Keep an eye out for the Austin Daily Herald’s annual Thanksgiving Extra, coming out on Wednesday, which lays out the entire Christmas in the City schedule as well as Christmas in the County and filled with ads and coupons for all your holiday shopping. You will also be able to read extra little tidbits getting you ready for the holidays.

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A yearly tradition in Austin has always been Christmas in the City, an event that sets up Austin and its citizens for a joyous holiday season.

This year’s Christmas in the City Kick-off is Friday, November 23, following Thanksgiving and is filled with all the events and goodies you’ve become used to.

Included in this quick little write-up is a rundown of Christmas in the City as well as what the businesses will be offering.

And be sure to keep an eye out for our Thanksgiving Extra later in the week for a rundown of everything holiday related.

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Kick-off activities

Meet at First Avenue and Main Street at 5:30 p.m. and walk with Santa Claus, the Austinaires and other holiday characters to the stage to light the downtown Christmas displays.

• Photos with Santa: Town Center Building. Free candy cane treats for the kids.

•Live entertainment: Includes the Austinaires, Taylor Bliese and emcee Paul Pruitt. There will also be free Captain Kirby Train rides, horse-drawn wagon rides and magic by Jim Jayes. See Merry Elf and other characters strolling downtown.

•Musical Entertainment in the Town Center: Here the magical sound of the Ecumenical Bells Ensemble and more.

•Austin Fire Department: Come and see a fire engine on Main Street.

•Free face painting: The Matchbox Children’s Theatre will be located in the lower level of the ArtWorks Center, 5-7 p.m..

•Jane Taylor Academy of Dance Christmas Show: 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. The troupe will be presenting scenes from the Nutcracker and other holiday dances. Free will donation at the door.

 

In-store activities

•Austin ArtWorks Center: Members gallery show opening, 5-7 p.m. Free.

•B&J Bar: Stop in for Christmas treats.

•Bendixen Jewelry: Warm up with hot apple cider and Christmas treats.

•Bridget’s Dance Conservatory: Enjoy a craft, cookies, hot chocolate and learn a dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy.

•Coffee House on Main: Check out the flavors of the day.

•George’s Pizza: Kids receive a glow-in-the-dark necklace.

•Hastings Shoes: Stop in for holiday treats. Receive 20 percent off all in-stock purchases.

•Home Country Connections Electronics: Stop by for cookies and cider. Ten percent off indoor/outdoor holiday lights, gaming controllers, satellite dish hoodies.

•InnoVision Eyecare: Warm-up with cider, coffee and cookies.

•Life Safety 4-U and Poet’s Heart: Town Center lobby, kids receive faith-related Christmas stickers and register for drawings.

•Lou’s Forever Framing: Photo ops with life-size elf cutouts, plus ping pong ball game for children 2-13.

•Piggy Blues BBQ: Free samples of holiday gelato flavors. Register for gift card drawing.

•Real Deals: Visit the store for candy canes and receive Real Deals Cash to use on Saturday, Nov. 24.

•Rydjor Bike Shop: Stop in for cookie decorating and free ornament.

•Salvation Army Kettle Kick-off: On Track Building. Create and decorate Red Kettles that the community will vote on by making donations in their favorite kettle. Also enjoy free hot chocolate.

•Sew Chic Alterations: Stop in for treats.

•Spam Museum: Write a letter to Santa. Enjoy a treat.

•Sweet Reads: Meet the Polar Express Conductor and make a “Polar Express” book mark craft.

•The Bakery Lounge: Keep warm with hot chocolate or cider with games for kids.

•The Style Lounge: Stop in for the gift card sale, enter to win prizes, have a flash photo session by Not Your Mama’s Photography.

•Twice is Nice: Join us for our 16th Christmas in the City where the store is transformed into Christ Wonderland. Twenty percent off all home decor and gifts Nov. 23 and 24.

•Zone Organization: On Track Building. Enjoy Christmas ornament decorating and treats.