Family Events Taking Place In Austin And Surrounding Communities

AUSTIN, TX -- Thanksgiving week begins as the official kick-off of the holiday season. Many will be anticipating the arrival of family, while others will start their holiday shopping in hope of getting great bargains on gift-giving. And then there's the week off from school and the struggle to keep the kids busy and active.

We've put together a list of events and activities happening in and around Austin to try and help you ease into the spirit of the holidays free of angst. Take a look at what's happening around your community...and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

MONDAY, NOV. 20

• Playland Skate Center: Guests to Playland Skate Center will enjoy extended Thanksgiving holiday hours from Monday, Nov. 20 - Wednesday, Nov. 22 & Friday, Nov. 24 - Sunday, Nov. 26 (Closed Thursday, Nov. 23 in observance of Thanksgiving). Admission $8 per person and includes skate rental. For holiday hours and events schedule, please click HERE. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Drive, Austin, TX 78757
• Holiday Light Show at Mozart's Coffee Roasters: Mozart's Coffee Roasters will hold its highly-anticipated Holiday Light Show beginning Monday, Nov. 20 at 6 PM and will run nightly through the holidays until January 1, 2018 (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day). This fun and FREE holiday tradition promises to be even more impressive with the addition of new presentations such as live choral music and more! For event details, please click HERE. FREE Event. Mozart's Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703

TUESDAY, NOV. 21

• The Star of Destiny at the Bullock Museum: The Bullock Texas State History Museum hosts The Star of Destiny a multi-sensory film presented at the Texas Spirit Theater on Tuesday, Nov. 21 with showtimes beginning at 10 AM. This 16-minute film presents historic events that come to life with sets, special lighting, and amazing sound effects. Feel the seats shake as a gusher explodes from an East Texas oil derrick. Experience the takeoff of Saturn V as if you were seated at Mission Control at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston. Sound and sensory effects such as wind and smoke help make The Star of Destiny a truly memorable experience for all ages. For ticket pricing and additional showtimes, as well as featured exhibitions and other events at the Bullock Museum, please click HERE. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
• Thanksgiving Art Camp at the Austin Creative Art Center: Come out and enjoy creating and giving thanks with the Thanksgiving Art Camp to be held on Monday, Nov. 20 - Wednesday, Nov. 22. All are welcome to enjoy this fun event. For schedule and ticket information, please click HERE. Austin Creative Art Center, 1207 West 6th Street, Austin, TX 78703
• Planetarium Shows at the Texas Museum of Science and Technology: The Larry K Forrest Memorial Planetarium presents a mix of live and pre-rendered shows. Live shows all end with a short film, and longer videos run by themselves. For a schedule of shows and ticket pricing, please click HERE. Texas Museum of Science and Technology, 1220 Toro Grande Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22

• Bilingual Boogie Storytime: BookPeople will host Bilingual Boogie Storytime on Wednesday, Nov. 22 beginning at 10:30 AM. Bilingual Boogie gives kids the opportunity to learn key preschool vocabulary such as colors, animals, counting, body parts, and the alphabet in Spanish and English. This fun and engaging story time allows kids to sing, dance and participate in games to learn in the best way they know how -- through activity and movement! Dress comfortably, this will be an action-packed event. FREE Event. BookPeople, 603 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703
• Community Night At The Thinkery: During Community Night Spotlight evenings, Thinkery shines a light on a unique aspect of the rich diversity that makes Austin such an amazing place to live, play and learn with educational activities facilitated by staff and special community presenters. Every Wednesday, Thinkery stays open late for families to discover new ideas and learn together. Enjoy the exhibits and educational programs facilitated by staff from 4–8 pm. Suggested Donation $1. The Thinkery, 1830 Simund Avenue, Austin, TX 78723

THURSDAY, NOV. 23

"HAPPY THANKSGIVING!"

FRIDAY, NOV. 24

• Santa On The Terrace (FREE!) at the Long Center: Avoid the Black Friday shopping frenzy and come see Santa on the Terrace at the Long Center instead on Friday, Nov. 24 beginning at 10 AM. All ages are welcome to this FREE event where kids can take their photo with Santa overlooking a spectacular view of Austin. There will be holiday treats and fun entertainment and activities will be planned for the whole family! For more event information, please click HERE. FREE Event. Long Center, 701 West Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704
• 5th Annual Model Trains Display at ArtSpace: ArtSpace delights in hosting the 5th Annual Model Trains Display beginning on Friday, Nov. 24 from 12 PM - 5 PM. Families are invited to enjoy a magical display of model trains complete with miniature landscapes and cityscapes. For a small donation, guests can take control of the trains and explore their skills as conductors. This family-friendly and fun event promises to be a good time for all ages. For additional information, please click HERE. This event will run through Saturday, December 31. FREE Event. ArtSpace, 231 East Main Street, Round Rock, TX 78664