What better way to spend the holiday season with friends and family than listening to the children's story "The Polar Express" while riding a train -- the North Pole Flyer -- through the beautiful landscapes of Texas Hill Country. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on board handing out a gift to every child.
The 2.5-hour-long ride will be a Christmas event to remember for the entire family. As of publication, tickets run about $30 to $40 per person depending on age and cabin. Choose from three cabins: excursion coach, first class coach and first class lounge. The train operates on most weekends in December but it is best to call ahead and confirm at 512-477-8468. Reserve your seats as soon as possible due to the fact that the seats sell out fast.
This magnificent botanical garden not only has a Christmas tree lighting ceremony but also a miniature train called the Zilker Zephyr to show you around the gardens. Zilker Metropolitan Park is considered "Austin's most loved park"; it consists of 35 acres surrounding Barton Springs to the City of Austin.
The Zilker Holiday Tree, a much-loved attraction for tourists and locals alike, stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25-watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights. The Zilker Tree Lighting Ceremony is held annually the first Sunday in December at 6 p.m.
If you want to find that perfect gift for the holidays, Gruene Holiday Market Days offers many unusual items. Various vendors sell handmade crafts on the first weekend in December from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (at the time of publication). The shopping square offers everything from candles to local wine tastings. There is something here for the whole family.
San Marcos square in Austin puts on a Christmas festival for people of all ages throughout four fun-filled holiday nights. Take a picture with Santa, enjoy live music, browse arts and crafts and eat under thousands of twinkling Christmas lights.
The park will be open 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday. These days and times were current at time of publication and are subject to change. Please check ahead online before making plans.
