Jasper Lights Up the Season: Merry Market Draws Huge Crowds, Vendors Sell Out, and Courthouse Shines Bright

JASPER, Texas — Downtown Jasper was buzzing Saturday night as the annual Merry Market and Courthouse Lighting delivered one of the most festive turnouts the city has seen in years. Families, shoppers, and community supporters filled the streets from early afternoon well into the night, officially kicking off Jasper’s holiday season with big energy.

Main Street Director Leanna Hopson said this year’s event surpassed expectations. Vendors reported record-breaking sales, with many selling out earlier than planned.

“Every vendor I talked to was either sold out or nearly sold out,” Hopson said. “The turnout was incredible.”

Although the market was set for a 5 p.m. start, residents and visitors began rolling in as early as 4 p.m. Food trucks fired up early, vendors stayed slammed, and the momentum never slowed.

The brand-new dinosaur-themed Christmas displays quickly became the stars of the night. Kids couldn’t get enough — climbing, posing, pointing — and parents lined up for photos nonstop.

As the sun dipped behind the courthouse, the lawn filled shoulder-to-shoulder with families ready for the annual lighting. The moment the building lit up, the crowd erupted — phones up, kids cheering, and Christmas officially underway.

3…2…1… ✨ And just like that, the Jasper County Courthouse is glowing for the season!

Entertainment highlights included:

• A performance by the Jasper High School Dazzlers

• An opening prayer and musical performance by Daer Kyle, chaplain for Harbor Hospice

Drone footage from the evening, capturing the crowd and lights from above.

A Night Fueled by Community Support

Hopson extended heartfelt appreciation to all who made Saturday’s event possible.

Special thanks were given to The Museum and Garland Abstract & Title for their support — along with every vendor who helped bring Main Street to life.

Sponsors & Supporters Who Made the Night Shine

• State Farm – Brent Meaux

• CHRISTUS Health

• Harbor Hospice

• Wall 2 Wall Inflatables

• Mr. & Mrs. Cauley (Santa & Mrs. Claus)

• Daer Kyle

• JBC

• Nick the WiFi Guy

• City of Jasper

• Jasper County

• Tressy Morgan

• Hamburger Depot

• Jasper Java

• JEDCO

• Jasper PD & Preston as the Grinch

• Jasper–Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce

A Strong Launch to Jasper’s Holiday Season

If Saturday night set the tone, Jasper is in for a bright, cheerful, and busy Christmas season. With record crowds, strong vendor turnout, and a glowing courthouse anchoring it all, Merry Market proved once again why it’s one of the community’s favorite traditions.