It’s that time of year when holiday trees glowing, Christmas gifts are flowing and Austin is full of some of the most popular Christmas-time events for every holiday season. Instead of last minute shopping and gift-wrapping, our Christmas to-do list is full of family fun that everyone can enjoy.

Zilker Park Tree Lighting:

This annual event marks the beginning of the Holiday season for Austin and the infamous Trail of Lights. Also called the “Moon Tower Tree,” more than 3,500 Christmas lights will make Zilker shine starting Sunday Dec. 2 through Dec. 31. A popular activity under the tree is spinning. Gather up the family, stand under the tree, look up and spin to see swirls of those magnificent lights.

Trail of Lights:

A classic Holiday favorite for Austin is the Trail of Lights. Dozens of cutouts, Christmas lights and moving sets attract thousands of visitors for the two-week long extravaganza. The Trail of Lights has grown tremendously since its birth in 1965 and now displays almost 300,000 lights! The trail opens Dec. 9 and runs through Dec. 23. Don’t miss this event, the highlight of every holiday season.

Victorian Christmas Festival:

Some people are getting into the Christmas spirit early this year with the Victorian Christmas Festival. Mark your calendars for Nov. 24-25 for one weekend when 6th street is open only to carolers, costumed performers, barbershop quartets and homemade arts and crafts. Bring the entire family and find yourselves surrounded by recreation of the 19th century Victorian era.

Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade:

In 1987, Chuy’s co-owner Mike Young started an annual toy drive to benefit Operation Blue Santa. Two years later, the event transformed into a downtown parade. The Grand Marshall, Joe Sears of Greater Tuna and a Giant Three-Man Santa Claus paraded up and down Congress Avenue collecting toys, including a giant Teddy Bear from former Governor Bill Clements. Join Chuy’s on Nov. 24 in celebrating the 17th year of the Children Giving to Children Parade.

Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony:

Watch a 35-foot native Texas tree light up the Capitol steps on Dec. 2. Get ready for the Holiday Sing-Along where thousands gather on the south steps for some old-fashioned caroling. Congress Avenue shops stay open late and vendors from the Austin Farmer’s Markets set up to show off their arts and crafts. The fun begins at 6 p.m. with the tree lighting at 6:15.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar:

Now in its 32nd year, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is one of Austin’s most popular Holiday traditions and a major retail attraction to over 40,000 shoppers. This year’s arts and crafts festival will be held at the Austin Convention Center from Dec. 14 through Dec. 24. Local Austin artists and musicians will display their work and put on performances that are unique cultural gems of our city.

37th Street of Lights:

The Christmas lights on 37th Street have been the most massive display of Christmas light extravagance since 1980. Located right next to the Groovy Lube, this neighborhood puts on a wild and unforgettable light show. Thousands of visitors have made the 37th Street Lights their favorite Holiday Tradition, so park your car on a nearby street and walk through the light display to avoid 37th Street traffic.

Austin Ballet’s The Nutcracker:

It’s an Austin Holiday Classic, Ballet Austin’s 45th Anniversary performance of The Nutcracker. From Dec. 1- Dec. 23 at Austin’s Paramount Theatre, you and your family can be taken through Clara’s wintery Christmas dream with her magical Nutcracker doll. The music is set to unforgettable sound of Pytor Tchaikovsky and the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Tickets range from $15 to $59.

First Night Austin:

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Austin’s local art and music scene. This family event takes place in the streets of downtown Austin or in select venues with live music, dancing and food. Activities include chalk drawing, a Hip Hop Block Party, puppet shows, a Kite workshop and so much more. The party starts at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31 and lasts until midnight.

Christmas at the Carillon:

A cherished holiday tradition since 1994, Christmas at the Carillon is a unique concert filled with Christmas carols and holiday cheer. The celebration is also filled with art music, popular music, a concert hall performance and a community sing-along. This year’s Special Guest Artist is Austin’s own Cynthia Clawson, who has been called the most awesome voice in gospel music. The 2007 Christmas at the Carillon will take place Dec. 5- Dec. 11. Visit www.conspirare.org for ticket information.

Austin Symphony’s Christmas Sing-Along:

For more than two decades, this event has been a favorite Austin tradition that gathers families together. Conductor, Carlton Dillard, will lead the Austin Symphony and chorus, while children of all ages joyfully sing along. This December 11, 8:00 p.m. at the Riverbend Centre for a free evening of fun.

Memorable Events outside of Austin :
Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail:

You’ve seen the Trail of Lights and every other Holiday attraction in Austin. Now it’s time to leave the city limits and see what our neighboring towns have to offer. Check out the Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail, one of the area’s favorite Holiday traditions with Christmas lights and decorations from eleven surrounding Hill Country cities including Johnson City, Burnet, Fredericksburg, Marble Falls and Round Mountain. For more information on the Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail, visit http://www.tex-fest.com/regional/default.htm.

Johnson City Lights Spectacular:

Johnson City has of the largest light displays in the state and should not be missed. Local homes, businesses and churches display millions of lights. The Courthouse, the centerpiece, will be open on Saturday & Sunday nights from 6:00-9:00 pm. Johnson City’s Christmas gift to you and your family will be aglow each night until midnight from November 23, through January 1. Admission to all events is free.