City of Buda Community Relations and Destination Services Director Lysa Gonzalez gave a presentation to Buda City Council members regarding 2024 holiday events at its Nov. 19 meeting. Several holidaythemed proclamations were given, as well.
The Hays County Food Bank’s Turkeys Tackling Hunger Month was honored with a proclamation for its effort to provide access to nutritious food to those in the low-income community households, stating that in 2023, more than 1800 meal boxes filled with turkeys and traditional holiday food were distributed. This year, 300 will be given to Buda residents.
Artist Sunday and Small Business Saturday were also recognized by the council. The first event will offer opportunities for residents to shop local artist goods on Dec. 1: “Artist Sunday encompasses a full spectrum of the arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, music, poetry, jewelry, performance and a range of handcrafted items that can be both practical and beautiful,” read the proclamation. Similarly, Small Business Saturday is held on Nov. 30 to encourage community members to shop small for Christmas gifts the Saturday after Thanksgiving and celebrate local businesses in the area.
Gonzalez began the presentation by stating that the holiday season will kick off with the 44th annual Budafest, which will be held Dec. 6-8 in downtown.
The first day, Dec. 6, will consist of Santa’s Arrival and Cocoa Jingle from 6-9 p.m.: “We are going to be doing the tree lighting [that night], but it’s just the tree lighting. All of downtown will already be on, as far as the other lights go. The reason that all of the other lights will be on is because this year, Budafest happens to take place a little bit farther into December than it usually does … Because we have such beautiful lights, we do not want to delay the time for people to be able to enjoy them,” said Gonzalez.
Cocoa Jingle is the “sweetest night of the season” and allows attendees to receive a cocoa coin after shopping at participating downtown retailers. After, it can be traded in at participating restaurants for hot chocolate. A limitededition mug can either be purchased the day of the event for $5 or can be brought from home. Along with these festivities will be an ornament market, where community members can purchase ornaments made by local vendors to add to their Christmas trees.
On Dec. 7, the Buda Amphitheater and City Park grounds will open at noon for a festival, including a carnival, more than 60 craft vendors, food, snow slide, live music and performances, complete with a lighted night parade at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin when Santa reaches the center stage in downtown Buda and begins the countdown.
These same events, with the exception of the lighted parade, will occur on Sunday, Dec. 8. Additionally, a Reindog Parade is set to begin at 2 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, Buda residents will have an opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus, as well.
From 5:30-9 p.m. on Dec. 13, Sip N Stroll: A Downtown Buda Grinchmas will take place. The event is for ages 21 and older. For $35, attendees receive a bag, glass, downtown Buda ornament, small sips of libations and bites at local businesses, live music and Whoville and Grinch-themed photo opportunities.
Finally, the annual Buda Trail of Lights will take place from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 18-21, with senior night and ADA buses from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 11. According to Parks and Recreation director Tony Host, there are 40,000 additional lights added to the displays this year for a total of approximately 80,000.
“We also have seven food vendors. So, you’re going to have your choice of cotton candy, popcorn, hot chocolate, tacos, potentially a pizza truck … and other foods,” said Host.
Buses will be available as shuttles throughout the night. For those that need assistance to go around the trail, there are golf carts available to ensure that everyone can access the event.
For more information on Buda holiday events, visit www.discoverbudatx. com/197/Holidays-in-Buda.
