KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
It's often said that parenting is a "thankless" job. In one sense, that's undeniably true, because it will likely be many years before the young humans you're raising—the ones who actually have a stake in the outcome of the excellent job you're doing—are in a position to thank you. So you don't hear that phrase often during the first couple of decades of parenthood.
My fervent wish
for the future is to live in a world filled with engaged, culturally literate, productive, happy people. This means that what I said above isn't precisely accurate: It's not only your kids who have a stake in your parenting success, we ALL do, because the path to that future starts NOW for the young people in your orbit. So I'm grateful that you care about getting them "out and about" to the wide variety of experiences available in your community: It will make all
the difference.
Our job here at KidsOutAndAbout.com is to help you do that as easily as possible. In 2001, I created the original version of this web platform that now connects 15 million people each year with their area's activities and resources. My team gets to see it all up-close and personal as local businesses post to KidsOutAndAbout through their free listings, and then we get to turn around and shout about them to y'all, bringing your community closer to you.
So I want to
step in for the rest of the world that's not (yet) thanking you, and say it to you today: Thank you so much for what you're doing. Raising kids is hard in any era, but no one could have anticipated all the roadblocks that a pandemic would toss onto our path.
As anyone who knows me knows, I'm endlessly looking for reasons to celebrate. So today, I'm celebrating YOU with my digital megaphone and pom-poms. You're doing a great job. Future Deb sends her thanks,
too.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes
from Deb" section of our site. |
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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers-whether you're
tech-savvy or not-to weigh in.
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Get your Fresh Fraser Fir Christmas Tree from Brungot Farms! Come visit us to pick out your Fresh Fraser Fir Christmas Tree just north of the Austin city limits. Finding a choose & cut tree experience in the Austin area is challenging! Finding quality
Christmas trees that also bring a fun experience for your family is our top priority. We built the closest experience you can get to choose & cut Christmas tree farm at Brungot Farms! We look forward to meeting you to pick out your Christmas tree and wreaths this year and thank you for helping us support great non-profits! Christmas tree lot @Twin Lakes YMCA
204 E Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park, TX 78613 |
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The holiday season is almost here, and we’re excited to invite you and your family to our annual Nutcracker production! Presented by North Austin Ballet Theatre, this performance features NABT dancers, students from The Dance Academy, and local talent, with a special surprise guest as Mother Ginger. Enjoy the magic of Clara’s dream as she helps the Nutcracker Prince battle the Rat King and journeys through the Kingdom of Sweets. This enchanting ballet, perfect for the holiday season, will be performed at the Liberty Hill HS Performing Arts Center on December 13th and 14th. Group discounts available for Girl Scout Troops and other organizations. Don’t miss this festive tradition!
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A title known the world over, Elf The Musical JR. is a must see holiday musical! Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and that his half-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Show Dates: Nov 28th - Nov 30th Fri: 2:30pm & 7:30pm Sat: 2:30pm & 7:30pm Sun: 2:00pm & 6:00pm (tickets $18)
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Private schools and charter schools in the ATX area: We have dozens of options for educating kids! This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools.
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Private Schools in the Austin, TX area: Try it before you buy it... and even before you visit! This is KidsOutAndAbout.com's video sneak peek into local private school experiences. If your school should have a video on this page, please send a link to the school's video on YouTube or Vimeo to ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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Volente Beach has transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Come see an amazing sunset, have great food and check out all of our Christmas decorations!
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The beloved holiday classic comes to life on stage! A Charlie Brown Christmas follows Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas, with a little help from Snoopy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang.
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Experience the magic of the season along Bastrop’s beautiful River of Lights! Stroll the half-mile June Hill Pape Riverwalk, transformed into a twinkling wonderland with hundreds of sparkling displays in festive holiday themes. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as the trail winds along the scenic Colorado River. Access the Riverwalk from the stairs west of Main and Pine Streets, or use the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman’s Park on Willow Street.
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Your registration includes one custom-cut and painted Santa Hand for one child. You can purchase additional prints of the same child for $25 each. These adorable keepsakes are the perfect addition to your holiday décor and make wonderful gifts for grandparents!
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The lights are up, the tickets are out, and all we’re missing is you! GA tickets are just $3 and allow you to wander through the enchanted forest, see Saint Nicholas, enjoy live music, experience the lights up close, and more! If you’re looking to make the holidays extra special, VIP tables, party igloos, and donut boat cruises are also available this season.
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Craft with us or grab a craft to take home. No registration or library card required. Crafts are available while supplies last. Come and grab a craft to complete later. This time, transform socks and other textiles into a favorite woodland animal while supplies last. This event is for kids ages 8-12 only. Note: this craft is not intended to be completed at the library.
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Get ready for the most enchanting event of the season! Join your family and friends for a magical evening as we officially kick off the holidays in beautifully decorated Historic Downtown Hutto. This year's celebration features two cherished traditions rolled into one festive night.
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Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Lighting of the Square event on the day after Thanksgiving. The holiday lights will remain lit every evening through January 1. Free parking can be found at Seventh and Rock streets; Austin Avenue and Fifth Street; Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Seventh and Eighth streets; and the parking garage located at Fourth and Rock streets.
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Join us for a holiday celebration at the Round Rock Public Library’s Meeting Room A+B on November 29, 2025, from 1:30 – 4:30 pm as we kick off the Winter Reading Program! The Round Rock Public Library is delighted to present a cozy afternoon of watching Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). All ages welcome. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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Create a lasting Christmas memory with photos with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene’s own brand of Santa! Reserve a spot in advance for photo packages, Christmas cards and other special order items. Visit CowboyKringle.com for more information or to reserve your time slot before they fill up! For information call (830) 606-1601.
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Gather in the Courtyard as we flip the switch on our hilltop holiday tree—complete with a 100% chance of snow at every lighting. Enjoy live music with holiday covers almost every Friday and Saturday, warm up around the fire pits, and make sweet memories with s’mores kits ($35 and treats up to 4). Sip hot cocoa or a little bubbles, write Letters to Santa, and savor complimentary cookies and hot cocoa by the tree.
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Experience the magic of ice skating in Austin at the Ice Rodeo, Austin’s premier ice rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake. From November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026, skate beneath the stars in a winter wonderland at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. Enjoy outdoor ice skating, cozy dining cabins, pop-up lounges, family nights, immersive holiday décor and art installations.
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The ultimate holiday tradition awaits. And Santa is making a list and checking it twice – so reserve your photos with Santa today! Santa arrives on November 15, 2025 and will be here through December 24th, 2025. Book early to ensure your spot to see Santa.
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- Weekly Tree Lightings - Hotel Viata, 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, United States, Friday, November 28, 2025, 5-7 pm
- Live Music at The Domain - The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, United States, Friday, November 28, 2025, 6–9 pm
- Walkway of Lights - Marble Falls/Lake LBJ
Chamber of Commerce, 916 Second Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654, United States, Friday, November 28, 2025, 6-10 pm
- Bastrop River of Lights - June Hill Pape Riverwalk Trail, Chestnut Street, Bastrop, TX, United States, Friday, November 28, 2025, dusk-10 pm
- The Annual Lighting of the Square in Georgetown - 103 West 7th Street, Georgetown, TX, United States, Friday, November 28, 2025, see website
- Deck the Halls - Lyndon
B. Johnson National Historical Park, 100 Ladybird Lane, Johnson City, TX 78636, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 10 am- 2 pm
- Lights Spectacular - Johnson City, Texas, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, see website
- Trail of Lights - EmilyAnn Theatre, Farm to Market Road 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 6-10 pm
- The Market at Zach - Zach Theater, South Lamar
Boulevard, Austin, TX, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 4:00pm
- Holiday Classics Movie Afternoon - Round Rock Public Library - RRPL, East Liberty Avenue, Round Rock, TX, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 1:30-4:30 pm
- Tween Grab & Go Craft: DIY Woodland Animals - 550 Discovery Boulevard, Cedar Park, TX, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 9:30-10:30 am
- Tree
Lighting with Cocoa & Carols - Downtown Hutto, Main Street, Hutto, TX, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 5-8 pm
- Weekly Tree Lightings - Hotel Viata, 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 5-7 pm
- Live Music at The Domain - The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 2-5 pm & 6–9 pm
- Walkway of
Lights - Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce, 916 Second Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, 6-10 pm
- Bastrop River of Lights - June Hill Pape Riverwalk Trail, Chestnut Street, Bastrop, TX, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, dusk-10
pm
- The Annual Lighting of the Square in Georgetown - 103 West 7th Street, Georgetown, TX, United States, Saturday, November 29, 2025, see website
- Lights Spectacular - Johnson City, Texas, United States, Sunday, November 30, 2025, see website
- Trail of Lights - EmilyAnn Theatre, Farm to Market Road 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676, United States, Sunday, November 30, 2025, 6-9 pm
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The Austin area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in festive
activities.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for the Austin area-101 ideas for local holiday fun. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Planning a kids birthday party in the Austin area? Here are lots of ideas for where to have it! If there is a resource that we have missed, please email us to let us know, and we'll add it promptly.
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Enjoy the weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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