Lighting Ceremony to Kick Off Festival

The local holiday season will get a high-voltage jump-start when more than 3 million lights are set aglow with the flip of a switch Nov. 22, as you join us in downtown Nacogdoches.

The Lighting & Opening Ceremony kicks off the 12th Annual Nine Flags Festival and marks the official start of the holiday in Texas' oldest town. The fun gets under way at 5 p.m. with entertainment, vendor booths, and carriage rides.

Make sure to make your list and check it twice, as Santa will also be present for photographs. Old fashioned games will delight all of the children and keep them captivated whether doing the cakewalk or participating in the ring toss. Don't miss your chance to purchase tickets for the brand new digital camera that festival organizers are raffling off.

The Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Libary will host "'Tis the Season." An exclusive chance to visit the museum decked out in the century Christmas decor. The lights are set to come on just before 8 p.m., and the evening will culminate in an exciting fireworks display. The free event is sponsored by Commercial Bank of Texas.

The Annual Nine Flags Festival honors the cultures represented by the nine flags that have flown over Nacogdoches throughout its rich history and pays special homage to the Mexican Flag this year.

The Festival continues through Dec. 13. For more information about the Nine Flags Festival, call 936-564-7351 or visit http://www.nineflagsfestival.com/.