlfriend

Other Christmas events that we are excited about in Longview include BRIGHT! A Season of Lights at the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center. It's a gorgeous, illuminated walking trail where you can stroll at your own pace through twinkling gardens and festive displays. They even offer a discount for seniors, making it a wonderful, affordable outing. We also learned that Longview Museum of Fine Arts often hosts a Holiday Tea Room and Market, which is great for a quiet afternoon of browsing unique artisan gifts. Of course,people watching at the downtown Christmas Tree Lighting which takes place at Heritage Plaza and features activities like free pictures with Santa, carriage rides, and local vendors. It’s a perfect way to make memories with grandbabies and it caps off a classic Longview Christmas day. It’s just the start of a fantastic holiday season!