Austin
Zilker Tree Lighting
December 7, (Sunday) -6:00 pm, Zilker Park, . The Zilker tree is 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25 watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights. Enjoy music, hot cocoa and plenty of holiday cheer as everyone counts down to the lighting of the tree. . Free. www.ci.austin.tx.us/tol/events.htm

Austin
TEXplorations: Toddler and Preschool Story Time
November 29, (Saturday) -2:00pm - 4:00pm, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress, (512) 936-4608. Bring family to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum to explore the people who have shaped the identity of the Lone Star State. This interactive early reading program is presented by Austin Public Library Youth Services. November is Ride'Em Cowboy Month.. Free with exhibit admission. www.thestoryoftexas.com

Austin
Candlelight Christmas Tours
December 5 & 6, 12 & 13 -6:00pm-10:00pm, 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, 512-837-1215. Experience a Pioneer Christmas with hayrides, music, crafts, games, caroling, and story telling around the fire! See website for full details and schedule. . $10/person ages over 2. www.pioneerfarms.org

Austin
Star Night at Westcave Preserve
December 6, (Saturday) -6:00pm-8:00pm, 24814 Hamilton Pool Road, Round Mountain, Texas, 830-825-3442. Take a tour of the night skies at Westcave Preserve, a dark sky location convenient to the Austin area. Enjoy an evening gazing at the stars through a high-quality telescope. Space is Limited. Registration Required.. $5 adult; $2 child. www.thinkastronomy.com

Austin
"Just As You Are"
December 6 & 7 -Sat. 7pm, Sun. 3:30pm, Hyde Park Methodist Church, 4001 Speedway, 512/927-6633. A musical comedy starring the students of Austin Children's Theater’s Original Works Program. Imagine three misfit students being showered with superpowers after they discover a meteor under the school cafeteria. When evil pop star Robin Capture tries to steal away their superpowers, the real trouble begins.. $10. www.austinchildrenstheater.org

Austin
Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker
December 6 - 23 -2 pm or 7:30 pm, The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, 512-476-2163. Ballet Austin, led by Artistic Director Stephen Mills, takes the audience on an enchanted wintertime adventure through the lands of snow and sweets in this timeless fairy-tale classic. . $15 - $71 . www.balletaustin.org

Austin
Pinocchio
Dec 6 -11 am & 1 pm , One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Cave Rd, 329-6753 . Through the magic of live musical theatre, the all-time favorite Pinocchio comes to life on the One World stage in a delightful production from American Family Theatre. Outrageous escapades are in store for Pinocchio, Geppetto’s irresistible puppet-son as he travels from carnival to Candyland in the belly of a whale. Join in merriment as this classic tale comes to life with exuberance and song. . $12-$15. www.oneworldtheatre.org

Austin
Holiday Choral Concert
December 6, (Saturday) -8:00pm, Bates Recital Hall, (512) 471-5401. Under the baton of James Morrow, the choruses will perform festive holiday repertoire, including John Rutter’s Gloria and selections from Poulenc’s Messe en Sol Majeur.. $10.

Austin
Sembrando Herencia 2008 - The Journey Back
December 7, ( Sunday) -3 to 6 PM, The Theatre at Reagan High School 7104 Berkman Dr Austin TX 78752, 512 251 8122. Don't miss this spectacular, full-length live music and dance, action-adventure-comedy that will showcase more than 50 of Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance dancers, musicians, and performing arts students and pass on a heritage to a new generation. . $12 Adult ($10 advance), $5 Childre. www.prfdance.org

Austin
Trail Of Lights
December 14-23 -7:00pm-10:00pm, Zilker Park, . Walk through the mile of lighted displays, enjoy refreshments, food and entertainment. Each night a variety of area entertainers will take the stage. Dancers, musicians, storytellers, choirs, comedians, theatre troupes and more will enliven the night air. The United States Post Office will provide an opportunity for children to write letters to Santa.. Free Admission. www.ci.austin.tx.us/tol/events.htm

Austin_N
Wake up with Santa!
December 6, (Saturday) -9:00-10:30 AM, Lakeline Mall (Food Court), . Your help is needed! Bring your favorite stuffed animal or pillow, wear your favorite PJ's and join Kidgits in waking up Santa. Santa has been taking a long nap and his elves need our help to wake him up in time to get ready to deliver all the presents. After the big wake up call, snuggle up and listen to a Christmas story from Santa! There will be craft stations and a morning snack (while supplies last). Holiday goody bags while supplies last!. Free for Kidgits Members.

Austin_N
Family Ornament Making Event
December 7, ( Sunday) -1:00pm-4:00 pm, 15001 Wells Port Dr, 512-989-3188. Bring the whole family and create one-of a kind ornaments for your holiday décor. A variety of supplies are available and all are welcome to come and make family memories. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or other adult. . $1. wblibrary.org/comingevents.html

Cedar Park
Cedar Park Tree Lighting
December 5, (Friday) -6:30pm-8:30pm, Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, . Over 50,000 lights illuminate the largest Live Oak in Cedar Park. Enjoy caroling, carriage rides and the Yule fire. . Free. www.cedarparktx.us/cp/pr_events_tree.aspx

Cedar Park
Santa's Workshop
December 13, (Saturday) -6:00pm - 8:00pm , Heritage Oak Park, 401-5500 . Enjoy music, games, a yule fire, arts & crafts, hot cocoa and of course... Santa Claus. Bring the whole family for what promises to be a festive evening.. Free.

Georgetown
Lighting of the Square
November 28, (Friday) -Dusk, Historic Downtown Square, . Enjoy carols, cookies, and hot chocolate as Downtown Square lights up for the first time this season. . Free.

Georgetown
Christmas Stroll
December 6, (Saturday) -Noon-8:00pm, Downtown Square, . Arts & Craft Vendors, Carriage Rides, parade, festive entertainment, Outdoor Screening of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" at 6:30. Bethlehem Village with hands on historical activities. Pictures with Santa. . Free. www.dgagtx.org/?pageName=xmasstroll

Leander
NUTCRACKER TEA PARTY
December 13, (Saturday) -10:00am, 1101 South Bagdad Rd , 638-3328. Put on your Tea Party Best and Join Clara the Prince ,and sugar plum fairy for this magical event. A perfect 1st introduction to the classical Ballet.. $25-$15. www.leanderarts.org