The Kerrville Christmas Lighting Corporation is getting an early start on the holidays, launching a Christmas in July campaign this week alongside plans to expand Merry on the Square and news that Tranquility Island’s lighting has been restored after last year’s flood.
The Second Annual Merry on the Square is set for Saturday, Nov. 21, starting at 4 p.m. around the Kerr County Courthouse and running through the Annual Holiday Lighted Parade and Courthouse Lighting Ceremony. KCLC is expanding vendor space around the courthouse this year after what the organization called a stronger-than-expected turnout for last year’s inaugural event. The expanded marketplace will include local shopping vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, children’s Christmas crafts and character meet-and-greets before and after the parade.
As part of the Christmas in July push, vendors who register by July 31 get $25 off their Merry on the Square application fee. KCLC is also recruiting community sponsors to help fund the event.
“The excitement surrounding Merry on the Square exceeded our expectations last year, and we’re thrilled to expand the event in 2026,” said George Eychner, KCLC president. “Christmas in July is a fun way to kick off preparations for the holiday season while inviting vendors and sponsors to join us as we continue creating an unforgettable holiday experience for our community.”
The campaign follows another milestone for the organization: the restoration of Tranquility Island’s decorative lighting, which was damaged in the July 4, 2025 flood. KCLC worked with the city of Kerrville and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to get the display back up in time for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Four of the island’s trees are lit green in remembrance of last year’s flood, while eight more shine red, white and blue for the nation’s semiquincentennial. The display will stay lit after dark through the end of July.
“The restoration of Tranquility Island is a wonderful example of what our community can accomplish together,” Eychner said. “This display honors both our nation’s history and our community’s resilience. As we look ahead to Christmas, we’re excited to continue expanding the experiences that bring families together and make Kerrville shine.”
KCLC said it plans to expand the Tranquility Island holiday display further for the 2026 Christmas season, and will launch its annual Courthouse Lighting Campaign this fall to help fund the professional display at the Kerr County Courthouse.
Since its 2020 revitalization, KCLC has led the courthouse’s professional holiday lighting, installed 140 illuminated street ornaments around Kerrville, put up the city’s 50-foot Christmas tree, and taken on Tranquility Island lighting and Merry on the Square.
Vendor applications, sponsorship information and event details are available at kerrvillechristmaslighting.com. Vendor inquiries can be directed to Arlette Gallego at 210-601-6747.
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