Celebrate the Holidays in Longview: Support Local and Make Memories

As the holiday season approaches, families in Longview are encouraged to create lasting memories while supporting local businesses. The Longview World of Wonders will host its “Breakfast with an Elf” event on December 13 at 10:00 a.m. Located at 112 E. Tyler St., this festive gathering offers a pancake breakfast for just $2 per person at the door.

Executive Director Sara McKinley highlighted the event as an opportunity for families to escape the holiday rush. “LongviewWOW is a great family outing during the holidays,” she stated. The organization is offering various themed events, year-round hands-on exhibits, and holiday crafts every weekend in the ‘Invention Garage.’ This creative space hosts the LongviewWOW Tinkering Club for children aged 8 and older, providing a supervised environment for exploration and fun.

Following the breakfast, families can enjoy downtown Longview’s many shops. McKinley also announced a box sculpture and nesting competition scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on December 27. Admission to this family-friendly event is free and allows participants to create custom gifts while supporting local artists and businesses.

“Our family-friendly events are a wonderful way to create lasting memories,” McKinley added, emphasizing the value of engaging children in creative activities without the mess at home. For more details, visit www.longviewwow.org, and consider checking for special holiday hours.

In addition to the attractions at LongviewWOW, Paul Guidroz, Longview Main Street Administrator, informed the community about the unique offerings at the LongviewWOW gift shop, which features distinctive items for children.

Another exciting option for families is Painting with a Twist, which provides artist-led painting sessions every Sunday at 14:00. According to managing owner Kimberly Wells, the sessions last about an hour and a half, during which an artist guides participants step-by-step. This allows guests to leave with their own finished masterpiece. The cost is $28 per painter, and parents can accompany their children or drop them off if they are at least 5 years old.

For those interested in crafts, Painting with a Twist also offers Pop In & DIY craft hours from noon to 15:00 on Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays, as well as from noon to 16:00 on Saturdays. Additionally, an event titled “Snowflakes Falling” is set for 19:00 on December 20, designed for participants aged 15 and older.

For more information about Painting with a Twist, visit www.paintingwithatwist.com.

This holiday season, Longview invites residents and visitors alike to support local businesses while enjoying festive activities that promise to create cherished memories.