Seguin prepares for old, new holiday traditions

(Seguin) — Seguin has officially welcomed the 2025 holiday season. Kicking off the season last night was Seguin’s annual Holiday Stroll Parade. The weather pulled together just long enough for all 116 lighted entries to sparkle their way through town.

Now, on the day after the parade, downtown merchants and city crews are gearing up for tonight’s Sip N Stroll — an event expected to draw one of its largest crowds yet. To help make room, Austin Street will be closed this year to offer visitors a little more elbow room as they sample hot cocoa, shop extended hours, and enjoy holiday entertainment.

Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen says she’s especially energized about how much the Holiday Stroll Weekend has grown. She says this year’s lineup marks the most robust schedule to date.

Tonight’s Sip N Stroll runs from 6 to 9 p.m., offering hot cocoa samples from downtown merchants, live music, extended shopping hours, Santa photos, and food vendors.

Saturday begins with the Jingle Bell Run 5K at 8:30 a.m., followed by the North Pole Stroll from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Central Park. Kids can enjoy holiday activities, visit with Santa, shop vendors, and watch or participate in the beloved Shoebox Parade for children ages preschool through twelve.

A brand-new tradition joins the schedule this year. A Stroll to the Stable will take place through Sunday, Dec. 7 inside the historic Nolte Building (former Wells Fargo building) at 101 East Nolte Street. The event showcases nativity displays, music, and quiet spaces for reflection. Organizers say it’s a community-wide celebration of unity and the spiritual meaning of the season.

Organizer Selina Medina says the idea was born from a desire to bring the true spirit of Christmas into focus and to create a community-built event rooted in connection. She credits Mayor Dodgen for helping secure the Nolte Building as the inaugural venue for what she hopes becomes an enduring tradition.

The holiday weekend concludes Sunday, Dec. 7, with Yulefest at the Seguin Coliseum. Hosted by the Seguin Art League, the event will feature handmade gifts, holiday décor, and the creations of local artists.