The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department has planned a full month of holiday celebrations designed to bring the community together, with twinkling lights and family-friendly activities filling the calendar.
“It’s important to us that every Kyle family has the chance to join in our holiday celebrations,” Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Aimee Garcia said. “The holidays are all about coming together and sharing the season with everyone, and keeping our events free helps make that possible.”
Here’s a look at five major events to mark on your holiday calendar.
1. Santa’s Arrival: December 1 (free!)
The season officially kicks off with Santa’s Arrival at Mary Kyle Hartson Park on Monday, December 1, a tradition that’s been in place since 1999. Families can enjoy performances from local choir groups, browse food and drink vendors and take photos with Santa while joining the countdown to light the city’s parks.
This year Kyle will illuminate Mary Kyle Hartson Park, Lake Kyle Park and La Verde Park, with a new addition: the lighting of Kyle’s iconic downtown water tower. The Santa’s Arrival tree lighting ceremony begins around sundown when it’s dark enough for the lights to shine.
Time: 4-9 p.m.
Location: Mary Kyle Hartson Park, 101 S. Burleson Street, Kyle
2. 25 Days of Christmas: Thursdays-Sundays in December (free!)
Throughout December, Mary Kyle Hartson Park will remain glowing with holiday lights from sundown to sun up. The true festivities happen Thursdays through Sundays with Thursday Date Nights, Family Fun Fridays, Shopping Saturdays and Social Sundays as part of the 25 Days of Christmas programming.
Community members can expect rotating activities, vendors and entertainment, from live music and kid friendly activities to holiday food and drink vendors selling kettle corn, mini donuts, hot chocolate and more.
“Our 25 Days of Christmas brings so much joy to our community. We really encourage anyone and everyone to visit our most historic park all month long, enjoy the free activities and grab some holiday pictures,” Garcia said.
3. Santa Rides in Kyle: December 9-11 (free!)
For three evenings in mid-December, Santa will take to the streets for Santa Rides in Kyle, bringing magic to neighborhoods across town.
The event, which began in 2020, is a collaboration with the Kyle Police and Fire Departments, Citizens on Patrol, Hays County CERT and local groups. Santa and his helpers will visit different areas of the city, spreading holiday spirit along the way.
“Being able to bring Santa directly into our City of Kyle neighborhoods and seeing the streets lined with kids and families waving hello is a highlight every year,” Garcia said.
Like the last couple of years, families can also expect to see the one and only Grinch riding along with Santa. He will provide his commentary and observations to those filing out to see Santa.
Residents can check the following Santa Rides in Kyle pages for details.Time: 5-8:30 p.m.
4. Movie in the Park: December 12 (free!)
Grab your blanket, lawn chair and a cup of cocoa.
The Movie in the Park returns on December 12 at Mary Kyle Hartson Park. This free, family-friendly evening features The Santa Clause on the big screen, surrounded by the park’s sparkling lights. Local vendors will be on-site with snacks and drinks to enjoy during the movie.
Time: 6-9:30 p.m.
Location: 101 S. Burleson Street, Kyle
This event is part of 25 Days of Christmas.
5. Winter Wonderland Dance: December 19
Inclusivity takes center stage with the Winter Wonderland Dance, a joyful event created for individuals of all abilities. Now in its third year, the dance offers a welcoming, festive environment where guests celebrate the season through music and movement.
“We wanted to provide a [space] for everyone to come, have fun, enjoy the holiday spirit and dance,” Garcia said.
Volunteers join in the fun to ensure everyone feels part of the celebration.
This is a ticketed event. You can find registration information here.
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
Location: 1101 Bunton Creek Road, Kyle
Bonus: Polar Bear Splash on January 1
Ring in the new year with a chilly tradition: the Polar Bear Splash. This annual event invites residents to take a brave leap into the pool on January 1, and it includes a Resolution Run 5K hosted in partnership with For the Love of Go.
Registration opens November 3 for those ready to start their resolutions with a splash.
Time: Starts at 10 a.m.
Location: 1100 W. Center Street, Kyle
Kyle’s holiday season offers something for everyone, from neighborhood visits by Santa, to inclusive celebrations and glowing parks.
Click here to dive deeper into Kyle’s calendar of events.
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.
