How to Celebrate Christmas All Month in Austin
Austin is full of things to do this month! There are familiar traditions like the Austin Trail of Lights and Mozart’s Coffee Roasters along with new holiday pop-ups. This year there are plenty of places to take your family or friends to get in the Christmas spirit! We’ve curated all of the hot spots to visit this month!
Christmas Lights
Austin Trail of Lights
Austin Trail of Lights is back, but this year in person! This 58th annual tradition in Zilker Park will be happening Dec 8-23. The trail features over 2 million lights and 70 tunnels of lights. Get into the Christmas spirit with this holiday must-see!
Peppermint Parkway
Peppermint Parkway is back at the Circuit of the Americas! Take a lap around this F-1 track through a mile of holiday displays featuring millions of lights. Afterward, enjoy food, rides, activities, and more.
Mozart’s Holiday Light Show
View a beautiful and sprawling light show right off of Lake Austin. Grab a coffee and listen to some live music. The perfect Austinite’s Christmas.
Community First! Village of Lights
Enjoy 250,000 lights choreographed to holiday music! Brought to you by Mobile Loaves and Fish, enjoy their holiday market and food available for purchase.
Markets
Villas on Soco Christmas Market
Come meet the “Soco Santa” at this south Austin Christmas Market. There will be plenty of vendors, live music, and a light show!
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
You’ll find original and unique Christmas gifts at this pop-up storefront open through Dec 24th. Browse pieces from local artists or find fun and silly gifts. A must-stop for an Austin Christmas.
Amardillo Christmas Bazaar
Arts, gifts, and live music. What more can you want? Dec 17- 23 at the Palmer Event Center. Bring your family and get in the mood for some holiday shopping.
Kids
Christmas at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm
Bring your little ones to see Santa and real life reindeer on the farm! There’s a gingerbread house perfect for Christmas photos and over 30 activities like a hay maze and a giant petting zoo. Dont’ miss out this December.
North Pole Flyer
Let your kids have their own Polar Express moment with Austin Steam Train’s North Pole Flyer. Each car is decorated for the season. Passengers enjoy a reading from the North Pole Flyer book and a visit and gift from Santa.
Entertainment
The Nutcracker
Make Ballet’s Austin production of The Nutcracker your new favorite Christmas Tradition! Ballet Austin was the first ballet company to produce The Nutcracker in 1962! There are 15 performances throughout December to choose from.
A Christmas Carol At ZACH Theatre
Come see ZACH’S adaptation of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol! Made for the whole family to enjoy. Shows will be running through Dec 31st.
Holiday Cheer at the Paramount
Celebrate Christmas at the historic Paramount Theatre. Classic holiday films and live music will be happening through the month of December!
Alamo Draft House Movie Parties
Your ticket to a movie party includes props so you can really get involved in the films. Sing along and interact with the movie in ways you typically can’t. Alamo Draft House will be playing films like Elf and A Christmas Story throughout December. Don’t miss out!
Ice Skating
Ice Rodeo at the Four Seasons
Ice skate while overlooking Lady Bird Lake! Four Seasons hotel will have an outdoor ice rink, firepits for roasting s’mores, and cozy “cabins” for gathering with family/friends.
Ice Skating at the Long Center
A beautiful view of downtown while ice skating? Count me in! Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and popcorn in between skate sessions.
Ice Skating on The Plaza
Visit Whole Food’s flagship store to ice skate on their rooftop! Open every Monday 11:00am-9:00pm.
Christmas Drinks and Pop-Ups
Gibson Street Bar
All of December Gibson Street Bar is transformed into a Christmas wonderland! Complete with a holiday cocktail menu and IG worthy photo-ops. A visit to Gibson Street will quickly put you in the holiday spirit.
Miracle on 5th Street
It’s the 6th annual Christmas pop-up located at The Eleanor. Look for a candy-striped entrance next to the Roosevelt Room. Enjoy a curated Christmas cocktail or take a pic on Santa’s Throne. Come decked out in your Christmas best to match the mood!
Apres Ski at The W Austin
Transport yourself to the slopes without having to leave Austin! Play shotski and enjoy festive cocktails at The W. Open through Dec. 28th.
Wonder Bar
Wonder bar will be decked out with Christmas Decor throughout the month of December! Enjoy holiday themed drinks and get some photos with friends in your favorite Christmas sweater.
Nickel City’s Sippin’ Santa
Enjoy festive-themed cocktails like a white russian Christmas or Elfing Around. Featuring themed glassware, also available for purchase.
Enjoy the Holidays Locally!
There’s so much to do in Austin this season, you’ll be sure to find something you’ll love! We hope you have an Austin Merry Christmas!
