Family-friendly events in downtown Austin This Weekend (December 13, 2012)

‘Tis the season!  There are lots of things to do this weekend with your little ones in downtown Austin that have holiday themes.  And they are all walking distance away from your high-rise (just remember to put on a coat and mittens)! After the jump, check out a few of our most favorite curated picks!

Call the Austin Children’s Museum (512-472-2499 x201) to register for a Gingerbread House workshop (times and dates vary – click here for schedule). Prices are $30 for members, $35 for non-members, and you get Museum admission included. Visit their site for more info.

Perhaps you’re interested in doing a little craft shopping while your darlings dance away to some awesome live music?

Well, then look no further than a visit to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar at the Palmer Events center, going on now through Christmas Eve.  Kids under 12 have free admission. $5 before 7pm on weekdays, $8  on nights and weekends.

Visit their site for complete info.

The Scottish Rite Theatre at 207 W. 18th Street is putting on quite the interactive show on Sunday, December 16th.  The Invincible Czars is a band that will lead you and your children through a fantastical and fun version of the celebrated classic, The Nutcracker.  They will also do funny remakes of some other Christmas classics, like “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.”

“The Invincible Czars have turned the music from America’s favorite ballet on its head jumping all over the musical map.  Two step to a countrified “Miniature Overture”, and waltz to a swinging “Waltz of the Flowers” and spin to the psychedelic “Sugar Plum Faerie.”

Audience members are encouraged to dress festively, with prizes going to the best dressed boy, girl, and adult.

For complete information, visit their ticketing page.

Remakes are great, but its good to have your kids see the classics as they were meant to be seen.  Ballet Austin’s annual performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at The Long Center are amazing.  Start the tradition this year!

If you go on the 16th, you can even see Luci Baines Johnson as Mother Ginger!

Complete info on their website.