November 28-29, Dickens on Main will return to set the tone for the city’s Celebrate the Season festivities, followed by the 38th annual Weihnachts Parade on December 6 and KinderFest the next weekend to wrap up the three weeks of holiday cheer.
“These signature events bring the holiday spirit alive in downtown Boerne and set the stage for a truly magical season,” assistant director of parks and recreation Rudy Vega said.
Behind the scenes, Vega and the entire parks and recreation department collaborate with special projects manager Mary Woods and lead the multi-weekend celebration.
Dickens on Main details
This year, expect holiday favorites and a few new surprises: giant 20-foot screens broadcasting live performances such as chainsaw-fueled ice carving duels and a new Nutcracker show in North Pole Village, Santa visits with a keepsake, and the return of the ever-popular ice slide in Tiny Tim Village. Carolers, performers and costumed revelers will surprise and delight along a decorated Main Street, while guests experience a real Texas miracle—guaranteed snow for the holidays.
“The entire city comes together to create an unforgettable celebration for the community,” Vega said. “Downtown transforms into a winter wonderland, capped off by the lighting of the Christmas tree on Friday night.”
Pulling this off is a full-city affair, with planning beginning in February.
“Dickens on Main requires every single city department, plus volunteers and community partners working together to pull it off,” Woods said. “The result is a community-wide effort that creates the magical holiday atmosphere Boerne is known for.”
Weihnachts Weekend details
The celebration doesn’t stop when Dickens ends. The following Saturday, December 6, the Weihnachts Parade brings Main Street alive as families line up early to cheer on more than 100 lighted floats alongside community and guests alike. Friday, December 5, local retailers are hosting a Wassail Walk and Caroling Contest free for everyone.
“The energy is indescribable; it’s one of those ‘you have to see it to believe it’ traditions,” Vega said.
The celebration continues one more weekend, December 12-14, with KinderFest, and the Cowboy Christmas Market in Main Plaza, a perfect weekend for a more relaxed holiday vibe.
Together, Dickens on Main and the parade draw roughly 70,000 visitors over two weekends. They provide a substantial boost to local shops and reinforce Boerne’s identity as a destination for holiday joy.
Community at its core
What gives these events weight beyond the spectacle is how deeply they’re rooted in the community.
“Local businesses, sponsors and community organizations all step up to help make these events a reality,” Vega said. “That’s what makes Boerne so special. Everyone is committed to the community, and it shows in the incredible final product. Simply put, Boerne puts on for Boerne.”
If you’re planning, here’s what to know:
- Dickens on Main: November 28-29
- Weihnachts Parade: December 6-7
- KinderFest: December 12-14
- Highlights: Tree lighting, performances on giant screens, ice carving, Nutcracker show, ice slide and Santa keepsakes, shops open early each day
- Why go: Small-town charm, big holiday energy, support for local business and community togetherness
- Details, FAQs and schedules at www.holidaysinboerne.com
Be part of the magic
Bundle up, bring your loved ones and stroll into the holiday season with Boerne. Dickens on Main is your front-row seat to Boerne’s festive sparkle, and the Weihnachts Parade continues the celebration when the floats roll down Main Street. Be sure to come back for KinderFest, where you can soak up the small-town holiday vibes without the big crowds.
Click here to view ticket details and dive deeper into the holiday fun today.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
