It wouldn’t be Christmas in Austin without its annual holiday celebration, Christmas in the City.

It’s a huge draw, and every year it has plenty for families and area residents of all ages. Here’s a rundown of the highlights:

Christmas in the City Kickoff

5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29; Downtown Austin

Highlights include: A holiday parade with Santa (meet at 5 p.m. at First Ave. NW and Main St.); free photos with Santa in the Town Center building; live entertainment including the Austinaires, the Pacelli choir, The North Star Brass Quartet and the Austin High School student ensemble and Ecumenical Bell Ensemble; a horse drawn sleigh ride; Captain Kirby train rides; free face painting in the Martial Arts building; free hot chocolate and cheese samples in the Martial Arts building; and Jane Taylor Academy of Dance “Christmas Show” with scenes from the Nutcracker Suite at the Paramount Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas in the Northwest

4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3; 18th Avenue near Oak Park Mall, and surrounding area

Highlights include: Oak Park Mall center stage entertainment with Dylan Kaercher’s “Swinging into Christmas” from 6-7 p.m.; make holiday ornaments at Usem Chevrolet or Staples; fishing with the Austin Bruins, and Santa at the AmericInn; face painting at Games People Play; and horse-drawn sleigh rides at Walmart.

Christmas in the Southwest

4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5; Sterling Shopping Center, and surrounding area

Highlights include: A free picture with Santa at Serling drugstore; horse-drawn sleigh rides, fire trucks and “Sparky” the fire dog, 4-7 p.m. and performances by the Austin Big Band at 5 p.m. in the Sterling State Bank parking lot; wine tasting at Apollo Liquor; and a petting zoo at Berg’s Nursery

Christmas in the County

Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14; Mower County Historical Society

Dec. 13: Christmas in the County pre-sale bake sale, 3 to 6 p.m. Free admission, all ages welcome. Buy Christmas baked goods the day before the Christmas in the County event. Cookies, lefse and other homemade treats.

Dec. 14: Christmas in the County, 3 to 7 p.m. Free admission, all ages welcome. Take a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh or create a special holiday craft. Shop for holiday treats at a bake sale. Place a bid on silent auction items. And of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there.

For more details on all the festivities, go to austindailyherald.com, or see the Monday print edition of the Herald.