Downtown Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting

The Downtown Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting returns to Congress Avenue on Saturday, December 5, from 5 PM to 8 PM. It's Austin's annual tree-lighting celebration—a sing-along and a stroll that's become the city's tradition for kicking off the holiday season. The whole thing is presented by KUT, KUTX, and the Downtown Austin Alliance, and it's built around the signature 45-foot downtown tree.

The evening is family-friendly, with a holiday shopping passport and pop-up vendors along the way. Mr. and Mrs. Claus make appearances, and you'll find holiday window and light displays throughout the area. The sing-along is led by KUT News and KUTX Music personalities, who hand out a free keepsake songbook so everyone can follow the lyrics. The tradition dates back to the 1980s, when it was started by John Aielli.

It's a good way to spend a Saturday evening downtown with the kids. The stroll takes place on Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th Streets, and entry is free.