Three Events, One Holiday Weekend on the Square
Bonham’s Christmas season is built around the historic Fannin County Courthouse square and organized by the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce. The events follow a consistent annual pattern: the tree lighting kicks off the season the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the parade and parade-weekend Wine Stroll fall in early December, and Lollipop Lane remains a public holiday destination through December 31.
All events are within walking distance of each other and of Four Winds at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr. The Wine Stroll is an adults-only ticketed event; the tree lighting, parade, and Lollipop Lane are all free and family-friendly.
2026 specific dates are pending confirmation from the Bonham Area Chamber. Based on the established pattern, the parade falls on the first Friday of December and the Wine Stroll the following Saturday. Contact the Chamber at 903-583-4811 or info@bonhamchamber.com for confirmed 2026 dates as they are announced.
Christmas Tree Lighting & Hot Cocoa Hop
Saturday after Thanksgiving · 5:30–8:00 PM · Historic Downtown Bonham
The official kickoff to Bonham’s Christmas season. Dickens Carolers serenade guests around the Fannin County Courthouse beginning at 5:30 PM. Businesses and organizations set up hot cocoa, cider, and cookie stations around the square — each selling their offerings to raise funds for a Fannin County nonprofit of their choice.
At 6:00 PM, the switch is flipped on the 30-foot Christmas tree donated by Bonham Chrysler in 2015. The tree illuminates the courthouse square and stays lit through the holiday season.
Christmas Parade & S’mores Cook-off
First Friday of December · 6:00–8:00 PM · Courthouse Route → Lollipop Lane
The centerpiece of Bonham’s Christmas season. Floats decorated in the year’s theme parade around the Fannin County Courthouse at 6:00 PM. Santa appears at the end of the parade. After the parade, the crowd moves to Lollipop Lane for the S’mores Cook-off.
Lollipop Lane is located on W. 5th Street and opens to the public at no charge on parade night, remaining open through December 31. The S’mores Cook-off is a community competition tied to the Lollipop Lane opening.
Holiday Wine Stroll & Taste of Bonham
Saturday after the Parade · 4:00–8:00 PM · 21+ with Ticket · Downtown Bonham
The Saturday following the Christmas Parade, Bonham’s downtown transforms into a ticketed wine-and-food stroll. Attendees receive a tasting cup and an event map directing them to participating local businesses, where they sample wines, holiday treats, and bites from Bonham shops and restaurants.
The event is 21+ and requires an advance ticket. It runs 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and is organized by the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce. It is a good pairing with a Saturday overnight stay — walk the stroll in the evening, explore downtown during the day.
Walk to the Parade, Walk to the Wine Stroll
Four Winds Victorian Venue and Suites is a historic, owner-occupied private residence at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr — within walking distance of the courthouse square. Stay Friday night for the parade, Saturday night for the Wine Stroll. Five private guest spaces, no cleaning fee, self check-in. More space and more character than any hotel option near Bonham. Book Direct through Four Winds for live availability and direct support.
Book DirectFAQ
Bonham Christmas Events 2026 — Common Questions
Exact 2026 dates will be confirmed by the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce. Based on the established annual pattern: Tree Lighting is the Saturday after Thanksgiving; Christmas Parade is the first Friday of December; Holiday Wine Stroll is the Saturday after the parade. Contact the Chamber at 903-583-4811 or info@bonhamchamber.com for confirmed 2026 dates.
Ready to compare live dates before you keep planning?
No. The Christmas Parade is free to watch from the sidewalk around the Fannin County Courthouse. The S’mores Cook-off at Lollipop Lane after the parade is also free. Float contest entrants pay a small entry fee if they want to be eligible for cash prizes, but all other parade participants and spectators are free.
Wine Stroll tickets are sold through the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce. Advance tickets are typically available online and at the Chamber office at 327 N. Main St. Contact 903-583-4811 or info@bonhamchamber.com. The event is 21+ and valid ID is required at participating venues.
Lollipop Lane is a holiday-decorated public area on W. 5th Street in Bonham that opens to the public after the Christmas Parade. It features seasonal lighting and holiday decorations and is free to visit. It remains open through December 31 — giving visitors a reason to stop by Bonham throughout the entire holiday season.
Yes. Four Winds at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr is within walking distance of the Fannin County Courthouse square where all the main Christmas events — tree lighting, parade, Wine Stroll, and Lollipop Lane — take place. Park at the property, walk to everything. No parking-lot shuttle required.
