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Some popular Austin family traditions have returned for the holiday season, while others have been changed to meet COVID-19 safety guidelines. Some, like the Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade, have been canceled for a second year. (You can drop off an unpackaged toy for Operation Blue Santa at any Chuy’s restaurant until November 28th.)
Here is our guide to some of the vacation events for kids.
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How to visit Santa Claus
Santa Claus on the terrace. Santa Claus is back in front of the Long Center and there will also be a roller skating rink on site. 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. November 27. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. thelongcenter.org
Selfies with Santa Claus. Be the photographer at the Hill Country Galleria’s free Christmas workshop. Santa Claus is there at different times from November 26th to 28th, December 2nd to 5th and December 9th to 24th. Check the location and times on Hillcountrygalleria.com. Santa Claus will also be present at the tree lighting ceremony on November 27th at 6pm.
Santa’s wonderland. Santa is now through December 24th at the Bass Pro Shop in Round Rock and the Cabela’s in Buda. It’s a contactless experience. You will also get a photo with Santa for free. You can reserve your place at basspro.com.
Santa Claus in the mall. Santa Claus is at Barton Creek Square, Domain, Lakeline Mall and Round Rock Premium Outlets through December 24th. Santa Claus photos are offered contactless or socially aloof if you prefer. You need to reserve your space on the website of your mall of choice.
Kid-friendly Christmas lights around Austin
Light path in Zilker Park. For a second year it’s just drive-through for COVID-19 security. An extended run runs from November 27th to December 31st from 7pm to 10pm (closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). General admission is $ 30 to $ 40 per vehicle. A $ 65 Vehicle Dash Pass gets you early at 5:45 PM and comes with a box of biscuits. Get your vehicle passes at austintrailoflights.org.
Zilker tree. Take a loop under the tree across from the Trail of Lights. The Moontower lights up every night from 6pm to 10pm from November 27th to January 1st. Mask compulsory for everyone from 2 years of age. Free, but parking is limited. austintexas.gov/department/zilker-holiday-tree
Peppermint Parkway at the Circuit of the Americas. This now annual event is drive-through on the racetrack. Other optional events include ziplining, go-kart racing, an amusement park, and a train. You can also send your letters to Santa Claus. The Parkway is open from November 26th to December 26th from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Tickets start at $ 35 and can be purchased online at peppermintparkway.com.
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Lights in the Wildflower Center. Twinkling lights and luminarias fill the grounds of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, December 2, January 2. 30. The center is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $ 15 for children ages 5-17 and $ 25 for children 18 and older. Children up to 4 years are free. 4801 La Crosse Ave. wildflower.org
Christmas lights outside of Austin
Look for Lakeway Trail of Lights, December 4th-January 4th. 2 at the Lakeway Activity Center.
The Walkway of Lights in Lakeside Park in Marble Falls lights up every evening from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until January 1st.
Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular runs from November 26th to January 1st. 2 around the courthouse.
Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels, 9561 N. Interstate 35, is open through January 2nd.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos by Bicentennial Park takes place December 2-4 and December 9-11.
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gingerbread
Gingerbread Village. See an entire village of gingerbread in the Four Seasons lobby from November 29th to December 28th. 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Information: fourseason.com/austin
Thinker Cookie Kits. This year, the Thinkery Children’s Museum is offering construction kits for online sale instead of gingerbread house workshops. Kits start at $ 20 and are designed for different age groups. The kits are available at thinkery.myshopify.com.
Make & Take: Decorate a gingerbread house. The store on North Lamar Boulevard on Central Market offers classes through its cooking school. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. November 28 and 4 p.m. December 4. There is a special parent-child version at 1 p.m. December 4th. $ 28.50 to $ 32.50. Information: www.centralmarket.com.
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Holiday performances
Austin’s ballet “The Nutcracker”. After going virtual last year, the holiday ballet is personal again. You have to wear a mask. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 4th-5th December 11th, December 18th; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 p.m. December 19, 21-23 December. $ 35- $ 99. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive. Information: balletaustin.org.
Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite”. Ballet Afrique, led by founder China Smith, interprets the classic Christmas story to Ellington’s iconic music. 7 p.m. December 18 at the Amphitheater in Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity Street. Tickets range from $ 20 to $ 4,700. Information: www.balletafriqueaustin.org.
Nutcracker for Children from Austin City Ballet. It is the 20th anniversary of this production with dancers aged 8 to 18 years. 7:30 p.m. December 17 and 18 and 2:30 p.m. December 18 and 19 at the Boyd Vance Theater, 1165 Angelina St. $ 20- $ 35. Information: austincityballet.org.
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“A Christmas Story” at the Zach Theater. The classic Scrooge Christmas story returns with updated modern music. You have to wear a mask. Nov 24, 2, $ 25- $ 95. Potter Theater at the Zach Theater, 202 S. Lamar Blvd. zachttheater.org.
“The elf on the shelf: a Christmas musical.” The book / toy comes to life for one night. 6:00 p.m. Dec 10, $ 29.95-98. HEB Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. hebcenter.com
“Lightwire Theater is a very electric Christmas.” It’s musical theater, it’s a puppet show, all in neon light. 2 p.m. Dec. 24th 15- $ 47.50. HEB Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. hebcenter.com
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Public Hanukkah events
This year Hanukkah begins on the evening of November 28th through the evening of December 5th. Each synagogue has its own private celebrations, but some events are public.
Hannukah Celebration with the Austin Public Library. Celebrate the holiday and make a menorah outside the library. 3:30 p.m. November 29 at Hampton Branch Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Road. Library.austintexas.gov
Congregation Beth Israel Brotherhood Latke Dinner. Pick-up of the latke food on the roadside from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Dec. 5th Online celebration 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5th bethisrael.org/latkes2021
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