The winter months of December, January and February are the coldest in Jasper, although the weather is still mild, with temperatures averaging between 37.2 and 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit in December, 35.5 to 58.3 in January, and 38 to 63.4 degrees in February.
The winter climate is suitable for outdoor enjoyment, whether hiking the piney woods or visiting one of four city parks. Sandy Creek Park, between Main Street and Marvin Hancock Drive, offers covered picnic areas, a fishing lake and an illuminated one-mile exercise track.
The annual Christmas Parade of Lights is an evening parade featuring well-lit floats and is put on by the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce. Held in early December, the parade snakes through the downtown area past the Courthouse. The Courthouse Gazebo is the focal point for activities after the parade.
Family fun includes a live Santa, refreshments, hot chocolate and singing by school students. If you want to participate, your float or vehicle must have at least 100 Christmas lights displayed. Headlights are not allowed during the parade, and at least two walkers wearing reflective Mylar material and carrying flashlights must accompany and flank the float for the duration of the parade.
Local art is on hand in this small town of 8,500. Visit the historic town square that features art galleries and antique shops. Murals and outdoor sculpture make for a pleasant stroll through this historic area. The East Texas Regional Arts Center displays changing exhibits by regional artists.
