Nov. 16-Dec. 22
Merry at the Meadows
The Meadows Center glass-bottom boat tour is transformed with lights and sounds of the holidays. Pre-registration required; tickets can be purchased online. 5 p.m. $14.
Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos
512-245-9200
www.meadowscenter.txstate.edu
Nov. 22
Angels and Mistletoe Holiday Market
Enjoy holiday decor, Christmas music, caroling, photos with Santa and shopping with vendors, who will be selling clothing, gifts, home decor, gourmet food, jewelry, arts, crafts, candles and more at this multiday San Marcos market. Fri. 5-9 p.m. (preview party), Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $20 (Friday preview party), $4 (Saturday admission with donation to food bank), $5 (Saturday admission).
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel, Conference Center & Spa
1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos
888-225-3427
www.texasmarketguide.com
Nov. 23
Christmas Bazaar
Buda’s United Methodist Women hold an annual bazaar in the church Fellowship Hall to raise money for the organization’s global missions. Handmade items and baked goods will be for sale. The event will also feature a silent auction. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
512-295-6981
www.budaumc.org
This annual event in downtown Kyle features school choirs performing holiday songs as well as activities, food and a visit from Santa Claus, who will be available for photos. 4:30-9 p.m. Free.
512-268-4220
www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/santa-square
Dec. 5
Ellington Nutcrackers
Texas State University’s Jazz Ensemble, along with dancers from the Texas State Division of Dance, will perform Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” 7:30 p.m. $12 (general admission), $10 (students and seniors), $5 (Texas State students).
512-245-6500
www.music.txstate.edu/events
Dec. 4-7, 11-14
An annual San Marcos tradition that runs over the course of two weeks, the Sights and Sounds festival celebrates the holiday season with lighted displays, photos with Santa Claus, a petting zoo, carnival rides, holiday vendors, food and more. 5-11 p.m. Free (12 and under), $5 (adults), $15 (8-day pass).
Dec. 14
Sights and Sounds Jingle Bell Run 5K and Kids K
Mark the end of the festival with holiday music along the route—through downtown San Marcos—of the 5K adult race or the 1K children’s version. 9 a.m. (5K), 10 a.m. (kids 1K). $10 (kids 1K), $35 (adult 5K until Dec. 7), $40 (adult 5K on Dec. 7).
San Marcos Plaza Park
401 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos
512-710-9627
www.sights-n-sounds.org
Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 21-23
Trail of Lights at Stagecoach Park
Historic Stagecoach Park will be illuminated by displays from local businesses and organizations. Meet Santa Claus and purchase hot beverages from the Santa Cruz Catholic School, Project Graduation, the Boy Scouts and other groups. 6-10 p.m. Free.
512-295-7170
www.ci.buda.tx.us/525/trail-of-lights
Dec. 8
Local Market Days
Hosted by Better Together Vendor Events and Bucks Backyard, this kid- and dog-friendly Christmas-themed event includes works for sale from dozens of local artisans as well as drinks, food an
512-312-9456.
www.bucksbackyard.com
The regional community orchestra performs its annual interactive, family-friendly holiday concert. Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m. Free.
Hays CISD Performing Arts Center
979 Kohler’s Crossing, Kyle
512-902-1361
www.starlightsymphony.org
