Holidays

Want to support local businesses without braving the holiday hustle and bustle? We’ve got you covered!

Shop last-minute gifts from the comfort of your couch at the Barrels & Burlap Virtual Pop-up Market! Featuring a delightful variety of small business vendors from the Texas Hill Country, you’ll find self-care goodies, stylish clothing, yummy baked treats, children’s books, and so much more.

The holidays are here, and so is the hunt for the perfect gift! But, don’t stress, we’ve put together "The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: From Tots to Teens" to make give you some ideas. Whether it’s toys, games, or creative picks for every age, our guide has something for all the kids on your list. Let’s make their holidays unforgettable (and yours a little easier)!

Toys are important, and let’s face it—super fun!

The best ones ignite a child’s imagination, boost creativity, and make learning feel like playtime.

But let’s be real—many toys are just flashy packages waiting to be torn open on Christmas morning, a birthday, or any gift-giving occasion. They bring a quick thrill, then get tossed aside, forgotten, and eventually end up in a landfill.

Luckily, Austin is an amazing place to raise kids, and it’s packed with fantastic gift alternatives that go beyond toys. These options aren’t just fun—they’re meaningful, memorable, and perfect for the whole family to enjoy!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the most authentic German Christmas Market in Texas.

The German Free School and its gardens transform into a festive winter wonderland, offering a truly German Christmas experience. Discover unique Christmas decorations imported straight from Erzgebirge, an East-German region internationally celebrated for its Christmas traditions. Sip on our famous German Glühwein (hot spiced wine), a must-have for any Christmas Market visit. The event is family-friendly, with activities for kids and St. Nick himself strolling around, passing out gifts.

Who needs the icy North Pole when you can experience the electrifying vibes at The Light Park? Charge up your holiday spirit as you cruise through millions of dazzling lights, synced perfectly to the rhythm of our festive tunes, courtesy of their very own DJ Polar Ice.

Amp up the fun with some tasty treats and zappy beverages, and get ready to be shocked by the sheer brilliance of it all.

The holiday season is typically associated with joy, love, and generosity. However, for many children in foster care or residing in homeless shelters, this time serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties they face. It is in these moments that acts of kindness and generosity shine the brightest. 

Here is a list of local organizations that are looking for Holiday sponsors this year.

Join KidStrong for their exciting Trunk or Treat events this month!

There will be local vendors offering delicious treats and fun goodies for everyone to enjoy. Both athletic floors will be open for kids ages 11 and under to enjoy free play, with coaches on hand to supervise the fun.

Don’t miss out on this festive, family-friendly event filled with treats, giveaways, play, and community fun!

It's that festive time of year once again! The shimmering lights, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and the excitement of Santa's imminent arrival – the holiday season is a wondrous time for children! As parents and grandparents, witnessing the sparkle of wonder and joy in our little ones' eyes is one of the greatest pleasures.

Here's how to keep Santa's magic alive as our children grow older. Read on.

Would you like to volunteer your time or support other families in the Austin area this season? The Women of Austin Foundation is hosting their Jingle Bell Jamboree Toy Drive & Holiday Extravaganza on December 10th from 10am-2pm at Zilker Lodge. The event is a day full of Christmas magic, joy, and gifts for 100 single moms and their children living in the Austin area. They will enjoy pictures with Santa, cookies, crafts, a toy drive, and more fun all provided by community sponsors. Read on to learn how you can help.

Attention, parents and gift-givers! It's time to unwrap the joy of the holiday season with this fantastic giveaway! Imagine winning not one, not ten, but a whopping 21 picture books all ready to transport the children in your life to a world of imagination, laughter, and adventure.

This giveaway is a Santa's sleigh-load of joy, ready to deliver smiles and treasured memories under the tree. Get ready to make this holiday season extra special, because these 21 picture books are the gift that keeps on giving, creating cherished memories one page at a time! Read on to enter.

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