christmas/holiday events in hill country? (Austin, Belton: trip , house, recreation)

[sheisaeval]

What are some good holiday events going on in Austin or in the Hill country? Such as parades, holiday lights, festivals, costumed events, etc?

[texastea]

Here's some things we usually go to:

Main Street Bethlehem - a live portrayal of the period surrounding the birth of Christ held each December in Burnet Texas (broken link)
Marble Falls - Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail

Even though its not technically the hill country, the lights at BLORA are amazing and worth the trip to Belton. And we've always wanted to take the Polar Express to Burnet (Austin Steam Train).

The other things usually have to do with shopping

[PeacePlease]

Don't miss Zilker's Annual Trail of Lights:

City of Austin - Parks and Recreation Department: Trail of Lights Celebration

It is very nice...

[car957]

One word: Tamales on Christmas morning. Ahh, I love masa...

[texastea]

We've actually had fish fries the last few holidays...the weather's been nice enough to cook and eat outside.

[denadavis]

Last Night I went to the "Back Home " Christmas open house. It is going on all weekend this weekend. Nov 3rd and 4th. It was absolutely goreous. Back home is in the Westgate Shopping Center by Central Market down south. It is between the Bookstore and the Movie Theatre. The store is much bigger than it looks from the outside.

I know this is not a "festival" but it is great stop in for mom.

Then of course-- there is the Junior League 's " A Christmas Affair" November 15- 18th at the Palmer Event Center. This is another great way to kick off the season.

Here is the link to that info. A Christmas Affair

But check out Back home this weekend.

[mimimomx3]

A Christmas Affair is amazing...I also like the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is great fun, too and has live music Welcome to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar! great opporunities for shopping local.