- November 30, 2015

75 FREE “Don’t Miss” December Events

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dontmissdec

Do you have some out of town guests coming to visit or are you looking for some FREE fun this December? We’ve got you covered! From lights to snow to Santa and everything in between, you can find all sorts of free fun here! Happy holidays!

Free Fun in Austin:

Mozart’s Annual Light Show
Now – January 3  |   
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin
Starting 6 p.m. each evening, and replaying at the top of every hour until closing, enjoy dazzling lights set to music!  The 12-minute lights show will happen every night, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Don’t miss out on all the holiday fun! FREE!

Holiday Light Shows at The Domain
Through December; starting at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. |   The Domain II, 3225 Amy Donovan Plaza, Austin
Watch the holidays come to life with hourly lights show in Domain II. More than 82,000 lights and 2,200 strobes will dance to holiday music for the first 15 minutes of each hour.

Holiday Entertainment at The Domain
Friday – Sunday in December |   Century Oaks Park, The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin and Domain II, 3225 Amy Donovan Plaza, Austin
Century Oaks Park (Domain I, near Starbucks): Fridays 6-9 p.m., Saturdays 2-5 p.m. & 6-9 p.m., and Sundays 2-5 p.m.; Domain II lawn: Fridays 2-5 p.m., Saturdays 2-5 p.m., Sundays 2:30-5 p.m.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Fridays & Saturdays from 5:30-9:30 p.m. |   The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin
Enjoy FREE horse-drawn carriage rides each Friday and Saturday night between November 20 and Christmas. Pick-up locations near Santa’s Workshop and at the Macy’s north entrance by California Pizza Kitchen.

Strolling Carolers
Saturdays in December from 6-8 p.m. |   The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin
The sounds of the season will drift through Domain I each Saturday night as strolling carolers roam the sidewalks!

Gingerbread Village Open House
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 until December 31, 2015. FREE!

The Driskill Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1 at 6 p.m.  |  The Driskill, 604 Brazos Street, Austin
Enjoy seasonal music from the Arundel Ensemble String Quartet in celebration of the annual lighting of The Driskill Tree. FREE!

Mueller Tower Lighting
December 1 from 6-8 p.m.  |   Mueller Control Tower, Berkman Drive, Austin
The FREE, family-friendly event will feature live music from the Reagan High School Drumline and the Huston-Tillotson Jazz Band. The event will also include free coffee, hot chocolate, and holiday treats as well as activities for children with SNOW. Austin City Council Member, Ora Houston, will be counting down the moments until the Noel sign is lit across the Control Tower, honoring a tradition that dates back to the 1960s.

Holiday Sing-Along led by Sara Hickman
December 3 from 12:05-12:45 p.m.  | 200 East Eighth St (At Brazos), Austin
Join the amazing Sara Hickman for the annual holiday sing-along, with a heavenly chorus by One Ounce Opera and accompanied by the talented Nathan Quiring. This is a really fun event, and a great way to start your holiday season. Song books will be provided and you provide your voices! FREE and family friendly. Parking is usually easiest on Trinity between 7th & 11th St. at meters or in Capitol Parking Garage at 12th & Trinity.

Christmas in the Community
December 4-23 |   Various Austin Locations; check link
The Austin Symphony is excited to continue its new program this holiday season that will bring FREE music to all Austinites. Christmas in the Community is a series of twelve concerts held throughout the city of Austin featuring different ensembles of the orchestra playing familiar holiday music. The program kicks off in December. Christmas in the Community is proudly sponsored by Macy’s. These performances are all FREE and open to the public with no tickets required.

Candle Light Trail
December 4-5 from 6-9 p.m. |   Hancock Rec Center, 811 E 41st St, Austin
Come walk the Candle Light Trail, take pictures with Santa and enjoy Holiday refreshments and entertainment at this fun FREE family event.

Breakfast with Santa
December 5 from 9-11 a.m. |   Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W Dittmar Rd, Austin
FREE breakfast with Santa! The weather may be chilly outside, but the weather is always warm and welcoming at Dittmar Recreation Center! Come for some warm breakfast, sing-along songs, crafts and don’t forget to bring your cameras for pictures with Santa!

Breakfast with Santa in Domain II
December 5 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. |   The Domain II, between Dillards and Dick’s Sporting Goods, 3211 Feathergrass Ct, Austin
Enjoy breakfast, live music, character appearances, games, crafts and a (brief) visit from Santa! FREE, but if you’d like to visit with Santa you should make an appointment.

Photos with Santa for Children with Special Needs
December 5 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.   |   Easter Seals Central Texas, 8505 Cross Park Dr, Ste 120, Austin
This event it open to all families of children with special needs in the Austin area. Santa will be ready to take photos with all the kids, siblings included, and families will leave with a FREE copy of the photo. There will also be crafts, snacks, and lots of fun games. No RSVP required.

Free Admission to the Mexic-Arte Museum 
December 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.   |   419 Congress Ave, Austin
Mix ‘n’ Mash: Austin Lotería! is a group exhibition and art sale featuring the works of over 200 artists displayed on quality panels donated by Ampersand Art Supply. Each limited-edition Mix ‘n’ Mash piece is uniquely crafted for the exhibition, inspired by an exciting twist on the theme of the Lotería card game: Austin Lotería. Nacimientos: Traditional Nativity Scenes from Mexico presents the tradition of Nacimientos that survives in present-day Mexico as a visual amalgam of indigenous pre-Colombian and Spanish Colonial representations. The exhibition features a rich tradition of handmade Nacimientos from the Museum’s permanent collection and loans from Edwin R. Jordan; many of the nativity scenes depict a reflection of Mexico’s landscape, such as cacti, turkeys, and market scenes. Admission is FREE all December.

Holiday Celebration
December 5 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.   |   Montopolis Recreation Center, 1200 Montopolis Dr, Austin
Mark your calendars for this year’s Holiday Celebration. Enjoy a FREE hot delicious meal, while supplies last!

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.

Holiday in the Park
December 5 from 12-3 p.m.   |   Harper Park, 11008-11098 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin 
Come join Anderson Mill Neighborhood Association for their 15th Annual Holiday in the Park, hosted by Westwood High School Air Force JROTC- Skywarriors Booster Club. FREE admission. Visit and take a picture with Santa (bring your camera), enjoy holiday music, children’s arts and crafts, children’s games and moonwalk, cocoa, hot cider, baked goods, holiday gifts and goodies on sale by the Booster Club.

laV Christmas Tree Lighting
December 5 from 4-7 p.m.  |    laV, 1501 East 7th Street, Austin
Join laV for a Christmas Tree Lighting event! This holiday celebration will include pictures with Santa, craft stations for the kids, reindeer, live music by the Bottom Dollar String Band, and special treats and drinks for purchase. Admission is FREE with an unwrapped gift donation, benefitting Operation Blue Santa.

Holiday Stroll
December 5 from 6-9 p.m. |   Capitol & Congress Ave., Austin
The annual Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll is a FREE, family-friendly event that celebrates the arrival of the holiday season and the joy it brings. 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 KUTX 98.9 “Eklektikos” host John Aielli’s Holiday Sing-Along. As the clock strikes 7 p.m., the countdown to the lighting of the Capitol tree begins, featuring a programmed light show at the top and bottom of every hour, set to holiday songs of local Austin musicians. From 7 to 9 p.m., Congress Avenue will be abuzz with holiday cheer during the Downtown Stroll. Shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late and will feature special activities and offers. Additional Stroll activities include classic holiday cartoons, photos with Santa, live music, a special holiday Farmers’ Market with Sustainable Food Center, and much more. Support fellow members of the community by bringing non-perishable food or cash donations to the Capitol Christmas tree for the Capital Area Food Bank. The Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll attracts more than 20,000 attendees each year, so guests are encouraged to bike or use public transportation. FREE!

Free First Sunday: deSTEMber Fest
December 6 from 12-3 p.m.  |  Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Avenue, Austin
Enjoy FREE exhibit admission all day during Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Families can explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibits that showcase artifacts from around the state. Special family programs from 12-3 p.m. combine art creation, presentations by partner organizations, and gallery activities. At December’s Free First Sunday, families with kids ages five and up will discover the mysteries behind this magical time of year with snowflake chemistry, train construction, fluffy snow and more hands-on fun! Families with kids six and under can attend a winter-themed story time at 2 p.m. FREE!

Keepin’ It Weird TV Live Concert
December 6 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  | HOPE Farmers Market, 412 Comal St, Austin
Join in a day of live sketch comedy and improv performances by their youth troupe! With live music performances from U Better Sing! Youth Ensemble, Sonic Sprout, and Youth Singer/Songwriters! All Ages Welcome! Check Facebook for weather updates.

LatkePalooza
December 6 from 12-3 p.m.  | Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin
Community celebration with celebrity chefs, exciting announcements, activities and entertainment for all ages! FREE!

Dreidel Tournament
December 6 from 1-3 p.m.  |    Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd., Austin
Celebrate Hannukah at the 3rd annual Dreidel Tournament! There will be several tables set up and coaches on hand to help. No matter if you’re new to the game of dreidel or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome. FREE!

Delysia Chocolatier Holiday Party
December 6 from 2:30-5 p.m.   | Delysia Chocolatier, 2000 Windy Ter, Ste 2C, Austin
Children are invited to make their very own chocolate bars and enjoy a classic holiday film.  And for the adults, there will be plenty of chocolate samples to taste.  The event is FREE, but guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Dell Children’s Hospital. RSVP requested.

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 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.

Second Saturdays are for Families: Gingerbread Villas
December 12 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.   |   The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St, Austin
Be the Art-chitect of your very own candy home! We’re whipping up edible abodes like you’ve never seen before, inspired by the architecture of the Driscoll Villa at Laguna Gloria. Recommended for ages 2 – 11. FREE!

Capitol Christmas Concert and Community Sing Along
December 12 at 12 p.m. |   Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin
Ring in the Christmas holiday season with A Cappella Texas at the State Capitol Rotunda. Gather all your family and friends, and especially the children, for an afternoon of great singing and Christmas cheer. Join A Cappella Texas, Austin’s premier men’s chorus, for a delightful free all-ages concert and community sing-along in beautiful four part Barbershop Harmony. FREE!

Festival of Carols at the French Legation Museum CANCELLED 
December 12 from 12-4:30 p.m.  |  French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos Street, Austin
Get into the holiday spirit at our Festival of Carols! Enjoy festive music performed by local school choirs, holiday crafts, games, and concessions. Some activities and the refreshments may require the purchase of tickets. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic lunches. FREE!

Austin Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert
December 16 from 11 a.m. – noon   |   Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd, Austin
The Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) presents this series of Christmas in the Community concerts. FREE.

Festival of Trees
December 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.   |  George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St, Austin
Join the Staff and Ambassadors of the carver Museum for an evening of Christmas music, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, and beautiful trees. Holiday music provided by Keys of Life piano students, “Pure Imagination” songs from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. FREE! To RSVP, call 512-974-4926.

The Big Sing: Winter Holidays
December 17 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.   |   Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin
Join the Symphonic Choir from Conspirare in a community singing event. The Conspirare conductor leads visitors through a series of classical and popular choral works connected to imagery of winter holidays as depicted in the Blanton’s collection. Third Thursdays are FREE at the Blanton!

Dr. Seuss Activity Day
December 20 at 2 p.m.   |   Art for the People Gallery, 1711 South First St, Austin
Enjoy FREE activities for children and grown-ups alike while surrounded by the amazing work of beloved artists and author, Dr. Seuss! Dr. Seuss Story Time with Lynnie Goodman, face painting by artist Liberty Lloyd, So you think you know Dr. Seuss? Guided Tour for Grown-Ups, Dr. Seuss La Hora de los Cuentos En Español.

Shakespeare in Print and Performance 
December 21 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.   |   Harry Ransom Center, 300 W 21st St, Austin
Explore the legacy of William Shakespeare at the Ransom Center. The Elizabethan world of Shakespeare and his contemporaries is presented through early printed books documenting his contemporary reputation, his textual sources, and his plays, all drawn from the Ransom Center’s holdings. Costume and set designs and promptbooks showcase the variety of ways artists have translated his plays into performance. Admission is FREE; your donation supports the Ransom Center’s exhibitions and public programs. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended Thursday evening hours to 7 p.m. Open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Free public tours every day at noon, Thursdays at 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

TubaChristmas
December 21 at 12 p.m.  |   Texas State Capitol Building, South Steps, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin
2015 is the 42nd anniversary for TUBACHRISTMAS concerts, which are presented throughout the world. TUBACHRISTMAS was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. Through the legendary William J. Bell we reflect on our heritage and honor all great artists/teachers whose legacy has given us high performance standards, well structured pedagogy, professional integrity, personal values and a camaraderie envied by all other instrumentalists. FREE!

Winter Solstice Lantern Parade
December 21 from 5-8 p.m. |   Central Austin
Kid-friendly! Minor Mishap Marching Band invites you under the dark Solstice sky in a PARADE OF LIGHT! Gather together on the shortest day of the year to celebrate light, darkness, music, community, nature and other things of general awesomeness. Party down and shake your booties! It’s (finally) getting (slightly) cold around here: time to shake that thang and warm up. Please make a lantern to carry in the parade! The beauty of this event is created by YOU! FREE!

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Austin’s New Year
December 31 from 4-10 p.m.   |   Auditorium Shores, South 1st Street and Riverside Drive
Austin residents may want to stay in town for New Year’s Eve this year. The Austin’s New Year line-up includes Grupo Fantasma, Golden Dawn Arkestra, and Carolyn Wonderland. Austin’s New Year (ANY) is an annual alcohol-free celebration that showcases a variety of art, food trucks, and live music on three stages. Other confirmed performers include The Statesboro Revue, Big Cat, Vallejo, KP and the Boom Boom, Shawn Nelson, and Kalu James. The FREE event begins at 4 p.m., with a fireworks finale at 10 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Ball
December 31 at 9 p.m.  |   Pinballz Arcade, 8940 Research Blvd., Suite 100, Austin
Bring in 2016 in the whirr and lights of your favorite arcade. No cover. (Kids 10 and under can celebrate earlier at Noon Year’s Eve, starting at noon.)

More Free Fun Beyond Austin:

Walkway of Lights (Marble Falls)
Through January 1  |    Marble Falls
The Walkway is open daily, as long as the ground is dry. If there is a chance of rain for the night you are planning to visit, call the weather hotline at 1-844-635-4448 for updates. FREE!

Holiday Model Train Show (Round Rock)
Through January 2, Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5 p.m.  |   231 E Main St, Round Rock
The trains are coming back to ArtSpace! Last year, more than 7,000 people came to the gallery in downtown Round Rock to see the model train show and the exhibition of local artwork. The train display is designed and operated by the Tinplate Trackers. FREE, but donations will be accepted.

Lost Pines Christmas River of Lights (Bastrop)
Through January 1 |   Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop
Take in the River of Lights, 120 lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic Colorado River Walk and enhanced by music. To access this one-half mile promenade, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine Streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman’s Park on Farm Street. The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and community organizations and individuals generously provide this traditional treat enjoyed by all ages and by visitors and locals alike. FREE!

The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Trail of Lights (Wimberley)
Through December 29 at 6 p.m.    |     Emily Ann Theatre and Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley
Stroll a walking path with more than 100 lighted exhibits created by local businesses, churches, organizations and families. Roast a marshmallow at the Yule Log and listen to live entertainment on most nights. The trail will be open from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. FREE!

Follow The Star (Cedar Park)
December 3-5 from 6:30-9 p.m. |   Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 700 W Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park
Follow The Star is a living outdoor pageant featuring ten elaborate scenes recounting the life of Jesus. Visitors are invited to stroll along a walkway or stay in their cars to drive through this spectacular musical and visual production. Admission is FREE, but please bring a donation of nonperishable food items to help those in need. Visit the Facebook page for weather updates.

Holiday Sing-Along with the Vintage 15 (Bee Cave)
December 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. |   Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave
Join in a holiday sing-along with your favorite jazz/swing big band, the Vintage 15! Enjoy live music and meet Santa! Bring a blanket, sit back, and sing along! FREE!

Christmas Stroll (Georgetown)
December 4 from 5-9 p.m. and December 5 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. |   Downtown Georgetown, click here for directions
The Magic of the Stroll is real and will bring memories on this 35th Annual Celebration. The Georgetown Square will be transformed into a genuine Christmas card come to life. It’s a magical setting of a multitude of trees outlined with twinkling white lights, old fashioned lamp poles, Santa in the Christmas tree farm waiting to hear from both naughty and nice. It’s the place to journey back in time as you wonder through Bethlehem Village. You can also find the Grinch and his characters in Whoo-Village. There are many activities to be found as well for the kids. Home Depot can always keep them very busy building something. Whoo-Village is sure to have some cookie decorating going on. It’s all FREE! Be sure to visit Santa in his Village on 8th & Church Streets where you can buy your tree, build a wreath, and of course get your picture taken with Santa.

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 kick off 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.

Main Street Bethlehem (Burnet)
December 4, 5, 6 and 11, 12, 13 from 6-9 p.m.  |  T
wo blocks east of the town square, Burnet
This Christmas, visit Bethlehem in Burnet, as the ancient city of Christ’s birth comes alive again. Admission is FREE!  Donations are accepted. FREE cookies and hot chocolate or coffee are served at the exit. Friday and Sunday night visitors may experience a shorter waiting time than on Saturday night. As this is an outdoor presentation, it will be canceled in rainy weather. Check for weather updates.

Christmas on Mercer Street (Dripping Springs)
December 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.   |   Mercer Street, Dripping Springs
Hosted by the City of Dripping Springs and Dripping Springs Lions Club, the Christmas on Mercer Street festivities will feature an old-fashioned holiday celebration on Mercer Street with live music and entertainment, arts and crafts booths, kid’s games and activities, a trackless train and pony rides, photos with Santa Claus, and a festive selection of food and drinks. Admission is FREE to the public. The annual Lighting of the Tree will be held at the Triangle at 6:15 p.m. Christmas carolers representing local churches and schools will serenade with heart-warming, traditional Christmas Carols at the tree lighting ceremony.

Snow Days (Bee Cave)
December 5, 13, and 19 from 12-4 p.m.  |    Hill Country Galleria, 4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave
It snows every weekend in December at the Hill Country Galleria! Enjoy a family fun day with real snow! Toss a snowball, build a snow man, make a snow angel, and take fun family photos! Enjoy live holiday music, holiday carolers, and more from noon-4 p.m. every day that it snows! FREE!

Holiday in the Park and Craft Fair (Round Rock)
December 5 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Cat Hollow Park, 8600 O’Connor Dr., Round Rock
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!

Storytime with Santa (Round Rock)
December 5 from 3-4 p.m. |   Round Rock Premium Outlets, 4401 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Round Rock
Children listen to Santa read a special holiday story aloud while they snack on milk and cookies.

Snow in Fisherman’s Park (Bastrop)
December 5 from 12:30-7 p.m. |   Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop
Slide down a snow hill, make s’mores, and watch a holiday movie by the river.

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (Leander)
December 5 at 5 p.m. |   City Hall, 200 West Willis Street, Leander
Celebrate the season with The City of Leander! The Christmas Parade will begin at 5 p.m. with the Tree Lighting to follow. Pictures with Santa, Holiday Hayrides, Yule Fire, Choral Performances, and a variety of vendors. FREE!

Holiday Celebration at Wolf Ranch (Georgetown)
December 5 from 5-8 p.m. |    Wolf Ranch Town Center, 1015 W University Ave, Georgetown
Enjoy a fun, family evening with FREE hot cocoa, cookies, complimentary carriage rides, local school music performances and a special sing-along with two very famous Princess Sisters. FREE! Also, don’t forget to take your photo with Santa (all proceeds benefit Brown Santa of Williamson County).

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!

Old Town Christmas in Fritz Park (Hutto)
December 11 at 5:30-8:30 p.m. |   401 W Front St, Hutto
This event is FREE and features caroling, letters to Santa, arts & crafts, hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn and train rides through the park! Buddy the Elf will also make a special guest appearance! The movie will begin at 6:30 p.m. Please bring chairs and blankets.

Breakfast with Santa at Lakeline Mall (Cedar Park)
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.

Christmas Market Winter Fest (Kyle)
December 12 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.   |   Cross Plants and Produce, 705 North Old Highway 81, Kyle
Get in the Christmas spirit at Cross Plants and Produce. Bring your family and friends to this fun Christmas event. Admission is FREE. Fees apply to some activities. Photos with Santa from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Do some shopping with local vendor booths, have your picture taken with Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, snacks, face painting, free Christmas photo areas, Farmer’s Market, and more!

Williamson County Symphony Orchestra Concert (Cedar Park)
December 18 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.   |   St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1101 W New Hope Dr, Cedar Park
FREE and family friendly!

Bird Workshops and Presentation (Cedar Creek)
December 19 from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.  |   Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Cedar Creek
Taught by local, regional and national birding experts, the workshops offer birders of every level the chance to grow their knowledge and skills alongside fellow members of the birding community. “Birding 101” with McKinney Roughs Nature Park naturalists, “For the Birds” with Dr. Peter English, nature biologist with The University of Texas – Austin, “All About Owls” with Glenn Olsen founder of GO Birding Ecotours, “Whooping and Sandhill Cranes & Bird-Inspired Compositions” with Dr. Karine Gil-Weir of Texas A&M University. And featured speaker, biologist, birder and biker Dorian Anderson of the University of Southern California, will share details about his year-long bicycling-and-birding journey, during which he saw more than 600+ species of birds, logged 18,000 miles on two wheels and raised $50k for conservation. FREE!

Christmas Dreams & Snowy Things (Round Rock)
December 19 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |  Chasco Family YMCA, 1812 N. Mays Street, Round Rock
Snow is coming to Round Rock! FREE admission!

Noon Year’s Eve Party (Round Rock)
December 31 from 11:30-12:30 p.m.   |   Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main Street, Round Rock
The Round Rock Public Library will host a FREE party for children ages 3 and above in Meeting Room C with crafts, dancing, and a fun countdown to noon. For more information, please contact Amy German, (512) 218-7034.

Bonus Shopportunities:

Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Through December 24 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve) |   Marchesa Hall & Theatre, 6226 Middle Fiskville Rd., Austin
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a unique holiday art show, open again for its 15th year. The Bazaar features handmade artwork and gifts from more than 200 local and regional artists, with a portion of proceeds going to Make-A-Wish® Foundation. Parking and admission are FREE of charge. Full bar with snacks. Cash and cards accepted.

Allies Against Slavery Christmas Market
December 5 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |   For the City Center, 500 Saint John’s Ave, Austin
The Sixth Annual Christmas Market is a venue for patrons to shop responsibly this holiday season, while supporting local, socially conscious vendors. Hosted by Allies Against Slavery, the Market features 25+ fair trade, direct trade, and social enterprise merchants who use their businesses to promote employment and well-being for people in Austin and around the world. This FREE event for the public will include art, jewelry, music, clothing, purses/bags, toys, cosmetics, coffee, paper goods, housewares, photo prints, and much more.

Violet Crown Arts Festival
December 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |   Brentwood Elementary School, 6700 Arroyo Seco, Austin
Annual fall arts festival featuring music, artists, and plenty of holiday shopping. Expect to find unique artwork from talented sculptors, potters, and fiber artists, painters, jewelers, glass artists, woodworkers and metal smiths. Shop for hand made gifts and great quality art, and support local cottage businesses. It’s always FREE admission for the whole family! RSVP on the Facebook page for updates on location, artists, and music.

Budafest (Buda)
December 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. – dusk (5:30 p.m.) |   City Park, 204 San Antonio St, Buda
Budafest features more than 125 craft vendors, antiques, a wide selection of locally prepared food, and a parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, plus live music both days, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. FREE!

German Christmas Market
December 5 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |   German Free School of Austin, 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 our 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. All purchases are Sales Tax Free on this special day. FREE!

Austin Flea
December 5 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and December 6 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. |   The Highball, 1120 S. Lamar, Austin
The Flea features all local handmade items and vintage wares from some of Austin’s most amazing and talented vendors. Find one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays or any occasion including jewelry, glasswork, clothing, artwork, paper goods, textiles, and so much more. Family friendly and FREE!

Haute Finds ATX Holiday Pop Up Shops at Revival (Bee Cave)
December 5 from 1-6 p.m.   |   13308 W Highway 71, Bee Cave
This first POP UP SHOP event features haute partners, favorite local artisans, live music and sips just in time for holiday shopping!

NW ATX Artists Market
December 6 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  |   Opal Divine’s Marina, 12709 N Mo Pac Expy, Austin
The NW ATX Artists Market is not your ordinary outdoor market. It’s bringing the “Keep Austin Weird” vibe up north! Vendors will be selling high quality vintage, handmade, artisan, and craft goods with a unique Austin feel suitable for giving and/or wearing in the (sorta cold) months to come. Shoppers can also enter to win prizes in our raffle while enjoying brunch and beverages from one of North Austin’s finest establishments.

Cherrywood Art Fair
December 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |   Maplewood Elementary, E. 38 1/2 St. & Maplewood Ave., Austin
Cherrywood Art Fair is an art filled two-day event showcasing local artists, live music, kids activities and great food in a FREE, family-friendly environment. More than 8,000 visitors stroll through the fairgrounds looking at art, listening to beautiful music and sampling some of Austin’s finest food trailer cuisine. Since its 2002 inception, the Fair has served as a destination for discerning holiday shoppers seeking unique and artful items from Texas artists and makers. Check out the facebook page for updates.

Pfestive Pfarmers Market (Pflugerville)
December 15 from 3-7 p.m.   |  Green Red Barn at Heritage Park, 901 Old Austin Hutto Rd, Pflugerville
The mission of the Pflugerville Pfarmers Market is to bring fresh, locally grown and prepared foods to the Pflugerville community. Vendors sell a variety of produce including tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash, okra, garlic, melons, peaches and grapes; artisan baked goods; honey; flowers; eggs; free-range meats; jarred salsas, pickles and jams; fruits and plants. Craft items are also available for purchase, and live music is on site on selected dates.