41st Annual Decker Challenge Half Marathon

41st Annual Decker Challenge Half Marathon

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Date: 12/15 | Time: 8 AM – 12 PM | Location: Travis County Exposition Center

Decker Challenge Half Marathon

Come join us on Sunday, December 15th at 8 AM for the 41st annual running of this classic Austin race around beautiful Decker Lake in east Austin. Each registrant receives a technical race shirt and each finisher receives a highly-coveted Decker Challenge finisher’s medal!

The 2019 Decker Challenge Half Marathon is presented by Rogue Running. The Decker Challenge is the third race of five races in the Austin Runners Club’s Distance Challenge. Net proceeds from the Distance Challenge will benefit The Trail Foundation.

For more information, click here.

SantaCon Austin 2019

SantaCon Austin 2019

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Date: 12/14 – 12/15 | Time: 4PM – 2AM | Location: Austin, Texas

SantaCon is a non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens once a year for charity.

It’s your chance to spread holiday cheer in the most magical and absurd way possible while raising money for people in need! Also, it’s FUN!.. (remember fun?)

This is a participatory event. Bring something festive event goers will enjoy: toys, games, stickers, buttons, signs, blinky lights, or a kick ass costume!

Schedule, donation, and registration info coming soon!

REMEMBER THE ESSENTIALS:
– Must be 21 yrs old. Photo ID required.
– Bring cash.
– Wear comfortable shoes.
– Plan to walk between venues.
– Obey all traffic laws. – Stay on the sidewalk.
– Pace yourself – drink responsibly – don’t drink and drive.
– Keep an eye on your drink and don’t leave it unattended.
– Don’t take drinks from strangers.
– Know where security and venue staff are for any assistance.
– No means NO. Sexual assault of any kind will not be tolerated.
– If you see something say something.

Please spread the word about SantaCon Austin 2019 on Saturday December 14th!

For more information on SantaCon Austin 2019, click here.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

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Date: 12/13 – 12/24 | Time: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Location: Palmer Events Center 

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a 12-day fine art, shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists, live music, and two full bars in a festive, lively atmosphere.

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar marks 44 seasons as an Austin holiday shopping staple. It will be treating around 40,000 Texans and tourists to a family-friendly, entertaining holiday shopping experience. It will feature award-winning art, live music and local food. Particularly this season, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar makes holiday shopping fun with new interactive activities and features along with updated Christmas Eve hours.

The Armadillo Bazaar will run December 13-24, open 11am-10pm through December 23 and 11am-8pm on Christmas Eve at the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704.

The Bazaar offers shoppers the opportunity to personally meet local and touring artists. Importantly, For the first time this year, Art Concierge services will be available to the public. Shoppers can schedule an appointment with an Art Concierge to help them select original works of art and handmade gifts for everyone on their gift giving list. With nearly 200 curated artists to shop from, Bazaar is the holiday shopping destination to build an art collection while discovering new, local, and award-winning artists.

Additional new features this season include:

*  The Wishing Trees: Write down your holiday or New Year wish and tie it toone of the Wishing Treeslocated in the Sun Radio Bench Plaza.
* “Capture the Moment” Corner: Take a selfie or photo with family and friends in the photo booth or at art activations by local artists.
* The Armadillo Shopping Scavenger Hunt: Purchase five or more items on the Armadillo Shopping Scavenger list to win. The more you match, the better the prize. Scavenger lists are available in the program upon arrival and can be redeemed at the Armadillo Storein the foyer.
* Kids Coloring Corner: Let the kids get creative and color in the Robo Roku booth.
* Art Concierge Service: Schedule an appointment to have a personal shopper help you select the perfect piece of art or gift for everyone on your list.

For more information, click here.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

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Date: 12/12 -12/29 | Time: 7:30 PM – 10 PM | Location: ZACH Theatre

Austin’s most rockin’ holiday tradition returns to make merry with new music and surprises to get the party started!

ZACH’s inspired adaptation of the Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras. This family-friendly spectacular creates an infectious spirit that has everyone dancing in the aisles. Celebrate the season with the loving Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts as they take Ebenezer Scrooge on a joyride to rediscover his heart and love for human kindness.Age recommendation: 6 and up

Champagne Opening: Friday, November 22, 2019
Post-Show Discussion: Wednesday, November 27, 2019
ASL Interpreted, Audio Described, and Open Captioned: Wednesday, December 4, 2019

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens
Conceived and Adapted by Dave Steakley
Directed by Dave Steakley
Musical Direction by Allen Robertson
Choreographed by Jen Young Mahlstedt
Additional Choreography by Christa Oliver

For more information, click here.

Heroes Night presented by Humana

Heroes Night presented by Humana

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Date: 12/11 | Time: 7 PM – 10 PM | Location: Zilker Metropolitan Park

Join us as we honor veterans, active military, and first responders (police, fire, EMS) at our annual Heroes Night, presented by Humana.

Heroes Night provides an extra special opportunity to recognize, honor and thank the hundreds and thousands of military, first responders, and veterans for their countless hours and dedication to our communities and nation. Guests and their families will have the opportunity to write “letters to Heroes” and join other activities to pay tribute to first responders’ service.

Heroes and up to 3 of their family members are invited to enjoy complimentary ZIP access on this special night. Veterans and active military can bring veteran or military ID to the ZIP entrance to gain complimentary access. First responder tickets must be claimed in advance.

General admission to the Trail on Heroes Night is free and open to the public. But don’t forget the parking! Parking Passes as well as early entry ZIP Passes are also available for your convenience.

New In 2019

2019 Austin Trail of Lights visitors will see new displays, interactive spaces, and local merchants coupled with local talent of all ages through LIVE at the Trail. 

Don’t miss the debut of our new Trail of Flights wine bar located within Zilker Village. Sample flights from a number of premier labels and discover a new favorite. 

Shop the expanded Holiday Market within Zilker Village. It’s the perfect place to get some holiday shopping done before the season ends! Take home unique gifts for family and friends from local businesses and artists.  

Indulge in festive S’more making. Guests can roast their own marshmallows in campfires nearby the iconic Yule Log within Zilker Village, as well as Candy Cane Lane. Pick up s’mores making kits near the Holiday Market for a sweet treat to warm the heart! 

For more information on Heroes Night presented by Humana, click here.

Austin Trail of Lights Grand Opening

Austin Trail of Lights Grand Opening

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Date: 12/10 | Time: 7 PM – 10 PM | Location: Zilker Metropolitan Park

Kicking Off The Season! Join the Grand Opening celebration as H-E-B helps kick off the 55th annual Austin Trail of Lights holiday season.

The AUSTIN TRAIL OF LIGHTS is Austin’s largest holiday tradition. It is the 2nd largest event in the city. Run by the Trail of Lights Foundation, the annual event in Zilker Park celebrates the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home.

The Austin Trail of Lights is a community event that invites 400,000 people every year to come celebrate the holidays in the heart of Austin, Texas during the month of December. The event showcases everything that we love about Austin—from music and food to creativity and family fun. Thanks to the Trail of Lights Foundation, we are able to keep it free for at least ½ of the nights. This is to make sure that anyone who wants to be part of the experience has a way to do so.

The official first night at the Trail begins with a ceremonial flipping of the switch.

The switch will be flipped by Austin ISD students lead by City Officials. AISD 3rd-5th grade students from across the city get their creative juices flowing with their entries in our Austin Trail of Lights Holiday Writing Contest. This is for the benefit of the Trail of Lights Foundation and H-E-B’s Read 3 program. Students are asked to write a creative essay. One lucky winner being invited to flip the switch. This student will be turning on the front entry lights and opening the Austin Trail of Lights to the public for the first time of the season!

Here in Austin, the Trail of Lights glow is the identifying marker that the holiday season has officially begun. We want to share this special first night of the Austin Trail of Lights with you! General admission is free and open to the public. The event will include a wide variety of special programming to ring in the holiday season! VIP Platinum Passes are also available where guests enter the Trail one hour early at 6pm, enjoy a cozy lounge, valet parking and extra perks.

For more information on the Austin Trail of Lights Grand Opening, click here.

Lake Travis Lighted Boat Parade

Lake Travis Lighted Boat Parade

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Date: 12/07 | Time: 6 PM – 10 PM
| Location: Crosswater Yacht Club

Mark your Calendars! The Annual Lake Travis Lighted Holiday Boat Parade is always the first Saturday of every December!

The marinas around Lakeway have been doing a great job putting together the largest and brightest parade every year. This is a must see or participate if you love boating and the holidays!

There is not better way to entertain the kiddos, friends or relatives. This year will mark the 6th year in a row we are gathering unwrapped toys for Brown Santa, the Travis County Sheriff’s toy drive. There are 5 categories to compete in and they are: Sailboat, Runabout/Ski boat, Cruiser, Pontoon and Houseboat/Barge. We also crown a grand champion.

There are a few public places to watch the parade go by, Dink Pearson Park is on the north shore and Lakeway Resort and Spa on the south shore. Call Lakeway Resort prior to event to ask about cost associated with their watch party.

Crosswater Yacht Club has posted this event as a public event but is not a public marina. We hope everyone makes plans to decorate their boat and join us on the water. There is not enough parking for clients and the public at this facility, therefore only clients and their guest will be admitted to the marina. Security will be present at the gate during the event.

Please make arrangements to see the parade at the public places mentioned above.

For more information on the Lake Travis Lighted Boat Parade, click here.

2019 Austin Trail of Lights - Night Lights Preview Party

2019 Austin Trail of Lights – Night Lights Preview Party

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Date: 12/06 | Time: 6 PM – 10 PM | Location: Zilker Metropolitan Park

The Most Exclusive Night at the Austin Trail of Lights!

The 6th annual Night Lights Preview Party is an exclusive evening kicking off the Austin Trail of Lights holiday season in style. Enjoy Austin’s favorite holiday event with a little extra sparkle. Gain an all-access VIP experience complete with gourmet bites, festive drinks, and more. Plus, your support of the Trail of Lights Foundation contributes to the longevity of the Austin Trail of Lights.

Night Lights Preview Party Pass Includes:
· An exclusive sneak peek of the Austin Trail of Lights before the season opening
· Complimentary light bites from favorite Austin restaurants
· An evening of live music performances
· Beer & wine open bar (for those who are age 21+)
· Cocktail tastings from liquor brands (for those who are age 21+)
· Complimentary Ferris Wheel or Carousel rides all night
· Magical memories to last a lifetime!

2019 Participating Restaurants & Liquor Partners:
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
Cabo Bob’s
Churro Burro
Fancy Fluff ATX
Fara Coffee
Juliet’s Italian Kitchen
Kellie’s Baking Co.
La Pera
Parkside Projects
Poke Poke
Quality Seafood
Taverna
Texas Honey Ham
Thai Fresh
Top Notch
TRACE
Truluck’s

More to be announced…

For more information on the 2019 Austin Trail of Lights – Night Lights Preview Party, click here.

Hill Country Holiday Village

Hill Country Holiday Village

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Date:  11/23 to 11/24| Time: 4 PM – 7 PM | Location: Hill Country Galleria

The Hill Country Galleria has transformed the Central Plaza into a Hill Country Holiday Village open to the public November 23rd thru December 24th.

Located within one of the most beautiful places for holiday shopping, visitors will lose themselves in decorated walkways.  It features local artisan vendors of art, jewelry, home goods, and holiday fare. Experience the winding walkways filled with holiday cheer and an abundance of family photo opts.

In addition to the Hill Country Galleria’s 100 shops & restaurants, the Hill Country Holiday Village is a must-visit holiday destination. The village showcases unique gifts, holiday performances, Santa’s Workshop, glittering holiday lights, and an abundance of family fun. Admission is free.

For more information, click here.