Whether on the naughty or nice list, here are 12 events bound to get the whole community feeling the holiday spirit:


Holiday-themed events








Thurs., Dec. 14-Sun., Dec. 18

Buda Trail of Lights


The city of Buda puts on its ninth annual Trail of Lights. Dozens of light structures are on display at the Historic Stagecoach Park for two weekends.

Santa Cruz Catholic School, Project Graduation and the Boy Scouts sell hot concessions at the event where makes an appearance. Free. 6-10 p.m. 880 Main St., Buda. 512-312-0084.
www.ci.buda.tx.us/525/Trail-of-Lights





Friday, Dec. 15

Holiday Puppet Show


The San Marcos Public Library puts on the show “Twas the Night Before Christmas ‘in Texas that is” for the holiday season. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Free. San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos. 512-393-8200.
www.sanmarcostx.gov/library







Saturday, Dec. 16

Winter Holiday Family Fun Day at Spring Lake


Sponsored in part by the City of San Marcos, The Meadows Center is putting on a winter nature-themed Family Fun Day at Spring Lake event featuring crafts and activities for all ages. Free. The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos. 512-245-9200. www.facebook.com/events/484676438564426





Sunday, Dec. 17

Zelicks Ugly Sweater Party 2017


Zelicks teamed up with Maker's Mark to throw an ugly sweater party featuring karaoke, eggnog, and a build-an-ugly-sweater craft bar. Free. 10 p.m.-midnight. Zelicks, 336 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos. 512-757-8787. www.facebook.com/events/1593300550733259





Monday, Dec. 18

Photos with Santa


Partnering together, Austin Pet Memorial Center and Republic Veterinary Hospital are  giving the gift of photos with Santa for pets. Donations benefit the homeless pets at PAWS, and there will be hot chocolate, cookies and treats. Free. 3-5 p.m. Republic Veterinary Hospital, 154 Elmhurst Drive, Ste. C, Kyle. 512-269-0738. www.facebook.com/events/367571566989790





Thursday, Dec. 21

Ugly Sweater Party


Put the pretty sweater away for The Spot's ugly seater party. The event features drink specials, a hot chocolate bar and ugly sweater contest. Ages 18 and older. Free. 8-10 p.m.  The Spot Cinema Eatery & Social Haus, 1180 Thorpe Lane Ste. 130, San Marcos. 512-210-8600. www.facebook.com/events/841252636036083





Movie Screenings








Wednesday, Dec. 13

Flashback Cinema: Polar Express


"The Polar Express" features Tom Hanks playing six different characters and children discovering the spirit of Christmas. The Spot Cinema Eatery & Social Haus and EVO Entertainment is putting several classic movies on the big screen for the holiday season. The Spot Cinema Eatery & Social Haus, 1180 Thorpe Lane Ste. 130, San Marcos and EVO Entertainment, 3200 Kyle Crossing, Kyle. Two showings: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 512-210-8600 and 512-523-9009. www.evo-entertainment.com/movie/42160/The-Polar-Express-Trailer-and-Info







Sun., Dec. 17 and Wed., Dec. 20

Flashback Cinema: Elf


The Spot Cinema Eatery & Social Haus and EVO Entertainment is putting several classic movies on the big screen for the holiday season. "Elf" follows an adopted elf searching for his birth father in New York City.  The Spot Cinema Eatery & Social Haus, 1180 Thorpe Lane Ste. 130, San Marcos and EVO Entertainment, 3200 Kyle Crossing, Kyle. Two showings: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 512-210-8600 and 512-523-9009. www.evo-entertainment.com/movie/39816/Elf-Trailer-and-Info





Sun., Dec. 24 and Wed., Dec. 27

Flashback Cinema: It's a Wonderful Life


A holiday season classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," teaches the importance of love and friendship. The Spot Cinema Eatery & Social Haus, 1180 Thorpe Lane Ste. 130, San Marcos, and EVO Entertainment, 3200 Kyle Crossing, Kyle. Two showings: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 512-210-8600 and 512-523-9009. www.evo-entertainment.com/movie/3836/Its-a-Wonderful-Life-(1946)-Trailer-and-Info





Faith based events








Sat., Dec. 16-Sun., Dec. 17

The Nativity Experience


PromiseLand San Marcos hopes to give attendees an authentic journey back to the manger for its event with hot drinks, games, caroling and a nativity scene of live actors and animals. Free. 6-8:30 p.m. 1650 Lime Kiln Road, San Marcos. 512-392-4357. www.facebook.com/events/2014197135488557





Wednesday, Dec. 20

A Very Star Wars Christmas


May the "Christmas" force be with you at the A Very Star Wars Christmas put on by Eikon Church. The event features live music, food, games and a skit. Free. 6:30-9:30 p.m. 400 Old Post Road, Kyle. 210-978-4483. www.facebook.com/events/337763846627247





Sunday, Dec. 17

Chili, Chocolate, & Karaoke Caroling


Wayfinders Church is hosting a chili and chocolate dessert cookoff, karaoke caroling and festive attire. Free. Kyle Elementary-Kimbro Building, 500 Blanco St., Kyle. 512-626-1620. www.facebook.com/events/303079143544131