KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Thu, Dec 18: Holidays at Hilton Austin
Fri, Dec 19: Gingerbread Workshop at
Saplings Studio
Sat, Dec 27: Special Storytime: The Polar Express at BookPeople
Sat, Dec 27: Family New Year's Resolution Wall at Dripping Springs Community Library
Wed, Dec 31: Noon Year's Eve Party- My Gym Children's Fitness Center
Wed, Dec 31: NYE Countdown at Foodie Kids
Wed, Dec 31: Noon Years Eve Celebration at Windsor Park Library
Sat, Jan 3: Polar Bear Plunge at Morris Memorial Park - Elgin
Sat, Jan 10: Touch-A-Truck at Buda Public Library
Sat, Jan 17: MLK Kids Event at San Marcos Public Library
Sat, Jan 24: Kirby Hall School Open House
Sat, Jan 24: Brick Convention- Austin
Sun, Feb 1: Georgetown's Health & Wellness Expo
Sat, Feb 7: Madagascar at Central Texas Theatre at Vive Les Arts Societe
Sat, Feb 21: "International Surrealism" at Dallas Museum of
Art
Sat, Feb 21: Urban Quest 2026 at ATX KIDS CLUB
Fri, Feb 27: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in Concert at Austin Symphony
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: This Sunday marks the Winter Solstice—Robert Frost’s “darkest evening of the year.” It’s when we in the Northern Hemisphere most appreciate human inventiveness: We flip a switch, and light floods the room. It feels like magic, but it’s not. It’s the result of generations of curious, determined humans trying to make life better, brighter, safer. That’s why my
family celebrates Lightbulb Day every December 21. It’s our homegrown holiday honoring the inventors and problem-solvers whose insights fuel our lives. We toast our favorite technologies, learn some history, imagine the future. Past years’ MVPs include contact lenses, antibiotics, the internet, veterinary science,
and the Covid vaccine. This year’s front-runner: artificial intelligence. Last weekend, I had breakfast with a friend and her 13-year-old daughter, Lily. Lily said she loves math and science but struggles with how her teachers approach the humanities, especially writing. When I showed her how AI can help her learn in the way she learns best, her face lit up. So I went home and wrote a how-to article for Lily, her mom, and any of you with kids in middle school or older: How Students Can Use AI to Learn to Write (Without Giving Away their Brains). AI isn’t here to think for us. It’s here to help us think more effectively with our own minds. That’s a message worth repeating, especially to our kids. In this new AI age, the real danger isn’t
the technology itself, it’s the temptation to hand our brains over to it and say, “Here, you do all the work.” So this Lightbulb Day, I’m raising an Erlenmeyer flask, not just to the great inventors of the past, but to Lily, and to every young person learning to think with tools rather than letting tools do the thinking. Because the real magic isn’t flipping the switch; it’s understanding where the current comes from, and imagining what we’ll power with it in the
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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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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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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You're invited to a festive, family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve Party at Indigo Play!! Dec. 31st, 11am-1pm. This special Noon Year’s Eve Party is included with paid admission to the play park— no reservations needed! 11am-12pm: Games12pm: BALLOON DROP!!12:30: Free Pizza (while supplies last)Champagne toast for adultsSparkling juice for kids It’s the perfect way to enjoy New Year’s fun with the kids!
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Tio Toto is a bilingual children’s music performer who has been enchanting kids and families across Central Texas for over a decade with his unique blend of interactive kids’ music. A musical staple at Cherrywood Coffeehouse since 2014, Tio Toto turns every performance into a collaborative adventure — where the audience becomes the band.
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Back for its eleventh dazzling year, Zach’s A Christmas Carol is Austin’s favorite way to sing in the season. Join us for a high-octane sleigh ride through a timeless tale, reimagined with fresh songs and a whole lot of soul.
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The Trail of Lights returns to Zilker Park with dazzling light displays, festive activities, local food favorites and holiday magic for all ages. Whether it's your first time or a cherished tradition, come celebrate the season December 10-23, 2025.
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Enjoy this special tradition started 56 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Join the Texas Hill Country Community for this special tradition started over 50 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments, and of course, the spectacular tree lighting. There will be refreshments and activities near Park Headquarters. Then journey back in time and visit the Sauer-Beckmann Farm at dusk. Experience a lamp-lit tour of the farm decked out for Weinachten and sample traditional German Christmas cookies. Festivities start at the LBJ State Park Visitor Center at 5:30pm. The Sauer-Beckmann Farm will close at noon this day and reopen after the tree lighting ceremony.
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Nothing captures the holiday magic better than Ballet Texas' production of The Nutcracker! Enjoy the magic as Clara dreams that her beloved nutcracker toy has come to life. Swords clash as her nutcracker prince leads an epic battle with the Rat Queen and whisks her away through moonlit snowflakes to the magical land of sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is one performance you won't want to miss!
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The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar celebrates nearly five decades of holiday shopping in Austin, TX. We are known for our curated collection of art, gifts and live music in a festive, family friendly, entertaining atmosphere. Find last minute Christmas gifts that come from the heart, new art for your personal collection, have a cocktail and tap your toes at this iconic Austin event. It’s the best way to enjoy Christmas in Austin!
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Sip on festive, hot chocolate while you frost and decorate a pre-constructed gingerbread house with piping bags, royal icing, sprinkles, marshmallows, homemade gingerbread, and holiday candy galore!!
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Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Elves for an unforgettable morning. Capture a private moment with Santa for a photo, gather for story time with Mrs. Claus, and embark on an Elf Scavenger hunt. Check-in is the first 30 minutes of the event!
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Join us for a festive and heartwarming Feliz Navidad storytime celebrating the beauty and tradition of the poinsettia! Families will enjoy bilingual stories that highlight the origins and cultural significance of this beloved holiday flower. Little ones can sing, laugh, and learn as we explore the colors, shapes, and magic of poinsettias through books, songs, and a simple themed activity. Perfect for families looking to add a little holiday sparkle and cultural tradition to their season. All are welcome—¡los esperamos!
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Do you know where the candy cane came from? Or what it symbolizes? There are a few different stories floating around, but one specific that I love to be reminded of. Let's use our hand eye coordination as we create one with our fingertips with red and white paint this week in the Wondershop.
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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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Family Movie 3rd Friday of each month from 6:30pm-8:00pm Join us for an enchanting family movie night! Open to all ages! Feel free to bring a blanket. Snacks will be provided.
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- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Austin - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 12/19/2025 - 12/21/2025, See link for times
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar - Blue Genie Art Bazaar - 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752, 12/19/2025 - 12/21/2025, 10 am – 10 pm
- Movies in Your Park in San Marcos - City of San Marcos - 630 E. Hopkins, San Marcos, TX 78666, 12/19/2025, varies
- A Joyous Christmas 2025 - PAC - Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for the Performing Arts, Cedar Street, Bastrop, TX, 12/19/2025, 7 pm
- Live Music at The Domain - The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, 12/19/2025 - 12/21/2025, Fridays: 6–9 pm Saturdays: 2-5 pm & 6–9 pm Sundays: 3–6 pm
- Mindful Movement:
Winter Wonderland - Austin Central Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701, 12/19/2025, 10-10:30 am
- Preschool Storytime - Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church Street, Bastrop, TX 78602, 12/19/2025, 10:30 am
- Baby Lapsit (0-18 months) - Buda City Hall & Library, 405 East Loop Street, Buda, TX 78610, 12/19/2025, 10:30-11 am
- Feliz Navidad Bilingual Storytime - Dripping Springs Community Library, 501 Sportsplex Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, 12/19/2025, 9:30-10:15 am
- Family Movie Night - Elgin Public Library, 404 North Main Street, Elgin, TX 78621, 12/19/2025, 6:30-8 pm
- Family Storytime - Georgetown Public Library, 402 West 8th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626, 12/19/2025, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9:30, 10:15. and 11
am
- Weekly Tree Lightings - Hotel Viata, 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, 12/19/2025 -
12/20/2025, 5-7 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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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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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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