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The Lake Travis-Westlake area has a variety of holiday events planned in the coming weeks, including Christmas markets, festivals, opportunities to meet Santa and more. Check out these 11 events.
Bee Cave On Ice
The city of Bee Cave will open an ice skating rink for the holiday season. The rink, at the Hill Country Galleria, will be located behind city hall.
Nov. 13-Jan. 18, rink times vary
$11-$16
4000 Galleria Parkway, Bee Cave
Photos with Santa
Santa will visit Hill Country Galleria throughout the holiday season. Families can see Santa inside his workshop and take their own photos. There will be no professional photographer on site.
Nov. 28-Dec. 24, visit times vary
Free
13500 Galleria Circle, Ste. 120, Bee Cave
Light Up the Plaza
A tree lighting ceremony will take place at Hill Country Galleria. The event will include live music, ice skating, giveaways, face painting and refreshments.
Nov. 28, 5-8 p.m.
Free
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-100, Bee Cave
Christmas Artisan Market
Lago Vista Brewing Company will host a Christmas market featuring local vendors offering unique gifts, and Santa will visit the market from 2-5 p.m. Food from The Schnitzel Wagon will also be available.
Nov. 29, 1-6 p.m.
Free (admission)
8001 Bronco Lane, Lago Vista
Lakeway’s Lights On!
Lakeway’s annual holiday and Christmas celebration will take place at the city hall parking lot. The event kicks off the city’s official lighting of the Trail of Lights. Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves will also be there to meet children and pose for photos.
Dec. 4, 6:30-9 p.m.
Free
1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway
Bee Cave Holiday Market
A three-weekend pop-up market, hosted by Penny V Production at Hill Country Galleria, will feature a rotating lineup of vendors offering handmade goods. Families can also enjoy the city’s ice skating rink and take pictures with Santa.
Dec. 4-19, 4-9 p.m. (Fridays); 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Saturdays)
Free (admission)
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-100, Bee Cave
Trail of Lights
The city of Lakeway’s Trail of Lights is a self-guided holiday display that will be open nightly throughout the month of December, from 6 p.m.-midnight. The trail can be accessed from the Lakeway City Hall parking lot or from the lower parking lot of the Lakeway Activity Center.
Dec. 4-Jan. 1
Free
1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway
Jingle Bell 5K
Runners, joggers and walkers can participate in a holiday 5K at Hill Country Galleria. After, runners can stay for food and drinks. All Kids' Dash participants will receive a holiday medal, while first-, second- and third-place winners from each age category will receive medals. There will also be a costume contest and pet-costume contest.
Dec. 5, 7-10 a.m.
$15-$35
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will feature 10 days of live music and art with nearly 200 curated artists offering unique creations, from fine art to handmade gifts. Held at the Palmer Events Center, the festival will include grab-and-go snacks as well as a full bar with beer, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Dec. 12-21 (hours vary daily)
$15 (admission), $25 (VIP First Look), Free (ages 12 and under)
900 Barton Springs Road, Austin
Eat the Film: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Hotel Viata’s Eat the Film series will continue with a screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Guests can enjoy a dinner inspired by the movie, with a menu including “Who Hash,” crispy corned beef and potato; “Rare Who Roast Beast,” herb-crusted beef; and “His Heart Grew Three Sizes,” a chocolate peppermint cake.
Dec. 18, 7:30-10 p.m.
$85 per person, $45 (ages 12 and under)
320 S. Capital of Texas Highway, West Lake Hills
Lakeway Polar Bear Plunge
Area residents can close out the year by sliding down the big slide at the Lakeway Swim Center into the cold water below. Afterward, participants can grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow plungers.
Dec. 31, 9-10 a.m.
Free
3103 Lakeway Blvd., Austin
