Here are our top 5 picks for family fun this week, presented by IT’S TIME TEXAS. And you can always check out the Do512 Family Calendar to view many more listings of awesome kid events in the Austin area. Also, be sure to download the free Choose Healthier mobile app for great ideas for getting out and staying active with the kids.

Top 5 Austin Family Events to Check Out This Week:

— Armadillo Christmas Bazaar @ Palmer Events Center
Tuesday, Dec.15 – Thursday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
The is such a fun shopping experience with a very Austin vibe. You’ll find a beautiful assortment of fine art and crafts, a great music lineup, delicious food, and cold beer, too. Plus kids 12 and under are free! Admission is $8. You can click here to purchase your tickets. Click here to learn more about the lineup of artists and entertainment and to enter to win passes!

 

— Deck the Halls with Diapers @ Northwest Recreation Center
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Support the Austin Diaper Bank at a fun event for young kids. This event aims to fill Santa’s sleigh with diapers! Guests will enjoy holiday traditions like decorating cookies doing simple crafts, plus building LEGOs with Snapology and listening to holiday music. There will be a photo booth with elf props, a baby area for the littlest diaper bank supporters, and a holiday story time. Free admission, but donations of diapers and/or dollars are requested.

 

— The Mutt-Cracker Sweet @ The Vortex
Thursday, Dec. 17 – Jan. 3
Thurs. – Sat. shows at 6 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sunday shows at 4 p.m. & 6p.m.
This unique show stars six rescued circus dogs, a performing parrot, juggling, unicycling, balancing acts, puppets, accordion music and a live jazz piano rendition of Tchaikovsy’s “The Nutcracker Suite” This holiday show will captivate the whole family! (Done in 55 minutes to enthrall even a toddler.) Tickets are $15 for children and $25 for adults. You can order tickets online here  or by calling 512-478-5282. *2 for 1 Offer-December 17 & 18! (Say “2 for 1” when reserving tickets by phone.)

 

— Rocking Holiday Extravaganza @ The Blanton Museum of Art
Thursday, Dec. 17, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Enjoy an amped-up mashup of holiday music and sing along classics from the Texas Choral Consort and the Invincible Czars. And then join the Symphonic Choir from Conspirare for The Big Sing, a community singing event. Admission is free as part of the Museum’s Third Thursday program.

 

— Grand Opening of Holiday Lights on Ice @ Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Friday, Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Christmas comes to life at the Grand Opening of the Holiday Lights & Ice season at with a special Winter Wonderland on Ice production by Ice Couture, featuring international dancers and ice skaters. Then take to the ice with Santa on the indoor ice rink that overlooks the scenic hill country and is accompanied by a display of twinkling lights and festive activities for the whole family to enjoy. Holiday-inspired treats and hot beverages will be served along with ornament and gingerbread cookie decorating in Santa’s Workshop. Tickets are $20 for children and $25 for adults. Click here for more info.

 

–> More to Explore: There are just too many great events to choose from. We can’t leave out…

— Trail of Lights @ Zilker Park
Through Tuesday, Dec. 22, 7-10 p.m.
Come out to Zilker Park to marvel at this Austin holiday tradition! The last day of free admission is Tuesday, Dec. 15, then general admission is $3 for ages 12 & up through Dec. 22. Click here for all the details about parking, shuttles, ZiP Fast Passes and more info before you go. You can also check out this handy My Trail, My Way printable that includes suggested photo ops and a checklist of fun stops to make along the Trail for the family.

Check out our Daily Calendar for more events, and be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter to get reminders about Top Picks for the weekend. You can also check out:

• Where to See Santa in Austin
• Top Holiday Craft Shows
• Christmas Lights in Austin
• Where to Play in the Snow in Austin
• Where to Ice Skate in Austin

—> Choose Healthier App for more healthy family activities: Be sure to download the FREE Choose Healthier mobile app for local health-focused information, activities and events right at your fingertips. You can also like IT’S TIME TEXAS on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram for healthy tools, tips, activities and motivation, and to show your support for the cause.

Have a fun week!