Free Christmas Kids' Events in Austin (2008)551

Austin gets into the holiday spirit in a big way, and we've got a massive list of free and inexpensive Christmas and seasonal kids' events and activities happening throughout the area! Stay tuned - we'll be back with 2009 ideas in November.

Historic Downtown Elgin - located about 20 miles east of Austin - hosts its annual Holiday by the Tracks celebration on Dec 6 with a lighted parade down Main Street, photos with Santa, live entertainment, and a craft show.

The Biscuit Brothers present a Family Christmas show at the Scottish Rite Theatre from Dec 6-13, as well as a Countdown to Noon New Year's celebration on Dec 28. The theater also hosts a production of the holiday play, The Toys Take over Christmas.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center hosts its annual Luminations event on Dec 13-14, featuring thousands of holiday lights, seasonal music, crafts, visits with Frosty the Snowman, and refreshments. Admission is free with a donation of two canned food items.

At the Austin Convention Center from Dec 12-24, the annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar offers plenty of unique gift shopping, as well as live music and refreshments for sale. And the second annual Keep Austin Bizarre bazaar runs Dec 12-23 at the Palmer Events Center.

Zilker Park's annual Trail of Lights features holiday displays, miniature train rides, and live entertainment nightly from Dec 14-23.

Families can exercise their vocal cords at the Austin Symphony Orchestra's free Christmas Sing-Along on Dec 16 at Riverbend Centre.

Libraries all over the town are celebrating the holidays with a variety of family programs. University Hills Branch holds its eighth annual Lighting of the Peace Tree on Dec 2. Pleasant Hill Branch is offering a Holiday Open House on Dec 6 with stories, crafts, and music. Oak Spring Branch hosts a Christmas Extravaganza on Dec 10, and Hampton Branch invites families to "Sing" in the Holidays on Dec 13 with crafts, songs, a book-signing, and photos with Santa. Also on Dec 13, Wells Branch Community Library hosts its seventh annual Polar Express Pajama Party, and Yarborough Branch's Winter Holiday Party features live music, crafts, and refreshments.

And, of course, Santa sets up shop for photo opportunities and Christmas wishes at malls throughout the area. Barton Creek Square offers a Breakfast with Santa event, as well as pet photo nights. Highland Mall also offers pet photos and Santa visits, and Lakeline Mall in Cedar Park hosts Breakfast with Santa and pet photos with the big guy.

Know of more free stuff, events, and activities for kids and families around Austin during the holiday season? Add a comment below and we'll get right on it!