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Locals can celebrate the holiday season by strolling through COTALAND’s holiday display at Peppermint in the Park, petting goats at Vista Brewing or meeting Santa at various meet-and-greet opportunities.
There is something for everyone to enjoy as the year comes to a close. This list is not comprehensive and all events are subject to change.
Peppermint in the Park
Locals can head to COTALAND for a look at the park’s holiday display, festive decor and seasonal treats and rides.
Nov. 12-Jan. 4
$19.99 (holiday evening walking ticket), $34.99 (holiday evening ticket), $39.99 (all-day holiday ticket)
9111 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin
Santa Claus Meet and Greet
Lala’s South Pole, a year-round holiday bar, will host a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Lala’s will also offer a limited-time menu featuring festive signature cocktails.
Nov. 29, 5-7 p.m.
Free (admission)
3008 Davis Lane, Ste. 101, Austin
“The Nutcracker” at Ballet Austin
Ballet Austin will present its 64th annual production of “The Nutcracker” at The Long Center. The holiday performance follows Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a journey with many notable characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will provide a live accompaniment.
Dec. 4-23, times vary
$25-$135 (tickets)
701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin
Jingle Bell 5K
The Hill Country Galleria will host a festive 5K and kids’ dash. The race will also include a human and pet costume contest, a DJ, coffee bar, cookies and more.
Dec. 5, 7-10 a.m.
$15 (Kid’s Dash registration), $35 (5K registration)
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-100, Bee Cave
Christmas on Mercer
Residents can visit downtown Dripping Springs for a festive event filled with local retailers, food and children’s activities. Attendees can shop for gifts, hop on a pony or train ride and grab a photo with Santa. There will be appearances from characters throughout the day, including Mickey and Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.” The event will support the Lions Club of Dripping Springs.
Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free (attendance)
Mercer Street, downtown Dripping Springs
Winter Wonderland Vendor Market
The James Bowie High School Winter Guard, also known as Color Guard, is hosting a winter market fundraiser. The market will feature more than 63 local artisans, artists and vendors. Attendees can expect live performances from local dance teams and theatre groups, as well as live music from Margaret Slovak. Characters from the movie “Frozen” will also make an appearance.
Dec. 6, 1-5 p.m.
Free (admission)
4103 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin
Trail of Lights
The 62nd Annual Trail of Lights will return to Zilker Park in December, with seven free nights. The outdoor display features over 2 million lights, 90 lit holiday trees and 70 other holiday displays and tunnels.
Dec. 10-23
Free (Dec. 10-11 & Dec. 13-17), $8 (general admission for individuals 12 and older)
2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
Christmas at the Pound House
The Pound House Farmstead will host a holiday event featuring local vendors, photos with Santa, refreshments, kids’ crafts, a silent auction and live music. The event will also feature a hayride and petting zoo available for an additional cost.
Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Free (Veterans and seniors over 65), $4 (advance purchase tickets for ages 2-10), $8 (advance purchase tickets for ages 11 and older), $5 (tickets at the door for ages 2-10), $10 (tickets at the door for ages 11 and older)
419-B Founders Park Road, Dripping Springs
Santa & Mini Goat Snuggles with Goat Shenanigans
Goat Shenanigans is hosting a meet-and-greet event with mini goats. Attendees can come and go while enjoying food and drinks from Vista Brewing, which are sold separately.
Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
$10 (tickets for children ages 3-14), $16 (adult ticket)
13551 RM Road 150, Driftwood
