Budafest
Downtown Buda hosts a multi-day holiday celebration featuring an official tree lighting ceremony, Cocoa Jingle, and an evening lighted parade followed by fireworks along Main Street. Visitors can browse Texas craft and art market booths, sample fair food, and visit a small carnival with rides and games at Buda City Park. Additional festivities include free photo opportunities with Santa, live stage entertainment, and a festive Reindog Parade.
What to Expect
Holiday festival featuring a night parade, fireworks, and a carnival in Buda.
Event Details
Duration
Three days.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Buda
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Buda Community Relations and Destination Services
Food & Drink
Food vendors, including local nonprofits, serve fair food during festival hours.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children and holiday-market shoppers
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Tree Lighting: Friday at 6:30 PM; Budafest Lighted Parade: Saturday at 6:30 PM.
- Parking: A parking map is provided.
- Pets: Dogs in holiday costumes can join the Sunday Reindog Parade.
Tips & Advice
- Take the Saturday shuttle downtown for the parade and fireworks, and note the last shuttle leaves downtown about an hour after the festival grounds close.
- Drive Detour Route 2 on Saturday afternoon and evening, because it's the recommended route then and Route 1 can't be used during the parade.
- Shop the craft market on Saturday if you want more time, since vendors stay until the festival closes Saturday but pack up earlier on Sunday.
- Get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday afternoon, since they finish before the evening parade and Sunday photos are with Santa alone.
- Follow the City of Buda on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter during Budafest for live updates on activities, parking and the shuttle.
Special Events & Promotions
- Friday: the official tree lighting, with the Ornament Market and Cocoa Jingle.
- Saturday night: the Lighted Parade down Main Street, followed by fireworks.
- Sunday: the Reindog Parade, with a prize for the most festive dog.
- Friends of the Buda Library Annual Book Sale.
- Free pictures with Santa.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
There are kids' activities, Santa's Artisan Workshop and free pictures with Santa. On Saturday and Sunday, a small carnival with games and rides runs at Buda City Park.
Can my dog take part?
Yes. On Sunday, dogs in holiday costumes and outfits trot down Main Street in the Reindog Parade, and the owner of the most festive dog wins a prize.
What is there to eat?
Fair food from local non-profits and hand-picked food vendors. They're open during all festival hours.
What's in the vendor market?
Craft vendors from all over Texas sell their goods and handmade wares in the Downtown Greenbelt on Saturday and Sunday. The Friends of the Buda Library also hold their annual used book sale.
How can I take part?
You can sign up as a craft or food vendor, art demonstrator, information booth, sponsor or volunteer. Community groups can enter a float in the Lighted Parade. Performers can email tourism@budatx.gov.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.