From storytimes to live music and more, What’s Up Weekly lays out all of the family-fun events happening during the week in the Greater Austin-area.
Happening All Week
Blue Genie Art Bazaar – Monday, December 1 – Friday, December 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The annual four-week holiday shopping extravaganza returns for its 14th year. Featuring more than 200 Texas artists, the bazaar offers FREE admission and a hassle-free shopping environment. All items featured at the bazaar must be handmade and include paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, glassworks, and more. It is one of the best places to find unique gifts with a local touch. Marchesa Hall, 6226 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Baby Bloomers – 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The letter T will have little ones ages 0-3 and Their families Thinking Today. They will create Turkey art and Tie-dye butterflies, learn all about Tracing, and use Their senses to explore Trains. Plus, The Que Pastas will perform. Cost: Members $2.50 each / Non-Members $4.50 each. All people attending, regardless of age, must purchase a ticket. Purchase a ticket online as limited walk-up tickets will be available. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
Mr. Will’s Music Class for Kids (Bee Cave) – 10 a.m. Mr. Will is back in action with his weekly kid’s music class. Arrive early to get a seat. FREE! Whole Foods Bee Cave, 12601 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave.
Making Literacy Accessible: StorySign Storytime – 10:15 a.m. This storytime will feature an American Sign Language storyteller, signed and vocal songs and fingerplays, and a craft activity. FREE! APL – Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S Fifth St, Austin.
Storytime with Dr. Candra – 11 a.m. Dr. Candra will captivate your children with stories, songs, dances, and games. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys and Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste D-480, Austin.
Evening Storytime (Round Rock) – 6:30 p.m. This pajama-friendly reading activity is a fun combination of books, fingerplays, songs, and a short film for preschool children ages 3 to 6. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Game Night at Cafe Ruckus – 7 p.m. Sorry, Connect 4, Battleship, Fluxx, Ruckus – The Game, and more. Meet a lot of cool people, enjoy a tasty beverage, and play, Play, PLAY. Everyone who wins a board games gets a prize from Toy Joy. Family friendly – all ages welcome. FREE to play. Cafe Ruckus, 409 W 2nd St, Austin.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Free Admission to Laguna Gloria -10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE! The Contemporary Austin, Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th St, Austin.
Modern First Library Storytime – 10:30 a.m. This special storytime will celebrate books specially selected from BookPeople’s Modern First Library display, including the favorite Olivia. Hear lots of stories that might provide inspiration for your holiday gifts. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.
Chinese Bilingual Storytime (Round Rock) – 10:30 a.m. This program, geared for ages 3 and up, celebrates Chinese culture with stories, fingerplays, and songs in both English and Mandarin. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Storytime – 11 a.m. Bring your holiday spirit for a reading of the beloved tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. After story time, children are invited to continue the fun with a coloring station, Rudolph postcard station, and more. FREE! Pottery Barn Kids at Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin.
Free Admission to The Jones Center – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. FREE! The Contemporary Austin, The Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave, Austin.
Music with Mr. Will – 11:30 a.m. Rock out with local children’s singer, “Mr. Will” Dupuy. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy Suite D-480, Austin.
Discovery! Mad Science – 4:30 p.m. Especially designed for older kids (third grade and up), the Discovery hands on program explores all sorts of different topics, including science, literature, and much more. This week, Mad Science will present some tricks to get children excited about science. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
LEGO Mini Model Build – 5 p.m. Learn how to build a cool LEGO Mini Gingerbread House and take it home – for FREE! One per child. Event is open to children ages 6 to 14 only. Quantities are limited to approximately 250 per store and offer is good while supplies last only. Arrive early if possible as there will be a line. LEGO Store, Barton Creek Square, 2901 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin.
Gingerbread Village Holiday Open House – 5 p.m. The Four Seasons Hotel’s Gingerbread Village – an annual tradition since the 1980s – this year takes its inspiration from the popular children’s board game Candy Land. The theme takes shape in 10 unique houses, as well as several smaller scenes and accessories. For those who’d like a more intimate look at the Gingerbread Village, the Hotel is hosting Holiday Open Houses. These FREE events are open to the public and feature complimentary hot apple cider, Candy Land-themed treats, photos with Santa and the opportunity to meet the talented pastry chefs behind the Village. Four Seasons Austin Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin.
Lego Lab – 5:30 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin.
Lighting of The Driskill Tree – 6 p.m. Enjoy choral performances and seasonal music from the Arundel Ensemble String Quartet in celebration of the annual Lighting of The Driskill Tree honoring Ben Breedlove. FREE! The Driskill, 604 Brazos St, Austin.
Mueller Tower Lighting – 6-8 p.m. Attendees will enjoy live music from the Reagan High School band drumline, crafts, delicious holiday treats, and activities for the entire family. Texas State Representative Dawnna Dukes will help ring in the holiday season by turning on the NOEL lights atop the historic control tower. FREE! Mueller Control Tower, Berkman Dr & Tom Miller St, Austin.
Family Craft Night – 6:30 p.m. Have fun putting together a craft for the whole family. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Pajama Storytime – 7 p.m. Feel free to wear pajamas to this family storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Children of all ages welcome. Seating is limited; please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL – Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Dr, Austin.
Handel’s Messiah – 8 p.m. The Austin Symphony once again presents its Christmas tradition, Handel’s Messiah, accompanied by Chorus Austin for you and your family in its NEW location. This night of musical magic will comfort you through its familiarity and fill you with the joy of rediscovery. Let us begin your winter celebrations with a performance full of rejoicing! Tickets start at $15. Hyde Park Baptist Church, 3901 Speedway.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Whole Foods Kids Club – 9 a.m. Join Tina for a great story and crafts for the kids. FREE! Whole Foods Arbor Trails, 4301 W. William Cannon, Austin.
Whole Foods Storytime – 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a story reading, an activity, and a snack. All ages are welcome and parents can participate, too. FREE! Whole Foods Mezzanine, 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Baked by Amy’s 1st Birthday Celebration- 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Enjoy a free piece of cake to celebrate the one year birthday of Baked by Amy’s. Baked by Amy’s, 13265 North Hwy. 183.
Itty Bitty Playtime & Yoga – 10:00 a.m. Itty Bitty Playtime & Yoga is a playful, educational, and relaxing time for babies and toddlers up to 18 months. Learn new ways to connect with your with your baby through movement, stretching and song. Complimentary juice and coffee served. FREE! Millie & Mox, 5145 North FM 620, Ste B110, Austin.
Story Time with CJ the Explorer – 12:30 p.m. Enjoy the play zone before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @ The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Frozen Sing-Along (Round Rock) – 2:30 p.m. Celebrate RRISD Early Release Day at the library. Bring your singing voice and your friends of all ages–and if you have an outfit inspired by the movie, by all means wear it. FREE! Round Rock Public Library, 216 E Main St, Round Rock.
Lego Lab – 3 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin.
Community Night – 4-8 p.m. At the Thinkery, science and families play side by side. Every Wednesday the Museum stays open late for families to discover new ideas and learn together. Cost: Admission is by donation only, with a suggested $1 donation. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.
Gingerbread Village Holiday Open House – 5 p.m. The Four Seasons Hotel’s Gingerbread Village – an annual tradition since the 1980s – this year takes its inspiration from the popular children’s board game Candy Land. The theme takes shape in 10 unique houses, as well as several smaller scenes and accessories. For those who’d like a more intimate look at the Gingerbread Village, the Hotel is hosting Holiday Open Houses. These FREE events are open to the public and feature complimentary hot apple cider, Candy Land-themed treats, photos with Santa and the opportunity to meet the talented pastry chefs behind the Village. Four Seasons Austin Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin.
Holiday Music at The Driskill – 5-7 p.m. Ring in the holidays with seasonal music from the Arundel Ensemble String Quartet. FREE! The Driskill, 604 Brazos St, Austin.
Krispy Kreme Family Night – 6-8 p.m. Kids can decorate one FREE doughnut each, plus enjoy crafts, balloons, paper hats, coloring sheets and more. Krispy Kreme, 701 E Stassney Ln, and 12586 Research Blvd, Austin.
Texas Radio Live – 6-8:00 p.m. Texas Radio Live brings you the very best Texas music with performances from Texas musicians. This week, hear music by Chip Dolan and Shawn Nelson. FREE, but donations to support the KDRP Radio Mission are appreciated. Guero’s Oak Garden, 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin.
Night Crafters – 6-8:30 p.m. Brrrr! It is getting seriously cold outside, which is all the more reason for you to join Night Crafters this month. Learn to hand sew cute (and functional) little hearts to warm your pockets. Each fabric heart will be filled with rice–it only takes 10 seconds to warm these bad boys up and then you’ll be cozy and warm when you brave the elements. Adults only, please. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Stargazing at UT – 7-9 p.m. Every Wednesday night while UT is in session the astronomy department sponsors free public star parties on the top roof of Robert Lee Moore Hall. All ages are welcome, but younger children should be under adult supervision at all times. FREE! Robert Lee Moore Hall, 2515 Speedway, Austin.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Orion First Flight Viewing Party (RSVP) – 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Be on the front lines of space exploration for this live broadcast of the first test flight of Orion, the new spacecraft that will enable humans to explore deep space and eventually travel to Mars. Programming and select portions of the unmanned four-hour test flight will be presented in the IMAX theatre. Come early for complimentary coffee, a viewing of liftoff, and analysis from NASA via live-broadcast around 6 a.m. Afterward, programming will include conversations about the Orion mission and a look at the historical context that has led to this most recent chapter in human spaceflight. FREE but registration is required here. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin.
Free Admission to The Blanton – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. FREE! Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E MLK Jr Blvd, Austin.
Hola, Hola! – 10:30 a.m. Ann Benson, expert in bilingual education, will teach you how to effectively use books as a tool to teach your child Spanish. Each parent will learn to read a Spanish book to their child and take it home for Spanish reinforcement. For parents and their children ages 0-5. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.
Free Noon Concert – Noon. Take a 30-minute lunchtime break to join a Christmas Sing-along with Maestro Peter Bay. Family-friendly and FREE! Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E 8th St, Austin.
Explorers Club (Cedar Park) – 3:30 p.m. Each Thursday, kids in grades K-5 meet to explore a set of rotating programs. This week, it’s Crafty Kids. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.
Lego Lab – 4 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – Cepeda Branch, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin.
Holiday Music at The Driskill – 5-7 p.m. Ring in the holidays with seasonal music from the Arundel Ensemble String Quartet. FREE! The Driskill, 604 Brazos St, Austin.
12 Days of Main Street: First Thursday (Round Rock) - 5:30 p.m. A reception at ArtSpace to celebrate their new exhibit, Frozen: A Wintery Mix, and model trains. Come in your tacky Christmas sweater. FREE! ArtSpace, 231 E Main St, Round Rock.
Starry Nights at Girlstart (RSVP) – 5:30-7:00 p.m. Girlstart’s new STEM Studio and Mini-Planetarium is a unique space for families to explore astronomy. December’s Starry Night will feature the Solar System. All ages welcome. FREE but RSVP is required here. Girlstart, 1400 W Anderson Lane, Austin.
Pfamily Pfun Night: Maker Lab (Pflugerville) – 6 p.m. Play with techie toys, including Spinbots, MakeyMakeys, and Roominates. These toys encourage learning and are super fun. Ages 5 and up are welcome. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W Pflugerville St, Pflugerville.
ATX Kids – Holiday Style – 6-9 p.m. A shopping event featuring Austin’s best kid-focused brands. Shop for local unique clothes, jewelry, shoes, and more for kids of all ages. Come on out, find unique Austin holiday gifts, support local businesses, and have a few snacks and sips. FREE! Design Lab at the Oasis, Texas, 6550 Comanche Trail, Ste 106, Austin.
Teens Create Open House – 6-9 p.m. Celebrate teen night on The Contemporary Austin’s downtown roof deck. Drop in for a live DJ set, a “home movie” lounge, improv games, make-your-own buttons, a community art wall, and more throughout the museum—all inspired by the fabric house of artist Do Ho Suh. Explore the museum after hours with fun for teens by teens. FREE for teens 13–19 with a school ID. Families of teens welcome. The Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave, Austin.
Upcycle This! – 6-8 p.m. Drop-in for this fun crafting workshop. Bring something to work on or participate in this month’s upcycled craft. All supplies provided, just bring your imagination. FREE! Recycled Reads, 5335 Burnet Rd, Austin.
Holiday Party Featuring the Ortega Elementary Superstar Choir – 6:30-8:00 p.m. Bring your holiday cheer for songs, music, treats and crafts. FREE! APL – Cepeda Branch, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market North – 6:30-9:00 p.m. Swingin’ Blues from Jimi Lee. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market Westgate – 6:30-9:00 p.m. The Lonesome Heroes play Cosmic Americana. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Pajama Storytime - 7 p.m. Feel free to wear pajamas to this family storytime featuring stories, songs, rhymes, games, crafts, and other activities. Children of all ages welcome. Seating is limited; please arrive a few minutes early to gain entrance. FREE! APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.
Films of 1939: The Wizard of Oz – 7 p.m. FREE but donations are appreciated to support the Ransom Center’s exhibitions and public programs. Harry Ransom Center, 300 W 21st St, Austin.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Wild Ideas Shopping Event – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shop for holiday gifts in a winter wonderland. Find a complete list of vendors here. Receive a 20% discount on all store merchandise. FREE admission. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin.
Yoga Story Time – 9:30 a.m. Join in a Story Time Yoga adventure where participants will stretch, read, and breathe. All ages are welcome. RSVP appreciated here, but not required. FREE! The Little Yoga House, 1211 Parkway, Austin.
Fun Fridays – 10 a.m. Sing! Dance! Play! Fun Fridays is a fun musical and entertainment hour featuring local Austin musicians. Complimentary refreshments will be served. FREE! Millie & Mox, 5145 North FM 620, Ste B110, Austin.
The Austin Symphony Presents Christmas in the Community: String Quartet - Noon. Christmas in the Community is a series of twelve concerts held throughout the city of Austin featuring different ensembles of the orchestra playing familiar holiday music. Also featured on this series are members of the Austin Youth Orchestra, who will perform side-by-side with the Austin Symphony. FREE! Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin.
Story Time with Princess CJ -12:30 p.m. Enjoy the play zone before and after the reading. FREE! All Things Kids @The Domain, 3220 Feathergrass Ct, Austin.
Christmas at the Heritage House Museum (Pflugerville) - 1-5 p.m. Visit the Heritage House as it is decorated for Christmas and view the quilts from the Pflugerville Quilt Guild. This is a great time of year to visit the historical Heritage House. FREE! Heritage House Museum, 901 Old Austin Hutto Rd, Pflugerville.
Light the Night Christmas Parade & Afterglow (Fredericksburg) – 3-10 p.m. Family celebration including Christmas shopping, local food and beverages, and interactive children’s activities. Laser light show will precede the parade. FREE! Marktplatz, Downtown Fredericksburg.
Lego Lab – 4 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. Recommended for ages 5 and up. FREE! APL – North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave, Austin.
Seventh Annual Lights of Love 5K – 5:30–8:30 p.m. Kick off your holiday season at the Ronald McDonald House Lights of Love 5K. Run, walk or jog the 5K, stroll in the family fun run, take pictures with Santa Claus and Ronald McDonald, and enjoy food, kids’ crafts, music and enough holiday spirit to last through the entire season! Ronald McDonald House, 1315 Barbara Jordan Pkwy.
One Starry Night (Leander) – 6-8 p.m. This Christmas, put all the holiday shopping aside and witness the TRUE meaning of Christmas for yourself. This is an exciting, multi-sensory event for children and their families that will take them back into time to the first Christmas. See Bethlehem for yourself and experience the miracle of Jesus birth. Kids interact with shepherds, townspeople, and others as they make Christmas related crafts and participate in other activities. FREE! Life Church, 1393 E Woodview Dr, Leander.
Live Music at Central Market North – 6:30-9:00 p.m. World music by Djembabes. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Live Music at Central Market Westgate – 6:30-9:00 p.m. Brazilian Forro featuring Antonio Dionisio. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop (Cedar Park) – 6:30-9:00 p.m. On this magical night, join in the tradition of lighting the Heritage Oak tree. Over 60,000 lights illuminate the largest Live Oak Tree in Cedar Park. Santa’s Workshop will kick off immediately following the tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy live music, carriage rides, games & prizes, inflatables, photos with Santa (bring your own camera), and arts & crafts projects. Bring the whole family for what promises to be a festive evening. FREE! Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Pkwy, Cedar Park.
12 Days of Main Street: Christmas Family Night (Round Rock) - 6:30-9:00 p.m. Watch as Main Street gets illuminated and Santa arrives in his sleigh. The event kicks off with a welcome from Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw, followed by the illumination of the street and water tower with holiday lights. Then Santa makes his grand entrance. During Christmas Family Night, downtown is decorated with small wooden houses which host various games and activities. This FREE event includes activities for the entire family including live music, dancers, candle making, carriage rides, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more. Plus, Round Rock Public Library hosts a puppet show and has Christmas ornament crafts, letters to Santa and a craft sale. E Main St, Downtown Round Rock.
Plan more fun holiday events in the coming weeks with our comprehensive guides:
Santa Sightings in the Greater Austin area
Holiday Parades
Snow Days & Ice Skating Rinks in Austin
And a huge list of Holiday Happenings in Austin!
About the author: In her life before kids, Emily held jobs as a zookeeper, a middle school teacher, and a tour bus driver in the wilds of Montana–not one of which prepared her for the adventures of motherhood. Now she’s living the good life in Austin with her husband, two sons and a Great Dane. When she’s not off gallivanting with her boys, you might find Emily baking up a mean batch of cupcakes, recalling obscure 80s song lyrics, or dreaming of peace and quiet.
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