KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my
own parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them
to grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—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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Hilton Austin is bringing back a curated lineup of joyful activities filled with cozy celebrations and plenty of cheer to the heart of downtown. Throughout the holiday season, hotel guests and locals can embrace the spirit of the season with themed food and beverage experiences like Santa’s South Pole Cantina and Breakfast with Santa at Austin Taco Project, festive workouts during 12 Days of Fitmas at the on-site F45 Training studio, and specialty events that include Fireside Flicks – a whimsical rooftop movie series – that visitors of all ages can enjoy. No matter how you choose to celebrate the most magical time of the year, it all begins at Hilton Austin!
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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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This wonderful band has songs to get children and families moving, playing instruments, talking about their feelings, learning to beat-box, and singing along with us. Featuring many musicians and instruments plus beautiful three part harmonies this album has some unique and diverse sounds that are out of the box. Recorded by queer and female and gender non-binary musicians and sound engineers, we are doing our part and We are Moving the Needle.
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Prospective students applying for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years, and their parents, are invited to our Open House on Sunday, Dec. 7 to attend mock classes and meet current faculty members, athletic coaches, and fine arts instructors. Special events for boarding students offer a wide look at the residential program. Upper School applicants may attend an athletic presentation at 3:30 that will feature a student-athlete panel and Q&A with current coaches.
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Calling all runners (and walkers) near and far! It’s time to kick off the holiday season with Mothers Against Drunk Driving 30th Annual Austin Jingle Bell 5K!!! We are back at The Domain again this year, at the lawn in front of IPIC Theatre. Join us on December 7th for the festive Austin Jingle Bell 5K and Kids’ Fun Run!!! Experience the family fun with Santa hats, jingle bells, and hanging out with Santa! The first 800 registrants are guaranteed our newly designed event t-shirt! The top 3 runners in each of the age divisions will receive a medal based on their finish time! All kids 12 and under will receive their very own participation medal! Don’t delay and register your family today!
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Bring the whole family to Downtown Buda for 3 days of holiday cheer! With kids activities and a carnival at Buda City Park, a craft and art market in the Downtown Greenbelt and a dazzling Night Parade and Fireworks show along Main Street, there is plenty to do and see all weekend.
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Nativities of all shapes, sizes and origins will be displayed December 5th and 6th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 700 N. Heatherwilde Blvd, Pflugerville, TX. Each year we do our best to fill the building with as many unique nativity scenes arranged in beautiful displays. This is only made possible through the gracious participation of the members of our community.
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Everybody is welcome to this informative Pre-Kwanzaa celebration! Enjoy Kwanzaa arts, refreshments, and music - including a traditional African drum demonstration by Dr. Kelley Glover. All ages event, free, no registration required. Sponsored by DHA.
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The magic of the holidays is coming to the Brushy Creek Amphitheatre! Join the City of Hutto for the Annual Holiday Market at its new and spacious location. The Amphitheatre will be transformed into a classic winter market featuring a curated selection of vendors to help you finalize your holiday gift-giving needs. Shop small and support local while enjoying the festive atmosphere! Stick around until the end for a spectacular, seasonally themed Drone Show! This unforgettable, family-friendly event blends cherished holiday traditions with modern, dazzling technology for a truly unique Hutto experience.
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Celebrate the season with the City of Taylor! The City Christmas Parade is on the first Saturday of December. Line Up begins in Murphy Park, and the parade route follows Main Street from Murphy Park to Heritage Square. The event crescendos with a Tree Lighting celebration in Heritage Square, where Santa will be posing for photos and hot cocoa is free!
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Celebrate the season and our community with our annual Holiday Open House! Drop by anytime between 6-8 pm to meet library staff and our mental health peer support specialists, enjoy festive food, create arts and crafts, play Richii Mahjong with the South Austin Japanese Club, and more! This event is free and has something all ages can enjoy.
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BIG & GLOWING holiday cheer is coming back to Round Rock for 2 amazing nights in December! Join us for the annual Light Up the Lake, a 2-day holiday festival around the lake and festival area at Old Settlers Park on Fri, December 5th, and Sat, December 6th. The event will feature SPECTACULAR giant balloons hovering over Bright Lake, live music on the BRAND NEW Lakeview Stage, amazing light show, holiday displays, holiday food and refreshments, crafts, family activities, yule log and more! THIS IS A WALKING EVENT! Pathways will include sidewalks and grass terrain – please plan accordingly.
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It’s not just a stroll – it’s a journey through a whimsical wonderland of candy canes, gumdrops, and peppermint delights! This year, the Downtown Georgetown Association transforms Historic Downtown Georgetown into a Candyland Christmas Stroll – A Sweet Stroll Through Georgetown for a FREE THREE-DAY EVENT of festive fun.
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It’s back! Bastrop’s Rockin’ Holiday Revue returns to the Opera House stage with fresh songs, new skits, and even more holiday cheer. This high-spirited celebration blends classic holiday hits with a rockin’ twist, a live band, and an all-star local cast. With charismatic MCs, surprise moments, and just the right amount of sparkle, it’s feel-good entertainment for all ages—and it’s quickly becoming Bastrop’s favorite holiday tradition.
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Registration is open for the Palace's Spring Education Session. After school classes are offered for all ages and levels in acting, singing, dance, improvisation, and more! Students in 1st-8th grades can register to perform in our Fall productions Pirates Vs. Mermaids or Alice in Wonderland JR. Be sure to check out our other special programming: Homeschool Acting Classes, Adaptive Performance Classes, and One-Day Mini-Camps. All Education Programming takes place at the Doug Smith Performance Center at 206 W. 2nd Street, Georgetown, Texas 78626. See you at the Palace! For more information or to register, visit their website.
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- Homeschool Sensory Hour - Bullock Texas State History Museum - 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, Friday, December 5, 2025, 9am-10am
- Homeschool Day: Dinosaurs - Bullock Texas State
History Museum - 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, Friday, December 5, 2025, 10am-5pm
- Kids Market at Zach- Holiday Series - Austin - Austin, TX 73301, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11:30 am-4:30 pm
- Kinderfest -
Pioneer Museum - 325 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 am - 3 pm
- Old
Town Christmas Festival - Leander - 105 North Brushy Street, Leander, TX 78641, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 am-9 pm
- In-School Program & Young Artists Academy Concert - Austin Chamber Music Center - Burnet Road, Austin, TX, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11:00am
- Cocoa with Cowboys- The Williamson Museum - The Williamson Museum - 716 S Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626, Saturday, December 6,
2025, 6-8 pm
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar - 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752, Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, 10 am – 10
pm
- Trail of Lights in Lakeway - City of Lakeway - 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway, TX
78734, Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, 6 pm to midnight
- Live Music at The Domain - The Domain - 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, Fridays: 6–9 pm, Saturdays: 2-5 pm & 6–9 pm, Sundays: 3–6 pm
- Budafest - Buda - Buda, TX, Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, see website for times
- Light The Night Christmas Parade - East Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX, Friday, December 5, 2025, parade begins at 6:30 pm
- The 44th Annual Candyland Christmas Stroll - Historic Georgetown - West 7th Street, Georgetown, TX, Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7, 2025, varies
- Bethlehem Village 2025 - Georgetown Church of the Nazarene - 4051 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626, Friday, December 5, 4:30–9 pm; Saturday, December 6, 10 am–9 pm
- 9th Annual Pflugerville Nativity Exhibit - 700 North Heatherwilde Boulevard, Pflugerville, TX, Friday, December 5, 6-9 pm; Saturday, December 6, 4-9 pm
- Christmas on Mercer Street - Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, TX, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 10 am-5 pm
- Holidays in Gruene – Annual Gruene Pony Express Ride - 1281 Gruene Rd, Gruene, New Braunfels, TX 78130, Saturday,
December 6, 2025, 9:30-10:30 am
- Light Up the Lake - Old Settlers Park - E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX, Friday,
December 5 and Saturday, December 6, 2025, 6-10:30 pm
- Deck the Park: Light Up the Holidays! - Jennie Lane Park - Jennie Lane
Park, E Rector St, Manor, TX, Friday, December 5, 2025, 6-8 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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