11 events to ring in the holiday season in Cedar Park, Leander; plus area tree lightings

The Austin Steam Train Association will be hosting its North Pole Flyer, departing from the Bertram Depot. On this two-hour ride, passengers will have visits and trips with Santa, gifts for children under age 13, a visit and cookies from Mrs. Claus, unlimited hot chocolate and more. There will be two departure times on both days at noon and 3:30 p.m. Free (children under age 3), $45-$55 (general admission). 170 S. Gabriel St., Bertram. 512-915-2340. www.austinsteamtrain.org

Dec. 1-3: Attend an outdoor Christmas production

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will host its 11th annual outdoor Christmas production, “Follow The Star.” The drive-through and walk-through production will feature the 10 critical scenes of the life of Jesus Christ, with professional sound, lighting and over 300 cast and crew members. 6:30-9 p.m. Free, but participants are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items. 700 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. 512-258-6227. www.gstx.org/followthestar

Dec. 3: Eat breakfast with Santa

Little Acorn Academy will host its 11th annual Breakfast with Santa, featuring a $1 pancake breakfast and free pictures with Santa. The breakfast will also have a Holiday Fair with local vendors selling gifts and treats. 7-10:30 a.m. $1. 3200 Hatch Road, Cedar Park. 512-331-5400. www.facebook.com/LittleAcornAcademy/events

Dec. 3 and Dec. 10: Take photos for the holidays

On two Saturday evenings, the city of Cedar Park will host pictures with Santa. The photo opportunity will take place under the city’s 400-year-old heritage oak tree. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park. 512-401-5500. www.cedarparktexas.gov

Dec. 4: Tour holiday decorated homes

Thrive Realty and Thrive Community Partners Foundation will host the 2022 Leander Holiday Home Tour with five featured homes in Crystal Falls decorated with lights, color and sparkle to celebrate the holiday season. This year’s tour beneficiary is Hill Country Community Ministries. The tour is designed for people age 12 and up. 4-7 p.m. $25. 2006 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 190, Leander. 512-922-3002. www.leanderholidayhometour.com

Dec. 5: Fellowship at a Christmas Cocoa Party

Life Church in Leander will be hosting its annual Women’s Life Christmas Cocoa Party. The party will have a cocoa bar with plenty of flavorful toppings and a cookie and ornament exchange. Attendees are encouraged to bring shareable baked goods and a wrapped Christmas ornament. Interested participants must RSVP to attend. 6:30 p.m. Free. 1393 E. Woodview Drive, Leander. 512-260-5151. www.yourlifechurch.org

Dec. 7: Party at a boutique

Turquoise Peacock Boutique will host its “biggest and most fun event,” the fifth annual Christmas Party. This event will have gift giveaways and lots of other fun activities. Attendees must RSVP for this party. 4-8 p.m. Free. 660 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 330, Leander. 432-853-1253. www.facebook.com/turquoisepeacockboutique/events

Dec. 9: Toss teddy bears at a Texas Stars game

H-E-B Center Texas Stars is back again with the Teddy Bear Toss, where fans will be able to toss stuffed animals onto the ice following the Stars’ first goal against the Chicago Wolves. Fans are encouraged to bring new stuffed animals for the Teddy Bear Toss. All stuffed animals will be donated to Operation Blue Santa, which provides gifts to those in need during the holidays. After the game, there will be a Blue Santa available for photos. 7 p.m. $19-$64. 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-467-8277. www.texasstars.com/games

Dec. 9-11: Watch a classic Christmas play

Way Off Broadway Community Players will be showing “A Christmas Carol” play directed by Andrea Littlefield. The play is about the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by spirits of Christmas past, present and yet to come. 11840 Hero Way West, Ste. 200, Leander. www.wobcp.org

Dec 11: Jam to live R&B music at a holiday special

Austin’s Jingle Jam with headliners Ashanti and Ja Rule will be at the H-E-B Center for the holidays. Hosted by Sean Da Don and DJ Fame, the show will include performances by Juvenile, Trina, Lloyd, Ying Yang Twins and special guest Gemtumes. A portion of the concert proceeds will benefit the Sammy Wallace Memorial Scholarship. 5:30 p.m. (doors open), 7 p.m. (show). $64-$194. H-E-B Center, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-600-5000. www.hebcenter.com

TREE LIGHTINGS

Nov. 25: The Annual Lighting of the Square

The day after Thanksgiving, Santa will join Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder and Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell to light up downtown. Santa will be available for pictures inside the courthouse. Photos will be taken in exchange for an unwrapped toy, wrapping paper or donation benefiting the Brown Santa program. The lights will be on every evening through Jan. 1. 5:30-7 p.m. Free. 103 W. Seventh St., Georgetown. 512-930-3545. https://visit.georgetown.org

Nov. 27: 56th Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting

Austin’s 2022 tree-lighting ceremony will take place at the south side of Zilker Park. The Zilker tree stands 155 feet tall and has a total of 3,309 lights. The event will feature food, entertainment, novelties and music by The Austin Civic Wind Ensemble. 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin. 512-974-6797. www.austintexas.gov

Dec. 2: Tree Lighting and Santa’s Wonderland

The city of Cedar Park will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Wonderland. At the tree-lighting ceremony, the largest Live Oak tree in Cedar Park will be illuminated with over 50,000 lights. Immediately after the tree lighting, Santa’s Wonderland will open, and it will include performances, a snow hill, food vendors, and photos with Santa and other holiday characters. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park. 512-401-5500. www.cedarparktexas.gov

Dec. 3: Old Town Christmas Festival

This year’s festival, hosted by the Leander Chamber of Commerce and the city of Leander, is “Elf” themed. The Old Town Christmas Festival will include pictures with Santa, a parade, the Old Town Rudolph Run, the Christmas Marketplace, games and activities, and live performances. Leander’s lighting of the 60-foot Christmas tree will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a screening of the movie “Elf.” 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. Old Town Leander, 100 N. Brushy St., Leander. 512-528-9909. www.leandertx.gov