The Burnet County Courthouse square in Burnet came alive with holiday cheer on Saturday, Dec. 13, as thousands gathered for the annual Christmas on the Square, one of the Texas Hill Country’s most anticipated seasonal celebrations.
Festivities kicked off promptly at noon with the Christmas Parade, filling the streets with classic small-town charm.
Cheers erupted as the parade concluded with a playful twist — the Grinch himself chauffeuring Santa Claus in a convertible Corvette. Just minutes later, Santa took his place on the Square in front of the towering Christmas tree, where families lined up from 12:30 to 4 p.m. for photos, smiles, and holiday memories.
Beautiful, sunny weather set the tone for a bustling afternoon as visitors browsed more than 175 vendors offering handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, and seasonal treats.
The Kids Zone was packed with activity, featuring train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a Christmas maze, and plenty of excitement as Santa and the Grinch made appearances throughout the day.
Live entertainment filled the Square from early afternoon into the evening. Highlights included holiday dances by the Highlandettes, performances by Burnet High School and Middle School choirs, excerpts from Elf the Musical presented by Burnet High School Theatre, and live music from local favorites throughout the day and night.
One of the most anticipated moments for younger attendees came at 4 p.m. with the bicycle raffle.
A total of 67 bicycles were given away to children ages 2–10, each winner receiving a free helmet courtesy of Ascension Seton Highland Lakes. After the main raffle, Spider Mountain added an extra surprise with a final drawing for a 20inch mountain bike, complete with Spider Mountain swag, a helmet, and a year pass. Zhavia Williams was the lucky winner.
As evening fell, holiday magic continued with Christmas at Old Fort Croghan and Main Street Bethlehem, which alone welcomed nearly 5,000 visitors, adding a meaningful and reflective element to the day’s festivities.
“Christmas on the Square in Burnet was a joyful celebration from start to finish,” said Burnet Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Teryl McFerrin. “Beautiful, sunny weather set the stage for a bustling Historic Square filled with shoppers browsing artisan vendors, families enjoying delicious food, and a festive parade that kicked off the day with small-town cheer.
“It was a truly jolly, memorable Christmas celebration in Burnet— one enjoyed by locals
SQUARE CHRISTMAS ...see Page 3 and visitors alike.”
With an estimated 11,000 to 13,000 attendees throughout the day, Christmas on the Square once again proved why it remains a cherished holiday tradition for Burnet and visitors from across the region.
