Join us in Downtown Smithville for The 35th Annual Festival of Lights: Christmas on the Katy Line, a full-day hometown holiday celebration rooted in Smithville’s railroad heritage, festive downtown spirit, and family-friendly Christmas fun.
Set on the former MK&T rail yard grounds at the MKT Depot and Railroad Park, this year’s celebration brings families, visitors, local businesses, and community groups together for a day filled with Santa, trolley rides, shopping, food, music, kids activities, classic cars, and a sparkling lighted parade.
Come early, stay all day, explore downtown, and experience Christmas the Smithville way.
Event Details
Date: Friday, December 4, 2026 Location: Downtown Smithville, Texas Main Event Area: MKT Depot & Railroad Park, 102 NE 1st Street, Smithville Presented by: Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce
Full schedule, applications and activity details coming soon to: www.KatyLineChristmas.com
A Christmas Celebration Built on Smithville’s Story
Smithville’s railroad roots helped shape the town we know today. The arrival of the railroad transformed Smithville into a thriving rail community, and that heritage is still part of our identity…from our downtown streetscape to the Railroad Park and the rail cars that help anchor the heart of town.
Christmas on the Katy Line celebrates that legacy in a way families can see, enjoy, and remember. This is more than a Christmas festival. It is a hometown holiday experience built around something uniquely Smithville.
Christmas on the Katy Line will feature a full day of holiday attractions and community activities, including:
Santa at the Depot Porch
Kids crafts and activities
Trolley rides
Chili cook-off
Classic car show
Vendor market
Downtown merchant specials
Holiday photo opportunities
Live music in the gazebo
Lighted Christmas parade @ 6:30pm
Family-friendly fun throughout Downtown Smithville
Choo-choo, y’all… Christmas is rolling down the Katy Line!
The 35th Annual Festival of LightsChristmas on the Katy Line
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