The evening starts at 6 p.m. when crowds gather on the south steps of the Capitol to sing the songs of the season during John Aielli’s Holiday Sing-Along.

As the clock chimes 7 p.m., the countdown to the lighting of the Capitol tree begins – this year featuring a new 40 foot tree with lights programmed to local Holiday music. From 7 to 9 p.m. Congress Ave. will be abuzz with holiday cheer during the Downtown Stroll.

Shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late and will feature art installations, special activities, offers or refreshments to visitors. Also new this year will be the Congress Avenue Lights: a project that will light all 136 trees on The Main Street of Texas from Lady Bird Lake to the Capitol, 365 days a year.