Create your festive season itinerary with our guide for Killeen. Discover all the top holiday events. Whether you're a Killeen regular or a once-in-a-lifetime visitor, this guide unlocks the city's festive potential.
One highlight of the holiday season in Killeen is the Christmas Parade & Festival, where you can enjoy a vibrant display of floats and community spirit. With local vendors and festive entertainment, this event brings residents together in celebration. The Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring live music and a stunning lighting display, marks the official start of the season in a heartwarming fashion. And the Holiday Under the Stars is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a charming atmosphere with activities for the whole family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Killeen
- Christmas Parade & Festival
- Holiday Under the Stars
- Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival (New Braunfels)
- Jingle Bell Dash 5K
- Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Light the Night Christmas Parade (Fredericksburg)
- Tree Lighting (Cedar Park)
- North Pole Flyer ™ (Cedar Park)
- Christmas at The Farm Santa and Live Reindeer (Georgetown)
- Santa at Killeen Mall
See these and even more events listed below!
Killeen Holiday Light Displays
Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday lighting event with Santa's arrival.
Description:
Join us at Main Plaza in downtown New Braunfels for the annual Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival. Thousands of twinkling lights will illuminate the streets, and Santa will make his grand entrance. Enjoy holiday music performed by the New Braunfels Community Band and take part in festive activities.
Where: New Braunfels | More Info: Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival
Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Free holiday celebration with live music and Santa's arrival.
Description:
Over 50,000 twinkling lights illuminate the Heritage Oak tree, accompanied by live music performances, holiday-themed activities, and classic holiday movies. Enjoy delicious food from local vendors and take part in holiday photo ops and Santa's grand arrival.
Where: Cedar Park | More Info: Tree Lighting
Light the Night Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Illuminated holiday parade with festive floats and live entertainment.
Description:
The Light the Night Christmas Parade in Fredericksburg, Texas, is a beautifully illuminated holiday event that rolls down Main Street, featuring festive floats and live entertainment. Attendees can enjoy free seating along the route or purchase reserved bleacher seats. The parade concludes with Santa and Mrs. Claus available for photos at Marktplatz.
Where: Fredericksburg | More Info: Light the Night Christmas Parade
Killeen Holiday Markets and Shopping
Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Local vendors and festive holiday market.
Description:
The Tree Lighting Ceremony in Historic Downtown Killeen features a festive holiday market with local vendors, offering a variety of treats and unique gifts. The event culminates in a spectacular lighting of the Christmas tree, filling the heart with holiday spirit.
Where: Killeen | More Info: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Old Town Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Annual holiday celebration with a 5K run and festive marketplace.
Description:
The Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander, TX, features a 5K run, holiday marketplace, community parade, tree lighting, and live performances, along with local food and craft vendors.
Where: Leander | More Info: Old Town Christmas Festival
Liberty Hill Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with a lighted parade.
Description:
The Liberty Hill Christmas Festival is a community event featuring shopping, live music, and activities for kids, including snow tubing and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The evening concludes with a lighted Christmas parade along Main Street.
Where: Liberty Hill | More Info: Liberty Hill Christmas Festival
Budafest
What to Expect:
Dazzling Night Parade with fireworks.
Description:
Budafest is a 3-day holiday festival in Downtown Buda featuring kids' activities, a carnival at Buda City Park, a craft and art market in the Downtown Greenbelt, and a dazzling Night Parade with fireworks along Main Street. Santa's Ornament Market and daily pictures with Santa under the iconic Downtown Gazebo are also part of the festivities.
Where: Buda | More Info: Budafest
German-Texan Annual Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Authentic German collectibles and unique decorations.
Description:
The German-Texan Annual Christmas Market at the New Braunfels Civic Convention Center offers an exclusive shopping experience with authentic German collectibles, ornaments, and unique decorations. The event features a variety of retail merchants and artisans, along with food and beverage options, including salads, soups, sandwiches, and beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails. The market also includes a traditional Santa photo opportunity and is wheelchair accessible.
Where: New Braunfels | More Info: German-Texan Annual Christmas Market
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
What to Expect:
High-quality art and live music by local and national artists.
Description:
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a vibrant fine art and music festival featuring over 200 local and national artists showcasing unique, handmade creations. Enjoy live music, artisan gifts, and a lively atmosphere at this beloved Austin tradition.
Where: Austin | More Info: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Vintage Market Days of Greater Austin
What to Expect:
Upscale vintage market with unique shopping experience.
Description:
Vintage Market Days of Greater Austin is an upscale, vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, and consumable treats. Each event offers a unique shopping experience with live music and local eats.
Where: Austin | More Info: Vintage Market Days of Greater Austin
Angels & Mistletoe Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Exclusive First Look preview party with wine and shopping.
Description:
The Angels & Mistletoe Holiday Market is a festive event featuring gorgeous holiday decor, Christmas music, and fantastic shopping. Enjoy a variety of vendors offering clothing, gifts, home decor, gourmet food, jewelry, and more. Santa will be present for photos, and kids under 12 are free.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: Angels & Mistletoe Holiday Market
Weihnachtsmarkt
What to Expect:
Exclusive German-style Christmas market with authentic collectibles and unique decorations.
Description:
Weihnachtsmarkt is a premier German-style Christmas market offering authentic collectibles, unique decorations, specialty items, and exclusive gifts. The event benefits the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, featuring a wide array of retail merchants and artisans.
Where: New Braunfels | More Info: Weihnachtsmarkt
A Christmas Affair
What to Expect:
Largest holiday market in the nation with over 200 vendors.
Description:
A Christmas Affair is a 49th annual holiday market featuring over 200 vendors from across the country, benefiting The Junior League of Austin's signature programs and nonprofit community partners. The event attracts more than 25,000 patrons each year and offers a variety of activities, including children's events and Santa photos.
Where: Austin | More Info: A Christmas Affair
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with over 200 regional artists.
Description:
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a premier holiday shopping event in Austin, featuring over 200 regional artists showcasing handmade jewelry, artwork, and home goods. This family-friendly event offers a stress-free shopping experience while supporting local artisans.
Where: Austin | More Info: The Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Holiday Bazaar Arts and Crafts Show
What to Expect:
Unique handcrafted items and live music.
Description:
The Holiday Bazaar Arts and Crafts Show at Clay Madsen Recreation Center features live music, unique handcrafted items, and a variety of vendors selling creative merchandise. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring canned food items for the children's hospital.
Where: Round Rock | More Info: Holiday Bazaar Arts and Crafts Show
Killeen Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas Cocktail Class
What to Expect:
Expertly crafted holiday cocktails.
Description:
Join us for a sophisticated Christmas Cocktail Class where you'll learn to craft elegant holiday drinks with expert mixologists.
Where: Killeen | More Info: Christmas Cocktail Class
North Pole Flyer ™
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
The North Pole Flyer is a 2-hour train ride departing from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot, featuring a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, live balloon twisters, on-board caroling, and a locally baked holiday cookie. Each car is decorated for the season, and passengers enjoy a live reading of the North Pole Flyer book.
Where: Cedar Park | More Info: North Pole Flyer ™
Santa's Lighted Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Nighttime lighted parade through historic downtown area.
Description:
The Santa's Lighted Christmas Parade is a nighttime event held in downtown historic Center Square, featuring a lighted procession of floats and participants.
Where: Center | More Info: Santa's Lighted Christmas Parade
Christmas On The Square
What to Expect:
Unique blend of activities for all ages, including a festive parade and visits from Santa and the Grinch.
Description:
Christmas On The Square is a family-friendly event in downtown Burnet featuring a bicycle giveaway, Kids' Zone with petting zoo, pony rides, and artificial snow, live holiday entertainment, and over 175 vendors selling arts, crafts, and food.
Where: Burnet | More Info: Christmas On The Square
Handel's Messiah
What to Expect:
Classical music performance with a renowned chorus.
Description:
The Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah, a holiday tradition featuring the iconic oratorio accompanied by Chorus Austin, perfect for families.
Where: Austin | More Info: Handel's Messiah
The Paramount Theatre presents Kenny G The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour
What to Expect:
World-renowned saxophonist performing holiday hits.
Description:
Legendary saxophonist Kenny G presents a holiday concert featuring contemporary classics and festive spirit at the Paramount Theatre.
Where: Austin | More Info: The Paramount Theatre presents Kenny G The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour
Killeen Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Under the Stars
What to Expect:
Stargazing combined with holiday festivities.
Description:
The Holiday Under the Stars Festival in Killeen, TX, combines stargazing with holiday activities, featuring vendors, food trucks, and music artists. It honors the winter solstice with twinkling lights and celestial-themed celebrations.
Where: Killeen | More Info: Holiday Under the Stars
Christmas Parade & Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with live entertainment and family activities.
Description:
The Christmas Parade & Festival in Killeen, TX, is a community event featuring a festive procession and activities for all ages.
Where: Killeen | More Info: Christmas Parade & Festival
Jingle Bell Dash 5K
What to Expect:
Awards for age group and overall winners.
Description:
The Jingle Bell Dash 5K is a holiday-themed race that offers points for the Centex Race Series. Runners will receive medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each female and male age group, as well as overall winners. T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 200 runners, and packets can be picked up ahead of time.
Where: Killeen | More Info: Jingle Bell Dash 5K
Santa at Killeen Mall
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa meet-and-greet with festive atmosphere.
Description:
Santa at Killeen Mall offers a delightful experience where children can meet and interact with the jolly old man, creating cherished memories.
Where: Killeen | More Info: Santa at Killeen Mall
Christmas at The Farm Santa and Live Reindeer
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and live reindeer.
Description:
Visit Sweet Eats Adventure Farm for a holiday celebration featuring Santa and his real-life reindeer. Enjoy a variety of activities including wagon rides, community campfires, apple cannons, and a giant petting zoo. The event also includes special add-ons like breakfast and supper with Santa, as well as candy cane hunts.
Where: Georgetown | More Info: Christmas at The Farm Santa and Live Reindeer
Christmas on Mercer Street
What to Expect:
Vibrant and whimsical holiday event with a new logo.
Description:
Christmas on Mercer Street is a holiday celebration featuring live music, arts and crafts booths, kids' games, Santa photos, and a festive selection of food and drinks.
Where: Dripping Springs | More Info: Christmas on Mercer Street
Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Catered breakfast and holiday stories with Santa.
Description:
Join us for a special morning with Santa Claus This event is designed for children ages 2-5 years old and their parents or guardians. Activities include a catered breakfast, holiday stories from the Cedar Park Public Library, photo opportunities with Santa, and a free take-home ornament.
Where: Cedar Park | More Info: Breakfast with Santa
Christmas at Old Fort Croghan
What to Expect:
Recreates Christmas in the pioneer past with luminarias and lanterns.
Description:
Christmas at Old Fort Croghan is a holiday event where volunteers recreate Christmas in the pioneer past with luminarias and lanterns, featuring carolers and musicians, and offering a light dinner.
Where: Burnet | More Info: Christmas at Old Fort Croghan
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Temple (23 miles)
- Georgetown (34 miles)
- Round Rock (42 miles)
- Cedar Park (43 miles)