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HIGHLAND LAKES

2026 FALL/WINTER

Christmas on the Square lifts the holiday spirit

ALSO INSIDE: ROUNDUP OF EVENTS LIGHTING TRAIL TOUR EXPLORING COOL DESTINATIONS

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WHAT’S INSIDE 6

Shopping, lights and holiday fun

Burnet’s Christmas on the Square

ain Street Bethlehem brings M Christmas story to life

Marble Falls Walkway of Lights

16 18

Hill Country Lighting Trail offers a holiday road trip Museums preserve local stories

Gourds and more bring fall to life at the pumpkin patch

Exploring cool weather destinations

CONTRIBUTORS SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR ALICIA VENTER

EDITOR CONNIE SWINNEY

REGIONAL EDITOR DALTON SWEAT

ADVERTISING KARI SARDO

DESIGNERS ADDIE CUCORE AND AMY ROSENTHAL

PHOTOGRAPHY MARTELLE LUEDECKE

ABOUT THE COVER: The crowd looks forward to a festive procession of the Highlandettes in the Christmas on the Square parade on the Burnet County Courthouse square. Find the story Inside. Photo courtesy of Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography

2026 FALL/WINTER • Page 3

Roundup of Events

October 2026 Halloween Treats Oct. 31 — Main Street Treat Fest will offer a free, familyfriendly Halloween celebration from 4-7 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Marble Falls. The event features trickor-treating, games, activities and decorated booths for children and families. For information, contact Marble Falls Parks and Recreation at 830-798-6250 or visit marblefallstx.gov.

November 2026 FiestaJAM Nov. 6-8 — FiestaJAM will bring three days of Texas music to Round Mountain Cider Mill, 222 Lee Lane. The festival features songwriter showcases, seminars, the Kent Finlay Texas Song Search finals and live concerts. Friday activities begin at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday seminars begin at 1 p.m.; Sunday performances begin at 3 p.m. For tickets and information, visit fiestajam.org.

Walkway of Lights Nov. 19-Jan. 3 — Christmas in Marble Falls will launch Page 4 •

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the community’s holiday season, with the Walkway of Lights among the major attractions along the Lake Marble Falls shoreline. The attraction features illuminated displays and seasonal activities throughout the downtown area. Individual event times vary. For the complete holiday schedule, contact Visit Marble Falls at 830-693-4449 or visit visitmarblefalls.org.

Music on Main Music on Main presents free live music at Old Oak Square and Harmony Park in downtown Marble Falls. Performances are held Thursdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m., with Saturday shows from noon-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. The fall series continues through Nov. 15. For the complete lineup and schedule, visit the Music on Main Facebook page or website.

Education Gala November — Marble Falls. The Marble Falls Education Foundation’s annual Elevate Education fundraiser supports scholarships, classroom innovation and educational programs for Marble Falls ISD students. The event will be held from 6-10 p.m. on Nov. 12 at Horseshoe Bay Resort’s Live Oak Pavilion. For information, call 830-798-3580 or visit marblefallsef.org.

December 2026 Market Day on Main Street Dec. 5 – Market Day on Main Street will bring holiday shopping and entertainment to downtown Marble Falls that Saturday. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature vendors offering gifts, arts and crafts, along with food and live music. Shoppers can browse local merchandise while enjoying the downtown atmosphere. For more information, visit marketdayonmain.com.

Sculpture in the Square Dec. 6 – Sculpture in the Square is scheduled for Sunday at Old Oak Square, 305 Main St. in downtown Marble Falls. The event will feature live ice-sculpture carving beginning at noon, along with family art activities, local artists and live music. The festival offers an opportunity to enjoy art and holiday festivities in the heart of downtown. For more information, visit hlcarts.com.

Christmas on the Square Dec. 12 — Christmas on the Square returns to historic downtown Burnet from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The free celebration includes a Christmas parade at noon, Santa, children’s activities, live music, food and holiday vendors. The event is centered around the Historic Downtown Burnet Square, 220 S. Pierce St. For information, call 512-756-4297 or visit burnetchamber.org.

Main Street Bethlehem Dec. 4-6, 11-13 — Main Street Bethlehem will recreate the streets of ancient Bethlehem from 5:308:30 p.m. at 300 E. Washington St. in Burnet. The free walk-through experience includes costumed characters, merchants, animals and a live nativity. For information, call 512-756-4481 or visit fbcburnet. org/main-street-bethlehem.

Old Fort Croghan Dec. 12 — Christmas at Old Fort Croghan, 703 Buchanan, traditionally takes place on the second Saturday of December and offers visitors a glimpse of how Christmas might have been celebrated in 19th-century Texas. The event is held at the Fort Croghan Museum and Grounds during evening hours. For current times and details, call 512-756-8281 or visit fortcroghan.org.

Old Oak Christmas Old Oak Square will be among the downtown locations featured in Marble Falls’ Christmas season. The city’s holiday programming includes live concerts, Sculpture on

the Square, and special activities around the businesses. For information, call Visit Marble Falls at 830-693-4449 or visit visitmarblefalls.org.

Harmony Holidays December — Harmony Park, 215 Main St., will be part of Marble Falls’ downtown Christmas activities. Holiday activities include the community Christmas tree lighting, Light Up Parade, Christmas and seasonal entertainment at the downtown venue. For the 2026 schedule, call Marble Falls Parks and Recreation at 830-798-6250 or visit marblefallstx.gov.

Reindeer Dash Dec. 19 — The Reindeer Dash 5K will provide a holidaythemed running event in downtown Marble Falls. The race begins at 9 a.m. at 209 Main St. and follows a course through downtown, along the lakeside and through Johnson Park. Registration and race information are available through RunSignup. Check the race website for registration details and updates.

January 2027 First Day Hike Jan. 1 — Inks Lake State Park traditionally begins the new year with a First Day Hike, giving visitors an opportunity to start the year outdoors. The program is part of the nationwide First Day Hikes initiative encouraging people to explore public lands on New Year’s Day. The 2027 schedule should be confirmed with the park. For information, call 512-389-4800 or visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inkslake.

February 2027 Goliath’s Run Feb. 20 — Goliath’s 50 is an endurance trail-running event at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. Distances include a 5K, 10K, 10-mile, 20-mile, 50K and 50-mile race, plus a 10-mile ruck. Starts begin at 6 a.m. For registration and race information, visit texasoutlawrunning.com or email Asher@TexasOutlawRunning.com.

Quilt Festival Feb. 26-27 — The Highland Lakes Quilt Festival will be held at the Burnet Community Center, 401 E. Jackson St. The show features more than 100 quilts, a guild boutique, vendors, a silent auction and the donation quilt “Hill Country Jewels.” Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Admission is $10; children younger than 10 are free. For information, call 512-756-6093. 2026 FALL/WINTER • Page 5

‘Tis the Season shopping, lights and holiday fun

Marble Falls will celebrate the Christmas season with festive shopping, sparkling lights, a colorful parade and opportunities to enjoy local art. From downtown streets to the shores of Lake Marble Falls, holiday activities will invite residents and visitors to make memories and experience the community’s seasonal traditions. The festivities begin downtown the Friday before Thanksgiving, with Merry & Pink Christmas, an evening dedicated to shopping and supporting local boutiques. Participating businesses will offer holiday merchandise, special promotions and festive touches. Shoppers can discover unique Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear at the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, the Light Up gifts while enjoying the downtown Parade on Main and Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls. atmosphere and supporting floats and festive entries traveling Art lovers can add Sculpture independent retailers. Details are along Main Street. Community in the Square to their holiday available at visitmarblefalls.org/ groups, organizations and outings. Held at Old Oak Square in christmas-season. businesses come together for the downtown Marble Falls, the festival A longtime holiday favorite, the annual celebration, while families features live ice-sculpture carving, Walkway of Lights transforms line the route to enjoy the colorful local artists, family art activities Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista procession. and live music. The event offers Drive, into a seasonal destination Parade information is available a creative way to celebrate the with illuminated displays along season while exploring downtown. at marblefallstx.gov. the waterfront. Visitors can stroll Details are available at hlcarts. among the lights, take family photos Holiday shopping continues com. with Christmas Market Day on and enjoy the sights of the season. From holiday shopping and Main Street, the first Saturday The attraction is scheduled in December, where vendors dazzling displays to community to run from late November into and artistic offer handmade crafts, specialty celebrations early January. For updates, visit experiences, Marble Falls offers items, seasonal decorations and marblefallstx.gov. gift ideas. Visitors can browse plenty of ways to enjoy Christmas Downtown takes center stage booths, explore nearby shops and while supporting the local during the Light Up Christmas restaurants and enjoy the lively businesses and organizations that Parade the first Friday in downtown atmosphere. Learn make the Highland Lakes a special December, featuring illuminated more at marketdayonmain.com. place to celebrate. Page 6 •

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Community members, including the Burnet High School Highlandettes, take part in the annual Christmas on the Square parade in downtown Burnet, helping bring holiday spirit to the community.

Burnet’s Christmas on the Square spreads holiday cheer Burnet will celebrate the holiday season with the annual Christmas on the Square on Saturday, Dec. 12, in historic downtown Burnet. The free community event will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offer activities for visitors of all ages. The celebration will feature a Christmas parade beginning at noon, followed by a full day of holiday shopping, entertainment and family activities. More than 175 vendors are expected to fill the Square and surrounding streets with arts, crafts, holiday gifts and other merchandise. Food vendors and local businesses also will offer food and refreshments. Page 8 •

HIGHLAND LAKES

The Grinch makes a mischievous appearance during Christmas on the Square, where he joins Santa and other holiday favorite characters.

experience additional holiday attractions. Main Street Bethlehem, presented by First Baptist Burnet, will be open from 6 to 9 p.m., offering a walk-through Christmas experience. Old Fort Croghan also will host a holiday evening from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Christmas on the Square is organized by the Burnet Chamber Children can enjoy a free Kids of Commerce and draws thousands Zone featuring train rides, pony of visitors to downtown Burnet rides, a petting zoo, a Christmas each year. Admission is free, and maze and photos with Santa. free street parking will be available Live entertainment, including where permitted. performances by school choirs, For more information, dancers and other musicians, will contact the Burnet Chamber of continue throughout the day. Commerce at 512-756-4297 or visit As evening arrives, visitors can burnetchamber.org.

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Mary and Joseph care for baby Jesus during Main Street Bethlehem, portraying the Nativity story as visitors walk through the immersive recreation of Bethlehem.

Step Back in Time

main street bethlehem brings christmas story to life Burnet residents and visitors will have an opportunity to helping visitors imagine what Bethlehem may have been step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and like during the time of Christ’s birth. The production includes atmosphere of Bethlehem during Main Street Bethlehem, live participants and animals throughout the village. presented by First Baptist Church of Burnet. Main Street Bethlehem is presented as a Christmas gift The free Christmas event will take place Dec. 4-6 and by members and friends of First Baptist Church of Burnet. Dec. 11-13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Donations are accepted, with proceeds helping cover 205 S. Vandeveer St. in Burnet. No tickets are required. event expenses and any surplus supporting local and global mission efforts. Visitors will enter a re-created Bethlehem marketplace and walk through narrow streets filled with merchants, Guests should be prepared for a possible wait in line, craftspeople, townspeople, Roman soldiers and animals. which can last up to 90 minutes during busy periods. Those The experience follows the story of Mary and Joseph as unable to stand for extended periods may wait inside they search for a place to stay before arriving at the setting the church’s Family Life Center. The event is wheelchair where Jesus is born. accessible, although the venue is not paved. The presentation is designed to provide an immersive For more information, call First Baptist Church of Burnet experience, with period sounds, sights and activities at 512-756-4481 or visit fbcburnet.org. Page 10 •

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Walkway of Lights continues a cherished Marble Falls tradition

Thousands of colorful lights transform Lakeside Park into a Christmas wonderland during Marble Falls’ annual Walkway of Lights, a holiday tradition that draws families and visitors to the lakeside each season.

Marble Falls will once again glow with Christmas experience by offering seasonal refreshments, spirit when the annual Walkway of Lights returns to including hot chocolate and other holiday treats, Lakeside Park along the shores of Lake Marble Falls. during the event. What began as a community Christmas tradition has grown into one of the Highland Lakes area’s best-known holiday attractions.

Christmas 2026 will bring an especially spectacular addition to the Lakeside Park holiday experience.

For generations, residents and visitors have A planned 250-foot Glory Tree will rise near the gathered along the waterfront to enjoy the colorful Walkway of Lights, creating a towering centerpiece displays, take photographs and celebrate the alongside the traditional displays. season with family and friends. The combination of sparkling lights, the Each year, Lakeside Park is transformed waterfront setting and decades of Christmas with thousands of lights arranged throughout memories continues to make Walkway of Lights a a collection of festive holiday scenes. Visitors special part of the holiday season in Marble Falls. can stroll through the illuminated displays while For 2026, the Walkway of Lights is scheduled to enjoying the reflections of the lights across the lake. run from Nov. 28 through Dec. 31 at Lakeside Park. Local nonprofit organizations also add to the The lights will be on nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. Page 14 •

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Hill Country Lighting Trail offers a holiday road trip A holiday road trip through Burnet, Marble Falls, Granite Shoals, Llano and Johnson City offers several opportunities to enjoy the Hill Country’s Christmas lights, with displays typically remaining lit from late November through early January. In Burnet, the Trail of Lights begins at Wallace Riddell Park, 104 S. Rhomberg St., continues through the downtown with a brightly decorated Burnet County Courthouse and extends to Hamilton Creek Park. Recent schedules have featured the displays from Thanksgiving through Jan. 1, with lights visible nightly after dark. Marble Falls’ Walkway of Lights fills Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive, with illuminated holiday scenes along Lake Marble Falls. The display typically runs from late November through early January, with lights on from 6-10 p.m. nightly.

The Burnet County Courthouse glows with Christmas decorations during the holiday season, adding a festive touch to downtown Burnet.

park will be open nightly from 6-9 p.m., allowing visitors to stroll along the Llano River.

Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular transforms downtown, including the Blanco County Courthouse and Pedernales Electric Cooperative Granite Shoals’ Christmas at headquarters at 201 S. Avenue F. Quarry Park, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch The display typically begins around Road, has typically operated nightly Thanksgiving and continues into from late November through early early January, with lights shining January, giving visitors a free from dusk until midnight. holiday attraction. In Llano, Starry Starry Nights Lighted Christmas Park at Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive, is scheduled for Nov. 27-Dec. 31. The Page 16 •

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Johnson City’s annual Lights Spectacular, including the illuminated Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters, transforms downtown into a dazzling Christmas display that draws visitors from throughout the Hill Country.

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Museum Tour

Three museums preserve Hill Country stories The Texas Hill Country has a knack for collecting stories. They linger in old stone buildings, hide among the tools of frontier life and burst into brilliant colors on a canvas. In Burnet and Marble Falls, three museums offer visitors different ways to explore the region’s heritage, from early settlers to the artists who continue to shape the area’s creative spirit.

Falls on the Colorado Museum Housed in Marble Falls’ historic Old Granite School, the Falls on the Colorado Museum offers a glimpse into local history. Built in 1891, the two-story granite building once served as a university before becoming a public school. Founded in 1999 to preserve local history, the museum opened in its current home in 2010. Exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs and historical displays tell the stories of the people, places and events that shaped Marble Falls and surrounding communities. Falls on the Colorado Museum exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs and historical displays tell the stories of the people, places and events that shaped Marble Falls and surrounding communities.

The museum is located at 2001 Broadway in Marble Falls and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 830-798-2157 or visit www.fallsmuseum.org.

Fort Croghan Museum Life on the Texas frontier demanded grit, resourcefulness and a willingness to make do with what was available. Fort Croghan Museum invites visitors to step into that earlier world. Established in 1849, Fort Croghan was an early military post built to protect settlers in the region. Today, its grounds feature historic structures, artifacts and displays that illustrate frontier life. Visitors can explore a blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse and a stagecoach shop while imagining the daily routines and practical skills that helped build Burnet County. From the clang of a blacksmith’s hammer to lessons in a modest schoolroom, the grounds offer a glimpse into an earlier era. Fort Croghan Museum is located at 703 Buchanan Drive in Burnet. Call 512-756-8281 or visit www.fortcroghan.org to confirm current hours and plan a visit.

Established in 1849, Fort Croghan was an early military post built to protect settlers in the region. Today, its grounds feature historic structures, artifacts and displays that illustrate frontier life.

Museo Benini Not every Hill Country story is told through historic buildings and artifacts. Some unfold through color, shape and imagination. Museo Benini, south of Marble Falls, celebrates the work of Italian-born artist Benini. Established in 2015, the museum traces his artistic evolution, from the distinctive “Superroses” of the 1970s to surrealistic works, geometric compositions and abstract creations. Visitors can follow his creative journey across decades, explore outdoor sculptures and discover works by international artists. The museum highlights another part of the region’s story: its continuing role as a home for artistic discovery and cultural expression. Museo Benini is located at 3440 East FM 2147 in Marble Falls. It is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with other visits available by appointment. For information, call 830-693-2147 or visit www. museobenini.com. Together, these destinations offer three ways to experience the Highland Lakes: Visitors can follow Museo Benini’s through the communities that grew here, the pioneers who helped establish them and the artists creative journey across decades, who continue to inspire. The past is never just behind us. Sometimes it waits in a schoolhouse, explore outdoor sculptures and discover works by international artists. stands beside a blacksmith’s forge or hangs on a gallery wall. Page 18 •

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Gourds and more bring fall to life at the pumpkin patch Autumn brings pumpkins, mazes and family-friendly adventures to Sweet Berry Farm in Tobyville, where visitors can enjoy the outdoors and celebrate the season with a variety of activities. The farm’s annual Harvest of Fall Fun includes a Texas-shaped maze, a Barnyard Maze and a Candy Corn Maze. Families can also enjoy hayrides, a barrel train, Berry Bounce, goat racers and opportunities to feed and pet livestock. Visitors can pick flowers, create sand art, paint pumpkins or stuff a scarecrow. Pumpkins and gourds are available for purchase, and farm-made ice cream offers a sweet treat after exploring the grounds. The farm also provides plenty of photo opportunities for families looking to capture fall memories. There is no general admission or parking fee. Visitors purchase tickets for the activities they choose, while pumpkins and gourds are priced separately. The farm recommends allowing one to three hours for a visit. Sweet Berry Farm is located at 1801 FM 1980 (Tobyville Road). Fall hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday Pumpkins and gourds are available for purchase, and farm-made ice cream offers a sweet treat after exploring the grounds. Photo by Connie Swinney through Sunday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday. The farm is closed then turn right at the traffic For information, call 830-798Tuesdays and Wednesdays. light onto FM 1980. The farm is 1462, email info@sweetberryfarm. From Marble Falls, travel west approximately 1.2 miles ahead on com or visit www.sweetberryfarm. on FM 1431 for about 1.5 miles, the right. com. Page 20 •

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Outdoor Adventure exploring cool weather destinations

The Highland Lakes offer plenty of ways to experience the Texas Hill Country, from exploring an underground cavern to swimming in clear lake water and spotting birds along a nature trail. Longhorn Cavern State Park, Inks Lake State Park and Horseshoe Bay Nature Park each offer a different way to enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

Longhorn Cavern State Park Beneath the Hill Country landscape lies a world shaped by water over millions of years. At Longhorn Cavern State Park, visitors can explore an underground cavern known for its unusual formations and fascinating history on guided tours.

Horseshoe Bay Nature Park

The cavern also has ties to the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose workers cleared the cave and built park facilities in the 1930s. Above ground, visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas and historic stonework. Longhorn Cavern State Park is located at 6211 Park Road 4 South, Burnet County. For information about tours, call 512-715-9000 or visit www.visitlonghorncavern.com. The park grounds are open daily, except Christmas Day, but tour schedules vary.

Inks Lake State Park With sparkling blue water, rocky shorelines and “gneiss” pink outcroppings, Inks Lake State Park is a favorite destination for outdoor recreation. Valley Spring gneiss, the park’s signature geological feature, is a metamorphic rock that resembles granite. Visitors can swim, fish, paddle, boat or relax at a picnic table overlooking the lake. Land-based adventures include about 9 miles of hiking trails through shady woodlands and rocky hills. Campers can choose from a variety of sites, making the park a destination for both day trips and overnight stays. Popular activities include exploring Devil’s Waterhole, enjoying a sunset over the water and watching wildlife. Inks Lake State Park is located at 3480 Park Road 4 West, Burnet County. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For information, call 512-793-2223 or visit www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inkslake. Reservations are recommended, particularly during busy seasons. Inks Lake State Park

Horseshoe Bay Nature Park For a quieter outdoor experience, Horseshoe Bay Nature Park offers a peaceful setting for walking, birdwatching and observing native wildlife. Its half-mile loop trail winds through natural habitat, with an observation deck and bird blind offering opportunities to watch local species. The park also features nesting boxes, bee hives, chimney swift towers and a wildlife watering station, highlighting efforts to support native plants and animals. Benches provide places to pause and enjoy the surroundings. Horseshoe Bay Nature Park is located at 1514 Golden Nugget, Horseshoe Bay, Texas. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. For questions, email info@hsbpark.org or visit www.hsbpark.org. Whether venturing underground, spending a day on the water or taking a quiet walk among native wildlife, these three destinations offer inviting ways to discover the natural treasures of the Highland Lakes.

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