Community members will have the opportunity to take photos with the Grinch at the city of Kyle's Grinch on the Green event. (Courtesy city of Kyle)
San Marcos, Buda and Kyle residents can celebrate the holiday season with a range of activities, including taking pictures with Santa Claus and the Grinch and enjoying light shows. This list is not comprehensive. Event details are subject to change.
2025 Holiday Gift Drive
CASA of Central Texas is looking for local community members and organizations to provide gifts for children in the foster care system as a result of abuse or neglect.
Community members can bring their own cameras to capture pictures with Santa as the city kicks off the Christmas season. The event will be accompanied by holiday performances from local school choirs, free activities and food and holiday market vendors.
Dec. 1, 4-9 PM
Free (admission)
Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park, 101 S. Burleson St., Kyle
Santa's Arrival will include holiday performances by local school choirs. (Courtesy city of Kyle)
Fiestas Navideñas
The Texas State Mariachi Nueva Generación and Mariachi Lince de Oro will perform with Mariachi Las Alteñas and special guests. Attendees will enjoy a Christmas Celebration featuring songs such as Burrito Sabanero, La Guadalupana and Jingle Bell Rock.
Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
Free (Texas State students); $10 (Texas State faculty and staff); $15 (public admission)
Texas State Performing Arts Center, 405 Moon St., San Marcos
The festival will feature a tree lighting, a lighted parade, a reindog parade, pictures with Santa, a carnival, food and craft vendors and live entertainment.
The holiday light experience will transform Stagecoach Park into a holiday wonderland with Santa, illuminated displays, food and entertainment. Sensory-friendly night will take place Dec. 17 from 5-7 p.m. with designated quiet spaces for attendees who need sensory breaks.
The 5K event that runs through downtown and the Historic District will start and finish at the San Marcos Plaza Park. Christmas music will be played along the 5K route. The Kids K route runs through the Sights and Sounds Festival. One lucky attendee, voted as ‘Best Festive’, will win a new TV.
Dec. 13, 9 a.m. (5K start)
Registration prices vary
San Marcos Plaza Park, 206 N. CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos
On Dec. 13 at 9 a.m., attendees can participate in a 5K or Kids K running route while enjoying music and more. (Courtesy Sights & Sounds Festival)
Grinch on the Green
The mastermind of Christmas crime is making his return to Kyle with sweet treats, market vendors, live music, photo ops, free activities for children and Grinch movie screenings. Attendees can bring a non-perishable food donation to get a photo with the Grinch.
The City of San Marcos will join the City of San Marcos Cemetery to remember and honor the area’s veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on their respective graves.
Dec. 13, 10 a.m.
Free (admission); $17+ (wreath sponsorship)
City of San Marcos Cemetery, 1001 Old Ranch Road 12, San Marcos
