THURSDAY
1. Operation Blue Santa
Residents are asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy this year to the Austin Police Department’s annual event. Operation Blue Santa has grown to serve over 6,000 families and distributes more than 20,000 gifts in the area each year. Drop-off locations are listed online. Donations are collected until Dec. 10, and distributed to families Dec. 17. 512-974-2583. www.bluesanta.org
2. North Pole Flyer
The 2.5-hour excursion features a visit from Santa and a reading of the North Pole Flyer book, the railroad’s own Christmas story. Santa poses for photographs and hands out a gift to each child. The event runs Dec. 1-18.
10 a.m., 2 and 6 p.m. (each date). $38 (age 3 and older), $48 (adult with lap child). Austin Steam Train Association, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. C-100, Cedar Park. 512-477-8468. www.austinsteamtrain.org/special-events/north-pole-flyer
FRIDAY
3. Ninth annual Lights of Love
The event features a variety of activities, including a snow slide, children’s crafts, photos with Santa, festive music and hot chocolate. Guests stroll around the Mueller Lake trail, which glows with holiday lights. Proceeds from the event benefit families of hospitalized children who rely on Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas.
6-9 p.m. Browning Hangar, 4550 Mueller Drive, Austin. 512-628-5935. www.lightsoflovectx.org
SATURDAY
Ovation Ballet Company's production of "The Nutcracker" happens Saturday.[/caption]4. "The Nutcracker"
Ovation Ballet Company, the youth ballet company in residence at Dancers Workshop in Northwest Austin, presents its 12th annual production of one of the most loved ballets.
11 a.m. and 3 p.m. $12 (students and children), $18 (adults), $24 (premium reserved seating). Vandegrift High School, 9500 McNeil Drive, Austin. 512-349- 7197. www.dancersworkshopaustin.com/ovation-ballet-company
5. Holiday in the Park
The 16th annual Anderson Mill Neighborhood Association event features photos with Santa, holiday music, children’s arts and crafts, games, bounce houses, cocoa, hot cider, baked goods and holiday gifts.
Noon-3 p.m. Free. Harper Park, 11008-11098 Lake Creek Parkway, Austin. 512-258-4104. www.amld.org
6. Trail of Lights Fun Run
The 2.1-mile run is open to all ages and fitness levels and starts at the Zilker Tree and ends at the Trail of Lights. The finish line festival features giveaways, a dance party and a DJ.
6:30 and 8 p.m. (two race waves). $20-$40 (depending on age and registration time). Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road. www.austintrailoflights.org/fun-run
