Bastrop city officials announced changes to this year's holiday festivities, with some events scheduled for different nights compared to previous years, as well as several new options.

Two-minute impact

The Christmas tree-lighting ceremony for the city’s tree will coincide with the first official night of the River of Lights on Nov. 29.

The evening will kick off with festive performances by student choirs followed by the lighting of the tree and an appearance by Santa Claus, said Marco Olivares of the Parks and Recreation Department.

What’s new


Olivares said Friday nights at the River of Lights throughout the holiday season will feature a different activity each week, including:
  • River of Lights and tree-lighting on Nov. 29
  • Music in the Park on Dec. 6
  • Christmas Carol Karaoke on Dec. 13
  • Christmas Movie in the Park on Dec. 20
Refreshments will served by local nonprofits at the gingerbread house during the weekly events.

What’s changed

Michaela Joyce, director of Bastrop Main Street, said Wassail Fest will happen on Saturday, Nov. 30—the grand opening day for the Holiday Traditions exhibit at the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center.

“Previously, it was on the same day as the tree-lighting ceremony,” Joyce said. “We wanted to separate the two events, with the Wassail Fest being geared more toward adults and shopping locally."


Another event happening Nov. 30 will include the BCMVC’s exhibit centered around holiday traditions from around the world that are celebrated by locals.

Rachel Hatch, spokesperson for the BCMVC, said the exhibit will feature a diverse collection of festive customs ranging from Diwali to Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Ramadan.