Kicking off the holidays
With Thanksgiving (almost) in the rearview mirror, Hays Countians look forward to all the holiday activities coming up in December. Here are just a few you might not want to miss:
Santa arrives in Kyle, tree lighting
The annual tree-lighting in Kyle takes place Dec. 4. Special guest Santa arrives to help kick-off the holiday season. Event features local school choirs and takes place from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 4. at City Square Park and Historic Kyle City Hall, located at Center and Main streets in downtown Kyle.
Wimberley Market Days
Get a jump on holiday shopping at Wimberley Lions Market Days. It’s the oldest outdoor market in the Hill Country, featuring more than 475 vendors. Enjoy live music while strolling around the market. Admission is free, but parking is $5. The market is open from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7 at 601 FM 2325 in Wimberley. For more information, visit www.shopmarketdays.com.
Budafest
This free three-day festival in historic Buda is an annual tradition. Budafest offers more than 150 vendors selling their wares along with live music, including Buda’s own Grammy Award winner Danny Levin. There is also food and a carnival in City Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive during the annual parade down Main Street on Saturday. Get there early for the best views. After the parade, be sure to get photos with the Clauses. Carnival opens Friday evening, Dec. 6. Budafest runs 10 a.m. to dusk Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8 in downtown Buda. Profits raised from Budafest go toward local high school scholarships. Visit www.budafest.org for more information.
Sights and Sounds of Christmas
Don’t miss this annual holiday tradition in San Marcos. Event includes a laser light show, free petting zoo, a carnival, food courts, free Santa photos, arts and crafts and the Town of Bethlehem. Runners will enjoy the 5K and 1K Jingle Bell Run Saturday morning. Takes place 5-11 p.m. Dec 4-7 at San Marcos Plaza Park. Kids 12 and under are free. Learn more at www.sights-n-sounds.org.
Buda’s Trail of Lights
Get in the holiday mood by strolling through Stagecoach Park in Buda and enjoying the holiday light displays. No parking is permitted in the park, but free shuttle parking is available at Cabela’s. Walk-in visitors are welcomed and may bring leashed pets (pets not allowed on shuttles). The trail is approximately a half-mile long. Bring a camera for pictures with Santa. Paid concessions are available for purchase. The Buda Trail of Lights runs from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 13-22 at Historic Stagecoach Park.
Trail of Lights at the EmilyAnn Theatre
An annual tradition for 16 years, the Trail of Lights at the EmilyAnn Theatre in Wimberley opens Nov. 30 with the official tree lighting. The trail opens at 4 p.m. and Santa arrives on a fire truck at 5 p.m. The official tree lighting will take place at dusk followed by live music until 8 p.m. Patrons can also enjoy the Yule Log. The Trail of Lights features a walking path through eight acres of lighted displays decorated by more than 100 local businesses, community groups and families. Santa or Mrs. Claus will be in residence on Friday & Saturday nights prior to Christmas. The Jingle Bell Express will also run Friday & Saturday nights, as well as December 21-23 for $1 per ride.
