Dripping with Kids

Tag: holidays

2025 Holidays in the Hill Country
The holiday season has been starting earlier and earlier each year. I have friends who completed all of their Christmas decorating on November 1st, while I still have scarecrows guarding my flower bed and fall leaf garland adorning my stair railing.

Despite my procrastination, I’m excited for the Advent season and Christmas, and now is a great time to reflect on the events and traditions my family looks forward to every year. I love sharing our favorites with you and hope you’ll let us know what tops your lists as well.

One of our most anticipated Christmas traditions is our Family Advent Calendar. I write down one holiday experience to do for each of the days leading up to Christmas, starting on December 1, These daily activities can be must-do tasks, like addressing and sending Christmas cards, or fun nights out, like meandering through a trail of lights after dinner.

I cling to this tradition every year despite how busy my kids’ schedules become because we connect our participation in our favorite events, activities, tasks, and traditions to the joyful anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus. In addition to a daily activity, I also include a slip of paper with scripture that tells part of the Christmas story so that each day, a little more of the story is being recited. (Luke 1:26-35; Luke 2:1-20)

Our Family Advent Calendar

Below I’ve included a list of some of the at-home activities I’ve hidden in our Advent calendar pockets in years past, followed by our 2024 Holiday Bucket List of events and activities. Use our guide to fill in your own Advent calendar!

TRADITIONS/FUN AT HOME –
- Bake sugar cookies
- Make cards/gifts for teachers, neighbors, coaches, and relatives
- Holiday movie night
- Read the story of St. Nicholas and put shoes outside bedroom doors for a little surprise (Dec 6th)
- “Elf” the neighbors
- Caroling at home and holiday charades
- Decorate the tree(s) or make centerpieces
- Make homemade paper snowflakes and tape them in the windows
- Tell stories of our family’s holidays past, as well as dreams for the future (reminisce over photos, plan vacations, etc)
- Silly game night (minute to win it)
- Make gingerbread houses
HILL COUNTRY HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST –

(Our list is in no particular geographic or date order, so be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to check out all of the exciting options around the Hill Country.)

Main Street Bethlehem (Burnet)

Dec 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, 14, 6 pm – 9 pm

Walk through historic Bethlehem to find Jesus

Explore the live nativity, down the narrow streets to faint sounds of ancient music, savoring the sights and smells. Immerse yourself in the din of the marketplace; surrounded by the revelers in the tavern, shouted insults to and from the Roman oppressors, merchants, craftspeople, animals of all kinds, taxpayers, and beggars all seeking money, or position, or revenge.

Western Wonderland (Dripping Springs)

Nov 28 – January 4

Go ice skating, peruse the market, listen to festive music, walk the trail of lights, and/or attend a special event such as story time on the ice. This rink is my kids’ top choice, and it’s one of the biggest temporary ice skating rinks in Texas. Check the link for prices and hours.

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Budafest (Buda)

Now – Dec 24 & Dec 5-6

Stop in the store for a free photo with Santa and a stroll through the store’s holiday decorations. Your kids can also mail a letter to Santa and take home a holiday craft kit. Plus, no visit to Cabela’s is complete without a visit to the dead zoo.

Budafest is the town’s big weekend festival Dec 6th-8th. It will include shopping, games, vendors, music, a lighted parade, Santa, and so much more!

Serve at Brown Santa, Sing to Seniors, or Donate to Toys for Tots

There are so many ways to serve as a family during the holiday season. We love wrapping gifts for families through Brown Santa, dropping off additional gifts in Caliterra for Toys for Tots, scheduling a date to carol for seniors at a local home, and “adopting” a family or child through an Angel Tree at a local school or church.

Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin)

Dec 5 – Jan 3

Enjoy the illuminated trail walk with thousands of lights. Go earlier in the day to explore the forts of Fortlandia. Purchase tickets in advance.

Christmas in Marble Falls

Nov 19 – Jan 3

Just along the water’s edge, there’s a free Walkway of Lights with a variety of themes, as well as daily events to get you in the Christmas spirit, including breakfast with Santa, ice skating, shopping, and a lighted parade on Dec 5.

Lost Pines Christmas (Bastrop)

Nov 28 – Dec 25

Take a short drive to Bastrop for some spectacular holiday events, including a wassail fest, river of lights, a holiday revue at the Opera House, tree lighting ceremony, historic home tour, and a lighted parade on Dec 13.

PEC Lights Spectacular (Johnson City)

Nightly November 29 – Jan 4

The courthouse and downtown area are aglow with thousands of lights. Local vendors set up tables inside and outside the courthouse. Check website for special events, such as lighted parade on Nov 29, a chili cookoff on Dec 13, and a live nativity on Dec 5-13 at the Methodist Church nearby.

Weihnachtszeit – Christmas in Fredericksburg

Nov 19 – Jan 4

Show up on any day of the week for a spectacular holiday light show and events-a-plenty. Fredericksburg is so full of holiday cheer that you may need a few days to take it all in. Check the website for specific activities and lodging options. Our favorites include the lighted parade on the first Friday in December, the Eisbahn ice skating, Kinderfest at the Pioneer Museum on the first Sat of December, and taking pictures in front of the German Christmas Pyramid.

Christmas on Mercer (Dripping Springs)

December 6, 10 am – 5 pm

This fun hometown festival keeps getting bigger and better. Enjoy shopping with local vendors, a trackless train, pony rides, a festive atmosphere, live music all day long, giveaways and games, an opportunity to write a letter to Santa and mail it on-site, plus free photos with Santa at Hudson’s. (Tree lighting and movie night in Dripping Springs will take place at dusk on November 29.)

Holidays in Gruene

Weekends in late Nov and all of Dec

Photos with Cowboy Kringle (appointment required), free afternoon shows at historic Gruene Hall, gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town, a new ice skating rink, and unique shops, as well as weekend markets, to complete your Christmas lists are just a few of the ways to celebrate the season in one of our favorite historic towns! The holidays truly kick off with Santa riding into town on horseback to light the night on the evening of Dec 6 at 5 pm.

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop

Nov 29 and Dec 6, 9 am – noon

Visit your local store so your kids can create their own Teddy Bear Ornament (Nov 29), Hot Cocoa Mug (Dec 6), and Tow Truck (Jan 3) for FREE! Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

Christmas in the Parks (Various State Park locations)

Nov – Dec

Texas State Parks have several holiday events, from scavenger hunts to Santa sightings to s’mores and ornament-making. Find a park near you and enjoy the great outdoors this season! Check out the detailed program linked above.

Hill Country Galleria Holidays (Bee Cave)

Nov 14 – Jan 19

Small ice skating rink

The popular outdoor mall will have live music, ice skating, Christmas markets, Santa photos, and unique events most days in December, including a Mario Kart party on Dec 13. Check the link for details.

Mozart’s Festival of Lights (Lake Austin)

Nov 22 – Jan 4

Purchase tickets in advance for this special Austin tradition. Grab a hot cocoa or coffee and enjoy the “dancing lights” set to music.

Emily Ann Theater Trail of Lights (Wimberley)

Nov 29 – Dec 26

Enjoy a FREE walking trail through approximately 8 acres of lighted exhibits, with entertainment provided almost every night. Wander into town afterward to stroll and shop local. There are several other events in the adorable town of Wimberley; it’s worth checking their local calendar!

Maywald Lights Display (W. Austin)

Nov 27 – Dec 25

It’s their last year! Over 120,000 lights are on display at a family’s home in Austin for a good cause: the Make-a-Wish foundation! Walk through the trail of light and leave a donation. (FREE to enter.)

Lights On Festival and Boat Parade (Lakeway)

Dec 6 & 7 at 6 pm

Lakeway’s FREE annual holiday and Christmas celebration is held at the Lakeway City Hall parking lot. This festive event kicks off with the official lighting of the Trail of Lights and will include a visit with Santa, live music, vendors, and family photo opportunities. The Trail of Lights will be lit every night afterward, so if you can’t make the event, you can still walk through on another evening until Jan 1.

On Dec 7th, there will be a lighted boat parade starting at Crosswater Yacht Club.

We hope this holiday bucket list inspires you to enjoy the 2025 holiday season to the fullest! Please share anything your family never misses during the holidays in the comments below. Also, use the calendar on this page to fill in yours!

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November 19, 2025
Easter 2025: Dripping Springs & the Texas Hill Country
Plus Other Spring Events and 9 UNIQUE At-Home Egg Hunt Themes

Easter is a BIG DEAL in our house. Resurrection Sunday brings so much joy to our family, and the promise of new life that the holiday represents puts it up there with Christmas in how we honor it. I highly encourage you to find a church service to go to on Easter Sunday. Most churches have multiple services available. I also encourage you to take advantage of the many fun events in the area to celebrate.

Check out this list of Easter and Spring season celebrations offered in Dripping Springs and nearby areas…

Now through Early May
- Pick Strawberries at Sweet Berry Farm
  - Daily except Wednesdays
  - Pick strawberries and flowers, make sand art, ride the ponies, wander through the mazes, and enjoy the large jumping pillow.
- Pick Strawberries at Jenschke Orchards
  - Daily except Mondays and Fridays
March 29, 2025
- Dripping Springs Kite Festival
  - Founders Memorial Park
  - 10 am – 12 pm
  - Bring your own kite
- Family Fun Day at Lucky Arrow Retreat
  - FREE Pool Access 12 pm – 5 pm
  - Register for FREE in advance
  - Live music w/ George Devore 6-8 PM
  - Lobster Dogs Food Truck 5-8pm
  - Kids Menu w/ Grilled Cheese & PB&J’s
  - Cash Bar with craft beer, wine, and delicious cocktails
  - Bonfires for hanging and mingling
  - Kids playground & swing set
- Crawfish Boil at the Silo
  - Creekhouse Kitchen and Bar (Wimberley)
  - Noon until sold out
  - Drink specials and live music
April 5th, 2025
- City of Lakeway EGGstravaganza
  - Lakeway City Park
  - 12 pm – 2 pm
  - Egg hunts and spring fun
April 11-13th, 2025
- Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet
  - Downtown Burnet, TX
  - All day, all weekend
  - Live music, kids’ carnival, food trucks, races of all kinds, demolition derby, parade, worship, wildflowers, and shopping.
April 12th, 2025
- Eggstravaganza at the Greater Austin YMCA
  - 12 pm – 3 pm
  - RSVP for free online. Membership not required.
  - Egg hunt in the pool and outdoors, balloon artist, face painting, games and more.
- Fish Fry and Egg Hunt
  - Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
  - 4 pm (Fish dinner, then egg hunts)
- Butterfly Festival
  - Emily Ann Gardens (Wimberley)
  - 9 am – 3 pm
  - FREE event
  - Butterfly releases, mini donkeys and horses, llamas, crafts, face painting, games, music, and so much more
- Egg-stravaganza in Buda
  - Buda Sportsplex Softball Fields
  - 9 am – 11:30 am
  - Egg hunts, face painting, fire truck, food vendors, and bounce house
April 13th, 2025
- Easter Scavenger Hunt
  - Woodlawn Baptist Church Austin
  - 5 pm
  - Register online in advance. FREE event.
  - All families are invited to a fun time of hunting for eggs by solving clues.
April 16th – 18th, 2025
- Stations of the Cross
  - Canyon Baptist Church
  - Check times online
  - Journey through the last week of Jesus’s life, leading to the Cross.
April 18th – 20th, 2025
- Hot Air Balloon Festival in Horseshoe Bay
  - Horseshoe Bay Resort
  - All day festival
  - Hot air balloons, skydivers, pony rides, petting zoo, rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline, face painters, henna artists, food trucks, live music, and more
April 19th, 2025
- Eggstravaganza in Dripping Springs
  - Dripping Springs Ranch Park
  - 10 am – 6 pm
  - Two helicopter egg drops, games, petting zoo, and more.
  - $10 tickets
April 20th, 2025
- Easter at Canyon Church
  - Egg Hunts following service
  - 9 am & 11 am
- Sunrise Easter Service
  - Pioneer Farms, Sprinkle Corner Village
  - 7 am – 9 am
  - Holy Word Lutheran Church
- Easter with Baby Goats
  - Vista Brewing
  - 10 am – 3:30 pm (3 brunch services)
  - Buy tickets in advance
- Egg Hunts and Easter Menu at 12 Fox Beer (1 pm)
If all of the events listed above still don’t give you your Easter fill, below is a list of my favorite at-home egg hunt themes. You can make a whole weekend out of egg hunting with these options and keep those kiddos happy for hours on end.

1. Trick or Treat (or April Fools) Egg Hunt

Fill most of your eggs with goodies and trinkets, but reserve about 25% of them for tricks instead of treats. They can be filled with rocks, fake money, dried up flowers, or pieces of paper with chores and dares written on them. The only caveat to participate is that you have to agree to take the bad with the good.

2. Tickets and Prizes Egg Hunt

Instead of filling eggs with tiny toys and candy that you may not want your children to have, put 1-5 tickets in each egg instead. Then, once all the eggs have been found, let kids redeem their tickets for bigger gifts, prizes, and coveted snacks.

3. Glow in the Dark Hunt

Hide tiny trinkets and mini glow sticks in eggs, or just purchase glow eggs. Challenge your kids to an after-dark egg hunt in your home or backyard.

4. Mission Impossible Egg Hunt

Section off your house or yard to hide eggs at varying levels of difficulty. Let hunters begin in an area where the eggs are easy to spot and collect. Then move on to an area where they’re harder to spot. Finally move to an area where egg-collection requires climbing, crawling, digging, and uncovering.

5. Party-Themed Egg Hunt

If you were to throw a birthday party for your child(ren) this month, what would the theme be? Superheroes? Mickey Mouse? Sports? Whatever that theme would be, fill the eggs with party favors, balloons, tattoos, stickers, and treats related to it. Add a few confetti eggs to the mix as well.

6. Snack Frenzy Egg Hunt

Buy up all of your kids favorite snacks in individual bags. Then print thumbnail size pictures of the logos of each type of snack (adding up to the total number of bags you have). Hide the logo pieces inside eggs. When the kids collect eggs and open them, they can exchange their logo picture for the real thing.

7. Good Deeds Egg Hunt

In the spirit of the season, we can all do a bit more for our friends, family, and community. Spread joy with an egg hunt that has ideas for random acts of kindness that can be performed on the days following Easter. Fill several eggs with candy and treats and many others with ideas, including:
- Draw a picture and send to a grandparent.
- Drop off coloring pages and crayons in the mailbox of a young family in the neighborhood.
- Call a friend you haven’t seen in a long time.
- Paint rocks with words of encouragement and drop them along a walking trail.
- Create a list of feel-good songs and mail them to a friend, along with an invitation for a face time dance party.
- Drop encouraging bits of scripture in all the neighbors’ mailboxes.
- Write a thank you note to doctors, coaches, teachers, babysitters…
8. Game Night Egg Hunt

Buy, borrow, or search your closet for a few board games, lego sets, or jigsaw puzzles. Hide pieces in plastic eggs, and when all are collected and opened, have a family game night. (If you have time to plan ahead, have a puzzle made with your family picture on it.)

9. Arts and Crafts Egg Hunt

Fill eggs with kids’ favorite crafts items, such as googly eyes, pipe cleaners, glue sticks, chalk, play doh or clay, string, poms, mini-paints, beads, erasers, ribbons, stickers, etc. Then, provide empty mason jars to categorize and store all of their new crafting supplies, and let them be creative the rest of the day. This variety pack on Amazon has it all!

Finally, I’d like to add that resurrection eggs are a fantastic way to incorporate worship into your secular celebrations. There are many resources online to make them yourself or you can have them shipped.

However you choose to celebrate this very special holiday, I hope it’s an Easter to remember and that it brings the promise of new life and redeeming love to your family. Happy hunting!
March 27, 2025
4 Faves: From an Australian Beach Party to Ice Skating in a Western Wonderland

Dripping with Kids Four Faves for the Last Month: Nov 23rd – Dec 21st

This past month has been a busy one, and it’s taken me a while to get back to the keyboard. Our month included travel to the biggest Texas cities, a lot of sparkling lights, and celebrations of Christmas around the world. Join us as we recap our highlights and hopefully inspire your own next adventure in this beautiful region of Texas (and beyond)!

What topped our list this month…

1.We celebrated Christmas in Australia with a “Beach Party”.

As a part of our lessons on Christmas around the world, we planned activities related to a summertime Australian Christmas that included sand snowmen, decorating a Christmas bush blindfolded, tasting ginger cookies, learning fun facts about marsupials, searching for Christmas beetles, and coloring nautical ornaments and pictures of Santa on a surfboard. We met friends at the Dripping Springs Sports and Rec Park to take advantage of the sand, the trails for scavenger hunts, and the picnic tables for snacking.

2. We traveled to Dallas and Waco for unique holiday experiences.

We filled 3 days full of adventures and Christmas fun on our road trip to the Big D. Check out this link for our itinerary.

3. We danced beneath beautiful Christmas light displays in Johnson City, Burnet, and Fredericksburg.

And enjoyed other fantastic features of these small towns as well…

There’s no shortage of stunning light displays all over the Texas Hill Country! We visited a couple of our faves and tried a new one too.

The Johnson City Lights Spectacular is mesmerizing, and the town keeps adding more exciting events and displays so you can spend your whole afternoon and evening in the small town.

Also, Fredericksburg has a unique German take on Christmas with dozens of events every weekend and opportunities to explore shops, restaurants, and wineries before experiencing Weinachtszeit. We decided to climb Enchanted Rock before heading into town.

Our newest favorite tradition is visiting Burnet for the live nativity, Main Street Bethlehem, and their Christmas on the Square. The live nativity was amazing, and we really felt like we had stepped back in time to the day of Jesus’s birth. The volunteer actors and historic scenery made the experience truly memorable.

Tip: If you decide to go next year, arrive at least an hour before doors open. The line gets VERY long!

4. We skated for hours at Western Wonderland.

With the largest pop-up ice skating rink in Texas, refreshments, live music (in the evenings), and a short trail of lights outside, Western Wonderland is the place to be in Dripping Springs this holiday season.

4 + 1 More. We enjoyed family and playgrounds in the warm Houston sun.

My kids usually ask to visit the same parks on each trip to Houston. We go often to see family and made a list of the best parks in the southwest part of H-town.

Quick stop for a beautiful hike at Bastrop State Park on the way to Houston.

That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures! What made your week unforgettable? Share below!

December 22, 2024
A Festive 3-Day Road Trip from Austin to Dallas
Are you looking for a magical getaway to celebrate the holiday season? Our group of 9 moms and 22 kids recently embarked on a 3-day road trip from the Austin area to Dallas, and it was so much fun! From enchanting Christmas lights to unique shopping and family-friendly activities, this itinerary is packed with holiday fun that you’ll love.

Our home base for this trip was the Hampton Inn Farmers Branch, where the staff treated us like royalty. Despite our large, and sometimes rowdy crew, they made sure every need was met with a smile. Their comfortable accommodations, hot breakfast spread, and super sweet staff made it the perfect choice for a large group.

Here’s how we spent our holiday road trip:

Christmas Magic at the Dallas Arboretum

We kicked off our adventure at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Christmas Village charmed the kids (and moms!) with its life-size shops, twinkling lights, and festive music. We strolled through the stunning 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, each intricately decorated and glowing with holiday cheer.

The Children’s Garden was a hit with its hands-on STEM activities and outdoor exhibits that kept our kids engaged and entertained, even in the rain. Whether they were learning about weather patterns or experimenting with lip gloss flavors, it was both fun and educational.

Tip; If you’re already a member of another Botanical Garden in Texas, such as The Wildflower Center in Austin, you can get in free – up to 2 adults and 4 children. The Children’s Garden requires a separate $3 ticket, though.

Wild Adventures at the Dallas Zoo

The Dallas Zoo was our next stop, and it delivered on every front. As a large group, we were thrilled to take advantage of their group discounts. The play areas gave the kids space to burn off energy, and the bird- and giraffe-feeding experiences were unforgettable.

In the evening, you can add on tickets to Zoo Lights, a magical display of festive lights with unique shows and interactive experiences.

Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and allow a lot of time to explore the whole zoo and linger for zoo keeper chats.

Christmas Cheer in Grapevine

We dedicated a few evening hours to Grapevine, aptly named the Christmas Capital of Texas. The town offers free parking, ice skating, thousands of lights, music everywhere, and shopping at the charming boutiques. The Grapevine Mills Mall is nearby and worth a visit if you have extra time. Meow Wolf is a crowd favorite, and Legoland is a fun stop for the younger kids.

The real highlight was Harvest Dining Hall that served up a huge variety of delicious food from various counter-style restaurants and one of the best happy hours we’ve ever experienced. It was the perfect spot for the moms to relax while the kids enjoyed their meals.

Grapevine truly captures the spirit of the holidays with its festive decorations, music, and joyful atmosphere.

Tip: Grab dinner really early (4-ish) to avoid long lines and enjoy happy hour discounts.

Bonus Stop: Christmas at the Magnolia Silos

On our way home, we couldn’t resist stopping by Christmas at the Magnolia Silos in Waco. The Victorian Santa was a delightful surprise, offering free photos and a memorable experience for the kids.

We indulged in mouthwatering treats from the bakery and multiple food trucks. Additional options at Magnolia include inspiration for home decor, stick ball on the ball field, lawn games, and lattes by a cozy wood fire. This stop was the cherry on top of our incredible holiday road trip.

Why We Loved This Trip
- Family-Friendly Activities: Every stop was designed with kids in mind, but the moms had just as much fun!
- Hampton Inn Farmers Branch: Their hospitality and comfort made a big difference for our large group.
- Festive Vibes: From dazzling lights to charming decorations, every location embodied the magic of the season.
If you’re looking for a holiday road trip that combines adventure, relaxation, and plenty of Christmas cheer, this itinerary is a must-try.
December 18, 2024
Save the Drama for the Llama (The 2019 Holiday Bucket List)
Children and holidays are a lot alike. They can both drive us insane, but oh, how we love them so! I’m a huge fan of the holiday season, but I have to admit that every year, I feel a bit like the stressed, impatient, beloved main character in the children’s book, Llama Llama Holiday Drama.

“Is the big day coming soon? Llama Llama starts to swoon… All this waiting for one day? Time for presents right away! Too much music, too much fluff! Too much making, too much stuff! Too much EVERYTHING for Llama… Llama, Llama, HOLIDRAMA!” ¹

Not only do we have to find gifts for every human we’ve ever come in contact with, but we also have to make sure we make it to each white elephant party, see ALL the lights, and prepare for the perfect pic with Santa. Oh, and don’t forget the family traditions of holiday movie-thons, tree-decorating, caroling, searching for that dreaded elusive elf, and sending dozens of cards, all while wearing matching PJ’s! How do we squeeze everything in?

With so much going on, having a plan and finding a good balance is the only way to avoid ending up on the floor in a holidrama trance like little Llama Llama. In our house, we use the Advent calendar to maintain a game plan and limit the holiday commotion. Starting on December 1st, I write down one holiday experience to do for each of the days leading up to Christmas. These daily activities can be must-do tasks, like addressing and sending Christmas cards, or fun nights out, like meandering through a trail of lights after dinner. I love this tradition because we get to participate in all of our favorite events, activities, tasks, and traditions while waiting in joyful anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus. In addition to the daily activity, I also include a slip of paper with scripture that tells part of the Christmas story so that each day, a little more of the story is being recited. (Luke 1:26-35; Luke 2:1-20)

Our Family Advent Calendar

Below I’ve included a list of some of the activities I’ve hidden in our advent calendar pockets, along with our annual Holiday Bucket List, so you can find that perfect balance to fill you up with the joyful holiday spirit yet keep you sane!

TRADITIONS/FUN AT HOME –
- Bake sugar cookies
- Make cards/gifts for teachers
- Holiday movie night
- Read the story of St. Nicholas and put shoes outside your door for a little surprise (Dec 6th)
- Deliver treats to neighbors
- Caroling and holiday charades
- Trim/Decorate the tree(s)
- Make homemade paper snowflakes and tape them in the windows
- Tell stories of your family’s holidays past, as well as dreams for the future (reminisce over photos, plan vacations, etc)
- Make gingerbread houses
HILL COUNTRY HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST –

Reindeer Visit at the Hill Country Galleria (Bee Cave): Santa’s reindeer will be in the Central Plaza from noon – 4 pm one day only (Nov 30th)! Stay for shopping and a movie at the Hill Country Holiday Village. Santa’s arrival and the tree lighting will occur at the same location one week earlier on Nov 23rd at 6 pm. (https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/)

Michael’s Stores Holiday Maker Fest: Make 3 holiday crafts with the kids for (almost) FREE on Nov 23rd from 11 am – 2 pm. (https://www.michaels.com/events/classes-events)

Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin): Dec 5th – 8th and Dec 12th – 15th, 6 – 10 pm… Gardens will be lit with thousands of luminarias and filled with music and festive fun. Plus, there will be performances by the aerial dance group, Blue Lapis Light. $18 for non-members, free for members and children under 5. (https://www.wildflower.org/event/luminations/all)

Emily Ann Theater Trail of Lights (Wimberley): Nov 30th – Dec 28th, 6 – 9 pm… Stroll through over 100
lighted exhibits, roast marshmallows, listen to live music, and visit with Santa on select nights. FREE, donations appreciated. (http://emilyann.org/trailoflights.html)

Donuts and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (S. Austin): Join and support AOC MOPS while enjoying quality time with Santa and the Mrs. There will be photos with Santa, a doughnut breakfast, festive crafts, and story time with Mrs. Claus! Plus raffle items from Kendra Scott, Rodan and Fields, a complete car detail, personal chef services and much more. Reservations just $10 per family. Follow the link to make yours. Spots are limited, and it is expected to sell out.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d4aadac23a2fa7-donuts

Johnson City Lights Spectacular: Nightly November 29th – Jan 5th… The courthouse and downtown area are aglow with thousands of lights. Local vendors set up tables inside and outside the courthouse. Parade rolls through town at 6:30 pm on November 30th, and food court will be available that night. On Dec 7th and 14th, there will be lamplight tours through LBJ’s boyhood home, crafts for children, and live music. Carriage and hay rides are available for a fee. (https://www.johnsoncitytexas.info/local-events–calendar.html

Holidays in Gruene: Weekends in December… photos with Cowboy Kringle, free afternoon shows at historic Gruene Hall, gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town, and unique shops to complete your Christmas lists. (www.gruenetexas.com)

Crafts, Music, and Stories at your local library: Check your local library’s newsletter for FREE holiday events, including making holiday gifts, hunting for Elf on the Shelf, donating items to local shelters and senior centers, live music, and much more.

Home Depot December Kids’ DIY Workshop: On Dec 7th between 9 am and noon, create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. With help from parents and store associates, your child will make a merry memory this holiday season. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last. (https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/#store/8995)

Christmas on Mercer (Dripping Springs): This fun hometown festival on Dec 7th from 10 am to 5 pm draws a crowd to see Santa cruise in on a fire engine, to sip hot cocoa while perusing local vendor tables, and to watch local groups perform dance routines and sing Christmas carols. Come dressed to impress so you can snag a FREE picture with Santa. There will also be pony rides, a petting zoo, and a trackless train ride for the kids. (https://www.destinationdrippingsprings.com/events/2019/christmas-on-mercer-street)

Community First Village of Lights (Austin): Dec 6th & 7th and Dec 13th & 14th, 5:30 – 9 pm… With more than 200,000 lights choreographed to holiday music, the Community First! Village of Lights is one of the biggest Christmas light displays in Central Texas. Be sure to include a stop at the Advent Market to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts made by formerly homeless craftsmen and artisans who live at the Village. Your purchase of gifts and concessions during the event will help our Community First! Village neighbors earn a dignified income. (https://give.mlf.org/event/village-of-lights-2019/e255043)

Lost Pines Christmas Snow Day (Bastrop – Fisherman’s Park): Dec 14th, 12 pm – 5 pm, followed by a lighted parade through downtown at 6 pm! (www.visitbastrop.com)

A Pioneer Christmas at the Pound House (Dripping Springs): Dec 14th, 12 – 2 pm… Food, Wagon Rides, Photos with Santa, Make-and-Take Ornament Crafts, Story Readings, Live Holiday Bluegrass Music, Demonstrators, Shopping with Local Artisans, Re-Enactments, and Tours of the House decked out for the Holidays! FREE admission. (http://www.drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org/pioneer-christmas.html)

Mozart’s Light Show (Lake Austin): Check out this FREE Austin tradition any night from Nov 21st – Jan 5th , 6-11 pm. Grab a hot cocoa or coffee and enjoy the “dancing lights”. (https://mozartscoffee.com/christmas-lights-show/)

Holidays in Fredericksburg: There are several events throughout the season that will fill even the scroogiest attendee with the holiday spirit. Check out the town lighting on Nov 29th or the Light the Night Christmas parade on Dec 6th. There are also markets, ice skating, lights tours, live music, crafting, art walks, and many more activities happening in this cute little German town throughout the month of December. (https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/plan/events)

Maywald Lights Display (W. Austin): Over 120,000 lights are on display at a family’s home in Austin for a good cause: the Make-a-Wish foundation! Check out their “Believe” theme this year and leave a donation. (https://maywaldchristmasdisplay.weebly.com/)

Save the Date: Snow Day at the Science Mill (Johnson City): Jan 18th, 2020, 10 am – 4 pm… 20 tons of snow will fill the museum’s backyard. Tickets are $11 for adults and $9.50 for children 3-12. (https://www.sciencemill.org/upcoming-events-1/)

Find more Dripping with Kids at https://www.instagram.com/dripping_with_kids/ or on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/drippingwithkidsblog/.

¹ Dewdney, Anna. Llama Llama Holiday Drama. Scholastic Inc: 2012. https://www.amazon.com/Llama-Holiday-Drama-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670011614
November 18, 2019