Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Austin, TX

After posting about the events last weekend I was considering, we ended up having a pretty low-key and nice weekend.  On Saturday, we drove to  the Loma Alta Christmas Tree Farm outside of Bastrop, where we had a blast picking out a Christmas tree (was the weather gorgeous or what?).  During naptime, we were able to get it situated and lights on in time for decorating before dinner (and as happens yearly, it fell down - but only once and not when our son was downstairs, thankfully!).  I was pleasantly surprised at how much more interested our son was in decorating this year (and redecorating..and redecorating!) 

I am finding that until Will is a little older, going to the larger events is still lost on him.  Or maybe, just the hassle of parking, walking/strolling, what to eat, and all that outweighs the short amount of time these events seem to hold his interest.  And although the June Cleaver in me wants to have all our family traditions perfected by now, I'm also realizing the need to slow down and enjoy the simple things about the holiday season (while things are relatively simple).  

That said, here are some more low-key offerings to get into the holiday spirit taking place in the next week:

• Library storytimes are over this week, but there is a special Nutcracker Puppet Show coming to over a dozen branches from December 9-18th.  The show features Literature Live!, is free, and open to chidren 5 and up. 
  
• Satisfy that Keep Austin Weird spirit by dropping by Book People for their special storytime on Wednesday the 10th at 10:30 and getting some holiday shopping done.  Philip Yates will be reading from his book A Pirate's Night Before Christmas and autographing copies.
  
• Santa will be visiting Central Market the 12th and 13th from 5-7 for photo ops ($3), with proceeds benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank.
  
• Pioneer Farms is having their Candlelight Christmas celebrations the 12th and 13th with hayrides, caroling, storytelling around the fire, crafts for kids, and more.  Tickets are $10 for those over 2. 
  
• Enjoy Chanukah in the Neighborhoods, another event this Sunday from 1-3 at Central Market with music, arts & crafts, and food.
• The Zilker Park Trail of Lightswill open Sunday evening.  Take advantage of the nice weather and fewer crowds and ride the Zilker Zephyr (478-8286) during the day to see the display.  Remember, the Trail of Lights is over the 23rd!

What is your favorite Austin holiday celebration?