From visiting a holiday light show to sampling a three-course meal at Lakeline Park, here are seven fun things to do in December.

Lone Star Light Show

The Mendoza family of Cedar Park invites people to get into the holiday spirit by visiting a large holiday light display synchronized to music the family put together to help raise awareness and money for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Williamson County. Those attending can park at the fence line and enjoy the show from the front gate. Santa Claus and The Grinch make weekly appearances.Peppermint Parkway

The drive-thru event is adorned with millions of lights and holiday scenes to help visitors get into the spirit of the season. After the drive-thru, guests can walk through Peppermint Plaza decorated with more holiday lights and a mistletoe kissing booth. Additionally, Santa Claus will be available for photos. The event will also have a 30-foot-tall holiday tree, a Ferris Wheel and a range of amusement park rides, including a light-up slide. Peppermint Parkway offers a marketplace to purchase gifts, sweet treats and warm drinks as well as a petting zoo with pony rides, baby goats, bunnies and more.
  • Through Dec. 30; 6-9 p.m. (Peppermint Parkway), 5-10 p.m. (Peppermint Plaza)
  • $40-$99 (admission, per vehicle)
  • 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin
  • www.peppermintparkway.com
Chubby Santa 0.0K

Presented by Texas Rock Solid Building Services, the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting its inaugural Chubby Santa 0.0K event. Officials said the "race" will offer all the fun of a traditional 5K, but without the actual running—complete with a finish line and cheering crowd. Attendees are encouraged to wear their holiday racing costumes. Two options for admission are available: an individual ticket is $25 and includes entry and one free drink ticket; and the race pack is $50 and includes entry, a numbered race bib, 0.0 car decal, participant medal and two free drink tickets.


Cedar Park Market Days

The two-day Christmas market will offer holiday-themed games, and arts and crafts as well as Santa Claus, who will be available for free photos on both days. Those attending can browse more than 90 local vendors selling everything from art and clothing to crafts, jewelry, food and more.Austin Trail of Lights

A holiday tradition for many, Austin’s Trail of Lights event features more than 2 million lights, 96 holiday trees, and over 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels illuminating Zilker Park. Visitors will have the chance to meet Santa Claus, roast s’mores along the trail, see live entertainment on the Zilker stage, purchase snacks and drinks from local vendors, and more.Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland

The family-friendly show will feature acrobats and aerialists performing with live holiday-themed music for a fun-filled afternoon. All-inclusive options for seating, food and drink packages are available for an additional fee.
  • Dec. 24; 1 p.m. (doors), 2-4 p.m. (show)
  • $34.50-$79.50
  • H-E-B Event Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park
  • www.hebcenter.com
Chefs in the Park


To wrap up Cedar Park’s 50th anniversary of incorporation, the city will team up with local company Tivity to bring together five private chefs who will each provide separate three-course meal samplings to try in Lakeline Park. Water is complimentary; however, locally brewed beer and wine will be available with the three included drink tickets per person.