Nov. 30-Dec. 3 Sights and Sounds of San Marcos  Sights & Sounds of San Marcos began in 1987 and has become the largest Christmas event in the area in the past 30 years. Local nonprofit organizations and charities sell food to raise money for their causes. Last year, the groups raised a total of about $150,000. The food choices include funnel cake, hamburgers, street tacos and other dishes. Around 40 arts and crafts vendors will also sell their wares, and carnival rides are available. $5 (one-day pass), $10 (four-day pass). 5-11 p.m. San Marcos Plaza Park, 401 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos. 512-710-9627. www.sights-n-sounds.org Nov. 30 Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony Santa will take a ride on a Kyle Fire Department fire truck through nearby neighborhoods and pass out candy canes before stopping at City Square Park for pictures with Kyle residents. He will also flip the switch on the city’s Christmas tree located at City Square Park. Choirs from local schools will holiday songs, and treats from vendors such as hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Free. 4:30-8:30 p.m. City Square Park, 101 S. Burleson St., Kyle Dec. 1 First Thursday: Happy Holidays Edition Attendees can enjoy Downtown Buda with food and drink specials, live music, holiday decorations, an Instagram contest and shopping discounts. Businesses keep later hours for the event. 5-8 p.m. Free (admission). Downtown Buda, 120 Main St., Buda. 512-295-2022. Dec. 3-4 VocaLibre Holiday Concert Texas State University organization VocaLibre performs “Into the Light,” directed by Craig Aamot. 8 p.m. (Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sun.). $5 (student, military or senior), $10 (adult), plus $2 processing fee. Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, 405 Moon St., San Marcos. 512-245-6500. www.txstatepresents.com Dec. 3-4 Budafest At this year’s Budafest, activities include a Christmas parade, carnival and shopping with over 125 artisans selling handcrafted jewelry, candles, holiday decorations, food and more. Santa will be available to take photos with children. Free. 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. The parade down Main Street starts 10 a.m. Saturday. City Park, 204 San Antonio St., Buda. www.budafest.org Dec. 4 Race for Relief  Held by the Texas State Enactus chapter, a portion of the proceeds from the Race For Relief 5k goes toward local causes such as the Centro Esperanza Community Center, which offers adult computer classes, senior farmers’ markets and ESL programs. $20. Check in and late registration begins at 7 a.m. and race begins at 8 a.m. Five Mile Dam Park, 4440 S Old Stagecoach Rd, San Marcos. 956-740-1046