Between Christmas festivals, skating with The Grinch and entering the new year with a leap into a freezing pool, community members can enjoy the end of 2024 and celebrate the beginning of 2025 with an assortment of events. This list is not comprehensive.

December

CAN/AM Challenge Cup Hockey Tournament

Community members are invited to attend this tournament featuring hockey players ages 14 and under competing in three categories: squirt, peewee and bantam. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in all three categories, and gold medal teams will receive a plaque and a banner to hang in their home arena.Holiday Ornament Workshop

Families can decorate five holiday ornaments by choosing from various designs in these all materials-included courses led by wood workshop Board and Brush. Attendees must preregister at least 12 hours before the events.
  • Dec. 14, 10-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • $20 (admission)
  • Board and Brush Cedar Park, 2011 Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park
  • www.boardandbrush.com
Holiday Princess Storytime with Belle


Children can join the Disney princess as she tells her story by reading to attendees. Adults accompanying children do not need to purchase a ticket for the event.
  • Dec. 14, 1 p.m., 1:45 p.m.
  • $20 (admission)
  • Paper Bark Birch, 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park
  • www.paperbarkbirch.com
Liberty Hill Christmas Festival

Experience Liberty Hill is hosting the annual festival featuring an artificial ice rink, a snow field, photos with Santa Claus, a horse and carriage ride and a mix of local vendors. Parking will be available at several nearby parking lots and free pedicab rides will be offered for the event. The event will end with a festive parade highlighting various floats to celebrate the season.
  • Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (festival), 6 p.m. (parade)
  • Free (admission)
  • Downtown Liberty Hill, 926 Main St., Liberty Hill
  • www.experiencelhtx.com
Christmas Cookie Decorating Class

Participants will learn the basics of sugar cookie decorating on premade cookies with guided instruction. Some basics include icing consistencies and piping techniques. Individuals can take the cookies they decorate home with them.
  • Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, 12:30-2 p.m.
  • $45 (admission)
  • Whitestone Brewery, 15390 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill
  • www.bakedbyjoyleigh.com
Holiday Bazaar at the Bar

From live Christmas music to over 40 vendors, attendees can get in the holiday spirit by shopping with a festive drink in hand at the small business event.Skate with the Grinch


For this month’s themed skate, community members can join The Grinch on the ice rink paired with music by DJ Paul Secrest.Pancakes & PJs

Families can come together to enjoy a morning of Christmas crafts and hot pancakes with Santa Claus. Preregistration for the event is required.
  • Dec. 21, 8-9:30 a.m., 10-11:30 a.m.
  • $5 (admission if eating pancakes)
  • Leander Activity Center, 11880 Hero Way W., Leander
  • www.leandertx.gov
Winter Wonderland Dance Camp

Children ages 4 to 11 can learn a themed dance and have the opportunity to perform for friends and family. Participants will be exposed to a mix of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, tap and tumbling.
  • Dec. 26-28, 9 a.m.-noon
  • $170 (early bird admission), $190 (admission after Dec. 19)
  • Müv Dance & Fitness, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park
  • www.muv678.com
Noon Year’s Eve Party

Children can ring in the new year without staying up late. They will enjoy games, crafts, a dance party and a countdown to noon. Tickets are required for the event and can be picked up at the Youth Services Desk. Only ages 11 and under are allowed with an adult companion.
  • Dec. 31, 11 a.m.
  • Free (admission)
  • Leander Public Library, 1011 Bagdad Road, Leander
  • www.leandertx.gov
January


Polar Bear Plunge

Community members can participate in this annual tradition of leaping into a cold pool to celebrate the new year. Tickets come with a shirt and a ticket for door prizes.
  • Jan. 1, 10:30 a.m.-noon
  • Free (spectators), $10 (participants)
  • Robin Bledsoe Swimming Pool, 601 S. Bagdad Road, Leander
  • www.leandertx.gov/fun
New Year’s Renewal

Individuals are invited to embrace the new year by completing 108 sun salutations to help build strength and endurance while setting intentions for the future. There will be a sound healing bath, an optional ice plunge, mimosas, light snacks and a raffle.
  • Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-noon
  • $30
  • Moonshine Yoga, 15050 W. Hwy. 29, Ste. 130, Liberty Hill
  • www.moonshine.yoga
Austin Spurs vs Oklahoma City Blue

Community members can show some Austin pride by attending the basketball showdown against Oklahoma City’s NBA G League team affiliated with Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • Jan. 11, 7 p.m.
  • $12+
  • H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park
  • www.hebcenter.com
MLK Day March and Celebration


In collaboration with the Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission, the city of Leander will observe and honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with the event featuring performances from dancers, musicians and spoken word artists.