There are many events taking place in December and into January in the Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto areas. From holiday-themed festivals to polar plunges to a silent disco, this non-comperhensive list includes a wide variety of activities to attend.
December 1-31
Check out model trains at Kalahari
The Tinplate Trackers Model Train Show will expand from downtown Round Rock to Kalahari Resorts and Conventions for the 2022 holiday season. Wednesdays through Sundays in December, visitors to the Tom Foolery Events Center inside Kalahari can view a train display that includes a “Harry Potter” scene and a 1950s-style town. 2-7 p.m. Free. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock. 877-525-2427. www.austintinplatetrackers.com
Dec. 1-24
Visit with Santa
Bass Pro Shops will offer its annual Santa’s Wonderland programming, including free photos with Santa Claus and decorations in store. Each participant will receive a free 4-by-6-inch print of their photo with Santa. Reservations for photos can be made on the Bass Pro Shops website. Hours vary. Free. 200 Bass Pro Drive, Round Rock. 512-876-2700. www.basspro.com
Dec. 2-4, Dec. 9-11
View a live nativity presentation
First Baptist Church of Round Rock is putting on a live nativity presentation called Christmas on the Corner. The live presentation depicts the birth of Jesus Christ, and includes a selfie station, baked treats and hot chocolate. Presentations take place at 7 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on each event date. Free. First Baptist Church of Round Rock, 306 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock. 512-255-3454. www.fbcrr.org
Dec. 3
Take the kids to a holiday festival
The annual Pfestival of Lights and Christmas Parade will take place throughout downtown Pflugerville and feature musical performances, opportunities for photos with Santa Claus, a kids area and a tree lighting at City Hall. 4-7 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Pflugerville. 512-990-6100. www.pflugervilletx.gov
Dec. 3
Jingle on a trail
The Jingle Bell 5K run and walk will kick off at the Community Park Trail. Participants are invited to tie bells on their shoes to jingle along down the trail. 9 a.m. Free. Community Park Trail, 16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock. 512-255-7871. www.bcmud.org
Dec. 3
Share in the holiday spirit
The Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District will hold a holiday festival and craft fair with live music, an opportunity to meet Santa and Rudolph, train rides and a petting zoo. The event will also support the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office’s Brown Santa toy drive. Attendees can bring an unwrapped toy to the park’s large pavilion. Noon-3 p.m. Free admission. Brushy Creek Community Center and Park, 16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock. 512-255-7871. www.bcmud.org
Dec. 6
Catch up on city news
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan will lead a State of the City event at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. KVUE anchor and reporter Bryan Mays will discuss updates on the city with Morgan as part of the program, which includes lunch. Registration is required. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock. 512-255-5805. www.roundrockchamber.com
Dec. 8
Unwind with a DIY project
The Pflugerville Public Library’s Adult Craft Night program’s December event will see participants create framed pressed flowers. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free (registration required). Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. 512-990-6375. www.library.pflugervilletx.gov
Dec. 9
Have a nightmare before Christmas
Hanovers Draught Haus, in partnership with Bloody Rose Boutique and The Darker Side of Austin, will host a Horror Punk Xmas event featuring performances from local horror punk groups Ole Creepy, The Immortalz and Rebel Flesh. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $5 admission. Hanovers Draught Haus, 108 E. Main St., Pflugerville. 512-969-5027. www.hanoversaustin.com
Dec. 9
Make the holidays inclusive
The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department will host a winter-themed dance for individuals with disabilities featuring dress-up and dance contests and plenty of snacks. Registration is required. 6-8 p.m. Free (caregivers), $5 (participants). Rabb House, 151 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock. 512-218-5540. www.roundrockrecreation.com
Dec. 10
Celebrate in historic Hutto
The Hutto Downtown Christmas Fair will bring over 100 craft and food vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities and snow to the historic area. Participating businesses in the downtown area will offer Christmas Fair specials. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. East St., Hutto. 512-759-4015. www.tx-hutto2.civicplus.com
Dec. 10
Enjoy a heated swim
The Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District’s Highland Horizon Pool will host an all-ages Candy Cane Swim event, including a themed obstacle course, photo opportunities with Rudolph, cookie decorating and open swimming in the heated pool. Noon-2 p.m. Free. Highland Horizon Pool, 416 Highland Horizon. 512-366-5736. www.bcmud.org
Dec. 10
Go holiday shopping
Grace Presbyterian Church will host a child- and pet-friendly outdoor vendor market. The event will feature a holiday food and toy donation drop-off. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Grace Presbyterian Church, 1705 Gattis School Road, Round Rock. 512-255-9818. www.gracepresrr.org
Dec. 10
Visit a drive-thru nativity scene
At Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pflugerville’s annual drive-thru nativity, visitors can see live nativity scenes from the comfort of their cars. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 500 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville. 512-251-4494. www.ilcpville.org
Dec. 11
Enjoy a family Christmas party
The True Life church in Round Rock will host a Christmas Festival that will include, bounce houses, a petting zoo, a baby and toddler play zone, face painting, crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. Attendees will also be able to enter a raffle to win a bike and other prizes. 2-4 p.m. Free. True Life Round Rock, 1600 Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock. 512-246-9500. www.trueliferr.org
Dec. 11
Attend a holiday concert
The Bluebonnet Philharmonic Orchestra presents A Vintage Christmas at First United Methodist Church Round Rock. The orchestra will play selections from “The Nutcracker Suite,” as well as other holiday favorites. The Bluebonnet Philharmonic Orchestra is an ensemble from regional collective Central Texas Musical Arts. 3 p.m. Free. First United Methodist Church, 1004 N. Mays St., Round Rock. www.centexmusicalarts.org
Dec. 15
Attend a live Nativity
The Round Rock Presbyterian Church will hold a live nativity presentation event accompanied by a petting zoo, Christmas activities and refreshments. 6-8 p.m. Free. Round Rock Presbyterian Church, 4010 Sam Bass Road, Round Rock. 512-244-2152. https://roundrockpresbyterian.org
Dec. 17
Hear the Sounds of the Season
The Round Rock Community Choir, Round Rock Youth Choir and Council Oak Bells will put on an evening of family-friendly holiday music. 7 p.m. Free admission. First United Methodist Church, 1004 N. Mays St., Round Rock. www.roundrockcommunitychoir.org
Dec. 17
Make Christmas gifts
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware will host woodworking classes throughout December to create one-of-a-kind gifts. On Dec. 17, the retailer will offer a workshop to create a Christmas tree-shaped snack dish or epoxy and wood cheese board. Registration is required. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. $90-$150. Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 2701-A Parker Drive, Ste. 240, Round Rock. 512-813-7969.
Dec. 17
Support local artisans
Hutto Market Days, held every third Saturday of the month, bring local artisans and vendors to historic downtown Hutto for a small town shopping experience. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Hutto, 200 East St., Hutto. 512-759-4015. https://tx-hutto2.civicplus.com
Dec. 18-26
Attend a menorah lighting
Join Chabad of Round Rock for a public menorah lighting celebrating Chanukah, a holiday that lasts from Dec. 18-26. Attendees may participate in the construction of a six-foot-tall Lego menorah and enjoy holiday treats. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $20 suggested donation. Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad Ave., Round Rock. 512-387-3171. www.jewishroundrock.com/chanukah
Dec. 31
Dance the night away at a silent disco
Revl Social Club in Pflugerville will host a silent disco featuring three DJs spinning three different genres of music, bar games and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Admission is limited to attendees 21 and older, and tickets may be purchased online. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $30-$50. Revl Social Club, 16321 N. I-35, Pflugerville. 512-670-960•0. www.revlsocial.com
Jan. 1
Start the year off with physical and mental focus
Soul Strong Yoga will host a New Year’s Day retreat and light circle. Participants can look forward to yoga, meditation, a sound bath, a light circle and healthy snacks. 1-6 p.m. Prices vary. Soul Strong Yoga Sanctuary, 503 E. Main St., Round Rock. 512-686-7685. www.soulstrongyoga.com
Jan. 1
Take a polar plunge
Slide into the new year with the Pfreeze Pflop at the Scott Mentzer Pool. Admission is free with the donation of a canned food item. Wetsuits, cotton T-shirts or any loose clothing that might catch on the slide are not allowed. Participants must be in line prior to 10 a.m. 9-10 a.m. Free. Scott Mentzer Pool, 901 Old Austin Hutto Road, Pflugerville. 512-990-6350. www.parks.pflugervilletx.gov
