austin-moms-blog-50-things-austin-winter

Now that we’ve ACTUALLY gotten into temperatures below 80 degrees it’s FINALLY time to start thinking about winter. The city and surrounding areas offer many activities and events to enjoy in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Enjoy!

SHOPPING

Junior League of Austin – A Christmas Affair

Shop ‘til you drop at the annual Junior League Christmas Affair. With around 200 vendors you are sure to that perfect something for someone on your list.

The Fine Goods Pop-Up Holiday Edition

Sip on cocktails, enjoy some dessert treats, and find those unique and perfect items for everyone on your shopping list.

Christmas on Mercer Street in Dripping Springs

Head to downtown Dripping Springs for all kinds of holiday fun! The festival will have live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, activities for the kids, and photos with Santa. Stick around until dusk for the annual tree lighting.

Vintage Market Days of Austin- Hill Country

Gather your girlfriends and take a trip out to Dripping Springs to enjoy the winter edition of the Vintage Market Days.

5th Annual Holiday Window Walk

Head to the 2nd Street district to see beautifully decorated storefront windows while you shop around.

20th Annual German Christmas Market at the German Free School

Wander through a traditional German market at the German Free School while shopping for handmade items and sampling great food.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Experience a truly Austin event at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. This year commemorates the 40th annual market complete with live music, cold beer, and numerous uniquely ‘Austin’ gifts.

Cherrywood Art Fair

This free family-friendly art fair in East Austin will be filled to the brim with art, great food, live music, and kids activities.

MUSIC & THEATER

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Frank Erwin Center

Get into the holiday spirit by listening to the electric sound of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

ASPVA A Winter Spectacular at the Paramount

The 9th annual Winter Spectacular presented by the Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts is sure to provide eye-catching entertainment for all ages.

Christmas in the Community

The Austin Symphony will put on 12 free concerts in various locations during the month of December. This is a great chance to enjoy the sounds of the season all around Austin.

A Christmas Carol at Zach Scott Theatre

Enjoy the classic story of A Christmas Carol at Zach Scott Theatre as a musical! The updated musical score spans many different eras so it’s sure to please everyone in the family.

The Santaland Diaries at Zach Scott Theatre

Enjoy the stage production of David Sedaris’ holiday essay at Zach Scott Theatre.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Long Center

Enjoy the musical story of everyone’s favorite reindeer.

The Nutcracker at the Long Center

Enjoy Ballet Austin’s magical production of The Nutcracker.

Capitol Christmas Concert and Community Sing-A-Long

Witness the beautiful sounds of A Cappella Texas at this community event, located inside the Capitol Rotunda.

Wassail 2015

Head to the Scottish Rite Theater to see actors, musicians, puppeteers, dancers, magicians, poets and more, all celebrating the Christmas holiday.

Ebenezer’s Journey Theater Show at Pioneer Farms

Enjoy a live theater show for the whole family, taken from the pages of a Charles Dickens.

Handel’s “Messiah” presented by The Austin Symphony

The Austin Symphony and Chorus Austin present an evening of music at Hyde Park Baptist Church.

Peter White Xmas with Mindi Abair and Rick Braun at One World Theatre

If you love Christmas and you enjoy jazz, this is the show for you!

Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas at One World Theatre

Enjoy a western take on Christmas with this show at the intimate One World Theatre.

A Gospel According to Jazz Xmas

Get into the true meaning of the Christmas holiday with this gospel and jazz performance at the One World Theatre.

Austin Chamber Music Presents A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Paramount

Reminisce and enjoy all of the music from the original Charlie Brown special, presented by the Austin Chamber Music Center.

Bruce and Kelly’s Holiday Shindig at the Paramount

Texas locals Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis will celebrate the 18th year of their holiday shindig at the Paramount Theatre this year and there will undoubtedly be surprise guests!

Elf Pub Run + Screening at the Paramount

Do you like the movie Elf? Well then this event should be right up your alley. Enjoy a screening of the film at 7:45 but, before that, enjoy a little pub run to enjoy some frosty beverages.

LIGHTS

10th Annual Mueller Tower Lighting Ceremony

Kick off the first day of December by going to the 10th annual Mueller tower lighting. This free event will have music and holiday treats and activities for the kids.

Luminations at the Lady Bird Wildflower Center

Observe the beauty of thousands of luminaries lighting up the already beautiful Wildflower Center.

Lights On! Holiday Celebration in Lakeway

Gather at Lakeway City Hall to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate.

Trail of Lights in Lakeway

The Trail of Lights consists of thousands of twinkling lights and lasts through the month of December.

Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting

Our city’s bright, shining tree will celebrate its 49th season when it gets plugged in yet again on November 29th at 6:00 pm.

Austin Trail of Lights

The bright lights in our big city get going on December 8th.

Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival at the Hill Country Galleria

Head to the Hill Country Galleria on November 19th to catch Santa’s arrival, the lighting of the tree, musical performances, and a short firework show.

HELPING HANDS

LifeWorks – Project Holiday Help

Start spreading holiday cheer by helping those in need. There are a variety of ways in which you can lend a helping hand.

Foundation Communities – Holiday Assistance Program

Help make this winter season a little brighter for Foundation Communities families by sponsoring.

Coats for Kids

The 29th annual Coats for Kids drive kicks off in November. Find all of the drop-off locations around town to donate, as well as sign-up to help with distribution.

Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade

Round up the family and embrace the giving season by giving to those in need (at a fun parade no less!).

ACTIVITIES

Teddy Bear Teas at the Four Seasons

Reserve your spot and get dressed up and enjoy tea service, caroling, and storytime with Santa at the beautiful Four Seasons Austin. *UPDATE: Per the Four Seasons, they are operating on a wait list at this time because reservations are currently full.

Gingerbread House Raising at the Neill-Cochran House Museum

Hop online and secure your spot for the Gingerbread House Raising event at the Neill-Cochran House Museum. Once you claim your spot, they’ll handle the supply gathering and clean-up! Sounds like a win-win!

Family Holiday Workshops at The Art Garage

The whole family can participate in The Art Garage holiday workshops! There will be 3 different art activities held on various dates and you can either keep your beautiful creations or gift them to someone else.

Holiday Family Days at the Blanton Museum of Art

Head to the Blanton for art activities and musical performances, all included with the price of admission.

Prairie Christmas Holiday Program at Pioneer Farms

Go back in time and celebrate the season with pioneer demonstrations, a variety of special activities, and music.

Santa on the Terrace at the Long Center

Skip the Black Friday madness and take the kids to the Terrace at the Long Center to see Santa. There will be photo opportunities, hot chocolate, and food trucks galore!

Make-it-Yourself Market for Kids at the Austin Tinkering School

Sign your kids up for a make-and-take event at the Austin Tinkering School. There will be 6 different gift-making stations available for your kiddos to craft and tinker away.

Ice Skating on the Plaza at Whole Foods (Lamar)

Starting at the end of November, there will once again be ice skating on the rooftop of the flagship Whole Foods store. Your $10 ticket includes your skate rental.

Architects of Air at the Long Center

Experience the glowing installation at the Long Center through the end of November.

Breakfast with Santa in Lakeway

Santa has to keep up his figure so there’s no better way to do that than to have breakfast with some of his smallest admirers! Purchase tickets for breakfast with Santa at the Lakeway Activity Center.

Gingerbread Village Open House at the Four Seasons

Starting on November 24th, the Four Seasons will begin displaying their gingerbread village for all to see.

Gingerbread House Decorating at Central Market Cooking School

Join Central Market’s Cooking School on North Lamar for parent/child gingerbread house decorating.

Lights of Love 5k and Family Fun Run

Help raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas while getting a little exercise with the whole family.

Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run

Be one of the first people to check out the Trail of Lights while getting in a little exercise.

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