I know, I know. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet! Why are we even talking about Christmas?! Well, Santa is on his way to town this weekend, and we wanted to keep you in the holiday loop. If you want to avoid massive crowds and lines, check out some earlier Santa sightings listed below. Or, if you’re a bit more traditional and like to stick to one holiday at a time, this list has some post-Thanksgiving Santa Sightings as well!
The Domain Holiday Photos with Santa
November 13 – December 24 | 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin
It’s time for holiday photos with Santa. Click here to schedule an appointment. A $10 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your appointment. This $10 will be put towards your purchase of a Santa photo package during your visit with Santa. Book your reservation with Santa to occur before Black Friday (November 27) and receive a FREE multi-image CD ($29.99 value) with a $39.99 photo package purchase!
Barton Creek Holiday Photos with Santa
November 14 – December 24 | 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin
It’s time for holiday photos with Santa. Click here to schedule an appointment. A $10 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your appointment. This $10 will be put towards your purchase of a Santa photo package during your visit with Santa. Book your reservation with Santa to occur before Black Friday (November 27) and receive a FREE multi-image CD ($29.99 value) with a $39.99 photo package purchase!
Santa’s Arrival Party at Lakeline Mall (Cedar Park)
November 14 from 12-2 p.m. | Dillard’s Women’s Court, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr, Cedar Park
Up on the mall-top reindeer call, out jumps good ol’ Santa Claus! Austin-area families are invited to celebrate the joy of the holiday season and welcome jolly ol’ Saint Nick and his elves to Lakeline Mall when he arrives on November 14! Kids are invited to do arts and crafts, grab a goodie bag and meet Santa Claus himself. Welcome Santa as he makes his way from the North Pole to Austin! FREE! After meeting everyone on the nice list, Santa will take his place in the Dillard’s Women’s Court Winter Wonderland, where he will pose for photos and listen to holiday wishes through Christmas Eve.
Lakeline Mall Holiday Photos with Santa (Cedar Park)
November 14 – December 24 | 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr, Cedar Park
It’s time for holiday photos with Santa. Click here to schedule an appointment. A $10 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your appointment. This $10 will be put towards your purchase of a Santa photo package during your visit with Santa. Book your reservation with Santa to occur before Black Friday (November 27) and receive a FREE multi-image CD ($29.99 value) with a $39.99 photo package purchase!
Family Photos with Santa
November 14 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | La Patisserie, 602 W Annie St, Austin
Get your family photos taken in front of the “Greetings from Austin” mural with Santa Claus, early enough to make it on your holiday card! FREE, but donations accepted for Any Baby Can. Go in the bakery to get a ticket for your spot in line. This event is rain or shine. If it is raining, photos will be taken indoors.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (Round Rock)
November 14 – December 6 | Bass Pro Shops, 200 Bass Pro Drive, Round Rock
Santa will arrive on Saturday, November 14! Join him at a special preview night from 5-8 p.m. FREE photos with Santa begin at 6 p.m. on Preview Night. From November 15 to December 6, hours vary for FREE photos with Santa.
Claus and Paws Pet Photos at Barton Creek Square
November 15 from 6-8 p.m. | 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin
Area residents and visitors are invited to bring their cute and cuddly canines and furry felines to meet Jolly Ol’ St. Nicholas at Barton Creek Square! Pet Photos with Santa will be held during a special time after the mall closes on Sunday, November 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Santa has set up shop on the lower level by The Cheesecake Factory where he will pose for photos and listen to holiday wishes through Christmas Eve. Guests are kindly asked to use the entrance between The Cheesecake Factory and AMC Theatre to easily access the Santa Set. Photo prices vary. Visit http://www.simon.com/petphoto to make an appointment from 6-8 p.m.
Pet Photos with Santa at Lakeline Mall (Cedar Park)
November 15 and 29 from 7-8 p.m. | Dillard’s Women’s Court, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr, Cedar Park
Sit. Stay. Pose! Bring your furry friends to have their photo taken with Santa Clause himself. The event will take place after mall hours so bring the whole family out for this special photo opportunity. Guests are kindly asked to use the Main entrance, near Buca di Beppo and between Macy’s and Dillard’s. Free reservations are available online at www.simon.com/petphotos. Photo prices vary.
A Christmas Affair
November 18–22 | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin
A Christmas Affair hosts approximately 200 vendors in a themed shopping extravaganza which includes parties, children’s events, a private shopping brunch, and the season’s biggest celebrity, Santa. Tickets are $15 per day and can be purchased here.
9th Annual Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival event (Bee Cave)
November 19 from 6-8 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave
The fun starts in the outdoor amphitheater with a special performance by the Lake Travis High School Cavalettes & the Ruby Reds. Studio512’s Amanda Tatom will be on hand to help welcome Santa to the stage and light the big holiday tree! Wave to Santa as he exits via the trolley. Afterwards, a 5-minute fireworks show will take place followed by live music! Enjoy face painting and balloon twisters for the kids. FREE! Tip: Santa Meet & Greets will not take place during this event; they will begin on Friday, November 20 at 4 p.m. under the holiday tree (see below).
Meet and Greet with Santa (Bee Cave)
Weekends, starting November 20 – December 6; daily from December 10-24; hours vary | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave
Meet Santa and tell him what you want for the holidays! Kids of all ages are welcome, pets are welcome too! Bring your own camera and take fun holiday photos! There is no charge for this event as you will be taking your own photos. No professional photographer on-site. Check here for hours and dates. FREE!
Santa’s Arrival Party at The Arboretum at Great Hills
November 21 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 10000 Research Blvd, Austin
You’re invited to Santa’s Arrival Party! Holiday music and festivities to delight children of all ages from 11 am to 1 pm. Santa arrives at Noon. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Santa on the Terrace
November 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
Bring the kids for a FREE photo with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer overlooking the best view in Austin! Kick off the holidays and take a break from mall madness this Black Friday when Santa Claus comes to the Long Center. Sip delicious hot chocolate and enjoy some of Austin’s most delicious food trucks. Weather permitting; pictures are on a first-come first-serve basis. Being in line is no guarantee of getting your picture taken. RSVP on Facebook.
Annual Lighting of the Square (Georgetown)
November 27 from 5:30-8 p.m. | Downtown Georgetown Square, 710 S. Main St., Georgetown
Kick off the Holiday Season with the Annual Lighting of the Square! Join in with the holiday carols provided by The Austin Carolers and warm your tummy with hot chocolate and cookies! Stay for pictures with Santa! Plan to get in some shopping as merchants stay open late! FREE!
Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade
November 28 at 11 a.m. | State Capitol at 11th and Congress, Austin
Giant inflatable balloons, festive holiday floats, famous children’s characters, spectacular marching bands, cool classic cars and Santa! This event benefits Operation Blue Santa, so be sure to bring a toy to donate during the parade! At a designated time during the parade, all units will stop to collect the toys. Santa’s Helpers will line the parade route and help spectators give their toys. All toys will be distributed by the Operation Blue Santa Program to another child just in time for the holidays. FREE!
Teddy Bear Teas
November 28 & 29; December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20 at 2 p.m., 2:15 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.| Four Seasons, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin
Guests of all ages are invited to get all gussied up for this Four Seasons Hotel Austin tradition, featuring tea service, holiday caroling and a fireside reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Santa himself! Those attending are asked to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear, which will be donated to the Dell Children’s Hospital. Reservations are required and may be made by calling TRIO at +1 (512) 685-8300. $45 plus tax and 18% gratuity for adults; $30 plus tax and 18% gratuity for children 11 and under.
Stuff the Stockings with Santa (Kyle)
November 29 from 2-6 p.m. | Kyle United Methodist Church, 408 W Lockhart St, Kyle
Santa Claus is coming to Kyle United Methodist Church! Enjoy hot chocolate and Christmas treats! Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Hays County Food Bank and get a FREE picture with Santa! Event is FREE to the community!
Photos with Santa (Dripping Springs)
November 29 from 3-5 p.m. | Hudson’s on Mercer, 381 Mercer St, Dripping Springs
Fifth annual Photos with Santa. Photos with Santa for a donation to Without Regrets!
Gingerbread Village Open Houses
November 30 & December 1 from 5-6 p.m. | Four Seasons, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin
Enjoy complimentary hot apple cider and festive cookies as you ooh and aah over the details of the “Wild, Wild West” themed gingerbread village in the lobby. Talented pastry chefs along with special guest Santa will also be on hand for photo opportunities, and to answer questions about the houses, which will be on display from November 24 to December 31, 2015. FREE!
Christmas Family Night (Round Rock)
December 4 at 6:30 p.m. | Dell Diamond Parking Lot at Christmas Towne, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
During Christmas Family Night, the Old Settlers Association is decorated with small wooden houses which host various games and activities. The event kicks off with a welcome from Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw, followed by the illumination of holiday lights. Then Santa makes his grand entrance. This FREE event includes activities for the entire family including live music, dancers, candle making, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more. Children should bring their wish lists for Santa Claus and parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras for pictures with Santa. Plus, enjoy FREE hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other refreshments, activities and snacks. Enjoy performances throughout the evening.
Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa’s Workshop (Cedar Park)
December 4 from 6:30-9 p.m. | Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park
On this magical night, join in the tradition of lighting the tree. Over 65,000 lights illuminate the largest Live Oak Tree in Cedar Park. Santa’s Workshop will kickoff immediately following the tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy live music, carriage rides, games and prizes, inflatables, FREE photos with Santa (bring your own camera), and arts & crafts projects. Bring the whole family for what promises to be a festive evening. FREE Admission.
Breakfast with Santa (Round Rock)
December 5 from 8-11 a.m. | 2920 Round Rock Ranch Blvd., Round Rock
Join the Gattis PTA for Breakfast With Santa. There will be crafts, games, vendors, a silent auction, pictures with Santa, breakfast and more. Tickets: $5 per person or $20 for a family of 4 or more.
Breakfast with Santa
December 5 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Domain II between Dillard’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, 10910 Domain Dr., Austin
Don’t miss The Domain’s annual Breakfast with Santa in its biggest and best year yet! Enjoy breakfast, live music, character appearances, holiday games (with prizes!), letters to Santa, face painting, balloon twisting and more fun! The event is FREE and open to the public. Breakfast is first come, first served. Tip: If you want to see Santa at this event, you will want to make an appointment!
German Christmas Market
December 5 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | German Free School, 507 E. 10th St., Austin
The German-Texan Heritage Society offers shoppers hand-made, imported crafts including plenty of Christmas themed decorations such as nutcrackers and ornaments. It is a festival atmosphere with traditional German Christmas music, tables full of handcrafted items direct from the Erzgebirge region of Germany, a visit by both historic American Santa Claus and the traditional German Sankt Nikolas with gifts for the children, a hospitality serving of Glühwein (hot spiced wine), coffee, apple cider/juice and gingerbread cookies, and plenty of German style baked goodies for purchase. FREE admission! Lunch served by Frank-Purveyors of Artisan Sausage. All purchases are Sales Tax Free on this special day.
Holiday in the Park and Craft Fair
December 5 from 12-3 p.m. | Cat Hollow Park, 8600 O’Connor Dr., Austin
Come enjoy a FREE fun-filled Family Holiday Festival and Craft Fair. There will be tons of fun and activities for all ages. Craft Vendor Shopping, Activities, and Live Music and Dance Performances. At noon Santa Arrives on a Firetruck. Bring your camera for picture opportunities with Santa and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer!
Milk and Cookies with Santa (Kyle)
December 5 from 1-2 p.m. | Cross Plants and Produce, 705 N Old Highway 81, Kyle
Bring the entire family to meet Santa Claus at Cross Plants and Produce! Put on your Christmas best, have your photo taken with Santa, and tell him what’s on your Christmas list! There will be a mini market of booths geared for children. Milk and cookies will cost around $2; photos with Santa are FREE!
Pet Photos with Santa
December 5 and 12 from 1-4 p.m. | Petco, 9828 Great Hills Trl., Austin
Bring your pet and strike a pose with Santa at Petco! You will receive a photo keepsake frame, and 100% of the proceeds helps animals this holiday season.
Deck the District
December 5 from 1-6 p.m. | 2nd Street District, Austin
2ND Street District encourages all of Austin to take a stroll and visit the elaborate art installations, as they will be featured in over eleven storefront windows from November 23 to December 6, at Etcetera, etc., Estilo, Rae Cosmetics, Luxe Apothetique, Hacienda, Area, Hemline, Teddies for Bettys, Silicon Labs, Flor, and Mercury. On Saturday, December 5, the winning design will be announced during the Deck the District event from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., where window walkers can stroll the 2ND Street District and enjoy a special appearance by the one and only Santa Claus, while taking advantage of the in-store specials at 2ND Street District shops. Deck the District will be FREE and fun for all ages.
Pfestival of Lights and Christmas Parade (Pflugerville)
December 5 from 5-8:30 p.m. | Railroad Avenue to Main Street, Pflugerville
Pfree Arts and Crafts projects to take home, Pfree Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider, Pfree Cookies, and a bonfire to warm up! Pfree Photos with Santa Claus (you bring the camera!), Pfree Glowsticks and Glow-in-the-dark necklaces. Also, Pflugerville Animal Trailer will be on site- apply to give a pet a Pforever Home for the Holidays! FREE!
Austin Trail of Lights
Austin Trail of Lights
December 8-22 from 7-10 p.m. | Zilker Park, Austin
Visit the North Pole at the Trail of Lights to share your holiday wish list with Santa at Santa’s House, pick up a free book from the H-E-B Read 3 Book Train and stop in Santa’s Workshop for a photo and a variety of interactive experiences. Entry to the Trail of Lights is FREE from December 8-15. From December 16-22, general admission is $3 for guests age 12 and up, online or at H-E-B stores. Children 11 and under are FREE every night! Parking passes and shuttle tickets are also available online.
Breakfast with Santa at Barton Creek Square
December 12 from 8-10 a.m. | 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin
Children are invited for a fun morning of food, fun and goodies with Santa. FREE! Photo packages available for purchase.
Breakfast with Santa at Lakeline Mall
December 12 from 8:30-10 a.m. | Dillard’s Women’s Court, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr, Cedar Park
Enjoy a FREE breakfast with Santa. Photo packages available for purchase.
Breakfast with Santa at the Gin (Hutto)
December 12 at 8:30 a.m. | 401 W Front St, Hutto
Enjoy a morning of wish list making, crafts, breakfast, and Santa himself! This year, breakfast is provided by Hutto’s own McDonald’s restaurant which includes pancakes, sausage and juice. Don’t forget your camera to get a picture with kids and Santa! Tickets are $10 per person. Sign up here, or stop by the Parks & Recreation office at 306 E. Live Oak in Hutto.
Breakfast with Santa at the Arboretum
December 12 from 9 a.m. – noon | 10000 Research Blvd, Austin
Join Santa for a light breakfast and enjoy Holiday music, games and other festive activities including a special visit by the Peppermint Princess! The event is FREE and open to the general public.
