Good morning, Tyler.

Ruby's Mexican Restaurant hosted its first Free Thanksgiving Dinner Giveback with community partners, and more than 150 local families signed up for a free meal.

Volunteers from Green Acres Baptist Church and East Texas Food Bank handed out 25-pound boxes of Thanksgiving food to about 1,200 families in Tyler on Monday morning as they worked through steady rain at a drive-through set up under the church’s parking garage.

The event began at 8:30 a.m.—showing strong local support during the holiday season.

Baron was introduced by the SPCA of East Texas to highlight shelter animals and their needs.

The group is asking local residents to volunteer for bottle feeding and foster care — placing cats and dogs with families.

Smith County recorded new assumed business name filings from November 13th to November 20th, 2025—these filings include diverse services such as tax preparation, custom metal work, lawn care, and trucking that support local enterprise growth.

Business updates in Tyler show Flamingos Resale Boutique has closed and Breckenridge Village canceled its tree farm fundraiser, while Piney Woods Darkroom will close its physical space on Nov.

30 to plan new projects in January 2026 plus Rose City Comedy is on a two-week break after ending its partnership with Black Hawk Creek Grill on Nov. 22. A new McDonald’s has opened in North Tyler, Playdate & Co. will open next year, Christus Flight for Life celebrated 40 years of service, and Southside Bancshares will start trading on NYSE Texas on Tuesday.

East Texas business leaders held a news conference over workforce shortages caused by the Smith County 287(g) immigration program—saying the rule has reduced available workers and led to hiring challenges.

Smith County leaders are urging reduction of the 287(g) program after local industry representatives reported that fear among workers has caused some employees to quit—leaving businesses short-staffed.

Palmer Harper, 13, in Tyler relies on regular infusions at Christus for Crohn's treatment and receives support from a child life specialist—who offers guidance during her procedures—ensuring she has vital help through her care.

Smith County Medical Society held its inaugural Duane N.

Andrews, MD, Compassion in Medicine Memorial Lecture at the Ornelas Academic Amphitheater within the UT Tyler Health Science Center on November 14 to honor an East Texas surgeon whose lifelong dedication to patient care and community service inspires future physicians—his legacy continues to guide local medical education.

Whitehouse won a 50—43 game against the Bullard Panthers and improved their season record to 2—1.

The Holiday Showdown

6:45-11:15 AM — Rose Rudman Park — Registration fee applies — Compete in a festive run with custom holiday finisher medals to mark your achievement.

2025 Rose City Christmas Parade and Drone Show

6:30-11:59 p.m. — CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium — $1.00 or one canned food item — Experience the festive fun of the Rose City Christmas Parade and Drone Show with a theme of ‘Unite For Good’.

Season's Greetings Running Event

8:00 a.m. — Southside Park — Free entry — Run or walk in a friendly atmosphere with multiple distance options and medals for all participants.

Chanukah Klezmer Concert

7-9 p.m. — True Vine Brewing Company — In-person only — Celebrate Chanukah with joyful Klezmer music from the Tyler Klezmer Ensemble.

Holiday Lights in the Garden

5-8 p.m. — Tyler Rose Garden — Free admission — Experience a dazzling display of thousands of holiday lights in a festive wonderland.

A Dickens' Christmas Celebration

4 PM-8 PM — East Texas State Fair Administration Office — Paid parking — Experience a charming Olde English Christmas town with hot cocoa, carolers, and festive vendors.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9:00 p.m. — The SportsZone Bar and Grill — Tickets available online only — Celebrate the season in your ugliest sweater with games, contests, and festive cheer in Downtown Tyler.

The Rider Open Mic Night

6:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. — Texas African American Museum — Affordable tickets include refreshments — Share your talents or enjoy a night of music and poetry.

Angela Owen Live Comedy Show

7-10:15 p.m. — Rose City Comedy — Tickets from $74 — Enjoy a night of laughs with the talented Angela Owen in Tyler, TX.