Austin came alive for the holidays Dec. 5 as residents, families, and friends gathered for the 21st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. 

The event began with the traditional tree lighting ceremony at 5701 W. Madison, setting a cheerful tone for the night. Attendees watched as colorful floats, lively marching bands, vintage cars, and local officials made their way west along Madison Street toward the newly opened Aspire Center at 5500 W. Madison. A trolley transported visitors to the event site, where the celebration continued with free food, music, holiday activities for children, and a special toy giveaway to bring joy to Austin’s youngest residents. 

Mayor Brandon Johnson, an Austin native, joined the festivities to share holiday greetings, make remarks, and take photos with community members. The evening was filled with live entertainment, laughter and a spirit of togetherness, reflecting the warmth and unity that define Austin during the holiday season. 

“The tradition of the Christmas tree lighting and parade was started to bring our community together — to spread joy, foster safety, and celebrate the spirit of the holidays,” said Crystal Dyer of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a time for neighbors to connect, for families to create memories, and for everyone to feel the warmth of community love.” 

  • Alderman Chris Talliofero, Felicia Apprey, state rep Camille Lilly, Mayor Brandon Johnson, County commissioner district 1, Tara Stamps, CEO Westside Health Authority & Aspire Center Morris Reed | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided
  • Families and community members celebrate during the 21st Annual Austin Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade on Dec. 5, organized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. | Provided