This weekend you can be sure to tell Santa everything on your Christmas wishlist, enjoy a Frozen Sing-Along, play in the snow, shop for local handmade arts & crafts, enjoy a fun holiday children’s play, have one last walk on the Trail of Lights, participate in a lantern parade and much more!

Other stuff:

• Christmas Events this Week
• Winter Break Camps
• Giveaway: ZACH Theatre Camp
• Giveaway: $150 for Adventure Kid Playcare

Here are our Top Austin Family Events…

 

 

— Take your preschool-age kids to the Northwest Recreation Center for Storytime with Santa from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Dress the kids in their favorite pajamas and enjoy a snack of milk and cookies while listening to a classic holiday book. Don’t forget your camera. Admission is $2.50 per child.

— The North Village Branch of the Austin Public Library is a one-stop spot for a full day of winter-themed fun. They are hosting their Light Up the Season Holiday Celebration from 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. with a story time at 10:30 a.m., live music, a sing-a-long screening of Frozen at 2 p.m. and crafts at 4:30 p.m. Free! Seating for storytime and Frozen will be first come, first served.

— For a Santa visit with true Texas flair, you’re going to want to stop into Texas National Outfitters in SoCo to meet Santa on Horseback — because even the jolly old elf is happily “keeping it weird” in Austin. Children of all ages can pose for a free photo with Austin’s Cowboy Sam (a.k.a. “the 6th Street Cowboy”) dressed as Santa on Friday, Dec. 19 from 4-7 p.m. Free!

 

 

— The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar offers a fun shopping experience with a very Austin vibe at the Palmer Events Center. You’ll find a beautiful assortment of fine art and crafts, a great music lineup, delicious food (and cold beer, too). Open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Admission is $7, and kids 12 and under are free! Parking on-site is $7.

— — Want to play in the snow? Toss a snowball, build a snow man, make a snow angel, and take fun family photos! Enjoy live holiday music, holiday carolers, and more from noon-4 p.m during Snow Days at Hill Country Galleria. Rain or shine. Free!

— Check out the holiday children’s play at the Scottish Rite Theatre based on O. Henry’s classic story, The Gift of the Magi. A story of friendship and giving comes to life on stage in Kids of the Magi. Showtimes at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Tickets are available online here and at the door one hour before showtime. Tickets costs $8 for children ages 12 and under, and $13 for ages 13 and up.

— For the 15th year, ZACH Theatre is bringing back it’s fun holiday sing-along show for children! Holiday Heroes is a play that’s great for kids ages 3 & up and is full of good cheer and laughter. Families can check it out at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online in advance here.

 

 

— It’s the last night to check out the 50th year of the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park! Families love the ferris wheel, interactive area with crafts, photo opportunities, a visit with Santa, delicious food and much more. $3 per person (ages 12 and older). Check out our Insider Tips for helpful info about parking and more.

— The Minor Mishap Marching Band is hosting a child friendly Winter Solstice Parade of Light on the Ladybird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Everyone is invited to make lanterns to bring to the parade and carry their own light with them in a beautiful procession. Gather at 5:30 p.m., parade at 6:00 p.m. Free! Click here for more details, including info about the parade route.

— Time with Santa is so special, and Millie & Mox knows that it’s a cherished moment for your child. That’s why they are hosting their 3rd annual Santa’s Workshop where kids can come chat with Santa in a delightful Christmas setting and take a photo. Plus, each child will get a special gift from Santa to take home. Open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Photos are $10 and no reservations are required.

— The 52nd Annual production of Ballet Austiin’s The Nutcracker has been in full swing this month at the Long Center, with most shows selling out. Don’t miss your chance to catch one of the final performances now through Dec. 23. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online here.

Have a fun weekend!