KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station
Join us at the Holiday Sing-Along, Tree Lighting and Downtown Stroll, Dec. 6
By Erin Geisler
November 14, 2025 at 2:55 PM CST
Kick off the holiday season with KUT News, KUTX 98.9 and the Downtown Austin Alliance at the annual Holiday Sing-Along, Tree Lighting and Downtown Stroll, from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Austin. This free, family-friendly event is on Congress Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets.
The stroll begins at 5 p.m. and features an artisan market, local food vendors, live music and photos with Santa.
At 6 p.m., KUT News and KUTX 98.9 personalities will lead the crowd in singing songs of the season – a tradition started by John Aielli in the 1980s. Participants will receive a free keepsake songbook to help them with the lyrics.
At 7 p.m., we’ll count down to the lighting of the 45-foot tree at 11th Street and Congress Avenue on the south edge of the Capitol grounds.
Main Stage Schedule
Getting There
Street parking is located around Congress Ave. and at the following garages located just a few short blocks from the event:
We encourage attendees to take different modes of transportation if possible:
We strive to makeg the Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll welcoming and accessible for all attendees. Below are the available accommodations:
KUT News and KUTX 98.9 thank our sponsors for helping to make this year’s Sing-Along possible: Austin FC, Austin Lighthouse, Austin Rental Boats, Austin Water, Blue Genie Art Bazaar, CASA of Travis County, FVF Law, Goodwill Central Texas, Maudie’s Tex-Mex, Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin, Tomlinson’s Feed and Pet Supplies, Whole Earth Provision Co. and Central Texas Food Bank, which will be accepting monetary and nonperishable food donations onsite.
The stroll begins at 5 p.m. and features an artisan market, local food vendors, live music and photos with Santa.
At 6 p.m., KUT News and KUTX 98.9 personalities will lead the crowd in singing songs of the season – a tradition started by John Aielli in the 1980s. Participants will receive a free keepsake songbook to help them with the lyrics.
At 7 p.m., we’ll count down to the lighting of the 45-foot tree at 11th Street and Congress Avenue on the south edge of the Capitol grounds.
Main Stage Schedule
- 5:00 p.m.: Amber Blue Music (children’s entertainer)
- 6:00 p.m.: KUT News & KUTX 98.9 Holiday Sing-Along
- 7:00 p.m.: Capitol Tree Lighting
- 7:15 p.m.: Kwanzaa Tribute
Getting There
Street parking is located around Congress Ave. and at the following garages located just a few short blocks from the event:
- Capitol Visitors Parking Garage | 1201 San Jacinto Blvd.
- Garage F | 1311 San Jacinto Blvd.
We encourage attendees to take different modes of transportation if possible:
- Capital Metro: Plan your transit trip
- Bike parking is available on-site
We strive to makeg the Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll welcoming and accessible for all attendees. Below are the available accommodations:
- Accessible Parking Reserved ADA parking will be available at the corner of 11th and Congress. To ensure we have a space ready for you, please schedule your parking in advance by emailing communication@downtownaustin.com.
- Accessible Restrooms ADA-accessible restroom facilities will be located throughout the event footprint for your convenience. Signage and event staff will be available to help direct you.
- Event Navigation The event route is along paved city streets suitable for wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers. Designated viewing areas will be available for guests who may need additional space.
KUT News and KUTX 98.9 thank our sponsors for helping to make this year’s Sing-Along possible: Austin FC, Austin Lighthouse, Austin Rental Boats, Austin Water, Blue Genie Art Bazaar, CASA of Travis County, FVF Law, Goodwill Central Texas, Maudie’s Tex-Mex, Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin, Tomlinson’s Feed and Pet Supplies, Whole Earth Provision Co. and Central Texas Food Bank, which will be accepting monetary and nonperishable food donations onsite.