For its 31st year, Sights and Sounds of Christmas will begin today to kick off the holiday season in San Marcos. Earlier this year, the festival announced that the event will last two weekends instead of its usual one. Along with the carnival rides, pictures with Santa and a live nativity scene, attendees will get to hear live music and see the various light structures around the park. The event is free for those age 12 and under, $5 daily for adults and $7-$10 for a four-day pass. 5-11 p.m. San Marcos Plaza Park, 206 N. CM Allen Pkwy., San Marcos. 512-393-8400. www.sights-n-sounds.org