Santa is coming to Wimberley! Lighted floats, excited kids watching for his arrival and a downtown tree-lighting countdown make the Saturday after Thanksgiving a night to celebrate. And the holiday kickoff reaches beyond the Square: the EmilyAnn Trail of Lights opens that same evening.
The 2026 lighted Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, followed by the downtown tree lighting and visits with Santa. The parade and downtown tree lighting are free to attend. Earlier that evening, EmilyAnn’s opening ceremony begins at 5 p.m.—another much-loved part of Wimberley’s start to the Christmas season.
Where does the parade go?
Hometown Holidays currently describes the route as starting near Lion’s Field and traveling through downtown Wimberley. Its parade FAQ says the detailed route and recommended viewing areas will be posted before the event; as of November 3, those details are still forthcoming. Check that map before committing to a corner, especially if you’re hoping for a short walk afterward.
Viewing is first come, first served. Bring a chair if you like, but leave sidewalks, ramps and business entrances open. Pick a place where the children can see comfortably without stepping into the street.
We’d arrive early enough to eat and get settled before the floats arrive. Ordering dinner at 5:45 and hoping to be curbside at 6 is an ambitious holiday plan, especially with children who need one more bathroom stop.
Come for the music, too
Saturday’s music lineup lists Ryan Frenchak from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and the 6 p.m. lighted parade with Jesse Stratton Band. The downtown main stage sits in front of the big Christmas tree. The listing doesn’t give a separate evening concert time, so we wouldn’t promise the kids a particular set after the parade.
There’s an afternoon photo stop, too: Buddy the Elf will be at the Christmas Courtyard, 101 Wimberley Square, from 2–5 p.m., with free photos listed on the November calendar. Music, an elf photo and an early meal could make a lovely lead-in to the parade. Just leave yourself a little sitting-down time somewhere in that plan.
Give parking some breathing room
The organizer recommends arriving 60–90 minutes ahead. Its event-details page currently lists route closures beginning at 5:30 p.m.; check the final traffic notice before leaving home.
For an ordinary downtown visit, Oak Park & Welcome Center at 109 Oak Drive is a useful starting point for public parking and restrooms. Parade-night access may differ. Follow event signs and volunteers rather than assuming your usual approach will be open.
If you’re meeting another family, pick a specific meeting point and agree on it before anyone parks. “We’re somewhere near the Square” gets less helpful once everyone is wearing a coat and carrying a chair.
Santa’s coming—and he’s helping light the downtown tree!
For the little ones counting down to Christmas, here’s the big news: Santa will lead the lighted parade, join the downtown tree-lighting countdown and visit with families afterward. Have those Christmas wishes ready!
After the parade, the celebration continues at the Christmas Courtyard at 101 Wimberley Square, in front of Wimberley Cafe. Santa and KVUE’s Hannah Rucker will lead the countdown as the downtown tree lights up. The ceremony follows the parade, with Santa visits after the lighting, according to the Hometown Holidays event details.
There’s a chance to spread a little Christmas cheer, too. Bring a new toy for a local child for the toy drive. The organizer also lists collection boxes around town and links to Barnabas Connection for donation information.
What we’d bring
Comfortable shoes, a warm layer and a small blanket belong on the list. Add water, your charged phone and mosquito spray if the forecast is mild. A folding chair is useful if standing for the evening would take the fun out of it; just keep the setup compact.
For children, explain where they should stand and choose a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated. Keep the curb and roadway clear, even when a favorite float is coming.
EmilyAnn’s Trail of Lights kicks off the same night
November 28 also marks opening night for the EmilyAnn Trail of Lights! The celebration begins with a 5 p.m. opening tree-lighting ceremony at EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, 1101 FM 2325. It’s the start of a season of glowing displays throughout the gardens, with the Trail of Lights continuing through December 26.
For the full scoop on the displays, nightly hours, parking, Santa appearances and what to bring, visit our EmilyAnn Trail of Lights guide.
Keep the Wimberley Buzz Events Calendar handy for more holiday plans, and check the organizer’s updates if weather looks uncertain.
Details checked November 3, 2026. Final route, traffic and event arrangements may change.
