The Building Texas Show has released Episode 101, spotlighting the charm of one of Texas' most beloved small towns, Glen Rose. Host Justin McKenzie sits down with Glen Rose Mayor Joe Boles to explore the town's community spirit, its growing appeal as a regional destination and its deep-rooted Christmas traditions. This year, the Glen Rose Christmas Parade kicks off their holiday festivities on November 29th at the Downtown Square followed by the Tree Lighting.
Located just over an hour southwest of Dallas – Fort Worth, Glen Rose offers visitors a unique blend of Texas heritage and small-town warmth. In the episode, Mayor Boles shares what first drew him to Glen Rose, the town's welcoming attitude, and how it has grown as a regional getaway. “Glen Rose can’t be done in one day,” said Mayor Boles. “Come for the Christmas parade. Stay the night. Enjoy the dinosaur tracks the next morning. There is something here for everyone.”
A central theme of the episode is Glen Rose’s dedication to preserving an authentic Christmas experience. Mayor Boles shares the town’s efforts—featuring new decorations, a handcrafted nativity scene on the courthouse lawn, volunteer church choirs, and return appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The highlight is the Glen Rose Christmas Parade on November 29. Festivities begin at 3 p.m., with the parade rolling at 5:30 p.m., followed by a tree lighting, hot chocolate, children’s activities, a walk-through snow globe, and a train circling the courthouse square.
Beyond the Christmas festivities, Glen Rose offers a variety of attractions such as Dinosaur Valley State Park, home to the longest visible dinosaur tracks in the U.S.; Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a renowned drive-through animal preserve; historic downtown shops and museums; lodging options including cozy bed and breakfasts and resorts like Rough Creek Lodge and La Familia Resort; and family-friendly dining, shopping, and walkable experiences. Episode 101 of The Building Texas Show is available now on YouTube, podcast platforms and at buildingtexasshow.com. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Mayor Boles wraps up the episode with a warm invitation: “Come to Glen Rose. See what we have. Enjoy the time. And have a very Merry Christmas with us.”
This episode underscores Glen Rose's growing status as a regional destination, blending natural attractions like dinosaur tracks with community-focused holiday events. The town's ability to draw visitors from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex while maintaining its small-town character is a model for other Texas communities seeking sustainable tourism growth. By leveraging its unique assets and fostering a welcoming atmosphere, Glen Rose demonstrates how small towns can thrive economically while preserving their heritage.
