Texas Forest Country Living

First Street Stroll (Angelina County)
2025-12-20 09:00 - 2025-12-21 00:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Lufkin, Downtown Lufkin, Lufkin, TX, United States
Stroll into the holidays!

First Street will be closed this Saturday, so take the opportunity to slow down and soak in the magic of downtown Lufkin.

No vendors. No pressure. Just a full day to walk, relax, and enjoy our beautifully lit streets with family and friends in town for the holidays.

Saturday, December 20th9:00 AM – 12:00 AMDon’t forget to snap a festive photo and tag us!

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Country Christmas Singo (Sabine County)
2025-12-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Pineywoods Vineyard – Second Floor Ballroom 101 N Oak St Hemphill, TX 75948
You’re all set to join us for Country Christmas Singo at Pineywoods Vineyard!

Here are the details:

Location:Pineywoods Vineyard101 N Oak St, Hemphill, TX

Date: Saturday, December 20thTime: 5 PM – 7 PMCost: $10 per person, cash only at the door

SINGO combines your favorite music with the classic game of bingo. Mark your card as you recognize the hits and compete for fun prizes.

Parking: Available in front of the tasting room and around the downtown square.

Feel free to bring friends and wear your best Country Christmas attire!

Highlights:

Music bingo with prizes every roundWine and mocktails are available for purchasePizza and charcuterie boards are available for purchasePlease note: This event is located on the second floor, accessible only by stairs.

If you have any questions, reply to this email or call us at (409) 787-1413.

Cheers,

The Pineywoods Vineyard Team(409)787-1413www.pineywoodsvineyard.com

Who Slew Papa Noel? (Sabine County)
2025-12-20 18:00 - 20:00 | The Speakeasy Lounge
WHO SLEW PAPA NOEL?

A Cajun Christmas Murder MysteryThe Speakeasy – Hemphill, TexasSign-ups start at 6 PM | Mystery begins at 7 PM

The holidays are merry, bright… and just a little deadly this year at The Speakeasy in Hemphill! The lights are twinkling, and the spirits are high… until a shocking twist brings the celebration to a sudden halt.

When a festive evening takes a shocking turn, it’s up to YOU to piece together the clues, question the suspects, and solve the Cajun Christmas crime of the season — Who Slew Papa Noel?

Expect laughter, suspense, and a touch of holiday chaos as you step into this interactive murder mystery experience. Work with (or against) your fellow guests to discover the truth before the night is over!

The Scene:Candlelight flickers on the bar.A Santa hat lies forgotten.A lipstick-marked glass tells only part of the story.Can you see through the glow and find the killer?

Dress Code:Ugly Christmas sweaters or wild holiday outfits — the crazier, the better!

Admission:No ticket required, but donations to Extreme Giving are greatly appreciated!Every contribution helps support at-risk children, teens, and families across Southeast Texas.

Come ready to play, mingle, and sleuth your way through the night — you might even win prizes for Best Dressed, Best Actor, or Top Detective!

Proceeds benefit Extreme Giving, supporting at-risk youth and families across Southeast Texas.

VFW Bingo (Sabine County)
2025-12-25 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-29 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 and 4 more dates | VFW Post 10351 in Hemphill, TX
Join us for a fun-filled Bingo Night at the VFW Hall in Hemphill! Enjoy an evening of friendly competition, great company, and the chance to win.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Doors open at 6:00 PM
Location:
VFW Post 10351
3049 TX-184, Hemphill, TX 75948, USA
Date and Time Information:
Every Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm

106th Annual Chamber Banquet & Meeting (Angelina County)
2026-01-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Pitser Garrison Convention Center
Join us for the 106th Annual Chamber Banquet & Meeting on January 29! Start the evening with a reception at 6 PM, followed by dinner and awards at 7 PM. Tables are $600, and individual seats are $60.

Reserve yours today by calling 936-634-6644 or online at bit.ly/ACBM-26.

Interested in sponsoring? Email Admin@LufkinTexas.org for details.

Karaoke at the American Legion (Nacogdoches County)
2026-01-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-02-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-01 19:00 - 21:00 | 1000 Brazos St. Crockett, TX
How are your pipes? Do you enjoy singing? You need to check out Karaoke night at the American Legion!
When: 1st Sunday night of every month @ 7:00 p.m.
Where: 1000 Brazos St. Crockett, TX

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies (Nacogdoches County)
2026-01-13 16:30 - 17:30
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Jan 13Location: 3524 NE Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches TX 75965

International Farmers and Ranchers, Jan 28Location: 320 North St., Suite 309

East Texas Community Health Services, Jan 29Location: 1210 Douglass Rd. Nacogdoches TX 75964

Flexible Staffing, Feb 24Location: 407 E. Hospital St.

Professional Headshots (Nacogdoches County)
2026-01-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Nacogdcohes County Extension Office, 203 West Main Street, Nacogdoches, TX, United States
Every businessperson needs a professional headshot!Polished Professional PackageTwo high-resolution image downloads with retouching**Retouching minimizes lines, evens skin tone, corrects blemishes and fly-away hairs, plus whitens teeth and brightens eyes

$50 CHAMBER MEMBERS ONLYUse the registration link below. After you have registered you will be redirected to the pre-order page where you will be able to pay the $50 and receive a gift certificate via email.

Registration is requested to save your spot: Register for January 14 HERE:https://orders.tssphotography.com/QPPlus/SearchNames.aspx?EventID=2384765&_AccountNumber=91189&EventName=&EventDate=

Click to register.

Chamber Lift Off (Nacogdoches County)
2026-01-14 15:00 - 16:30 | 2516 North St. Nacogdoches TX 75965
New, current, and prospective members of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce are invited to come for a FREE Member Success Orientation.

Learn how to maximize your Chamber membership through the Chamber website and Chamber programs. BRING YOUR LAPTOP OR TABLET IF YOU WOULD LIKE!

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

Since you’ll be in our office that day, why not come a little early and get your FREE headshot?! Registration is required to save your spot: http://regis.viewyour.photos/direct/91189/27255376

Alive After Five hosted by Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors (Nacogdoches County)
2026-01-15 17:30 - 19:00 | 5400 North St.
You are invited to join Alive After Five!

All Chamber members are entered in a $900 cash prize drawing – but you must be present to win.

Enjoy live music, refreshments and chances to win door prizes at The Chamber’s monthly business-after-hours event.

Cheers with The Chamber (Angelina County)
2026-01-15 17:30 - 20:00 | 902 Hill St., Lufkin, 902 Hill, Lufkin, United States
Join us Thursday, January 15 at 5:30 PM for the first Cheers with the Chamber of the year, hosted by Parkwood in the Pines.

Cheers with the Chamber is a great opportunity for networking and building connections within the community. It is also a wonderful way for Chamber Investors to showcase their business and all that they have to offer.

We will see you there!

Nacogdoches History Talk: The Life of Father Margil, Presented by Father George Elliott
2026-01-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Zion Hill Baptist Church
The City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites will host a history talk examining the life and legacy of Antonio Margil de Jesús and his connection to early Nacogdoches. The talk will be presented by Father George Elliott, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Nacogdoches. The program will take place on Tuesday, January 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Zion Hill Baptist Church, located at 324 North Lanana Street.

Father Margil was a Spanish Catholic missionary in Nacogdoches, and this program will explore his life and the impact of his work on the city’s early history. While many in Nacogdoches are familiar with the name Margil, this talk will offer a closer look at who he was, why he came to the area, and how his presence fits into the broader historical story of the community.

The year 2026 marks the 300th anniversary of Antonio Margil’s death in 1726, making this program a timely opportunity to reflect on his place in Nacogdoches history and the Spanish colonial period in East Texas.

One of the most recognizable locations associated with Margil, known as The Eyes of Father Margil, is located nearby along the Lanana Creek Trail, just a short distance from Zion Hill. The proximity of this site provides a meaningful geographic connection between the talk’s location and the early history being discussed.

This program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. The talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit nactx.us/historicsites or call 936-560-4441.

Fourth Friday Luncheon (Nacogdoches County)
2026-01-23 12:00 - 15:00 | The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center
The Chamber’s monthly membership meeting.

Big changes to the tax code are here. Are you ready?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces substantial updates for individuals and business owners—some beneficial, some limiting, and all potentially impactful.

Polly Etta Sunda (pictured) will be highlighting key provisions that could affect your 2025 tax return, from:

New income-based deduction caps

Permanent bonus depreciation

Updated rules on tips, overtime, and R&D.

Click to register or call 936-560-5533.

Fees/Admission

$30/Chamber members $35/non membersRegistration due by noon, Tuesday, Jan. 21

Contact Information

936-560-5533Send Email

Nacogdoches Beefsteak Dinner 2026
2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Mast Hall, 31 E. Main St., Nacogdoches, TX, 75961, United States
Nacogdoches, TX — Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into an unforgettable night of food, fun, and community spirit at the 2026 Nacogdoches Beefsteak Dinner! This lively and rowdy tradition returns on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, at 7:00 pm at Mast Hall in downtown Nacogdoches.

The Nacogdoches Beefsteak Dinner is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of camaraderie and history, all in support of a great cause. Proceeds from this boisterous event will go directly toward the continued care and preservation of Zion Hill Baptist Church, a treasured piece of our town’s heritage. Your participation helps keep this historic landmark thriving for future generations.Expect hearty portions of delicious beef, BBQ, beer, and plenty of opportunities to laugh, cheer, and make memories with friends old and new. The event will also feature the renowned “Dirtiest Apron Contest” and an exciting Hot Sauce Contest. Leave the fancy stuff at home—this is a night to let loose and enjoy!Tickets for the Nacogdoches Beefsteak Dinner are $50 (tables of eight are $400) and can be purchased online at eventbrite.com, or in person with cash or check at the Nacogdoches Visitors Center (200 E. Main St.), the C.L. Simon Recreation Center (1112 North St.), or at Zion Hill (324 N. Lanana St.).For more information, please visit natx.us/historicsites, email historicsites@nactx.us, or call 936-560-4441. The Nacogdoches Beefsteak Dinner is presented by Nacogdoches Historic Sites and the Nacogdoches County Historical Foundation.

Film Screening at Zion Hill: Raise Your Head Up, A Documentary and Photo Exhibit by Richard Orton
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Zion Hill Baptist Church
Nacogdoches Historic Sites will host a special film screening of Raise Your Head Up, a documentary by Richard Orton, on Friday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Zion Hill Baptist Church Historic Site, located at 324 North Lanana Street. The screening will include an introduction by Orton, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmaker.Raise Your Head Up is the result of decades of research and relationship building. The documentary explores the history and legacy of freedom colonies in East Texas, communities established by formerly enslaved African Americans after Emancipation. The film began with Orton’s first visit in 1988 to the Freedom Colony of County Line in northwest Nacogdoches County, where he began documenting the Upshaw family and learning about the community’s history.“In the beginning, my only objective was to satisfy my curiosity, enjoy the family, and make photographs that represented who they are,” said Orton. “After many years, that work led to a book, a traveling photo exhibit, and eventually to meeting descendants from other freedom colonies. Learning their histories and forming those relationships ultimately led to the creation of this film.”In conjunction with the film screening, the photo exhibit, The Upshaws of County Line, will be on display in the Zion Hill gallery beginning February 11. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular operating hours.The exhibit was originally developed by the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and builds upon Orton’s book, The Upshaws of County Line: An American Family, published in 2014.The film screening and exhibit are presented in partnership with Nacogdoches Historic Sites, the Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative, the African American Heritage Project, Friends of the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts, the Summerlee Foundation, and Alex and Suzanne Labry.

The film screening is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Registration is available through Eventbrite.com. Anyone needing assistance with registration may call 936 560 4441.For more information about the film and exhibit, visit nactx.us/historicsites, email historic sites at nactx.us, or call 936-560-4441.

Angelina Beautiful/Clean Announces 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Day
2026-02-26 08:00 - 17:00
Lufkin, Texas — Angelina Beautiful/Clean (AB/C) invites Deep East Texas residents to safely clean out their garages, sheds, and under-the-sink storage areas at the 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Day, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The free collection event will take place at the City of Lufkin Solid Waste/Recycling Center, 500 Southpark Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

This event is intended for households only and is not open to businesses.

What Residents Can Bring:

• Household cleaning supplies

• Aerosols, paints, and solvents

• Gasoline and diesel fuel

• Antifreeze and motor oil

• Pool chemicals

• Batteries

• Fertilizers

• Latex and oil-based paints and stains

• Pesticides

• White goods

Items Not Accepted:

• TVs and monitors

• Biohazardous waste or medical needles

• Radioactive material

• Smoke detectors

• Ammunition or explosives

• Air conditioning units

• Tires

• Fire extinguishers

The event provides residents with a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of hazardous materials that should never be placed in regular trash or poured down drains. While the event is free, cash, check, and card donations to ABC are warmly welcomed to help support future community cleanup and beautification efforts.

Household Hazardous Waste Day is made possible in part through a grant from the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), along with generous support from Lockheed Martin, the City of Lufkin, Angelina County, and CMC Recycling. The event is also supported by donations from businesses and citizens across Deep East Texas.

Angelina Beautiful/Clean encourages all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their homes, their community, and the environment. For more information and a full list of accpted materials, please visit www.angelinabeautifulclean.com, email abclean2025@gmail.com, or call (936) 632-5326

Alive After Five (Nacogdoches County)
2026-02-26 17:00 - 19:30 | 4920 NE Stallings Dr, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-1254, United States
Alive After Five is a come-and-go reception hosted by a Chamber member offering excellent business networking opportunities in a casual atmosphere.

﻿Bring guests and business cards and make new contacts!

All Chamber members are entered in a cash prize drawing, but you must be present to win!

Sponsored by NMC Health NetworkBeverages sponsored by: R&K DistributorsFood catered by: NMC onsite dietary services.
