What a perfect weekend to enjoy some quality time with the family! Here are our top picks for fun events.
- Where to Take Out-of-Town Guests in Austin
- Keep Austin Thankful Photo Contest
- Top Holiday Craft Shows
- Where to See Santa
Top 10 Austin Family Events to Check Out This Weekend:
— Architects of Air @ Long Center
Through Nov. 29 (except on Thanksgiving)
weekdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. & weekends from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This stunning installation is truly worth a visit! This is an interactive exhibit to wander through and feel transformed into an amazingly beautiful space. Each luminarium is a dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes of light and color. Admission to Architects of Air is $12 per person over 18 years old, $8 for ages 3-17, and children 2 and under are free. Tickets available at the Long Center, same day as entrance.
— Holiday Model Train Show @ ArtSpace Round Rock
Wednesday, Nov. 25 – Saturday, Jan. 2, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Calling all train enthusiasts…make plans to visit the 3rd Annual Holiday Model Train Exhibit at ArtSpace in Round Rock! The Tinplate Trackers will have trains on display from Wednesday, Nov. 25 through Saturday, Jan. 2. from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
— A Christmas Carol @ ZACH Theatre
Wednesday, Nov. 25 – Sunday, Dec. 27
evenings at 7:30 p.m. & weekend matinees at 2:30 p.m.
In this upbeat version of Charles Dickens classic, you can enjoy the traditional Victorian costumes and setting combined with modern music, re-imagined carols and the vocal talents of very soulful ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office at 512-476-0541 x1. (Click here to enter to win a 4-pack of tickets.)
Photo credit: Kirk Tuck
— Blue Genie Art Bazaar @ Marchesa Hall & Theatre
Friday, Nov. 27 – Thursday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Now in its 15th year, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday shopping season, offering up thousands of cool and unique gifts from 200+ local artists. The bazaar features paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glassworks, ceramics, and even lots of kitschy stuff that can’t find anywhere else. Free admission and free parking!
— Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer @ Long Center
Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 29.
This classic television special jumps from the screen to the stage with all of the beloved characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in the all new musical. Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $24 and can be purchased online here.
— Exploration Station: Black Friday Activities @ Bullock Museum
Friday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Escape the crowds for a fun family holiday visit to the Bullock Museum on Black Friday. Explore the Story of Texas with activities and art projects. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and bustle and drop in anytime between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and make holiday ornaments and souvenirs! Activities are free with regular admission ($12/adult, $8 for ages 4-17).
— Christmas Light Show @ Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Now through January 2016
Take the kids for this Austin tradition where music and lights are choreographed in a most entertaining display. The light show runs daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas). Shows last about 15 minutes, start at 6 p.m. and run every hour on the hour until midnight. Free!
— Chuy’s Children Giving To Children Parade @ Texas State Capitol & Congress Ave.
Saturday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m.
Come wave to our Do512 Family float in the annual Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade! See giant inflatable balloons, festive holiday floats, famous children’s characters, spectacular marching bands, cool classic cars and Santa! Bring a toy to be collected & distributed by the Operation Blue Santa Program to a child in need. The parade starts at the State Capitol at 11th and Congress, moving south all the way to Cesar Chavez, ending just north of the bridge. Click here for a parade map.
— Homestead Fair @ Homestead Craft Village at Brazos de Dios (Waco)
Friday, Nov. 27 – Sunday, Nov. 29
Want to take a little day trip while the kids have extra time out of school? Head to Waco to help to milk a cow, lend a hand at a barn raising, watch a master craftsman fashion a fine Windsor chair straight from a rough log! Sample foods, ride in a horse-drawn hay wagon. Click here to browse the daily schedule for a complete list of make-your-own projects for kids, including beeswax candle dipping, felting, making soap balls, learning to cross-stitch, shaping a wooden spatula and many more. Free admission. To pre-order your $7 parking pass, click here.
— Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Zilker Park
Sunday, Nov. 29, 6 p.m.
Head out to for the festivities with music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble and the Barton Hills Choir. Spin under the tree and enjoy the holiday tradition. Free!
–> There so much more to explore. Check out our Daily Calendar for more events!
Have a fun weekend!
