Christmas on the Square

Saturday, December 9, 2023
A spectacular Christmas celebration in downtown Burnet that includes a bicycle giveaway, kids fun area, live holiday entertainment, over 175 vendors, a parade at Noon, and a visit from Santa! This year, there will also be fun photo ops in various places around the Square. These range from a sleigh (that people can actually sit in for photos) to a giant teddy bear!

Note: Since so few spots are available, we have moved to a wait list. We will review the list on Fridays to see if anyone is a fit for one of the last spots.
Arts & Crafts Vendor WAIT LIST
Food Vendor Application

Sponsors
Join local leaders in sponsoring this fun community event! Click here to download the Sponsorship Application/ View Sponsorship Levels or here to make your sponsorship gift online.

Schedule of Events

12:00 – 8:00pm Vendor Booths open to the public. Live Entertainment & Christmas Music.
12:00pm Christmas Parade (Registration is free! Deadline is Mon., Dec 4th) – Christmas Parade Application
Highlandettes perform following the parade. Then The Gunfighters prevent presents from being stolen in a skit for kids.
1:00-4:00pm Snow slide & snow play area open (immediately after the parade)
2:00 pm Nutcracker performance by Studio 29 Dance Centre
4:00 pm Nutcracker performance by Studio 29 Dance Centre
Time TBA Photos with Santa and the Grinch – See below for details
4:30pm Bicycle Raffle (child must be present to win) – See below for details.
5:00 – 8:00pm Christmas at Old Ft. Croghan (Christmas the way pioneers experienced it)
6:00 – 9:00pm Main Street Bethlehem

Christmas Parade at Noon
Route: The parade starts near the Community Center on East Jackson. From there, it goes down East Jackson, around the Square, and then back to the Community Center.
Parade Participant Check-In: Those participating in the parade are asked to check in with Rachael Hausman between 10 and 11am at the corner of Boundary and E. Jackson. She will tell you where to park and give you your number.

Santa & the Grinch
Details to come

Bicycle Registration
Registration takes place at the festival on the Square at the Chamber trailer by the stage (on Pierce St) from 12-4. No advance registration will be available this year. Registrations will be cut off at 4pm to allow time to sort the entries into appropriate age groups. All kids aged 2-11 are eligible to enter. The child MUST be present when their name is called in order to win. All winners will be fitted for a free helmet from Ascension Seton Highland Lakes Hospital.

Vendors
Over 175 vendors will be present. They will fill the parking spots on both sides of the Square and the sidewalk on East Jackson. There will be a food court in a parking lot at East Jackson and Vandeveer St. Downtown businesses with brick & mortar locations on the Square and just off the Square will also be open for business.

Entertainment Schedule
TBA. If interested in performing, please contact Allison@burnetchamber.org

FAQ
Are dogs allowed?
Well behaved, leashed dogs are allowed.

Where will restrooms be located?
Portable toilets for the festival will be located on each corner of the Square and on East Jackson across from the food court. Most retail shops do not have public restrooms because of the old plumbing found in historical buildings.

Are online tickets required for Main Street Bethlehem?
No. This year, everyone just waits in line. At times, this can mean a two hour wait so come prepared! You can shop at vendors lining the street while you wait though.

Where is the best place to find food?
There will be a food court on East Jackson and Vandeveer, a short distance from the Square.

How do I get a vendor booth?
The earlier that you apply, the higher your odds of being accepted for next year’s show. The show typically fills up by late October.
Arts & Crafts Vendor Application
Business and Non-Profit Application
Food Vendor Application

Where do I find parking?
The most parking available will be near East Jackson. Parking is wherever you can find a spot. Be prepared to walk at least a few blocks.

Is there handicap parking?
There isn’t a handicap parking lot. If you need to drop someone off though, you can turn onto S. Pierce by First State Bank of Burnet. You can drop people off and then turnaround using the entrance to that parking lot.

How many people typically attend Burnet’s Christmas on the Square?
There are typically 10-15k attendees at the event over the course of the day. As activities for kids wind down, people start arriving to attend Main Street Bethlehem. Since they often wait in line for an hour or more, many times someone will hold the place in line while the rest of the family shops.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Stage Sponsor Parade Sponsor