Good morning, Tyler.

The Mostyn Moreno Foundation hosted a Christmas Lights shopping outing for special needs students this week at Walmart in Tyler, where students used $50 to practice budgeting.

Families also enjoyed lunch at the Family Life Center (West Erwin Church of Christ), rounding out the festive event.

Alan Pileggi explained that gardeners could enjoy richer flavor by growing heirloom tomatoes instead of relying on tasteless commercial hybrids, as these varieties (often over 50 years old) preserve traditional seeds.

Smith County Master Gardeners shared growing tips for East Texas conditions.

Tyler gardeners can enjoy blooming sasanqua camellias from October into December as these elegant evergreen shrubs add color and subtle charm to yards (they thrive in acidic soils with partial shade).

Tyler eateries bring holiday cheer this season by offering cozy dinners, festive brews, and sweet treats that support local small businesses.

Readers can explore spots like 1836 Kitchen and Bella Italian Café (among many others) to enjoy fresh local flavors.

A local gardening columnist advises residents on dealing with mushrooms that form near old oak roots—he suggests testing soil and sending samples to the Texas A and M Plant Disease Laboratory before using treatments.

He also offers tips for managing bermudagrass, supporting climbing vines, and fixing low-lying water in yards.

CBS19 provides live coverage of Week 4 high school football playoffs.

Local viewers can stream the games on the CBS19 app & catch every play as they happen.

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.

Holiday Lights in the Garden

5-8 p.m. — Tyler Rose Garden — Free admission — Experience a spectacular holiday display of twinkling lights and festive music in a beautiful garden setting.