Top Things to do in Austin over the Winter Holidays

Winter is one of the best times of the year to experience Austin! If you live in the city, you know there is plenty to do year-round, but the colder months with mild weather are particularly special. There are also plenty of holiday things to do in Austin, making it a great time to visit this vibrant city. Here are some of the top holiday activities to explore.

Trail of Lights: An Austin Institution

We have to start with the iconic Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. Every year for nearly six decades, the park is transformed in December. With festive displays as well as lighted tunnels and trees, this is the place to get into the Christmas spirit. Wander and take in the millions of lights and colorful displays, sip on hot chocolate, listen to live music and spend time with loved ones in this winter wonderland. This is one of the top Christmas things to do in Austin!

Holiday Bazaar Shopping

The festive season is all about giving, and a great place to find beautiful, unique gifts is at the Christmas bazaars. At the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, a week-long market that’s been around for five decades, you can shop for handmade products made by artisans from Austin. There’s live music and a bar, turning the shopping experience into a party.

Next up, hit the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, where you can find handmade gifts, art and more made by Texan artists. The Junior League of Austin organizes ‘A Christmas Affair’ at the end of November where you buy decor items, clothes and more, with the proceeds partially going towards the league’s charitable projects.

Festive Holiday Bites & Sips

When you’re done shopping, grab a delicious cocktail at one of the iconic bars in the city this Christmas. An Austin institution, Lala’s Little Nugget is a great local bar to experience the festivities. They go all out on the decor with Santa, reindeers and magical lights. Enjoy a Christmas-themed cocktail while listening to foot-tapping holiday tunes and feel the yuletide spirit take over.

Cafes such as Mozart’s Coffee Roasters put on quite a show in December as well. The popular coffee shop is decorated with over a million lights that represent everything from reindeers to cowboy boots. Set to music, the vibrant displays form the perfect backdrop to take festive photos while enjoying a mug of hot chocolate or a fantastic coffee. There is also a holiday village with an igloo, games and more.

A great way to celebrate the festive season is with a fabulous meal at an Austin institution. The Four Seasons Hotel, Austin is known for its brunch, featuring classic favorites, and the Holiday Afternoon Tea with hot teas, tea-inspired cocktails and delicious treats. Not only that, the hotel’s Ice Rodeo is an Austin tradition. The open-air skating rink, which overlooks Lady Bird Lake, is a great place to spend time with family and friends. There are also luxurious cabins where you can relax and take in the extravagant holiday decor. Don’t miss the 30-foot Christmas tree and the Texas-size gingerbread installation in the hotel’s lobby.

Catch a Show

Christmas isn’t Christmas without attending a holiday performance. Austin is known for its festive shows from ‘The Nutcracker’ put on by the Ballet Austin to holiday movies at the Alamo Drafthouse.

The Ballet Austin’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’ takes place at the Long Center from December 6 to the 23. A crowd favorite for nearly 60 years, you can watch a host of dancers bring the ballet to life with music played by the Austin Symphony Orchestra providing the perfect score.

The ZACH Theater produces an adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ that blends the original story with contemporary music. The ZACH also hosts a family-friendly holiday sing-along in December.

If you can’t catch a theater performance, don’t miss a classic Christmas movie like Elf or The Polar Express at Alamo Drafthouse while enjoying their signature chocolate chip cookies delivered directly to your seat.

Enjoy the Outdoors

The average temperature in Austin in the winter is a balmy mid-60s. That makes December one of the best times of the year to enjoy Austin’s great outdoors. The mild weather makes it ideal for hiking and biking. Explore the city’s beautiful parks and scenic trails such as Barton Creek Greenbelt and the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. At Lady Bird Lake, you can also go kayaking and canoeing. If you are feeling adventurous, try the Polar bear plunge on New Year’s Day at Barton Springs Pool.

Life at Lakeside at Tessera

As you can see, there are so many things to do in Austin for Christmas. However it is a great place to live in every season, and this guide will tell you everything you need to know. If the city sounds like the kind of place you’d like to live, we can help design a beautiful custom home in the Lake Travis area. Contact us to learn more!