Just like most cities, Austin hosts special events to celebrate the magical winter holidays. From parades and light displays to outdoor excursions, such as skating, the city is sure to offer something for everyone. So, get your calendars ready because we have a list of 10 best Austin’s holiday attractions.
1. Trail of Lights
Located at Zilker Park, along 2400 Barton Springs RD, Trail of Lights is ideal for all ages. This iconic Christmas tradition, for over 53 years now, runs between December 10 and 23 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm every night. The awe-inspiring Trail of Lights event organizers invites local restaurants, ensuring that you don’t go hungry as you walk through over 40-magical displays and 2 million lights.
2. 37th Street Lights Premier
The 37th Street Lights is a longtime Austin tradition, known for its many houses that are decorated with Christmas lights and have been keeping it weird since the 1980s. For those who love Christmas illuminations, the 37th Street Annual Christmas Light Exhibit is the best place to be. The exhibit starts on December 14 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm and is located at W 37th St, Austin, TX 7870.
3. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The Armadillo Bazaar, which runs from December 13 to December 23 from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Christmas eve 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, is an art and music festival. The event, located at Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Austin, TX 7870, provides a relaxing atmosphere, listening to live music by several artists. Look at the music line-up on their website.
Additionally, make your visit fulfilling by eating and refreshing at the food stations and the full bar.
4. Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday shopping season. Open every year from Black Friday to Christmas Eve. You can find unique work from over 200 local & regional artists that make great one of kind Christmas gifts. What’s unique about the Blue Genie Art Bazaar is that a portion of their proceeds goes to Make-A-Wish®. It’s located at 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78752. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m, closing at 6:00 pm on December 24th.
5. 10th Annual Mozart’s Light Show
The event takes place at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. It runs till January 5, running every night from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm, except for Christmas eve where they will close at 10 pm and will be closed on Christmas day. This year, there will be more than one million LED lights. Cobalt Blue Piano will also be present where different pianists will play all through the season.
The event is family-friendly, and kids can take part in the cheers of Christmas spirit. For more information, view their website.
6. Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker”
The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that is performed by ballet companies across the United States. Ballet Austin’s annual production of The Nutcracker never disappoints, with hundreds of dancers, beautiful sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s good score performed live by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. You can catch a performance of The Nutcracker now till December 23nd. Visit their website to purchase tickets and see performance times.
7. Home for the Holidays Series.
Celebrate the season in the decked out halls of the historic Paramount Theatre all December long with live holiday music, a pub run full of beer and cheer, and your favorite classic films. Classic films start on December 20th and run till the fist of January. Enjoy great films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, The Thin Man, and more. Visit their website for times and shows.
8. Ice Skating on the Rooftop Plaza at Whole Foods
Located at 525 N Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78703, Ice Skating on the Rooftop at Whole Foods accommodates people of all ages. The event operates now till January 20th from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. To be sure, crosscheck the operating hours and the charges on their website.
9. ZACH Theatre
The historic ZACH Theatre has been producing Austin’s best live theatre for audiences of all ages. It’s located at Butler Shores at Town Lake, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704. Different Christmas themed events will be taking place now until December 29th. You can catch a few various productions, such as; A Christmas Carol, The Santaland Diaries, and Holiday Heros. Visit their website for dates and times.
10. North Pole Flyer
Feel a little Christmas magic when you hop aboard Austin Steam Train’s North Pole Flyer. Children of all ages will enjoy this 2-hour excursion involving Santa, Mrs. Claus, all you can drink hot cocoa, and locally baked holiday cookies. Located at the Depot, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park TX 78613. You can make reservations on their website.
Conclusion
Austin hops with festivals and events all year round. But winter holidays are a favorite time for most people, and the time to find so much going on around the city. We do it in true Texas style.
