Making Waxahachie a Hallmark Christmas Town

So we found out about this fun little contest & submitted an essay and photos. Now we are crossing our fingers that we’ll be honored with the Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town title! Take a look at our entry highlighting Festival of Trees below:

“There is something magical about Christmas in Waxahachie, the county seat of Ellis County, Texas. Before the lights begin to twinkle and the annual Christmas tree lighting & Christmas parade, one event kicks it all off-Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County's annual Festival of Trees.

More than a holiday fundraiser, Festival of Trees is a cherished community tradition where generosity, hope, and Christmas spirit come together under one roof. Every beautifully decorated tree has a theme & tells a story. Every wreath, centerpiece, and handcrafted holiday display reflects the creativity and kindness of neighbors giving back to neighbors. Local businesses, churches, schools, families, artists, and volunteers each contribute their unique touch, creating a dazzling wonderland that feels like it belongs in the pages of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

For two festive days each November, friends gather, families make memories, and visitors are welcomed into an atmosphere filled with festive holiday music we can all sing along with, sparkling lights, joyful conversations, and the unmistakable feeling that Christmas has truly arrived to our beloved little town. Children delight in letter writing to Santa, Christmas games & activities, guests browse the silent auction, and old friends reconnect, while new traditions are born. It's the kind of event where strangers become friends, where giving is celebrated, and where the true meaning of Christmas shines brighter than any string of lights.

But behind every decorated tree is an even greater story—a family dreaming of a safe, affordable place to call home.

Festival of Trees is the signature fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Ellis County, with proceeds helping build homes and brighter futures for hardworking local families. Every bid placed, every sponsorship secured, every volunteer hour given, and every dollar placed in a tip jar is a community wide effort. Together, our community is building more than houses; we are building hope, stability, and opportunities that will last for generations.

What makes the Festival of Trees so special isn't simply the beautiful decorations or festive atmosphere. It's the people. It's neighbors supporting neighbors. It's volunteers who return year after year because they believe everyone deserves a place to call home. It's the spirit of Waxahachie & Ellis County—generous, welcoming, and deeply committed to caring for one another.

As the Christmas season begins, the Festival of Trees reminds us that the greatest gifts cannot be wrapped. They are found in acts of kindness, shared traditions, and a community coming together to change lives. In a world that often moves too fast, this beloved celebration invites us to slow down, gather with those we love, and remember that hope grows strongest when we build it together.

That's the magic that is Festival of Trees. That's the heart of Habitat for Humanity. And that's what makes Christmas in Waxahachie feel like home in a Hallmark movie with hot cocoa in hand & a platter of festive Christmas cookies, all bundled up in front of a fire.

Our historic downtown, with our beautiful limestone 1895 Courthouse, anchors the town square. The Waxahachie town square and surrounding blocks, along with Main Street transforms into a winter wonderland beckoning all to celebrate in the Christmas joy and birth of our Savior, baby Jesus.

Come see us & experience our very own Hallmark Christmas town & all its spectacular events that create this Hallmark story in real life.”