Sparkling with decorative mirth, historic downtown Buda is wrapped in a luminescent sheen of warm Christmas lights as a crowd gathers around Main St., holding tight onto rambunctious kids and dispersing the central road, making room for something foretold. At the whistle of wailing sirens, the herd’s excitement does not wane in distress or fear, but rallies as the first float cruises behind as a semblance of official holiday cheer.
Buda’s community assembled over the past weekend in raising holiday spirits with this year’s Budafest on Dec. 5 through Dec. 7, coordinated by student volunteers, vendor hosting, and marked by its renowned lighted parade.
“I think this year’s Budafest was really cool,” senior Nicci LeRoy said. “I liked how they got all the different shops set up to help support small businesses, ‘cause I have a small business myself of making bracelets, and I hope to set up a booth at Budafest one year. I just think it was a really fun experience for all the kids there, and it was just a really good time.”
Contrasting last year’s Budafest, where flustering cold winds and soaking rain jeopardized festivities, clear skies and a moderate temperature of 52-75 degrees Fahrenheit reckoned the days enjoyability. The temperature did drop significantly on Sunday at around 45-54 degrees, however this scarcely disparaged moods.
“Budafest was definitely better than last year,” junior Anya Krummel, who sold crochet products under Krummel Creations, said. “I feel like more people came out compared to last year. Although, it did get pretty hot midday this year.”
Volunteers and Buda’s city committee worked in varying event fields. Santa’s elves walked around entertaining and assisting pedestrians. Small businesses set up booths of trinkets, food, crafts, etc. supplying the whole sector. In the center of Main St. a stage for Dance Unlimited to perform in front of parents was set up, wherein children also just freely engaged in a dance circle to Christmas music. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus were a particular favorite seen in long lines expanding throughout the whole weekend, and the Grinch begrudgingly too made an appearance for photo shoots.
“As a volunteer I helped vendors set up,” junior Maricela Martinez said. “I got to see what they were selling, and talk with them about what they like about these events.”
Past the amphitheater and city park, in which a throng of vendors sold their products and people sat down to eat, a mini carnival echoed with screams and shrieks of laughter along the whirl of rides and attractions as well, sitting just outside the main activities.
“I enjoy the Buda community holiday events,” Krummel said. “I feel like it brings high school students closer to each other and the community. Not only that, but it also supports small businesses.”
At around 7 p.m., the parade finally commenced after a brief delay, and floats from Hays County schools and organizations were cheered on by their fellow community members while driving and marching down the main road. Johnson’s cheer team performed a small choreographed number in JHS’s march to represent the school.
“My favorite part of the parade was when Santa and Mrs. Claus got up on the fire truck at the end of it,” LeRoy said. “When it stopped in the middle, Santa counted down until the fireworks went off. For all of the kids there, especially my little siblings, it was a magical experience.”
As the 2025 season comes to an end, Buda in a collective effort attempts to bring good feelings and hopes up for approaching holiday celebrations and the upcoming new year with Budafest every December.
“I always enjoyed Buda community holiday events mainly because of the people,” Martinez said. “Everyone is very kind and has interesting stories to tell.”
