In the Round Rock, Pflugerville, and Hutto area and beyond, the holidays offer an extensive list of ways to celebrate the months of November, December, and January. The following non-exhaustive list provides a wide variety of events and activities in central Texas.
November 6
Celebrate DÃa de los Muertos
In partnership with the Williamson County Hispanic Heritage Committee, the Town of Round Rock, Round Rock Arts, Univision and Round Rock Ballet Folklorico will host the eighth annual Dia de los Muertos procession and festival. Free entry. November 6, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Baghdad, Round Rock. 512-659-5667. www.goroundrock.com
November 13
Start shopping for the holidays at a craft fair
Join some of Pflugerville’s top sellers at the annual Pfall Pfest Craft Show to shop for crafts, baked goods, jewelry, glassware and more. Free entry. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 13. Typhoon Texas Waterpark, 18500 TX-130 Service Rd., Pflugerville. 512-990-6350. parks.pflugervilletx.gov
12 november
Take a kid’s vacation by running a 5K
A fun run and 5K run at Hutto supports Toys for Tots by asking each runner to bring an unwrapped toy on the day of the event. The first 200 registrants will also receive finishing medals. Registration fees are staggered. 7 am-11am Fritz Park, 400 Park Ave., Hutto. 512-975-2244. www.thefun5k.run
November 13
Witness a holiday bazaar and craft show
Enjoy holiday shopping at the 17th Annual Rockin ‘Around The Holidays Bazaar and Arts & Crafts Show. The indoor and outdoor market will feature produce from local vendors at the Clay Madsen Recreation Center. Free entry. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Clay Madsen Recreation Center 1600 Gattis School Road, Round Rock 512-218-3220. www.roundrocktexas.gov
25 november
Win a Thanksgiving dinner in a Turkey Trot
Fleet Feet Round Rock hosts their annual 2-mile and 5-mile non-timed Turkey Trot races at the Dell Diamond on Thanksgiving Day. Walking and running benefit Round Rock Serving Center, Operation Blue Santa, and Play For All Abilities Park. $ 20 registration. The races start at 8 a.m. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Bvld., Round Rock. 512-218-8786. www.fleetfeet.com
December 3
Start the holidays with an illuminated Christmas tree
Enjoy holiday crafts, live music, and other festive entertainment, including the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Christmas Tree Lighting in historic downtown Hutto. Free entry. East Street, Hutto. 512-759-4015. www.huttotx.gov
December 4
Have fun at a Santa crawl
Adults can purchase a commemorative Santa Claus mug, then stroll through downtown Hutto sampling holiday drink specials served by local businesses on the annual Santa Claus Tour. Free entry. 21+ only. Downtown Hutto. 512-759-4015. www.huttotx.gov
December 11
Take part in a downtown Christmas fair
Hutto’s annual Downtown Christmas Fair is a free, family-friendly celebration of the holidays with vendors, shows, and activities for the kids. Free entry. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. East and Farley Streets, Hutto. 512-759-4015. www.huttotx.gov
December 11
Listen to live vacation music
On the evening following the Downtown Christmas Fair, Holidays in Hutto will feature live music, vendors, food trucks and more. Ticket prices are not yet available. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. December 11. Brushy Creek Amphitheater, 1001 CR 137, Hutto. 512-759-4015. www.huttotx.gov
WORTH THE TRIP
Nov 28 to Dec 31
Drive through a trail of lights
“Drive Through The Magic” at the 57th Annual Trail of Lights. Held in Zilker Park, the historic holiday light exhibit is open to the public every evening, with a few exceptions for private events. Vehicle pass from $ 35 to $ 65. 5:45 p.m.-10:45 p.m. every evening. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin. www.austinstrailoflights.org
1-7 November
Enjoy a pumpkin and more
Experience a pumpkin patch, games, maze, and 65-foot-tall super slide at the Texas Pumpkin Fest in Leander. Admission varies. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday to Saturday. Closed in case of rain. 10930 East Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander. 512-222-8055. www.texaspumpkinfest.com
November 1-21
Navigate the largest corn maze in central Texas
Featuring the largest corn maze in central Texas, Sweet Eats Fruit Farm’s fall festival features a pumpkin patch, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Tickets vary depending on the date. From September 18 to November 21. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sweet Eats Fruit Farm, 14400 E. SH 29, Georgetown. 512-766-3276. www.sweeteats.com
19 Nov-Dec 24
Pick up last-minute gifts at an art bazaar
The Blue Genie Holiday Art Bazaar offers five ways to shop this year: in person, online with shipping, online with pickup, through a personal shopper, and through a virtual shopping experience. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar features local vendors and unique works by local artists. Free entry. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin. 512-222-7303. www.bluegenieartbazaar.com
25 november
Fight homelessness by organizing a Turkey Trot
Run or walk for Caritas Austin at the 31st Turkey Thundercloud Subs Trot at the Long Center. Caritas Austin is a nonprofit organization that works to end homelessness in the greater Austin area. Registration fees vary. November 25. 7:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin 512-474-2363. www.thundercloud.com
December 10
Watch a Christmas musical
“Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical” arrives at the HEB Center in Cedar Park and brings Santa’s Boy Scout Elves with it. Tickets start at $ 29.95. December 10. 6 p.m. HEB Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park. 512-500-6000. www.hebcenter.com
22 November-Jan. 2
See “A Christmas Carol”
The ZACH Theater adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” returns to the stage after a year and a half. Tickets from $ 25 to $ 95. From November 22 to January 2. ZACH Theater, 202 South Lamar Blvd., Austin 512-476-0541. www.zachtheatre.org
Dec 2 2 Jan 30
Walk among the light fixtures in a wildflower center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will have its aisles lit by luminaries for its annual Luminations event, Thursday through Saturday. Members only on Thursdays. Admission ranges from free to $ 25. 6 to 9 p.m. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin. 512-232-0100. www.fleurs.org
