The Hays County Historic Courthouse lit up with lights for the holidays. Photo by Andy Heatwole of San Marcos Photos
Downtown Courthouse Lighting & Shop Small Saturday
The public is invited to celebrate the Courthouse Lighting Ceremony and Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 30 in downtown San Marcos.
Visitors are invited downtown to enjoy Shop Small Saturday throughout the morning and afternoon at area small businesses and restaurants. The San Marcos Main Street Program is hosting a complimentary gift-wrapping station beginning at 5:30 p.m. for any gift purchased at a downtown business.
Entertainment will also begin at 5:30 p.m. on the Courthouse grounds, 111 E. San Antonio St., with County Judge Ruben Becerra serving as emcee for the lighting ceremony that begins at 6 p.m. The Courthouse will be lit with holiday lights at 6:15 p.m. and Santa Claus will visit the courthouse rotunda soon after to hear the children’s wishes and pose for parent photos.
Donations of unwrapped gifts will be accepted for families in need through Brown Santa, organized annually by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Visitors will be able to watch the donations fill Santa's sleigh at the event. Donations by cash, check, credit and debit cards will be accepted.
New this year is a mailbox in Kissing Alley dedicated to holiday letters. Visitors are invited to bring a holiday card or to write one on-site at the Main Street Card Station. All letters submitted on Nov. 30 will be sent to Hays County military personnel who are deployed. After Nov. 30, the mailbox will be installed in Kissing Alley for the public to send holiday letters to loved ones.
In addition to light refreshments courtesy of local providers, the VFW and VFW Auxiliary will host a hot chocolate booth where visitors can embrace the holiday spirit by purchasing a cup.
Event collaborators include San Marcos Main Street Program, Hays County, Downtown Association SMTX, Hays County Sheriff's Office Brown Santa, Hays County Veteran Service Office and VFW, Gary Job Corps in San Marcos, Hays County Constable's Office Precinct 1 and Family Members of the 4th Battalion - 133rd Field Artillery Regiment.
For event information, contact jfalletta@sanmarcostx.gov.
