Best Events for Austin Kids & Families in December (and Most are Free!)

by Kate LowethSeptember 25, 2020

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

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. Dec. 7. Event details.

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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Best Events for Las Vegas Kids & Families in December (and Most are Free!)

by Kate LowethSeptember 25, 2020

December in Las Vegas is full of free and cheap things to do with your family and we’ve gathered up a slew of our favorite events to keep your kids busy. From Christmas light displays to free museum days, there’s something for everyone this month in Las Vegas. Scroll through the list and mark your calendars for the best kids activities this month.

Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates Factory

For 26 years, Ethel M has proudly decorated their 3-acre cactus garden for the holidays with over one million lights for the public to enjoy. This ‘gem in the desert’ is lit up every night until 10 p.m. through Jan. 5. Event details.

Sunday Storytime with a Librarian

Join a librarian from Whitney Library for a nature-themed story time and craft. Dec. 1 and 15. Event details.

Holiday Magic at the LINQ Promenade

Holiday Magic returns to The LINQ Promenade which will transform into a modern winter wonderland with festive décor and a holiday show featuring seasonal songs mixed with hip-hop favorites—all accompanied by LED-costumed dancers, stunt acrobatics, street “elves” and snowfall. Event details.

Build a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot

Glittering Lights

Drive through this wonderland of Christmas lights at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Event details.

Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro

Visit Sam's Town at Mystic Falls Park

Take a leisurely stroll in the park day or night in Mystic Falls Park® at Sam's Town. Relax to the sound of a rolling waterfall, complemented by the soft chirping of birds in live trees reaching up toward the skylight 10 stories above. Daily through Dec. 22. Event details.

Museums on Us Weekend

Bank of America cardholders can get free admission to many museums the first full weekend of the month, including the DISCOVERY Children's Museum. Dec. 7-8. Event details.

Magical Forest at Opportunity Village

The Magical Forest is a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, nightly entertainment, great food and endless holiday cheer. Event details.

Snow in the Square

Town Square brings holiday cheer to Las Vegas in the form of snowflakes with Snow in the Square at Town Square Park. Each show lasts 10 minutes and is choreographed to everyone's favorite holiday music. Daily through Dec. 23. Event details.

Stroller Strides at the District

Come get your workout in and bring the kids along. Stroller Strides Las Vegas classes meet on The Green in Phase 2 of The District at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Event details.

—Kate Loweth

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Denver’s Best Events for Kids & Families in December (& Most are Free!)

by Kate LowethAugust 25, 2020

Get ready to fill up the calendar with loads of free and cheap things to do with your family this December! We’ve got tons of fun, family-friendly events around Denver like places to meet Santa, Christmas light displays, museum days and holiday markets. Scroll through and pick your faves!

Celebrate Mile High Holidays

Stan Obert/Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau

Create a new family tradition and join in the free nightly festivities at Denver’s newest holiday attraction, including a dazzling lights and music show every 30 minutes throughout the evening. Daily through Jan. 31. Event details.

Visit Denver Christkindl Market

This annual event brings authentic German and European holiday traditions to Denver! Guests can find delicious cuisine, festive German drinks, handmade jewelry, toys, clothing, gifts and much more. Daily through Dec. 23. Event details.

Museums on Us Weekend

Bank of America cardholders can get free admission to many museums the first full weekend of the month, including Denver's Clyfford Still Museum. Event details.

Build a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot

Check Out the Holiday Lights in Golden

Plan to visit Golden during the holiday season for the thousands of lights that decorate the City! The official date for the lighting is during the Candlelight Walk on Dec. 6. Visitors can enjoy the City lights through the end of the Stock Show (around Jan. 26). Event details.

Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro

Goodnight Moon: the Musical

Featuring whimsical music and dance, this heartwarming adaptation is produced as a part of the DCPA's Theatre for Young Audiences program, which focuses on performances tailored for Pre-K through 2nd grade audiences. Event details.

Free First Tuesday Nights

Families can play for FREE the first Tuesday of every month from 4-8 p.m. at the Children’s Museum Denver Marsico Campus. Create in The Art Studio, power a hot air balloon or make giant bubbles. Dec. 3. Event details.

Denver Parade of Lights

The FREE parade features marching bands, ornate floats, and of course a special appearance by Major Waddles and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever. Dec. 6. Event details.

Four Mile Free Day

Step back in time and discover a historic oasis in the middle of the city with a tour of the beautiful Four Mile House Museum. Visits are free on the second Friday of the month. Dec. 13. Event details.

Free Denver Museum of Nature & Science Day

Come check out this museum and its hands-on activities for free. Dec. 8. Event details.

—Kate Loweth

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Festive Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies That Shine

by Nikki WalshDecember 1, 2019

Ring in the holiday season by cozying up amidst the warm glow of a tree lighting ceremony. Beyond the mesmerizing, twinkling lights, kids can also whisper their wish lists to Santa, sip warm cocoa, sing with carolers, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and so much more. Read on to see where to take your little snow angels to pave the path to Christmas at tree lighting occasions that shine bright across San Diego.

photo: Kevin Baird

North County Inland

Poway Tree Lighting & Festival
Even Scrooge would be impressed with this free festival in Old Poway Park. From Santa and the missus to horse rides, face painting and model trains, little helpers will have plenty to do at this annual celebration. Free event. Sat., Dec. 14, 3:30-8:30 p.m. (tree lighting at 5:15 p.m.). 14134 Midland Rd., Poway.

San Marcos Tree Lighting & Santa’s Village
Head to Santa’s Village and Tree Lighting at San Marcos Civic Center. This free event includes fun for the whole family. Get a photo with Santa Claus between 1-4:30 p.m. There will be free festive crafts and activities, as well as vendors selling their wares and snacks. Entertainment will be featured in the courtyard, and the tree lighting is at 5:35 p.m. Don’t miss the ‘snow’ right after the tree lighting! Sat. Dec. 7, 1-7 p.m., (tree lighting at 5:35 p.m.). 3 Civic Center Dr., San Marcos.

Fallbrook Tree Lighting
From the moment your little snow angel spots this 50-foot tree their face will light up. Add in caroling, face painting, holiday games and good food and you’ve found the holiday spirit. Free event. Fri., Dec. 6, 5-7:30 p.m. 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook.

photo: Sally Montiano

Vista Village Winterfest & Tree Lighting
Roaming mariachis, holiday movies, ugly sweater contests, homemade tamales, kids activities, arts and crafts and meeting Santa all add to the magic of this festive SoCal tree lighting event. Free event. Sun., Dec. 8, 2-7 p.m. Vista Village

North County Coastal

Omni La Costa Resort Tree Lighting
Celebrate the start of the season with a festive tree lighting and a visit from skydiving Santa! Shop the holiday market, sip hot chocolate and cider, sing with the carolers and little hands can make holiday crafts. Free event. Sat., Dec. 7, 3-8 p.m., 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd., Carlsbad.

One Paseo Tree Lighting
At One Paseo’s first Small Business Saturday, several shops will be offering exclusive specials and discounts to encourage guests to shop small. Following Small Business Saturday shopping, One Paseo invites guests to stay for the center’s tree lighting ceremony. The ceremony will take place from 5-7 p.m., and feature live musical performances from the San Diego Children’s Choir and FROSTBITE, visits with Santa, and festive photo opportunities while snow cascades from the rooftops. Free event. Sat., Nov. 30, 5-7 p.m., 3725 Paseo Pl, Carmel Valley.

Encinitas Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Watch your little elf’s face light up with excitement when Santa arrives and the tree sparkles, followed by a huge festive holiday parade. Free event. Sat., Dec. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (tree lighting at 5 p.m.). Lumberyard courtyard, 937 S. Highway 101, Encinitas.

17th Annual Lighting of The Forum
The 17th Annual “Lighting of the Forum” will feature a live stage show by the Crown City Bombers, Santa’s Grand Arrival on a horse-drawn sleigh and Holiday Light Show and Magical Snowfall just after Santa flips the switch to light the tree. Santa will be welcomed in style with an escort by the La Costa Canyon High School Marching Band. Complimentary refreshments will be available after the tree lighting provided by some of the restaurants at The Forum Carlsbad. Once Santa fulfills his tree lighting duties and oversees the Holiday Light Show and Magical Snowfall, he will visit with children for the rest of the event listening to gift requests! Free event. Sat. Nov. 30, 6-9 p.m., 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad.

Del Mar Tree Lighting & Santa By the Sea
Holiday photo-op with Santa and the Missus at this festival by the sea. There’ll be caroling, letters to Santa, making crazy Christmas hats, free refreshments and of course the finale lighting of the holiday tree. Free event. Sun., Dec. 8, 3-5 p.m. (tree lighting at 5 p.m.). Northwest corner of Camino Del Mar and 15th St., Del Mar.

Solana Beach Tree Lighting
There’ll be beautiful views and a brilliant tree lighting. Join Santa for live music, cookies, holiday treats, and merrymaking. Free event. Sun., Dec. 8, Begins at 4:30 p.m. Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., Solana Beach.

Oceanside Tree Lighting
Come for the tree lighting countdown, stay for the live music, family-friendly entertainment and games, horse and carriage rides, amusement rides, zip lines, bounce houses and more. There will be free cookies and milk for kids and free holiday arts and crafts projects. There will even be a special visit from Old St. Nick who arrives via firetruck. Free event. Thurs., Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m. (tree lighting at 6 p.m.) Regal Plaza, 401 Mission Ave., Oceanside.

photo: Venues at Liberty Station

The Village Pacific Highlands Ranch
Enjoy live music, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, sweet treats, and, of course, a tree lighting ceremony. Free event. Sat., Nov. 30, 5-7:30 p.m. Village Square, 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Pkwy., San Diego.

San Diego

Liberty Station Tree Lighting & Festivities
This 88-foot Norfolk Pine lights up to usher in holiday cheer. Pack a picnic and stay for the showing of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas on the lawn. Free event. Fri., Nov. 29, starts at 4-9 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.). 2875 Dewey Rd., San Diego.

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Santa arrives by horse and carriage and there’s plenty of shopping to do. Head to the Piazza for the tree lighting, and kiddos can do crafts. Free event. Sat., Dec. 7, 4-8 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.). Piazza Basilone, Fir St. and India St., Little Italy.

photo: Richard Benton on behalf of the Balboa Park Conservancy

Pacific Beach Tree Lighting
A uniquely SoCal holiday gathering. Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, enjoy food and entertainment and a lighting of the pier tree at sunset. Professional pics with the big guy are $10 or $5 when you bring school supplies to support the schools. Sat., Dec. 7, 2-5 p.m. (tree lighting at sunset). End of Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach.

Christmas on the Prado & Tree Lighting
‘Tis the season for the 4th Annual Children’s Coalition Christmas on the Prado. Bring a gift for Toys for Tots and enjoy music, entertainment, photos with Santa, an elf contest, tree lighting, kids crafts and Nativity scenes. Sat. Nov. 30, 1-8 p.m., Balboa Park, Spreckels Organ Pavilion, San Diego.

East County

S antee Holiday Tree Lighting
From snow sledding and train and trolley rides to a petting zoo, crafts and a firetruck, this annual tree lighting is sure to amp up your holiday spirit. Fri., Nov. 22, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.). Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee.

photo: City of Santee

Julian Tree Lighting & Country Christmas
Country Christmas commences the holiday season with music, dancers, the arrival of Old St. Nick (and the Mrs.) and lighting the town Christmas tree. Sat., Nov. 30, 1-7 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2811 Washington St., Julian.

Lakeside Spirit of Christmas Tree Lighting
Get spirited away with the sounds and sights of the Holidays. From school performances and Santa to crafts and lighting of the Christmas tree, you’re sure to have a good time. Sat., Dec. 7, 3:30-8:30 p.m., Maine Ave., Lakeside.

photo: Otay Ranch Town Center

Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting
Head to downtown Ramona on Main Street for the 27th Annual Tree Lighting and holiday fun. You can shop, take a sleigh ride, do a winter craft and more. Sat., Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m., Main Street, Ramona between 6th Street & 8th Street.

South Bay

Otay Ranch Town Center
Santa Claus arrives by firetruck just in time for this tree lighting ceremony. Little hands get crafty, eat cookies, drink cocoa, while you cross a few names off your shopping list. Free event. Tues., Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m. (tree lighting at 7 p.m), Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Rd., Chula Vista.

Coronado Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade
Watch the mayor (along with a local family) flip the switch at this Christmas tree lighting festivities. Come early to see Santa (he arrives by firetruck), then stay for the holiday parade. Free event. Fri., Dec. 6, 5 p.m. Rotary Park, Orange Avenue at Isabella Avenue, Coronado.

––Nikki Walsh

featured image: Liberty Station

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Dazzle ‘Em! Great Holiday Light Displays From Coast to Coast

by Kelly AiglonSeptember 17, 2013

What puts a twinkle in a kid’s eyes? Seeing holiday lights. From a brilliant Loch Ness Monster in D.C. to a classic Candy Cane Lane in Seattle, we rounded up the country’s coolest light displays. Flip through our photo album to see it all and get in the spirit.

Widmer World – Pleasanton, Califonia

What started in 1980 with a plastic Santa and some other ordinary decorations has over the years turned into almost an acre of glittering lights. You'll find a mini Christmas village, computer animated displays and more than a dozen scenes such as the “Expanded Arctic Penguin Scene” and “Santa’s Golf Fantasy.” For more great Bay Area light shows, click here.

Photo: Bob Widmer/Widmer World Facebook page

Cover photo: Osborne Family Lights Festival via HarshLight on Flickr creative commons

Free First Sunday at Bullock Texas State History Museum

Visit the Gingerbread Village

Christmas Light Show at Mozart's Coffee

Free Baby Playdate

Twinkle All the Way to Lakeview Trail of Lights

Downtown Austin Holiday Stroll

Make a Christmas Countdown Calendar at Home Depot

Museums on Us Weekend

Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro

Santa's Ranch

Kids' Music Performance at Cherrywood Coffeehouse

Hill Country Holiday Village

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