On Saturday, December 2 from 5 to 9 p.m., Austin Parks and Recreation’s Old Bakery and Emporium along with KUT, KUTX & the Downtown Austin Alliance will host the 29th Annual Tree Lighting, Sing-Along and Stroll. This free family-friendly event takes place on Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th streets. Featuring artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa and more, the Holiday Stroll is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.
Events and Activities
Multiple FREE photo ops available throughout the event: photos with Santa, Candy Cane Lane, Polar Express Bus, and Coca-Cola Airstream Trailer. And that’s not all! The Kids’ Zone has interactive experiences for the whole family to enjoy like cookie and ornament decorating stations, see saws, swings, musical experiences, and more.
New for 2023, the alley off 10th Street near Old Bakery & Artisan Emporium will come to life with a Peppermint Alley experience! Check out live performances, get your groove on and enjoy a sweet or savory treat while you’re there. There will be a no comply skate ramp, lighting dance wall, interactive graffiti wall, s’mores station, and performance by DJ Kay Cali.
Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll Schedule
5 to 6 p.m.: Kwanzaa Tribute by KAZI
6 to 7 p.m.: KUT, KUTX Sing-Along
7 to 7:10 p.m.: Capitol Tree Lighting, the crowd
sings “O Christmas Tree”
7:15 to 9 p.m.: Tomar & the FC’s perform
How To Get There
There is street parking located around Congress Avenue or FREE parking at the following garages located just a few short blocks from the event:
- Capitol Visitors Parking Garage | 1201 San Jacinto Boulevard
- State Parking Garage R | 1706 San Jacinto Boulevard
Attendees are encouraged to take different modes of transportation if possible:
- Capital Metro: Plan your transit trip
- Bird Scooters: Use promo code MOVABILITY in the Bird app to get your first ride free (up to $5)
- Ride your bike: Bike parking is available on-site
- Lyft: Ride with Lyft
Event street closure is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 2 on Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th Streets. All streets are to reopen at 11:59 p.m. on December 2.
