Imagine yourself stepping outside, bundled up in layers and your warmest winter coat that you break out once a year. It’s finally cold out and the chill in the air brings with it dreams of hot chocolate with sugary marshmallows and holiday cheer. Like most other weekdays, you go to the Tech Ridge Park and Ride to catch the 801 CapMetro Rapid bus downtown to start your workday.

But today is different. As you walk up to the station, rubbing your hands together to get warm, you begin to hear the beautiful sound of music from a live band floating towards you in the crisp frosty air. Then, you’re greeted by a smiling face handing you a hot cup of coffee and a sweet breakfast pastry. Before you know it, you’re warmed up from the inside out as you take your seat on the bus and watch the musicians at the station fade into the distance behind you.

You’ve just stepped into a CapMetro wonderland, isn’t it a charming scene? Wouldn’t it be nice if you were greeted this way as you head out for all of your holiday errands? Well, this year Central Texas residents will all get the chance to have this experience as part of CapMetro’s Polar Events throughout the entire month of December, including music and breakfast items at select stations every Wednesday until December 20.

But hot coffee and soothing music aren’t the only surprise you’ll encounter on CapMetro while you’re shopping or attending events this holiday season. The agency is hosting several jovial activities to spread cheer, including fare pass giveaways, appearances at holiday events and social media contests with fantastic prizes.

The festivities began December 1st with the Holiday Bus design unveiling and CapMetro Elves sent out on select routes to hand out special gifts. The elves will be out on CapMetro services throughout the whole month to give out a total of 600 fare passes and other fun swag, so keep an eye out for them during your commute!

You can also win some great prizes, such as a yearlong Commuter Pass (good for bus and rail) that’s worth about $495 and free tickets to the Paramount Theater. These prizes will be awarded to winners of CapMetro’s social media contest that’s happening from December 4 through December 31 – the details of which will be announced on CapMetro social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter). To round out the holiday celebrations, expect special guest appearances at the Paramount Theatre and performances of The Nutcracker by Ballet Austin, one of which will feature their very own President & CEO, Dottie Watkins.

“CapMetro’s holiday events are our way of saying thank you to our community,” says Dottie Watkins. “We are so incredibly grateful for this wonderful community, and we want to wish everyone in Central Texas a Happy Holiday season.”

You can find a full list of events and locations in the calendar image above. So, consider riding CapMetro for fun-filled commutes and cozy treats as you layer up and head out the door for work, shopping or fun! Let CapMetro’s Polar Events warm you up and take you where you need to go without the stress of driving and parking in the hectic holiday frenzy.