Light Up the Holidays
Get a jump-start on Christmas festivities with the whole family at the annual Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade Saturday, November 26th. Spot a giant Tweetie Bird, a local high school band, and the famous Chuy Redfish dancing, or floating, down Congress Avenue. If giving back tops your holiday list, check out www.chuysparade.com for details on the Operation Blue Santa Program.
The Christmas holiday wouldn't be complete in Austin unless you had the chance to spin under the middle of the Zilker Park Tree. You're bound to get a little dizzy by the thousands of multicolor light bulbs that make up this 155-foot tradition. Nearby Austin HolidayFest, running from December 4th through 11th, will be a free event where you and the family can sip hot cocoa, check out local trailer fair, or visit Ol' Saint Nick himself. Head on over to trailoflightsaustin.com to find out details.
Follow Clara on her journey to the Land of Snow & Sweets this holiday with Ballet Austin's 49th annual production of The Nutcracker, featuring The Austin Symphony Orchestra. The Long Center will host this long-standing tradition December 3rd through 24th. Don't be surprised if you see dancing bon-bons, a Sugar Plum Fairy, or spy a local Austin celebrity disguised as Mother Ginger. Check out www.balletaustin.org.
Peace, Love, Shop
Families will want to check out the Junior League of Austin's A Christmas Affair for more unique shopping November 17th through 20th at the Palmer Events Center. This is the only holiday event in Austin where kiddos can eat breakfast with Santa or you can grab your best gal friends for a girls-only silent auction, appetizer buffet, and cash bar. This is just a fraction of what is in store at The Magic of Christmas: A Christmas Affair, head to www.jlaustin.org to find out more.
On December 3rd, watch Congress Avenue transform into a holiday Mecca during Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll. Experience authentic Austin sounds with live musical performances while you and the family late-night shop or grab fresh produce at the holiday farmers market. Check out www.downtownaustinholidays.com to find out more about this one-of-a-kind Austin tradition.
Wanna "Keep Austin Weird" this holiday season? Get the ultimate Austin shopping experience at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in the Palmer Events Center from December 14th through 24th. Find "Austintacious" gifts for in-laws, jam out to live music and enjoy the full bar. Check out which artists will be participating and when to catch live music at www.armadillobazaar.com.
A Toast to the New Year
Of course, it wouldn't be New Years in Austin without heading to the famed Sixth Street, where you will find entertainment, food, and drinks. From live stand-up comedy shows at Esther's Follies to requesting your favorite tunes via a napkin at Pete's Dueling Piano Bar, Sixth Street historic district has it all.
If you need a family-friendly environment to ring in 2012, check out Austin's New Year (ANY) celebration, located at Auditorium Shores from 5 to 10:30 p.m on December 31st. This is an alcohol-free celebration, so feel free to bring the whole family along to participate in an event that brings art, music, and film together to capture Austin's eclectic vibe. A special early fireworks display at 10:15 p.m. will conclude the festivities. For more information about ANY, visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/holidays/any.htm.
Holiday on Ice
Who doesn't love mixing a trip to the spa with an ice skating rink? That's what we thought. Take the whole family to Barton Creek Resort & Spa from November 26th until January 2nd to lace up your skates and glide on the brand new 3,800 sq. foot ice rink complete with thousands of twinkling lights. Other highlights of the package include a Family Fun Room every Friday through Sunday, where kiddos can decorate a gingerbread man or play a game of "Santa Says." Book your stay now by heading on over to www.bartoncreek.com.
All of this sound enticing? Check out www.austintexas.org to book your trip & make your holiday in Austin a reality.
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