Austin Weekend Guide: Holiday Markets, Photos With Santa, More

AUSTIN, TX — This weekend, you won't want to miss some of the great special holiday events happening around Austin. Whether you're wanting to get some Christmas shopping crossed off your list or you're looking for family photos with Santa, there's much to choose from.

Friday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (multiple dates)

• Blue Genie Art Bazaar: Come shop among thousands of original works ranging from serious art to fun and kitschy. The Bazaar is a great place to find holiday gifts in a hassle-free environment and to support local artists. All items found at the Bazaar are one-of-a-kind handmade by local and regional artists selected through a rigorous jury process. There will be paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glassworks, ceramics and more gifts. For more click HERE. 6100 Airport BlvdAustin, TX 78752

Friday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m.

• Noche de Fiesta: Come out to the holiday community celebration at the Austin Public Library Southeast Branch. There will be carols, crafts, refreshments, a unique puppet show, and a free book for every child. Olaf will make a special appearance in the photo area. For more click HERE. 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin, TX 78744

Friday, Dec. 13 & Saturday, Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

• Luminary Festival: The two-day Luminary Festival is a tranquil and unique community tradition for the entire family! The trails around Katherine Fleischer Park are lined with over 1500 traditional paper luminarias. Join us Friday and Saturday evening and witness the park come alive and the trails twinkle. Hop on a caroling hayride to nearby decorated homes or enjoy a ride on the holiday express train as it travels down the lighted trails for an up-close experience of the luminaries. Santa will be making a special stop and setting up shop inside the Homestead to greet children and families with photo ops provided. For more click HERE. 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin, Texas 78728

Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

• Holiday Nature Creations in Austin at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Make tree-inspired seasonal ornaments using found nature materials (like acorns and ball moss) and celebrate nature with the whole family! This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. Show up any time from 10 a.m. – noon. For more click HERE. 4801 La Crosse Ave.Austin, TX 78739

Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Winter Wonderland Maker's Market: Come out to a day of fun and great gift ideas at the Winter Wonderland Maker's Market. There will be unique handmade items, snacks, crafts, games and more. The event will also feature great food by local food truck vendors. This great outdoor event is family and pet-friendly. For more click HERE. Thicket Food Park, 7800 S. 1st St., Austin, TX 78745

Saturday, Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. - 4:30 pm

• A Winter Wonderland Community Festival: All are invited to the Winter Wonderland Community Festival for a fun afternoon taking pictures with Santa, enjoying a hot cocoa station, face painting, musical sing-along, holiday movie clips and a grand finale Family Dance Party! Come enjoy a free holiday festival that promises fun for the whole family. For more click HERE. 2110 White Horse Trl, Austin, TX 78757-2760

Sunday, Dec. 15 beginning at 8 a.m.

• Decker Challenge Half Marathon: Come out 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 click HERE. Travis County Expo Center7311 Decker LnAustin, TX 78724

Sunday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Teddy Bear Tea at the Four Seasons: Guests of all ages are invited to this Four Seasons holiday tradition, featuring tea service, caroling and a special reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Santa himself. Seatings are available in the Ballroom at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Those attending are asked to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear, which will be donated to Austin non-profits. Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Sunday, Dec. 15 beginning at 6 p.m.

• A John Waters Christmas: Like a damaged St. Nick for the Christmas-corrupted, legendary filmmaker, author and raconteur John Waters hitchhikes into town with a bag full of sticks and stones for the devoted and the damned. Spreading holiday profanity and perverted piety with his critically acclaimed one-man show, the Pope of Trash will give you a cool Yule like no other. For more click HERE. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701