KILLEEN, Texas (Dec. 1, 2025) – Killeen’s annual “Holiday Under the Stars” begins Dec. 5 in Downtown Killeen.
This year’s Holiday Under the Stars Festival and Tree Lighting will take place Friday, Dec. 5 from 6-9 p.m. The mayor and Santa will be on hand to light the tree in Historic Downtown at the Santa Fe Plaza on East Avenue D. Food and craft vendors will be available during the festivities. The festival will include musical performances from Killeen ISD performance groups, Toni Ringgold and Free Ransom.
The 62nd annual Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 13 and will run through Downtown Killeen. The parade begins at 6 p.m. on West Avenue D at North 2nd Street and will run through downtown, culminating at the intersection of West Church Avenue and North College Street.
The Jingle Bell Dash 5K will take place Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 a.m. at the Andy K. Wells Hike & Bike Trail. To register visit www.killeentexas.gov/centex.
Due to the events, downtown streets will be blocked. On Dec. 5, Avenue D will be blocked from the Santa Fe Plaza to Gray Street starting at 8 a.m. and starting at 1 p.m., the Avenue D closure will extend from 4th Street to Gray Street, and Gray Street will be closed from Avenue C to south of Santa Fe Plaza Drive. Additionally, the municipal court will be closed all day.
On Dec. 13, the parade route will be blocked starting at 8 a.m. The closures include College Street from south of the railroad tracks to Sprott Avenue. Avenue D from College Street to North Gray Street, North Gray Street from Avenue D to Sprott Avenue, and Sprott Avenue from Gray Street to College Street. Additionally, 761st Tank Battalion Avenue will be blocked.