Nacogdoches Through the Seasons

The oldest town in Texas carries its charm beautifully through every season. Whether it’s a cool autumn, a cozy winter, a colorful spring, or a sweet summertime, there’s always something to love here. Let’s take a journey through Nacogdoches, starting with fall.

Fall

Fall foliage in Nacogdoches is unforgettable. The leaves along our trails change into beautiful shades of gold and orange, and the crisp air makes a walk down Lanana Creek Trail or through the Ruby Mize and Gayla Mize gardens feel magical! It is the perfect time to grab a pumpkin spice latte from a local coffee shop and enjoy the cool breeze while you explore. Around town, local farms and businesses bring out pumpkin patches and fall treats, making it easy to get into the seasonal spirit.

Football fans know fall means one thing: Lumberjack season. Stephen F. Austin State University games fill Homer Bryce Stadium with cheers, purple pride, and the energy that only fall football can bring. Homecoming weekend is a highlight of the season, with activities that include a concert, bonfire, fireworks, downtown parade, 5K race, Homecoming Court elections, the big football game, tailgating, and so much more. Downtown is just as lively, with new shops and restaurants to discover. Aperitivo Café & Gelato has become a favorite for slow jazz on the weekends paired with coffee, pastries, and creamy gelato, making it a perfect stop for a date night or an evening with friends. 

September brings the Old Town Rig Down, when big rigs, live music, and vendors take over the downtown streets. October follows with brew festivals, SFA Homecoming, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate with the community. Local restaurants and cafes join in the fun by rolling out their fall menus. Fredonia Brewery, 1st City Cafe, Stone House Kitchen, Java Jack’s, and many more make sure there is no shortage of flavors to complete the season! November introduces Arts & Cultural Attractions such as the Día de Los Muertos, a colorful cultural event that has become a Nacogdoches tradition. This festival is just one of the many you’ll find throughout the year in Nacogdoches. 

Winter

Picture yourself strolling through the streets of historic downtown, bundled up in a new fuzzy coat from a local boutique, hands wrapped around a steaming cup of wassail. Every year, Wassail Fest fills downtown with warmth and cheer as visitors sip this spiced cider and explore shops glowing with holiday decor.

Winter here is cozy, cheerful, and full of small-town magic. The season kicks off with Holiday in the Pines, a beloved shopping tradition where unique vendors and festive decor make it the perfect place to find gifts, or simply soak up the holiday spirit! Soon after, the Nine Flags Christmas Festival takes over Nacogdoches, transforming downtown into a scene straight from a Hallmark movie. From mid-November through December, you can enjoy dazzling light displays, the annual lighted Christmas parade, live entertainment, caroling, crafts, shopping, and countless ways to celebrate the season.

Even as twinkling lights set the brick streets, nature keeps its own beauty on display. Colorful fall leaves often linger until mid-December, making the trails and gardens around town ideal for a crisp winter hike. For those with New Year’s resolutions on their mind, local winter 5Ks and community events provide the perfect motivation to get moving.

In Nacogdoches, winter isn’t just a season, it’s a celebration! From cozy cafes and crackling fireplaces to festive parades and sparkling downtown nights, you’ll find holiday joy around every corner.

Spring

When spring arrives in Nacogdoches, the whole town comes alive with color and energy. The azaleas bloom in beautiful pinks and whites throughout the historic districts, while dogwoods add their pretty glow everywhere you look. It's impossible not to smile when walking through the SFA campus or downtown streets lined with flowering trees.

Our beloved Azalea Trail celebrates the town's most famous blooms, showcasing our title as The Garden Capital of Texas. These stunning flowers steal the show and bring visitors from near and far. The energy is unbeatable as locals and visitors gather to enjoy the beautiful weather, blooming gardens, and vibrant community spirit that fills the air.

When spring hits Nacogdoches, you feel it calling you outside. The trails around Lanana Creek become perfect for hiking, biking, or just taking your time to wander. Millard's Crossing Historic Village hosts Easter egg hunts and spring-filled family fun that brings everyone together. The Nacogdoches Farmers Market kicks off with fresh produce and handmade treasures from local vendors who put their hearts into their work. Coffee shops and restaurants can't wait to extend their patios, making every meal feel like you're celebrating these beautiful spring days. Sale on the Trail comes around in May, where hundreds of vendors across the El Camino Real offer discounted and unique finds stretching all the way to Naconiche, Louisiana. Spring in Nacogdoches means new beginnings, blooming beauty, and that unmistakable feeling that anything is possible.

Summer

Summer in East Texas means long, warm days perfect for making memories. In Nacogdoches, we embrace the heat with plenty of ways to stay cool and have fun. Splash Kingdom Water Park and Tonkawa Springs Campground becomes a great spot for families, while the splash pads at city parks such as Maroney Park and Temple Park offer relief for little ones looking to beat the heat.

Local lakes and waterways become the stars of summer. Whether you're sun bathing in your backyard, fishing at Lake Nacogdoches, or simply enjoying a picnic by the water, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Many locals start their summer mornings early with walks or runs along the shaded trails before the day gets too hot. The Lanana Creek Trail becomes especially popular during these cooler morning hours, offering a peaceful feel within the green East Texas pine trees.

Summer evenings are great in downtown Nacogdoches. As the sun sets, the brick streets cool down and become perfect for evening walks. You'll find yourself drawn to downtown gems like Nac Uniques and Blue Eyes Coco's for antique treasures, or browsing the unique selections at Texas Size Bling, House of Traditions, and Spring & Prince where every visit reveals something special you won't spot anywhere else.

The season brings its own special events too. The Annual Texas Blueberry Festival is a summertime highlight in June, celebrating one of East Texas's sweetest treasures with fresh blueberry treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities that showcase the region's agricultural heritage. July brings the patriotic spirit to life with Fourth of July celebrations and a family-friendly firework show that fills Festival Park with red, white, and blue pride. From outdoor recreation to slow strolls in downtown, there's always something happening that brings the community together. 

No matter the season, Nacogdoches carries its charm in every detail, from blooming gardens and festive parades to cozy cafés and sunny trails. For locals, each season brings traditions we look forward to year after year. For visitors, it’s a chance to see why the oldest town in Texas is so easy to love. Whether you come for a weekend getaway or simply stroll down the brick streets on a quiet afternoon, Nacogdoches is always ready to welcome you, season after season.