The day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27, Georgetown flips on the lights around its historic courthouse square. Carolers perform from 5:30pm on the courthouse's east steps and the lights go on about 6pm; stores stay open late. Photos with Brown Santa inside the courthouse follow, 6:30–8pm, for a toy or cash donation.
Austin lights its 155-foot Zilker Holiday Tree, strung around a historic moonlight tower, on Sunday, November 29: pre-show music from the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble at 5:15pm and the lighting at 6pm, with local entertainment, food and live music. Parking on site is free, first come first served. The tree stays lit nightly 6–10pm through January 1.
Downtown Georgetown's 45th Christmas Stroll is a free family festival: Friday's kickoff with the light illumination and a concert (4–9:30pm), Saturday's 10am Christmas parade, Santa's Village, face painting, a kids zone and real falling snow (10am–9:30pm), and a Sunday closing day (10am–4pm), plus 200+ artisan vendors.
Pflugerville's holiday kickoff on Saturday, December 5, in downtown Pflugerville: family activities from 4pm, the parade at 5pm, and Santa arriving around 6pm to light the tree and stay for photos. The city's announcement says 4pm, while its event listing header says 4:30–7:30pm, so arrive by 4:30pm to be safe.
The Old Town Christmas Festival ends Saturday, December 5 with the lighting of Leander's 60-foot Christmas tree at 6:30pm, then Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) on the big screen with hot chocolate. Earlier in the day: a 1pm parade, live performances and a Christmas marketplace.
General admission to the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park is free on Thursday and Friday, December 10 and 11, 7 to 10pm: a 1.25-mile walk through millions of lights, with free photos with Santa. No ticket needed, just walk in. There's no on-site parking unless you buy a parking pass online, so plan to take transit, rideshare or bike.
Verified Oct 27 · austintrailoflights.org
Catch: Driving? On-site parking needs a pass bought online in advance (none sold on site)
Cedar Park's holiday celebration at Lakeline Park on Friday, December 11, 6:30 to 9pm: twinkling lights, holiday music, frosty winter fun, Santa's arrival and pictures with Santa, plus a holiday market and food vendors.
General admission to the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park is free Sunday through Thursday, December 13 to 17, 7 to 10pm, with free photos with Santa. No ticket needed. Saturday, Dec 12, and Dec 18–23 are paid nights. Parking on site needs a pass bought online in advance.
Verified Oct 27 · austintrailoflights.org
Catch: Driving? On-site parking needs a pass bought online in advance (none sold on site)
Kyle Parks and Recreation shows A Christmas Story (PG) under the stars at La Verde Park on December 19, starting at sundown around 6pm. Bring blankets or lawn chairs; your own food and coolers are allowed, and leashed pets are welcome. Vendors on site. The city's text calls it a Friday, but its calendar lists Saturday, December 19, so check the city page before you go.
Verified Oct 27 · events.cityofkyle.gov
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