Old Town Christmas Festival
Leander's Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland for the annual Christmas Festival. Kick off the holiday season with a 5K Rudolph Run, browse a bustling Christmas Marketplace, and cheer on participants in the Hometown Parade. Families can meet Santa, enjoy live performances, and savor local food. The day concludes with the enchanting lighting of a 60-foot Christmas tree, followed by a classic holiday movie under the stars.
What to Expect
Full day of holiday festivities culminating in a tree lighting and movie.
Event Details
Duration
11 hours
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town Leander
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Leander Chamber of Commerce and City of Leander
Food & Drink
Local food and craft vendors, wine & beer vendor booths, water booths
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, holiday shoppers, runners
Vibe
Festive, community-oriented, cheerful
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate (outdoor events may be affected by severe weather)
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $ – Get tickets
- Parking: Parking is available in the LISD parking lots surrounding Old Town and along the streets of Old Town. For easy access to the lots, follow these directions: From Crystal Falls Parkway, turn onto S. West Drive. Follow S. West Drive North towards Old Town. Lots will be on your right and left as you get close to Old Town. These lots are not accessible from 183. You can also park along Broade St.
- Pets: Pet-friendly (dogs on leashes and only friendly dogs allowed for the Rudolph Run)
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure parking, especially if you plan to participate in the Rudolph Run or secure a good spot for the parade.
- Check the road closure schedule carefully to plan your route to the festival and understand any temporary access restrictions.
- Sign up for event alerts by texting OLD TOWNFEST to 888777 for real-time updates on festival day.
- Consider bringing cash for vendors at the Christmas Marketplace, as not all may accept card payments.
- The Blue Santa Program accepts toy donations in November and early December; consider contributing to this local charity effort.
Special Events & Promotions
- Old Town Rudolph Run 5K with custom finisher's medal
- Christmas Marketplace featuring over 100 artisan vendors
- Holiday Community Parade with award categories
- Tree Lighting Ceremony for a 60ft Christmas tree
- Screening of 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (1964) movie
- Blue Santa Program toy donation drive
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main attractions at the Old Town Christmas Festival?
The festival features a Rudolph Run 5K, a Christmas Marketplace with vendors, a Holiday Community Parade, photos with Santa, live performances, food and drinks, and a tree lighting ceremony followed by a movie.
Is there a cost to attend the festival?
While many activities are free, the Rudolph Run 5K has a registration fee. The Christmas Marketplace and other vendor offerings will have associated costs.
What are the specific times for the main events?
The Rudolph Run starts at 10 a.m., the Christmas Marketplace is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the parade begins at 1 p.m., and the tree lighting and movie start at 6:30 p.m.
Are pets allowed at the festival?
For the Old Town Rudolph Run, dogs on leashes are permitted if they are friendly. Specific pet policies for the general festival area are not detailed but are generally discouraged outside of the designated run.
Where can I find more information about the Rudolph Run?
More details and registration for the Old Town Rudolph Run can be found on RunSignup at https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Leander/OLDTOWNRUDOLPHRUN.
More Christmas Events Near Leander
More Christmas Events near Leander
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.