Well, it looks like Johnson County may get its first little taste of winter this weekend!

The season’s first snowflakes could arrive just as Christmas open houses, holiday activities and The Polar Express begin appearing on the calendar. If the forecast holds, it may be the perfect weekend to bundle up, shop local, try something creative or settle into a warm theatre for a Christmas favorite.

We’ll begin Wednesday by honoring our veterans, then move into a week filled with pottery workshops, games, shopping, sweet treats and a little early Christmas magic.

📎 Look for the paperclip! It means there is an event flyer with more information in the slideshow at the bottom of the article.

But first, we’re taking you inside one of Johnson County’s busiest community gathering places.

🎥 AROUND THE COUNTY SPOTLIGHT

Meet Joey Beth Souder

This week, we’re taking you inside the Mountain City/Johnson County Community Center with director Joey Beth Souder.

Joey Beth talks about the center’s youth after-school program, Walking Club, book and craft nights, Game Nights, Dungeons & Dragons, the growing mahjong groups and some of the special activities planned for the holiday season.

We’ll also talk about the center’s partnership with Heritage Hall for Sunday’s free showing of The Polar Express and what Joey Beth hopes to see happen next at the Community Center.

COMING EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 — VETERANS DAY

Veterans Day Celebration

11 AM–Noon | Heritage Hall Theatre, 211 N. Church Street

Johnson County will gather for its annual Veterans Day celebration honoring the men and women who have served our country.

Admission is free. Get your Johnson County America 250 Souvenir!

View the Heritage Hall event listing

Veterans Day Buffet Luncheon 📎

11 AM–1 PM | Shady Rock School, 423 Highway 133, Shady Valley

Veterans are invited to enjoy a free buffet luncheon. Admission is $10 for all others.

The afternoon will also include live music by The Lewis Brothers and holiday shopping with Shirley Eldreth.

Walking Club

11:30 AM–12:30 PM | Mountain City/Johnson County Community Center, 214 College Street

Get in a few steps and enjoy a little company with the Community Center’s weekly Walking Club.

Veterans Day Closures 📎

The Johnson County Courthouse, County Mayor’s Office, Transfer Station and Town of Mountain City departments will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. Regular operations are expected to resume Thursday.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Miller’s Flower Shop Christmas Open House — Day One 📎

Miller’s Flower Shop, 1223 S. Shady Street

Christmas is arriving at Miller’s Flower Shop with three days of holiday inspiration, seasonal decorations, gifts and plenty of Christmas cheer.

The open house continues through Saturday.

Regular store hours are:

Thursday: 8 AM–5 PM
Friday: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30–11 AM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Miller’s Flower Shop Christmas Open House — Day Two 📎

8 AM–4:30 PM | 1223 S. Shady Street

Stop by for the second day of Miller’s Christmas Open House and get a little early holiday decorating and gift inspiration.

Mahjong Games

10:30 AM–2:30 PM | Mountain City/Johnson County Community Center, 214 College Street

Experienced players and beginners are welcome to join the Community Center’s daytime mahjong group. Come learn to play or join an open game.

Nalley’s Customer Appreciation Day 📎

11 AM–5 PM | Nalley’s, 118 W. Main Street, Mountain City

Nalley’s is saying thank you to its customers with free hot dogs, in-store discounts and door prizes throughout the day.

Stop by, grab a bite and enjoy a little Friday shopping while supporting a local business.

Create a Ceramic Casserole Dish

5–7 PM | Johnson County Center for the Arts Education Center, 127 College Street

Artist Paige Janeri will lead this two-part workshop where participants will create and glaze a handmade, food-safe and oven-safe ceramic casserole dish.

The first session is Friday, November 13, with the second session Friday, November 20. Beginners are welcome.

Cost: $50
Scholarships: Use coupon code ARTFORALL at checkout.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Miller’s Flower Shop Christmas Open House — Final Day 📎

8:30–11 AM | 1223 S. Shady Street

Saturday morning is your final opportunity to visit Miller’s three-day Christmas Open House.

Young at Heart Chili Cook Off & Dance 📎

6–8:30 PM | First United Methodist Church, 128 N. Church Street

Bring your appetite—and your dancing shoes!

The Young at Heart Square & Line Dance Club is hosting an evening of chili, fellowship and dancing. Guest admission is $10.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Ceramic Basket Weaving

1–4 PM | Johnson County Center for the Arts Education Center, 127 College Street

Paige Janeri will lead a two-part ceramic basket workshop using hand-building, weaving and latticing techniques.

The first session is Sunday, November 15, with the finishing and glazing session Sunday, November 22. Beginners are welcome.

Cost: $60
Scholarships: Use coupon code ARTFORALL at checkout.

Movies at Heritage Hall: The Polar Express 📎

2–3:40 PM | Heritage Hall Theatre, 211 N. Church Street

All aboard!

The Town of Mountain City Parks and Recreation and Heritage Hall Theatre are bringing The Polar Express to the big screen for a free Sunday afternoon movie.

Admission is free, but physical tickets are required. Nonperishable food donations for Helping Others are welcome but not required. Cash donations to support Heritage Hall will also be accepted.

View the Heritage Hall event listing

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Community Game Night & Mahjong

6–8:30 PM | Mountain City/Johnson County Community Center, 214 College Street

Join the Community Center’s Dungeons & Dragons group, learn to play mahjong or choose from the available board and card games.

The event is open to ages 16 through adult. Young people ages 12–15 may attend with an adult.

A NOTE FROM DOE MOUNTAIN

Doe Mountain Recreation Area does not currently list a special event for November 11–17, but the trails remain open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Adventure Center is open daily from 8 AM–4:30 PM for information, maps, passes, check-in and retail purchases.

Check the Doe Mountain event calendar

📅 SAVE THE DATES

There is plenty more coming up as Johnson County heads toward Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Wednesday, November 18

Coffee & Conversation: Alzheimer’s Caregivers’ Support Group
2:30–3:30 PM

Friday–Saturday, November 20–21

ACTION/ARRC Roadblock Fundraiser 📎
Volunteers are needed.

Saturday, November 21

Reading and Book Signing with Patty McCloud
11 AM | Gallery on Main

Amarillo by Morning — The George Strait Tribute
7 PM | Heritage Hall Theatre

November 21–28

Reindeer Run Holiday Shopping Event

The Johnson County Center for the Arts is bringing back its week-long Reindeer Run to encourage everyone to shop local during Thanksgiving week.

Pick up a game board, visit participating Johnson County businesses and collect at least six stamps. No purchase is necessary. Return completed game boards to Gallery on Main by 3 PM Saturday, November 28, for a chance to win prizes.

Friday–Saturday, November 27–28

Johnson County Christmas Market 📎
Johnson County High School
Friday: 4–8 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–3 PM

Saturday, November 28

Free Family Clay Christmas Ornament Workshop
11 AM | Gallery on Main

Saturday, December 5

Christmas on Main and Christmas Village
4–8 PM | Downtown Mountain City and the Courthouse Lawn

Doe Mountain Toy Drive
Doe Mountain Adventure Center

📎 SCROLL THROUGH THE FLYERS!

Want more information? Scroll through the flyers below for contact information, registration details and updates you can share with friends.

If you see a 📎 beside an event in our roundup, there is a flyer waiting for you here.

Have an event we missed? Send us the details. We’re always happy to help our neighbors spread the word about what’s happening around Johnson County.

Event details can change, so please confirm times, ticket availability and registration requirements with the event organizer before heading out.