Here are three holiday events Southwest Austinites should know about this weekend, Dec. 16-18

Here are a few of the events happening in Austin this weekend. Friday, Dec. 16 [caption id="attachment_208328" align="alignright" width="220"] Visitors to the Omni Hotel's Light the Night celebration can enjoy ice skating and other holiday activities.[/caption] Light the Night This special kick-off production for the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa's Annual Holiday Lights & Ice event will feature a holiday laser-light show and festive family-friendly activities. Visitors can skate on the 4,000 square-foot indoor ice rink, and a portion of proceeds from the ice-skating session will benefit Make-a-Wish Central & South Texas. Holiday-inspired treats and hot beverages will be served along with complimentary ornament decorating and gingerbread cookie decorating in Santa’s Workshop. To purchase tickets in advance, call 512-329-4616. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for children and include skate rentals. The grand opening performance begins at 6:30 p.m. in The Pavilion, and the ice skating session is from 9-10:30 p.m. 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin. 512-329-4000. www.omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-barton-creek Sunday, Dec. 18 [caption id="attachment_202094" align="alignright" width="220"] Moontower Saloon will host a holiday market this weekend.[/caption] Holiday market at Moontower Saloon Attendees can browse among a variety of vendors during an afternoon of live music, shopping and a cigar lounge Airstream. Moontower Saloon is also collecting unwrapped toys for any age and care packages for local foster children. The event runs from noon-8 p.m. and entrance is free. Moontower Saloon, 10212 Manchaca Road, Austin. 512-712-5661. www.moontowersaloon.com [caption id="attachment_91085" align="alignright" width="220"] A bistro brunch, holiday crafts and photos with Santa will be offered to Hotel Ella visitors this weekend.[/caption] Santa's Workshop at Hotel Ella Eat, drink and be merry at Santa’s Workshop at Hotel Ella. A bistro brunch will be offered at Goodall’s Kitchen, with festive drink specials and holiday kids’ crafts presented by Event Vines. Children who bring a new toy to donate to Caritas of Austin get a free photo with Santa in the Ella Parlor. Pictures with Santa and holiday kids’ crafts are first come, first served, and will be offered 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Brunch reservations at Goodall’s Kitchen are available from 7 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. To book a table, visit goodallskitchen.com or call 512-495-1800. Hotel Ella, 1900 Rio Grand Street, Austin. 512-495-1800. www.hotelella.com