Nov. 23-Dec. 24: Hill Country Galleria Holiday Village
The Hill Country Galleria hosts its annual holiday village. Guests can shop for custom gifts, listen to carolers, enjoy mulled cider and visit Santa Claus, who arrives on the village’s opening day. Families can have their photos taken with Santa beginning Nov. 24. Times vary. Thu.-Sun. Free. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave. 512-263-0001. www.hillcountrygalleria.com
Nov. 29-Jan. 5, 2020: Johnson City Lights Spectacular
The annual event transforms sections of downtown Johnson City into a family-friendly event with light displays and different activities and entertainment daily. Evenings from Nov. 19-Jan. 5. Free. Parking available near the decorated Blanco County Courthouse and Pedernales Electric Cooperative buildings in Johnson City. 512-577-4833. www.lightsspectacular.com
Dec. 1: Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the annual lighting of the Zilker Tree, composed of 3,309 25-watt bulbs. The event will include performances by the Austin Wind Ensemble and the Barton Hills Choir. Toy donations to the Austin Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa will be accepted. 5:30 p.m. Free. Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.austintexas.gov/zilkerholidaytree
Dec. 4: All the Jingle Ladies
The Boutiques of Historic Dripping Springs invites “all the jingle ladies” for a night of “bow-tiquing,” featuring themed cocktails and special deals. Tickets come with a free wine glass. 5-9 p.m. $10. Around Mercer Street and Old Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs. www.facebook.com/shopdrippingsprings
Dec. 7: A Very Doggy Christmas
Work & Woof Co-working hosts a holiday event featuring “activities, fun, drinks and pictures with Santa.” Humans and dogs are invited. Noon-4 p.m. Free. 4930 S. Congress Ave., Bldg. A, Austin. 512-460-1488. www.workandwoofatx.com
Dec. 7: Christkindlmarkt
Christkindlmarkt is a German-inspired, open-air Christmas market featuring German music, singing and dancing; vendors selling Christmas wares; and food, drinks and craft beer. According to the event’s website, Christkindlmarkt is intended to “commemorate and promote the German heritage” of New Braunfels. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. Bavarian Halle at Schlitterbahn Resort, 212 W. Austin St., New Braunfels. 830-542-2020. www.christkindlmarktnbtx.org
Dec. 7: Christmas on Mercer Street
The city of Dripping Springs holds its annual Christmas on Mercer Street holiday festival, featuring arts and crafts booths; family games, activities and entertainment; and food. Santa will make an appearance, and a tree lighting will take place at Veterans Memorial Park in the triangle between East Mercer Street, RR 12 and Hwy. 290 at 6:15 p.m. 10 a.m. Free. www.facebook.com/christmasonmercerstreet
Dec. 8: Caring Santa
Caring Santa gives a meet and greet especially for special needs kids. Professional photo packages will be available for purchase. 9-10:30 a.m. Barton Creek Square Mall, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. 512-327-7040. www.simon.com/mall/barton-creek-square
Dec. 8: Kris Kringle Market
Meet Santa and listen to carols at 12 Fox Beer Co.’s holiday event. Enjoy crafts, games and a pop-up market featuring local vendors. Admission is granted with the donation of a toy or five food items to the Hays. Co. Brown Santa Food & Toy Drive. Noon-7 p.m. 4700 W. Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs. 512-626-4458. www.12foxbeer.com
Dec. 8: Holiday mini market
The South Congress Hotel will host vendors from across the globe offering products geared towards mother-child duos. Moms can stop by the Mother’s Lounge for feeding, nursing and changing. Cocktails, coffee and food will also be available. Begins 10 a.m. Free. 1603 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 512-920-6405. www.southcongresshotel.com
Dec. 10: Austin Trail of Lights Grand Opening
The 55th annual Austin Trail of Lights begins with a ceremonial “flipping of the switch” by the winner of an essay contest for Austin ISD elementary school students. Throughout the season, live music acts will perform at the trail, and various special events will occur. 7-10 p.m. Free. Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.austintrailoflights.org
Dec. 13: Christmas Shopping at Caliterra
Vendors will gather at the Caliterra residential community to sell handmade holiday gifts for the community’s second annual event. 5-9 p.m. Free. The Hall in Caliterra, 505 Wynnpage Drive, Dripping Springs
512-751-7309. www.caliterraliving.com
Dec. 13-24: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar•
The annual bazaar is a multiday holiday shopping extravaganza with offerings from local and touring artists. Additionally, a live music lineup will feature 36 different acts. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. $8-$50. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. 512-447-1605. www.armadillobazaar.com
Dec. 14: Succulent wreath class
Articulture Designs will provide materials and instruction for participants to build their own succulent wreaths in time for the holidays. Wine, beer and other beverages will also be provided. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $95. Articulture Designs, 6405 Menchaca Road, Austin. 512-762-5228. www.articulturedesigns.com
Dec. 14: Bed & Breakfast Christmas Tour
Seven Hill Country bed and breakfasts will open for holiday tours. Proceeds benefit the Hill Country Senior Center. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $25. Hill Country Senior Center, 1310 Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs. www.facebook.com/events/573267076775942
Dec. 14: A Pioneer Christmas
Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead’s free holiday event features old-fashioned ornament crafting, Christmas story time and a photo-op with Santa by the facility’s covered wagon. Noon-2 p.m. Free. 570 Founders Park Road, Dripping Springs. 512-858-2030. www.drpoundfarmstead.org
Dec. 15: Austin Holiday Princess Ball
Dream Parties hosts a holiday-themed princess party, with an opportunity for kids to meet Disney princesses. The event includes photo-ops, games, dancing and more. 9 a.m.-6:15 p.m. $25-$40. Austin Marriott South, 4415 S. I-35, Austin. www.facebook.com/events/313920182848786
Dec. 15: Holiday at the Hive
South Austin coworking, coffee and child care space The Hive hosts a local holiday shopping bazaar, along with a visit from Santa and live children’s music. 4-8 p.m. Free. The Hive, 10542 Menchaca Road, Austin. 512-212-1091. www.hiveaustin.com
Dec. 31: A Very Austin NYE
View New Year’s Eve fireworks from the rooftop of Austin Central Library, along with live music, food from local restaurants and an open bar. Begins 7 p.m. $225-$250. 710 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. www.library.austintexas.gov
Dec. 31: Rockin’ in the New Year
Downtown Austin’s Driskill Hotel hosts a swing dancing celebration to bring in 2020. Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers provide live music. 10:30 p.m. 604 Brazos St., Austin. www.driskillhotel.com
Dec. 31: Alt-NYE Celebration
Peacefully enter the new year at Kadampa Meditation Center with the Buddhist practice of Avalokiteshvara. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $15. 1918 Bissel Lane, Austin. 512-916-4444. www.meditationinaustin.org/alternative-new-years-eve-2019
