December is here and it’s full of free and cheap things to do with your family around Austin, Texas like Christmas light displays, Santa visits and free museum days. Scroll down to check out the best events and activities for kids this month and mark your calendars!
Free First Sunday at Bullock Texas State History Museum
Let history inspire you as you connect with Texas stories told by ever-changing artifacts, rare documents, photographs, and special exhibits. Dec. 1. Event details.
Visit the Gingerbread Village
Inspired by the magic of snow globes, this winter Four Seasons Hotel Austin will fill its lobby with dozens of tiny gingerbread scenes representing one of the biggest concepts of them all: friendship. Daily through Dec. 25. Event details.
Christmas Light Show at Mozart's Coffee
This Christmas Light Show has become an annual tradition for many Austinites. Every year, Mozart's Coffee decorate its deck with over 1 million LED lights and sets up a show to favorite holiday tunes. Daily through Jan. 5. Event details.
Free Baby Playdate
Every Tuesday you can meet up with other parents of babies at Toybrary Austin. Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Event details.
Twinkle All the Way to Lakeview Trail of Lights
Come see thousands of twinkling lights all accompanied by delightful seasonal music. Daily through Jan. 1. Event details.
Downtown Austin Holiday Stroll
A free, family-friendly event, Holiday Stroll has something for everyone including photos with Santa, a petting zoo, live ice sculpture, holiday arts & crafts, a live mural painting, local food trucks, artisan vendors, and more. Dec. 7. Event details.
Make a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot
Museums on Us Weekend
Bank of America cardholders can get free admission to many museums the first full weekend of the month, including the Bullock Museum. Dec. 7-8. Event details.
Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro
Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and families are invited to enjoy this magical Christmas village offering free photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games. Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. The Santa’s Wonderland Christmas village offers remote control trucks, laser/foam toy arcade, Lincoln Logs building area and much more. Kids can also spend time at one of the activity tables where they can write a letter to Santa, color and do fun crafts, all for free. Event details.
Santa's Ranch
Bring your friends and family and enjoy one of the best holiday light exhibits in the state! You’ll take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in the beautiful lights, animated Christmas displays, and enjoying homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn and snacks. Daily through Jan. 4. Event details.
Kids' Music Performance at Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Enjoy music and kid performers every Sunday. Event details.
Hill Country Holiday Village
Located within one of the most beautiful places for holiday shopping, visitors will lose themselves in decorated walkways featuring local artisan vendors of art, jewelry, home goods, and holiday fare. Experience the winding walkways filled with holiday cheer and an abundance of family photo opp. Daily through Dec. 24. Event details.
—Kate Loweth
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