Austin's annual Trail of Lights will return to Zilker Park with over 2 million lights this December. (Courtesy Trail of Lights Foundation)
Looking for a holiday event to attend this weekend to get into the holiday spirit? Learn more about what is happening around the Austin Metro the weekend of Dec. 13-15. This list is not comprehensive. Events are subject to change.
Austin
Painted Tree Boutique Christmas Open Houses
Painted Tree Boutiques will transform into a holiday market. Shop owners will offer a variety of holiday gifts, decor, fashion and more. The company has a location in Sunset Valley and hopes to open its Round Rock location in time to host a market.
Austin's annual Trail of Lights will return to Zilker Park with over 2 million lights this December. (Courtesy Trail of Lights Foundation)
Trail of Lights
Austin’s holiday light walk-thru event will return to Zilker Park for its 60th year. Visit the trail to see over two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, over 65 holiday displays and more.
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will offer daily live music during its 10-day run at the Palmer Events Center. (Courtesy Jennifer M. Ramos)
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
This 10-day market event at the Palmer Events Center will have fine art, handmade gifts and more from nearly 200 artists. There will also be daily live music.
"Peter Pan" flies into Austin this December at Bass Concert Hall. Texas Performing Arts Broadway in Austin will present the musical production for one week.
Community members are invited to attend this tournament featuring hockey players ages 14 and under competing in three categories: squirt, peewee and bantam. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in all three categories, and gold medal teams will receive a plaque and a banner to hang in their home arena.
Dec. 13-15
Free
Ice & Field at The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park
Families can decorate five holiday ornaments by choosing from various designs in these all materials-included courses led by wood workshop Board and Brush. Attendees must preregister at least 12 hours before the events.
Dec. 14, 10-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
$20 (admission)
Board and Brush Cedar Park, 2011 Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park
Children can join the Disney princess as she tells her story by reading to attendees. Adults accompanying children do not need to purchase a ticket for the event.
Dec. 14, 1 p.m., 1:45 p.m.
$20 (admission)
Paper Bark Birch, 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park
The Holiday Bazaar at the Bar will host over 40 local vendors. (Courtesy The Crossover)
Holiday Bazaar at the Bar
From live Christmas music to over 40 vendors, attendees can get in the holiday spirit by shopping with a festive drink in hand at the small business event.
Dec. 15, noon-8 p.m.
Free (admission)
The Fieldhouse at The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park
Experience Liberty Hill is hosting the annual festival featuring an artificial ice rink, a snow field, photos with Santa Claus, a horse and carriage ride, and a mix of local vendors. Parking will be available at several nearby parking lots and free pedicab rides will be offered for the event. The event will end with a festive parade highlighting various floats to celebrate the season.
Participants will learn the basics of sugar cookie decorating on premade cookies with guided instruction. Some basics include icing consistencies and piping techniques. Individuals can take the cookies they decorate home with them.
Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, 12:30-2 p.m.
$45 (admission)
Whitestone Brewery, 15390 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill
The whole family can get into the holiday spirit with this annual themed run, featuring a one-mile race, a 5k, a 12k and an untimed kids dash for ages 10 and under. There will be snacks, photo opportunities and chip-timing with live results and awards.
Residents can continue their Christmas festivities by enjoying face painting, seeing Santa Claus, shipping from local vendors and taking advantage of the event’s gift wrapping station.
Dec. 14, noon- 3 p.m.
Free (admission)
Kids’ Zone Learning Center Georgetown, 4802 Moreland Drive, Georgetown
The city of Pflugerville will host a night for families to make holiday-themed ornaments together. The event will include a three-hour window for people of all ages and skill levels to come and go.
Santa Claus will stop by Kalahari Resort & Conventions in Round Rock for a holiday breakfast. The event will feature a build-your-own omelet station, glazed ham, fresh-cut fruit, a waffle station and more. Kalahari Resorts will also have live music, kids activities, a hot cocoa bar and a special visit with Santa. A full bar will also be available.
Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Free (2 and under), $19 (ages 3-10), $44 (ages 11 and up)
Play Street Museum Rock Rock will receive a visit from Santa Claus and families can enjoy making crafts. Each child will also receive a special gift and cookies from Santa. Participants must reserve a timeslot and register in advance.
The city of Lakeway will hold a parking lot screening of “A Christmas Story.” Chairs and blankets are encouraged. Local food vendors and letter-writing to Santa will also be available.
This holiday 5K race will start and finish at the San Marcos Plaza Park. The Kids K route will run through the one-day Sights and Sounds Festival in Downtown San Marcos.
Merry on Main will feature a giant inflatable snow globe for photos and fun. (Courtesy City of Bastrop)
Lost Pines Christmas Merry on Main
Bastrop’s Main Street Program will host the annual event where participants can write letters to Santa Claus, shop from local businesses, enjoy treats from pop-up snack booths and slide through a blow up Toboggan tunnel.
The Lost Pines Christmas Parade will feature floats, firetrucks, vintage cars and more parade participants. (Courtesy city of Bastrop)
Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Parade
Residents can watch a parade with over 130 entries featuring a variety of participants including floats, fire trucks, vintage cars, and Santa Claus and his helpers.
Cars and Coffee is a free, family-friendly event on select Sundays at the Circuit of the Americas. There will be car shows displaying classic cars, race cars, off-roaders and more. Additional activities may require a paid ticket.
