KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which explained
why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time: Presence creates
the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them together. They don’t pile
up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—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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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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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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Mt. Playmore Show your little ones how much you love them by letting Mt Playmore throw them an epic birthday party! You can focus on spending time with your kids, and Mt Playmore will take care of the rest. Every party package includes 90 minutes in a reserved party room, a party host (who will serve, coordinate, clean up, and provide an unforgettable birthday party experience), pizza, soft drinks, utensils, online invitations and RSVP system, ALL DAY admission for your group, and a reserved table on the main floor after the party is over. All you have to do to ensure your child has the best birthday ever is bring the cake! https://mtplaymore.com/parties/
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Join us for a Sunday showing of comedic cartoons and light snacks! Cartoons played will be Looney Tunes Movies, Volume 2 with over 50 animated shorts, including "Rabbit's Run" and "Tweety's High-Flying Adventure". Rating: Not rated. Run time: 147 minutes. We will only watch 120 minutes. All ages welcome. Children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. Space and refreshments limited. First come, first served.
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Children respond to music from the moment they are born, and we work to activate this response to its fullest potential. Through fun activities, we have children, from preschool to teens singing dancing and playing instruments. We help classroom teachers and parents learn to develop their musical interactions with kids, we work to promote a musically literate world!
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An epic Chanukah celebration in South Austin! The GRAND CHOLOCATE GELT DROP by the Austin Fire Department! Latkes! Donuts! Dreidels! & Hot Drinks! The event is free and open to share with friends, sponsorships are greatly appreciated. RSVP so we can plan for you!
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Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. When a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, what makes Rudolph different turns out to be what helps him save Christmas!
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Mainly Art is a vibrant outdoor celebration of creativity, putting the spotlight on 15 different visual artists each month. Stroll downtown’s charming Main Street to discover a diverse array of artwork and glean inspiration too! It’s called Mainly Art because it takes place on Main Street—and it’s all about art!
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Waiting in line for Santa at the mall can overwhelm anyone, especially kids with special needs. Take the time you need to warm up your kiddos in a calm, sensory-friendly environment. Be sure to bring your camera and/or phone! There will be helpers here so you can be in the photos, too. FREE
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Celebrate the season with pickleball, cocoa, and holiday fun for the whole family! Whether you’re here to rally on the court, sip festive drinks, or snap holiday photos, this event has something for everyone.
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Step into the warmth and wonder of the holiday season with A Lone Star Holiday, a concert that brings together cherished traditions, festive melodies, and a touch of Texas charm. Featuring a vibrant mix of storytelling, classical elegance, and beloved seasonal favorites, this evening of orchestral magic is sure to fill your heart with holiday cheer.
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Celebrate traditional Texas Swedish Holiday Traditions and Santa Lucia Day with The Williamson Museum and Old Settler’s Association on Friday, December 12th from 6pm-9pm. This is a free event featuring living history, crafts, Julboard tastings, and more. Swedish Candlelight Christmas is located at Williamson County Old Settler’s Association at 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX.
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Create new memories on the jolliest night in Cedar Park. This joyful celebration features twinkling lights, family-friendly activities, and timeless holiday cheer. Magic is everywhere, from holiday music to warm treats and Santa’s arrival. So, bundle up, bring your holiday cheer, and join us for a night that’s merry, bright, and full of delight.
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We’re bringing the holiday cheer to downtown with live music twice a night, five nights a week — and every show is FREE, as our special gift to you this Hometown Holiday season, from December 2-23, 2025, in Downtown Round Rock. Enjoy the sounds of the season at the downtown parklets and on the Prete Plaza stage, including Music on Main–style Wednesday night concerts that’ll have you dancing under the holiday lights!
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The Zilker Holiday Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored led bulbs - totaling 3,309 lights. A double star at the top of the tree measures 10 feet from point to point with 150 frosted bulbs. The unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. At its circumference, the tree measures 380 feet. The diameter is 120 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the Moonlight Tower.
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- Movies in the Park - City of Kyle - 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640,
December 12, 2025, begin at sundown
- Christmas Movie- Lakeway Activity Center Parking Lot - Lakeway Activity Center, Cross Creek, Lakeway, TX, December 12, 2025, 6 pm
- Live Music at The Domain - The
Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, December 12-14, 2025, Fridays: 6–9 pm, Saturdays: 2-5 pm & 6–9 pm, Sundays: 3–6 pm
- A Jolly, Bright Lakeline Night - 875 Quest Pkwy, Cedar Park, TX 78613, December 12, 2025, 6:30-9:30 pm
- Swedish Candlelight Christmas - Old Settlers Association of Williamson County (WCOSA) - East Palm Valley Boulevard, Round Rock, TX, December 12, 2025, 6-9 pm
- Preschool Storytime - Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church Street, Bastrop, TX 78602, December 12, 2025, 10:30 am
- Family Storytime at Bee Cave Public
Library - Bee Cave Public Library, Galleria Pkwy, Bee Cave, TX, December 12, 2025, 10:30 - 11 am
- Yesteryears of
Christmas Cheer - Lake Travis Community Library, Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway, TX, December 12, 2025, 10:30-11:30 am
- Second Saturdays at Bell - Texas Farmers' Market at Bell - 200 South Bell Boulevard, Cedar Park, TX 78613, December 13, 2025, 9 am-1 pm
- Mini Horses and Cocoa @ Westbank - Westbank Community Library, 1309 Westbank Drive, Austin, TX 78746, December 13, 2025, 11 am-1 pm
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar - 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752, December 12-14, 2025, 10 am – 10 pm
- Zilker Holiday Tree - Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, December 12-14, 2025, 6 - 10 pm park curfew
- Hometown Holiday Shows - Downtown Round Rock, East Main Street, Round Rock, TX, December 12-14, 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 8:30
p.m.
- Joy Preble: Lost and Found Hanukkah - BookPeople, 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, December 13, 2025,
10:30-11 am
- Second Saturdays at Bell - Texas Farmers' Market at Bell - 200 South Bell Boulevard, Cedar Park, TX 78613, December 13,
2025, 9 am-1 pm
- Liberty Hill Christmas Festival - Liberty Hill, TX, December 13, 2025, Jingle Bell Run: 8am | Santa Rita Middle School, Festival: 10am
– 3pm | Downtown LHTX, Parade: 6pm | Main Street
- Christmas Parade- Killeen - Downtown Killeen, North Gray Street, Killeen,
TX, December 13, 2025, 6 pm
- Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Parade - Bastrop, TX, December 13, 2025, 6 pm
- The Market at Zach - Zach Theater, South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX, December 13, 2025, 4:00 pm
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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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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