Good morning, Longview.

Local small businesses host holiday events designed to draw shoppers; today, Platform Longview holds a Santa Stroll at 10 a.m.—and Longview Mall will light a tree nearly 30 feet tall from 5 to 8 p.m. Additional festive activities, including a parade and a museum display, are set for early December.

BBB reminds shoppers to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday—today—by offering tips to find nearby events and email deals after major retailer sales on Black Friday.

The Longview Arboretum completed raised garden beds with Crepe Myrtle and Chinese Pistache trees off Cotton Street to offer a fresh welcome to visitors—this project was funded by a Christus grant with help from local Master Gardeners.

The arboretum will host Bright! A Season of Lights every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until Jan 3, featuring festive light displays, visits with Santa and local performances.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced new crappie fishing rules that go into effect Monday at Lake O’ the Pines and Lake Fork.

The rules remove the minimum length limit for black and white crappie caught from Dec. 1 through February and require anglers to keep the first 25 fish caught during that period to protect smaller fish.

Jack Stallard recalled the dramatic high school football game on Nov.

26 when John Tyler built a 24‑17 lead before Plano East rallied with three onside kicks and a 97‑yard kickoff return by Roderick Dunn that flipped the outcome in just over three minutes. He admitted he left the press box early to listen to blues singer Lou Ann Barton and missed the final thrilling moments.

Hallsville’s Kaycin Farrell was named Most Valuable Player on the District 10-5A All-District Volleyball Team for the 2025 season after finishing with 402 kills, a .371 hitting percentage, 302 digs, 68 aces, 50 blocks and 29 assists.

The district champion Ladycats and players from Lufkin, Texas High, Marshall, Tyler and Whitehouse earned additional superlative awards voted by district coaches + reflecting standout performances.

Tatum’s Kamdyn Scott and Kaysen Foster shared MVP honors on the District 16-3A All-District Volleyball Team for the 2025 season—Scott had 611 kills, 279 digs, 47 aces and 43 blocks while Foster had 454 kills, 352 digs, 44 aces and 37 blocks.

Scott signed a national letter of intent to play for Metropolitan State University and Coach Leven Barker was named Coach of the Year.

Longview Mall Christmas Tree Lighting

2-6 p.m. — Longview Mall — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive tree lighting, local vendors, and family fun.

Peppermint Land Holiday Expo

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Longview Exhibit Center — Free entry with RSVP — Celebrate the festive season with shopping, food, and enchanting holiday characters.

Longview Code and Coffee Meetup

2-4 p.m. — Silver Grizzly Espresso — Free entry — A relaxed environment to code, learn, and sip coffee with fellow developers.

Bright! A Season of Lights

5:30 p.m. — Longview Arboretum and Nature Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical walk-through winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights and festive music.