Wassailing you can go in Marshall

Skaters circle around the ice rink in front of the courthouse in Marshall, Texas, during the city's annual Wonderland of Lights celebration. (Photo courtesy Nancy Pasel)
Skaters circle around the ice rink in front of the courthouse in Marshall, Texas, during the city's annual Wonderland of Lights celebration. (Photo courtesy Nancy Pasel)

For those who would like to venture out of town to enjoy that Christmas spirit, two cities to the south offer holiday joy.

In Marshall, Texas, the city is lit-literally-by the Wonderland of Lights. This is the 32nd annual celebration, and it kicks off Wednesday with an opening ceremony in the city's historic downtown, including the Harrison County Courthouse.

In addition to the lights draping a warm, sparkly glow over winter nights, other festive attractions bring seasonal cheer: an ice skating rink (made of real ice, organizers tout), horse-drawn carriage or horse-drawn wagonette rides, live music at Telegraph Park, a 1940s carousel, the train rides Wonderland Express and Holly Trolley, and Santa's Village.

Entertainment includes the Dickens Four Victorian Quartet, who offer carols befitting the Christmas holiday. Story Fest on Dec. 22 provides storytelling for children at various downtown businesses. Other highlights include the Outdoor Christmas Market on Dec. 8 and the Wonderland of Sites on Dec. 15.

First though, on Nov. 24, the 4th annual Wassail Walk means visitors to various downtown businesses (shops and restaurants) can amble around and enjoy the toasty beverage with each establishment and their unique wassail wonder recipe vying for a People's Choice Award.

Wassail is a hot mulled cider typically concocted with ingredients like wine, fruit juice, spices, apples, oranges and more, all served from a bowl. Learn more about the Wonderland of Lights in Marshall at WonderlandOfLights.com.

Or, you might want to see your Yuletide cheer explode on Saturday, Nov. 24, at Rockets Over the Red Fireworks Festival in Shreveport and Bossier City, La. From either Riverview Park or Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets, gaze at the fireworks and also see Christmas trees.

Each location features live entertainment: Twirlers in Motion, The Shreveport Metropolitan Concert Band at LSU-Shreveport, Willie Jones, Sweet Nay and the Christmas Belles and Lance Thomas at Riverview Park; Red River Pipes and Drums, Westwood Elementary "The Ranch" Junior Leadership Team, Bossier Parish Talented Arts Program and the Bossier Parish Community College Jazz Band.

The entertainment is all free, and food vendors will attend, too. The festival runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on Rockets Over the Red and other Shreveport-area winter holiday happenings, visit SBFunGuide.com.

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