Keep Austin Bazaar!

Get your Christmas shopping done at The Original Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. There is a bar, live music and gifts for every person on your list! It goes on now until Christmas eve and is only $3 to get in before 7pm on weekdays. For more information follow this link:

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

If you don't live in Austin, search for Christmas Bazaars in your area. It is a fun place to shop for unique gifts and enjoy a nice holiday evening!

Skate Date!!

For people living in the south, ice skating isn't something we do often. However, it can be a fun and different way to enjoy a cold day! Bundle up in your warm clothes and hit the ice. Afterwards you can warm up with a warm cup of cocoa.

In Austin, the only place where you can find an ice skating rink is on top of Whole Foods on Lamar. From now until January 17, for ten bucks you can skate for 50 minutes (includes skate rental). Enjoy skating and the great view in this winter wonderland!

For more details follow this link: Skating on the Plaza

Light Up Your Holiday!

Now that everyone has their Holiday decorations up, it is time to go out and enjoy all the hard work. Pack some cocoa in a thermos and drive around town listening to Christmas music and viewing all the houses decked out in lights. This can be a romantic date or a great family event and the best part is that it is practically free!

Don't feel like doing the driving? Enjoy Christmas light tours around downtown Austin in the Holly Trolley through the Austin Trolley Company. Book tickets by calling 512-929-5013.

Since Austin isn't having it's large light show this year, the Trail of Lights, consider taking a mini road trip to Tyler, Texas. Here there is a drive through Christmas park where you can stay in the comfort of your warm car!

Santa Land Texas

Check out the Top Ten Christmas Light Shows

Let it Snow!!!

It looks as if Texas might get snow tomorrow! What a perfect way to ring in the Christmas season!

After you build a snowman, head out to your town's Christmas tree lighting. Look up info for details on your town's shin dig.

Here is the scoop if you live in the ATX: This Saturday at 6pm make your way to the Capitol for the Holiday Sing-Along and Tree Lighting. After the lighting stroll down Congress to enjoy performances from local Austin groups. Shops and restaurants will also be open late with special deals for the event. Check out more info here: Holiday Sing-Along

Can't remember the words to Away in a Manger? Follow this link to find all the lyrics to popular Christmas Carols: Lyrics

Deck The Halls

Turn on the Christmas carols, make some hot cocoa, and pull out your Christmas decorations--it is the merriest time of the year!

Make a fun evening out of decorating for Christmas this year. Now that it is chilly outside, it really feels like the Holidays are here. No matter how big or small your place is, there is always room for some lights and a wreath. You would be surprised how the smallest amount of decoration can really lift your spirits. Whether or not you go Chevy Chase style and make your house the brightest on the block, Santa will still find you, if you are nice!

Yummy Hot Cocoa Recipe:

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• miniature marshmallows

Preparation:

Blend cocoa and sugar in a small bowl. In a medium saucepan, heat milk to scalding. Mix about 1/3 cup of the hot milk into the cocoa-sugar mixture, then pour cocoa mixture into hot milk in the saucepan; stir until well blended. Stir in vanilla. Serve with mini marshmallows. Serves 4.

Looking for more family fun? Follow this link for ideas on how to make homemade Christmas ornaments. Also a good idea for low budget gifts!

Ornament Crafts