The Austin Civic Wind Ensemble is ringing in the holiday season! Rehearsals begin Tuesday, November 4, as we prepare a festive program full of holiday cheer and musical surprises.

Join us for our first appearance of the season at the Austin Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting on Sunday, November 30, followed by our full Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 13.

This Season's Program

Our 2025 Holiday Concert program features a sparkling mix of classics, carols, and a few unexpected twists:

• A Christmas Festival, A — Leroy Anderson
• It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year — Edward Pola & George Wyle
• Minor Alterations No. 2: Carols from the Dark Side — David Lovrien
• Fum, Fum, Fum — Traditional
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas — Albert Hague
• Variations on a French Carol — Matthew Saunders
• Up on a Housetop — Benjamin Hanby
• Carol of the Drum — Katherine K. Davis
• Sleigh Ride — Leroy Anderson
• Stars and Stripes for Christmas — John Philip Sousa & Robert E. Foster
• Joy to the World — Traditional
• The Eighth Candle — Steve Reisteter
• Concerto in B-flat for Two Trumpets and Winds — Antonio Vivaldi

We can’t wait to share this joyful music with you — from familiar favorites to fresh new takes on holiday classics. Come celebrate the season with us!

Event Schedule:

5:15 pm    Pre-event Music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble 

6:00 pm    Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Featuring local entertainment, food, and live music. 

• Performances by: The Austin Civic Wind Ensemble
• ASL Interpretation services on stage for the duration of the ceremony

Location: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road (on the south side of the park)

Parking: Free parking. Carpool to the event or take Cap Metro (trip planner).  Free parking on site first-come first-served.  Entry suggested via eastbound Barton Springs Road.  Watch official social media accounts for information in case of inclement weather.

Sponsors and Production Team

The tree is installed, produced and managed by City of Austin Departments.  They include Austin Energy, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Austin Resource Recovery and Austin Police Department who provide services that keep the display available to the citizens of Austin. 

More information

Join us for our full Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 13 at Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin

We can’t wait to share this joyful music with you — from familiar favorites to fresh new takes on holiday classics to a trumpet concerto!