Enjoy quality time with the family at one or more of these fantastic local events happening around Round Rock and Central Austin this holiday season!
North Pole Flyer
Weekends through December 18, departing at 10AM, 2PM and 6PM
401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, TX
www.austinsteamtrain.org
Enjoy a 2.5 hour excursion on a real train featuring visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Drink hot cocoa and eat Christmas cookies while admiring the Christmas decorations in each train car and enjoying a live reading of the North Pole Flyer book - the railroad’s own Christmas Story!
Penfold Theatre Presents: It’s a Wonderful Life Classic Radiocast
Through December 23, Shows at Various Times
Old Settler’s Hall
3300 East Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX
https://www.penfoldtheatre.org/
Back by popular demand, the show draws audience members back in time to 1946 as members of the KPNF radio station are assembling for a live radio performance of It’s a Wonderful Life. Through dozens of characterizations and live foley sound effects, five talented actors tell the entire story, putting an imaginative twist on a cherished holiday tradition. Guests of all ages will fall in love with George Bailey and his timeless tale of despair, redemption and hope all over again.
Gingerbread Workshops at the Thinkery
Through December 24, Classes Throughout the Day
The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX
Kids will love these workshops building and decorating their own gingerbread houses! One hour classes for tots ages five and under as well as all ages classes include all the tasty elements needed for an easy-to-build house. Older kids can learn more intricate gingerbread house building techniques with a 2.5 hour Candy Chemistry classes for ages 7+ or the Tech Gingerbread workshops for ages 8+.
Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour and Christmas Towne
Through December 26, 6PM to 9PM
4111 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock, TX
Experience all new displays this year at the 5th annual Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour. Rock’N Lights is a drive-through light show that features thousands of sparkling lights through Old Settlers Park through Dec. 26. With 2 million lights, the 1.5-mile path is the must-see event of the season. Afterward, visit Christmas Towne to experience light displays, full-scale carnival rides, a light maze, pedal go kart rides, petting zoo, holiday food, holiday entertainment and more. Christmas Towne will feature the exciting Thomas Carnival, Inc., featuring full-scale carnival rides for all ages!
A Christmas Carol
Through December 31
Wednesday through Saturdays at 7:30PM, Sunday matinees at 2:30PM
ZACH Theatre, 1510 Toomey Road, Austin, TX
In this upbeat version of Charles Dickens classic, you’ll see 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. The show is family-friendly, but recommended for ages 6 and up. Run time is 2 hours and 20 minutes with one 20-minute intermission.
The Little Mermaid
Through January 15
Georgetown Palace Theatre
810 S Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX
https://www.georgetownpalace.com
Enjoy a live performance based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid. This is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.” Families and children of all ages are invited to see this special performance.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
December 14 to December 24, 10AM – 10PM
Palmer Events Center, Austin, TX
www.armadillobazaar.com
The 41st season of the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is an 11 day, fine art shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists, with live music and two full bars in a festive, lively atmosphere.
This combination art fair and music festival is a highlight of the Austin holiday season and is one of Austin’s longest running art and music festivals, attracting around 40,000 shoppers each year. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar includes an amazing array of handmade items from more than 160 artists while fair-goers can enjoy live music and drinks from a full bar. Exhibits include items from collectible pieces to stocking stuffers from artists all over the country. Musicians perform a least three times each day and range from new and upcoming artists to local legends to Grammy winners. Check the website for information on tickets and schedule.
Rolling Roadshow Presents: The Nightmare Before Christmas
December 16, 6:30PM
French Legation Museum
802 San Marcos St., Austin, TX
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and French Legation Museum are proud to present this twisted yet family-friendly modern classic Christmas movie on the beautiful French Legation lawn. Bring your fold out chairs, blankets, and beverage of choice to join us for a night of entertainment. Tickets are $10.
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra Concert
December 16, 7:30PM - 9:30PM
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Cedar Park
December 17, 7:30PM - 9:30PM
Klett Performing Arts Center, Georgetown
During this holiday season, the Williamson County Symphony Orchestra will be performing free shows in the Georgetown and Cedar Park areas featuring beloved holiday music! Listen to your favorites performed by the talented symphony. All concerts are family-friendly and free!
Teddy Bear Tea at the Four Seasons
December 17 and 18, seatings at noon and 3PM
Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX
Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy a tea service, holiday caroling and Santa reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Attendees are requested to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear to donate to Dell Children’s Hospital. Reservations are required and can be made by calling TRIO at 512.685.8300.
Camp Frozen Fox
December 19 - 23 and December 26 - 30
Brushy Creek Community Center
16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock, TX
The Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District is providing a helping hand to working parents during the school winter break. Drop your kids off at Camp Frozen Fox at the Brushy Creek Community Center from 7AM to 6PM to participate in supervised games, sports, crafts, themed activities, and even field trips. Advanced registration is required and space is limited, so contact Alex Owens at a.owens@bcmud.org for more information and pricing.
Austin’s New Year
December 31, 3PM to 10:30PM, fireworks finale at 10PM
Vic Mathias Shores (Auditorium Shores)
900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Austin’s New Year (ANY) is an annual family-friendly celebration that showcases a variety of visual art, jugglers, storytellers, food trucks, and live music on three stages. The free event begins at 3PM at Vic Mathias Shores, South 1st Street and Riverside Drive, with a fireworks finale at 10PM. This year’s line-up includes music from Migrant Kids, Tameca Jones, The Peterson Brothers, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Shinyribs, Wache - Colombian Roots, Jackie Venson, Roxy Roca, Harvest Thieves, and CAPYAC. The Community Stage will also feature Glenn Rexach Group, Wand’ring Minstrels, Band Aid School Of Music, Groundwork Music, Indrajit Banerjee, Agni Dance, Paula Maya, River City Pops, Wendy Colonna, SaulPaul, and Kalu And The Electric Joint.
Parents Night Out
January 13, 5:30PM to 10PM
Brushy Creek Community Center
16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock, TX
Enjoy a date night out after dropping the kids off for fun activities, games, sports, crafts, a movie, and dinner at the Brushy Creek Community Center. Trained staff will keep an eye on your kids while you have a fun night out. Cost for this program is only $15/Member, $20/Resident and $30/Non-resident. Advanced registration required. Contact Alex Owens at a.owens@bcmud.org for more information.
