Dec. 1: 25 Days of Christmas in Kyle
To celebrate the completion of construction and the reopening of Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park, the city will host a ribbon-cutting on Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. The ribbon-cutting will be followed by the annual arrival of Santa for photos, a tree-lighting ceremony and holiday music sung by local school choirs. Dec. 1 is also the start of the city of Kyle’s 25 Day of Christmas celebration, which will feature nightly live music, vendors, photo opportunities with Santa and more. 4:30-9 p.m. Free. Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park, 101 S. Burleson St., Kyle. www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/25-days-christmas-kyle
Dec. 2: Tree Lighting in Downtown San Marcos
Head to the downtown square for a holiday lighting countdown, photos with the Grinch and vendor markets. There will also be holiday musical performances by the San Marcos High School marching and mariachi bands, Elm Grove Elementary School choir and more. 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Hays County Historic Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos. www.hayscountytx.com/2021/11/17/holiday-lighting-at-the-historic-courthouse/
Dec. 2-4, 9-11: Sights N Sounds
The six-day holiday festival begins Dec. 2 and is slated to include ice skating, a petting zoo, carnival rides, food vendors and more. Santa’s gift shop will also be open and full of holiday gifts and cookies. Free (age 12 and younger), $5 (per night), $14 (six-day pass). 5:30-11 p.m. 401 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos. www.sights-n-sounds.org
Dec. 3-5: BudaFest
The annual holiday festival in Buda returns to its full, in-person format to offer a variety of activities to residents and visitors. The festival kicks off Dec. 3 with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. followed by the ornament market, musical performances and more. The weekend’s festivities include food and craft vendors, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fireworks and the Reindog Parade and closes out with a viewing of "A Christmas Story" at the Buda Amphitheater on Dec. 5 at 5:45 p.m. 6-9 p.m. (Dec. 3), noon-9 p.m. (Dec. 4), noon-5:45 p.m. (Dec. 5). Downtown Buda, Greenbelt, City Park and Amphitheater. www.budafest.org
