Sights & Sounds is back in a big way this year. After offering a smaller version of the festival in 2024, San Marcos’ signature Christmas celebration has returned to full force, bringing back longtime favorites and a packed entertainment schedule for two weekends of holiday activities.
The festival runs Dec. 4 through 6 and again Dec. 11 through 13 at San Marcos Plaza Park. Attendees can expect the carnival, Old Bethlehem, the McCoy’s petting zoo, reindeer games, local vendors and nightly performances. On Wednesday night, the Sights & Sounds Board of Directors welcomed sponsors to the annual tree lighting event, marking the official start of the season. Thursday, Dec. 4 is free for all and sponsored by Christus Santa Rosa San Marcos.
Founded in 1987, the Sights & Sounds of Christmas Foundation is a San Marcos-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide the community and surrounding areas with an inclusive holiday celebration.
Carnival, Old Bethlehem and Festival Attractions
The festival carnival will be open Thursday through Saturday both weekends, featuring bumper cars, a Ferris wheel and other soaring rides. Attractions and games can be purchased with Magic Money wristbands, which range from $1 to $10 per ride.
The McCoy’s petting zoo remains one of the most popular free attractions, giving families the chance to interact with llamas, lambs, goats, bunnies and more. Feed will be available for purchase.
A Night in Old Bethlehem will return with live music, candle making, a live nativity and demonstrations that showcase ancient traditions and the history of Bethlehem.
Reindeer Games, another free activity station, offers life-size Jenga, Giant Connect 4, Tic-Tac-Toe and other yard-style games under thousands of color-changing lights.
Jingle Bell Run
The annual Jingle Bell Run 5K is set for Dec. 13 with a route that winds through downtown and the Historic District. The race will start and finish in Plaza Park, with Christmas music along the course. The Kids K will run directly through the festival grounds.
Performance Schedule
Performers for this year’s festival include school groups, community ensembles and nightly headliners. The full schedule is as follows:
Dec. 4: Blanco Vista Wildcat Choir; Goodnight Middle School Band; Travis Elementary Choir; Simon Middle School Choir; San Marcos High School Orchestra; MGJohnson Chamber Choir; Golden Elites; headliner Plan B.
Dec. 5: Miller Middle School Cheer; Dripping Springs High School Hi-Steppers; Crockett Elementary Choir; San Marcos High School Cheer; Miller Middle School Jazz Band; San Marcos High School Jazz Band; San Marcos High School Mariachi Nuevo Cascabel; headliner Ace Pepper Band.
Dec. 6: Advent Ridge Academy; Lehman High School Choir; Miller Middle School Dance; headliner Broken Arrow.
Dec. 11: Miller Middle School Orchestra; Rodriguez First Grade Knights; Mendez Elementary Choir/Ukulele Club; Buda Elementary School; Centro Cultural Hispano; dSentLife Studios; headliner Art Tigerina Band.
Dec. 12: Goodnight Middle School Choir; Miller Middle School Choir; Bowie Bulldog Choir; Hernandez Hero Choir; Designed to Dance Company; Grupo Folklorico Occtochtli; Simon Middle School Sapphires; headliner Ton of Brass.
Dec. 13: Wallace Middle School Choir; First Class Dance; San Marcos Dance Studio; Illusion Dance Center; DivaDance; headliner LC Rocks.
