A Season That Begins With Christmas Magic
The holiday season officially begins in Bastrop with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Fisherman’s Park.
Held the Friday after Thanksgiving, this cherished community tradition brings families together for an evening filled with holiday cheer.
Guests are welcomed by beautiful performances from children’s choirs from the Bastrop Independent School District as they sing beloved Christmas carols and help set the stage for the celebration. As excitement builds, Santa makes his grand arrival riding atop a Bastrop fire truck, delighting children and families before officially lighting the Christmas tree and welcoming in the holiday season.
After the tree shines bright, continue the celebration with a stroll along the Bastrop River of Lights, where the June Hill Pape Riverwalk transforms into a breathtaking holiday experience. Thousands of sparkling lights illuminate the Colorado River, creating an enchanting evening tradition perfect for family photos, date nights, and making new holiday memories.
Sip, Shop & Celebrate Small Businesses
The holiday shopping season comes alive during Wassail Fest, Bastrop’s annual Small Business Saturday celebration in Historic Downtown Bastrop. This festive evening invites visitors to explore local shops while sampling unique wassail creations made by participating downtown businesses.
Stroll from storefront to storefront with a warm cup in hand, discover one-of-a-kind gifts, support local makers, and vote for your favorite wassail recipe in the People’s Choice Awards. With holiday flavors, festive music, and the charm of Downtown Bastrop decorated for Christmas, it’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday shopping tradition.
Celebrate Christmas With a Country Twist
Add a little Texas charm to your holiday season at Farm Street Opry’s A Country Christmas on Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 7PM at the Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center. This festive evening brings together toe-tapping country music, holiday favorites, and small-town hospitality for a celebration the whole family will enjoy.
Featuring the Farm Street Opry Band and special guests, this beloved holiday performance is filled with laughter, music, and Christmas spirit. Guests can arrive early for fellowship, food, and fun, with a special appearance from Santa making the evening even more memorable.
Experience the Charm of Historic Bastrop at Christmas
Christmas in Bastrop is about more than events, it’s about slowing down and enjoying the traditions, stories, and places that make the season special.
Step back in time during the Holiday Historic Homes Tour, a beloved Bastrop tradition celebrating more than 40 years of opening the doors to some of the city’s most beautiful historic homes. Each home is decorated in festive holiday style, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Bastrop’s rich history and timeless charm.
Before or after the tour, explore Historic Downtown Bastrop’s locally owned boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops to find unique gifts and holiday treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
A Downtown Christmas Celebration Full of Tradition
Continue your Lost Pines Christmas experience in the heart of Historic Downtown Bastrop, where holiday traditions, family fun, and community spirit come together.
Celebrate the season at Merry on Main, a festive downtown event filled with holiday vendors, delicious food, children's activities, inflatables, photo opportunities, cookie decorating, a downtown cookie crawl, face painting, a petting zoo, and a special visit from Santa. It’s the perfect way for families to spend the day enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas while discovering the charm of local shops and businesses.
As the sun sets, continue the celebration with the Lost Pines Christmas Parade, one of Bastrop’s most beloved holiday traditions. Watch as beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, community organizations, businesses, and local groups fill the streets with Christmas cheer. Families line Historic Downtown Bastrop to enjoy the festive sights and sounds, with Santa making the grand finale appearance as he rides through town atop a Bastrop fire truck.
From daytime festivities on Main Street to an unforgettable evening parade, this holiday celebration captures the true spirit of Christmas in Bastrop, bringing the community together and creating memories that last long after the season ends.
Plan Your Holiday Escape to Bastrop
With sparkling lights, historic charm, festive traditions, and unforgettable experiences around every corner, Bastrop is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season.
Make a weekend of it by staying at a local hotel, exploring Historic Downtown Bastrop, enjoying local restaurants, shopping for unique gifts, and experiencing all the holiday magic the Lost Pines has to offer.
