Celebrations of the season continue at local businesses Tuesday.

Christmas in the Northwest is today from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at various businesses in the area of Oak Park Mall.

The festivities, sponsored by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, are an extension of last weekend’s Christmas in the City.

“It is a way for businesses in these areas to thank their customers for doing business with them,” said Sandy Forstner, Austin Chamber executive director. “It is nice to invite people in and encourage them to come back.”

Participating businesses offer demonstrations, samples, treats and free raffles to all attendees.

The freebies range widely.

At Stadheim Jewelers, 1402 18 Ave. NW, customers can make Christmas jewelry crafts. Next door, kids can have hot cocoa and take photos with Santa Claus at Applebees, 1404 18 Ave. NW.

Meanwhile, his reindeer will be making an appearance at Culver’s Restaurant, 1800 Eighth St. NW. Other farm animals will be on display at Double K Specialty, 803 18 Ave. NW and

Each business will give out tickets for various free raffles. All of the drawings take place at 7:45 p.m. in Oak Park Mall 1301 18 Ave. NW.

With 24 participating businesses, this is the largest Christmas in the Northwest yet, Forstner said. There were 21 businesses last year.

The Christmas in the City tradition is in its 21st year.

The events continue Thursday, with Christmas in the Southwest from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sterling Shopping Center area.

Participating businesses and what they offer

Edward Jones— Hot apple cider, coffee and cookies. Drawing for door prizes.

Fastenal — Washer toss for prizes (everyone wins), snacks and drinks.

Stadheim Jewelers — Christmas jewelry crafts.

Double K Specialty — A Barnyard Christmas. Farm animals on display in our warehouse.

Ruskell Hardware — Make a snowman; prize awarded to the most creative. Enjoy free hot cider and cookies.

Applebee’s — Photos with Santa and free hot chocolate.

Wendy’s — Kids make your own Frosty. Coloring and temporary tattoos. Free hot cocoa and candy canes.

Hy-Vee Food Store — Decorate your own Christmas cookie with frosting and sprinkles. 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Rooms and Rest — Coloring contest. Two age categories, 2-5 and 6-10.

Oak Park Mall — Live music, hot cider and Christmas cookies. Drawings for prizes at 7:45 p.m.

Maurice’s — Glittery Christmas tattoos and treats!

Community Bank — Captain Kirby train rides for children, hot chocolate for everyone.

Culver’s Restaurant — Santa’s “Live Reindeer in Training.” These are the reindeer that will pull Santa’s sleigh someday. Co-sponsored by Oak Park Mall.

Quizno’s— Free Torpedo samples.

AmericInn Motel & Suites — Fishing for prizes in the pool. Free cookies and hot cocoa.

Games People Play — Horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, homemade donuts.

Great Clips — Crafts and snacks.

Staples — Kaleidoscope ornaments for children ages 2-12.

Arby’s — Make Christmas ornaments, meet Bubbles the Clown and Oven Mitt. Free hot chocolate and a special treat.

Holiday Inn and Austin Conference Center- Photos with Mrs. Claus, cookies and crafts.

Wal-Mart Garden Center – Christmas Glitter Decorating.

BLS Imports & Specialty – Refreshments and Coloring Contest.

Usem, Inc. – Decorate a cookie or a card.

Dolan’s Landscape Center, Inc. – Feed the Birds!