Celebrate the Ultimate Holiday Experience at the Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander Texas with Sparkling Lights Festive Markets and Family Fun

Published on December 9, 2025

The Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander, Texas, is one of the most delightful events of the holiday season. It’s a time when the entire town comes alive with festive lights, cheerful parades, and heartwarming community spirit. This much-anticipated celebration brings together locals and visitors for a day of fun, shopping, live entertainment, and, of course, holiday magic. Whether you are running in the 5K Rudolph Run, exploring the Christmas marketplace, or enjoying the tree lighting ceremony, the Old Town Christmas Festival is an unforgettable experience. Let’s take a closer look at why this festival is a must-see and how it captures the true essence of Christmas in Leander, Texas.

What Makes the Old Town Christmas Festival Special?

The Old Town Christmas Festival is not just another Christmas event. It’s an experience that blends community spirit, holiday traditions, and festive fun all in one day. Hosted in the heart of Leander, a charming town near Austin, this festival has become a highlight of the season for families, friends, and visitors from all over. The festival takes place on the first Saturday of December, and in 2025, it will be held on December 6. What makes this festival so special is that it offers something for everyone, from holiday shopping and fitness enthusiasts to families with young children and even Santa Claus fans. It’s the kind of event where everyone can come together and enjoy the true spirit of Christmas.

A Day Filled with Festive Fun and Excitement

The Old Town Christmas Festival is jam-packed with activities that will keep you entertained all day long. Starting with the Old Town Rudolph Run, a chip-timed 5K that kicks off the event at 10:00 AM, runners, walkers, and even families with strollers can take part. The run is accessible for people of all ages and abilities, and leashed dogs are also welcome! It’s a fantastic way to get your heart pumping while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Leander’s historic downtown.

Once the run wraps up, the festival truly gets underway with the Christmas Marketplace and Vendor Fair, open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This is where you can find unique gifts, handcrafted items, and delicious holiday treats. Whether you’re looking for that perfect Christmas gift or just want to browse the local goods, the marketplace has something for everyone. From artisanal crafts to holiday decorations, you’re bound to find a treasure to take home.

The Parade: A True Community Celebration

One of the festival’s most exciting features is the Holiday Community Parade, which kicks off at 1:00 PM. Local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community groups come together to create festive floats, all celebrating the spirit of Christmas. The parade is a wonderful opportunity to see the town come alive, with kids and adults alike waving and cheering as the parade makes its way through the streets. It’s not just a parade; it’s a celebration of Leander’s community, where everyone comes together to create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.

Live Performances and Family-Friendly Entertainment

The Old Town Christmas Festival isn’t just about shopping and parades – it’s also about entertainment. From 11:00 AM onwards, you can enjoy live performances on the main stage. Local bands, dance groups, and community performers add to the holiday cheer with their lively shows. Whether it’s music, dance, or other performances, the festival keeps everyone entertained with non-stop action. The kids are sure to enjoy the family-fun zone, which features rides, games, and even a petting zoo and pony rides. This makes it a perfect destination for families with young children who are looking to make lasting memories.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: The Heart of the Festival

As the evening sets in, the festival takes on a magical glow with the tree lighting ceremony at approximately 6:30 PM. The community gathers to watch as the town’s Christmas tree is lit up, filling the streets of Old Town Leander with sparkling lights and festive decorations. The tree lighting is followed by a holiday movie under the stars, where families can sit back, relax, and enjoy a classic Christmas film. In 2025, the movie will be The Grinch, a favorite among children and adults alike. Free hot chocolate is served, making it the perfect way to warm up as you enjoy the festive atmosphere.

A Christmas Celebration for All Ages

The Old Town Christmas Festival is designed to be family-friendly in every sense of the word. With so many activities and events, there is no shortage of fun for people of all ages. From the youngest members of your family enjoying the petting zoo and pony rides to the older ones getting involved in the 5K Rudolph Run, there’s something for everyone. The Santa photos are always a hit with kids, who can meet the man himself and snap a picture to remember the day. Even the adults can get into the holiday spirit by shopping for unique gifts, enjoying live performances, and experiencing the local charm of Leander.

How to Make the Most of the Festival

While the festival is a wonderful experience for everyone, there are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Firstly, if you plan to run in the Rudolph Run 5K, make sure to register early as spots can fill up quickly. The race is one of the main events of the day, and getting in early will help ensure your participation. It’s also a good idea to dress festively, especially if you’re partaking in the run or plan to spend the day enjoying the activities. The more colourful and holiday-inspired your outfit, the more fun you’ll have!

Parking can be a bit tricky, so be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot. The festival offers plenty of parking around Leander ISD school lots, so you can easily find a spot and make your way to the festival grounds. Because the event draws a lot of people, expect some crowds, particularly during the parade and tree lighting ceremony. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, try visiting the festival earlier in the day before the crowds gather for the evening events.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

The Old Town Christmas Festival is more than just a holiday event – it’s a celebration of community, family, and the joy of the season. Leander may be a small town, but this festival captures the essence of everything that makes Christmas so special. From the 5K run to the Christmas marketplace, the parade, and the tree lighting ceremony, it’s a day packed with fun, excitement, and a sense of togetherness that you can’t find in bigger, more commercialized events.

In 2025, as Leander welcomes visitors from all over Texas and beyond, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the holiday magic in a charming, small-town setting. The festival offers a rare chance to enjoy the holidays at your own pace, away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities, while still having access to all the festive fun you could want. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Old Town Christmas Festival promises to leave you with cherished memories and a heart full of holiday cheer.

The Community Spirit of Leander

One of the things that makes the Old Town Christmas Festival stand out is its emphasis on community spirit. This festival is not just about the holiday season; it’s about bringing people together and creating lasting memories. It’s a celebration of Leander’s local businesses, families, and traditions, with residents proudly showcasing their town’s holiday spirit. The festival is a true reflection of what makes Leander such a wonderful place to visit – its close-knit community, its welcoming atmosphere, and its festive charm.

The Old Town Christmas Festival is more than just a day of holiday fun; it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and joy. Whether you’re there to run the 5K, shop at the marketplace, enjoy the parade, or simply bask in the magical atmosphere, this festival offers something for everyone. As Leander continues to grow and attract visitors from all over, this annual event remains a cherished tradition that captures the true spirit of Christmas. If you’re looking for a festive, family-friendly event that brings together the best of small-town charm and holiday cheer, the Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander, Texas, should be at the top of your list. Make sure you don’t miss it in December 2025 – it promises to be an unforgettable experience!