Christmas tree Lighting Contest 2022

We are ready for the 2022 Christmas Tree Lighting Contest! This Thanksgiving break is a great time to get creative! Download this form for all the details and be sure to get your entry to Texas Pawn & Jewelry by November 28th. We can’t wait to see what you create!

YOU GOT QUESTIONS? WE GOT ANSWERS!

By: Nikki Bhamidipati and Saanvika Katakam
Rouse High School DECA Interns

THE OLD TOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IS A PLACE FOR SO MUCH FAMILY FUN! IMMERSE YOURSELF IN DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDING EATING, DANCING, SHOPPING AND SO MUCH MORE AND A GUARANTEED HOLLY JOLLY EXPERIENCE!

WHEN?

Saturday, december 3rd @ 11 am

WHO?

everyone! bring your family! (yes, it’s kid friendly :D)

WHAT?

Old town christmas festival a.k.a. a bunch of family fun ๐Ÿ™‚

WHERE?

100 N Brushy leander, tx

PARKING?

Towing is strictly enforced

  • Along streets that surround Old Town (non-residential areas)
  • In Leander ISD parking lots (unless indicated otherwise)
    • Handicap parking: all LISD lots
  • All vehicles left in any lot or on any public street overnight will be towed at 5:30 am on Dec. 4th

SCHEDULED CLOSURES

Closures begin @ 5:30 AM on Saturday, December 3rd and streets reopen @ 12 AM on Sunday, December 4th

Closed streets (all day): N. Brushy, W. South, Willis (Baghdad and Atkins closed for portion of the day)

RAIN?

The festival will go on rain or shine!

RIDES!!

Children’s rides will be available at a per-ride fee or with an armband.

ARMBANDS:

Armbands for unlimited rides will be available for purchase for $35 from 11:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM. Armbands will be valid from 11:00 AM โ€“ 6:00 PM.

(From 6 pm to closing time, rides will be priced per ride)

What can you bring? What can you not?

HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By: Risha Myadala and Dhanush Mittapalli

Vista Ridge DECA interns

Come join us at our annual Old Town Christmas Festival for a fun and festive time! While you’re there, check out some of our amazing vendors to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones just in time for the holiday season! These vendors specialize in beautiful handmade creations which are all locally crafted and sold.

MICHELLE EAST ART

Gift your loved ones Michelle East’s beautiful handmade pottery pieces! All her pottery is either thrown on the wheel or hand-built. Items include functional ware like mugs, bowls, platters, berry bowls, etc. as well as garden markers and some jewelry. Michelleโ€™s husband Matt creates handcrafted leather goods (belts, wallets, key fabs, etc.) which are available in their booth as well.

MichelleEastArt.com: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

TIPSY SISTERS CANDLES

Shop high-quality hand poured all natural soy candles, dried floral wreaths and arrangements at Tipsy Sisters Candles!

http://www.instagram.com/tipsysisterscandles: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SHINING STONE DESIGNS

Find stunning stone jewelry pieces all handmade with rare and exotic stones from all over the world. Specializing in Turquoise jewelry such as necklaces, pendants, earrings and custom rings, these gorgeous cut and polished pieces make the perfect gifts for anyone!

http://shiningstonedesigns.com: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

DaleBCraft

Shop breathtaking wire-wrapped jewelry and original artwork at DaleBCraft!

http://www.fb.com/WireandIceJewelry: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

PEACOCK CREATIONS

Gift your loved ones handmade accessories like jewelry purses shoes and clothing found at Peacock Creations!

https://www.facebook.com/Ravioli2525: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CHELLY CREATIONS BOUTIQUE

This local artist creates beautiful, one of a kind, hand made, glittered stainless steel tumblers and koozies! Not only will you be supporting a momโ€™s dream of owning her own boutique but you will also be supporting fellow Texas business owners from where she purchases her supplies!!

http://facebook.com/chellycreation: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

MINDY’S MOSAICS

Shop hand-made mosaic items including fine art pieces, decorative hooks, coasters, mosaic jewelry, wine stoppers, bird houses and other home decor, and garden items such as stepping stones and flower pots at Mindy’s Mosaics!

https://www.facebook.com/MindysMosaics: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

FINCH & ARMOR

Find beautiful wood and leather jewelry, laser-cut and engraved woodcraft, and soy candles at Finch & Armor!

https://www.facebook.com/finchandarmor/: HANDMADE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

WHAT

OLD TOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

WheN

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD @ 11 AM

WHERE

100 N BRUSHY LEANDER, TX

WHO

EVERYONE! BRING YOUR FAMILY! (YES, ITโ€™S KID FRIENDLY )

The 2022 Rudolph Run 5K

The 2022 Rudolph Run is filling up fast! Be sure to sign up soon to guarantee your spot & a really fun t-shirt.

This year’s theme and shirt is…ELF!

Our theme this year for the Old Town Christmas Festival is ELF! and our shirts are full of Christmas cheer. Sign up for the Old Town Rudolph Run by Nov. 12 at 5 pm to guarantee a shirt in our fun theme in your size. This race sells out every year, so sign up soon.

Red Christmas shirt that says, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all the hear."
2023 Old Town Rudolph Run Shirt

Awards & Costumes

Every year we love seeing your creative costumes and we think this yearโ€™s theme will take it over the top! Dress your best for the run and you could win the Best Dressed Runner award. (Both groups and individuals can win).


Every finisher will get a fun medal. The top Male and Female finisher in each of the following categories will receive an additional medal:

  • 0-12
  • 13-19
  • 20-35
  • 36-45
  • 46-55
  • 56-64
  • 65+

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is…running wild for all to hear! Come run with us!

Old Town Christmas Festival

December 3, Old Town Leander comes alive to spread Christmas joy throughout the community. The Old Town Christmas Festival is a free event that includes the Old Town Rudolph Run 5K, parade, activities for the kids, local school performances and entertainment, artisan food trucks, local vendors, and more.

2022 Old Town Christmas Parade

The Old Town Christmas Parade captures the magic of Christmas and the spirit of the community! Read on the find out how to enter, where the best viewing spots are, and what kind of fun we have in store for you.

Parade Entry

Parade entry applications need to be turned into the City of Leander no later than November 28th. You can mail or email them in or turn them in in-person during normal business hours at the Leander Activity Center located at:

11880 Hero Way West,
Leander, TX 78641.

Once you are entered, start planning your float. This year’s theme is ELF! While you can’t throw toys and treats, you can have someone walk and hand them out! Christmas music is allowed and encouraged, so add some sound to your float.

Best Viewing Spots

Here are some of our favorite viewing spots. Make sure you stay for the whole parade so you can see the “Big Guy” make his appearance!

  • Our favorite viewing location is in front of Pat Bryson Municipal Hall. Not only do you get to hear the announcer as the floats and exhibits come in, most participants will make sure they are dancing or singing or cheering as they come through!
  • Another great location is in front of the churches along S. West Dr and N. West Dr. It is the beginning of the parade, so everyone is full of energy! Plus, you get to be one of the first to view Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Parade info

Operation Blue SantA

The Leander Police Department will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Operation Blue Santa at the Old Town Christmas Festival. You can also drop off toys at the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center during regular business hours.

Christmas in July

Texas is heating up, so we are celebrating Christmas in July with an early bird discount on Specialty Vendor fees for the Old Town Christmas Festival! Now through August 15, specialty vendor booths start at $150 for a 10×10 booth!

If you’ve been to one of the Old Town Festivals, then you know just how popular they are! This December, we are bringing the magic of Christmas to the Old Town Square once again. 

Vendor Applications

Find the correct vendor application from the list below. Be sure to read the vendor forms before you apply. This is a juried festival. The committee meets around the beginning of each month the evaluate applications, so apply before August 1st to be in the first round. 

NEW this year…Old Town Street Festival is looking to bring in new vendors. We will only be bringing back 50% of our previous vendors, so this is the perfect year to apply for the first time! Be sure to include your best picture(s) and item descriptions in your application!

Vendor Forms

Applications

Specialty Vendor:

Food & Beverage:

Beer & Wine:

Sponsors

This is the perfect festival to sponsor! The Old Town Christmas Festival brings out locals and visitors alike, making it a great opportunity to invest in your community and show your customer and clients how much you love where you live! Get more information in the Sponsor Application below or email us at the office and we will reach out to you. 

EMAIL

Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Honda Leander

Sponsor:

Leander Thanksgiving Break Directory

November means the fall season is in full swing, so the Thanksgiving break is just around the corner! We know you are looking for great ways to make family memories and get ready for Christmas, so we rounded up our favorite Leander activities and shopping!

Christmas Tree Lighting contest

Every year one lucky kiddo gets the chance to light the Old Town Christmas tree in the heart of Leander during the Old Town Christmas Festival! This is a great activity to keep the kids busy during the school Thanksgiving break.

Entries are due by Monday, Nov. 29 at 5:00 p.m., and the contest is open to all kids grades K-8.

Read this blog for official rules and an entry form!

Shop Local for Small Business Saturday

Black Friday is well known for kicking off the Holiday shopping season, but the Saturday after Thanksgiving is known as Small Business Saturday, and we love it! We have so many great local businesses in Leander with unique wares for everyone on your list!

Pre-Shop the Old TOwn CHristmas Festival

Speaking of shopping for everyone on your list, make your list and check it twice! Then pre-shop vendors from the Old Town Christmas Festival! Every year has amazing vendors, and this year is no exception! Be sure to check out the fantastic Leander Merchandise at the Leander Chamber Booth, perfect for every Leanderite on your list!

Leander Harvest Festival

Come out to Lakewood Park for a fun filled day of fall activities! This new community event boasts a 5K throughout the park, youth fishing tournament, craft market, food trucks, and adult cornhole tournament! Read more about it on The Leander Parks and Recreation Facebook post.

Old Town Christmas Festival Parade

Whether you are in the Old Town Christmas parade or cheering from the side, it is always a highlight of the festival that everyone enjoys!

Our theme this year is “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and we can’t wait to see your creativity!

Theme:

This year’s theme is the Grinch, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with! Every year we are amazed by the creativity and thought that goes into every parade vehicle and participant, and we know this year will be spectacular! So get your floats, vehicles and walking groups ready and show us How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 11AM on Dec 4th!

We know YOUR Grinch spirit will steal the show!

Bridget Brandt, Leander Chamber of Commerce President

Important Info:

Parade Entry:

  • Signed entry form and Parade Rules and Regulations form must be returned by 5p.m. on Monday, November 29th.
  • All entries must have a person 21 or older who agrees to be responsible for the safety of those participating in their entry.
  • Line up information will be sent via email to the contact person listed on this application no later than December 1st. The Parade begins at 11am with lineup beginning at 8am.
  • Entry Form here.

Parade Route:

Sign Up Now for the Rudolph Run 5K

The 2021 Rudolph Run is filling up fast! Be sure to sign up soon!

This Year’s Theme and Shirt – Grinch!

Don’t be a Grinch! Come run with us!

Awards and Best Dresses Runner Contest

Every year we love seeing your creative costumes and we think this year’s theme will take it over the top! We know our favorite Whoville characters will make an appearance, along with our favorite classic characters. Who will make the cutest Cindy-Lou-Who? We think it’s you! Dress your best for the run and you could win the Best Dressed Runner award! (Groups or individuals can win!)

Everyone will get a finisher medal. Top Male and Female finisher in each of the following categories will receive an additional medal:

  • 0-12
  • 13-19
  • 20-35
  • 36-45
  • 46-55
  • 56-64
  • 65+