Austin might not feature the typical white Christmas, but the holiday cheer and festivities are enough to get you in the season’s spirit. Texans and visitors alike will enjoy sipping mulled wine, watching the performance of the iconic Nutcracker, and strolling through various bazaars such as Blue Genie Art Bazaar. Plan your visit to the state capital, so you can make the most of the attractions that signal the beginning of the festive season. Along the way, you can also sample the best music, food, and drinks from the great state of Texas. Read along to find the best things to do at Christmas in Austin, Texas.
1. Catch an iconic show of The Nutcracker
Successfully running for the 60th year in Austin, this Christmas staple performed by the Ballet Austin is a must-watch this holiday season. Watch your favorite characters come to life in elaborate costumes as they dance to the hypnotic music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Hundreds of ballet dancers move gracefully as the Austin Symphony Orchestra performs a live rendition of this famous ballet production with choreography set by Stephen Mills.
The Nutcracker
Address: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Website: The Nutcracker
Opening hours: Dec 3, 2022 - Dec 23, 2022 (timings differ with dates)
Price: 15 USD - 125 USD
2. Unique holiday sightseeing at Austin Trail of Lights
This annual event is at Zilker Park, and this year marks its 58th anniversary. This event celebrates community and spreads holiday cheer not only among natives but also visitors from around the state who travel to witness this spectacular glittering display. More than two million lights illuminate the park with 90 Christmas trees, several holiday displays, and shimmering tunnels.
The event can also help host private parties for a unique holiday experience in Austin, where you can choose your entertainment and dining menu. Another fun activity is the annual fun run, where participants dress up in their most elaborate holiday costumes and run or walk the entirety of the trail, where you end the night with a fun party at the park.
Austin Trail of Lights
Address: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704, United States
Website: Austin Trail of Lights
Opening hours: Dec 8, 2022 - Dec 23, 2022 (closed on Mondays)
Price: With free admission on some days; from 5 USD (General Admission); 20 USD - 25 USD (Zip Passes); 90 USD - 230 USD (Platinum Passes)
3. Explore the hidden bars at Austin Unlocked - A Speakeasy Tour (From 31.88 USD per guest)
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A fun group activity hosted by a craft bartender takes you to explore some of the Speakeasy bars of Austin. After a quick round of introduction with your group and the host, you will begin this unique tour. You will cross seven bars through the course of the evening and will stop at three to order drinks, mingle and enjoy the vibe. These bars can be hidden behind bookshelves, some are password protected, and others are down a dark alleyway.
The event price is per person and does not include the cost of drinks and tips, which will be additional.
Austin Unlocked - A Speakeasy Tour
Address: Austin, Texas, United States
Website:
Opening hours: Timings differ with dates
Price: From 31.88 USD per guest
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4. Private dining experience at your house (From 101.58 USD per person)
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Are you visiting Austin for a holiday, or are you a local and want to host an intimate dinner without the added stress of cooking a meal? If so, allow this private chef to prepare a multi-course menu at your residence without you having to lift a finger unless you want to help. The chef will arrive approximately an hour and a half before your preferred dining time with all the required ingredients to prepare your feast.
And the best part is that the chef will leave your kitchen without a post-meal mess.
Private dining experience at your house
Address: Austin, Texas, United States
Website:
Opening hours: Timings differ with dates
Price: From 101.58 USD per person
5. Fun shopping with live music at Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
This one-of-a-kind weeklong Christmas Bazaar is a fun mix of fine art, shopping, and live music by award-winning musicians, including Gary Nunn and David Beck. You can purchase paintings, jewelry, and even clothes from talented artists as Christmas gifts for you and your loved ones. Until you make it to the bazaar to experience it in all its glory, you can listen to a specially curated Spotify playlist of this year’s musical lineup, available on their website.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Address: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Website: https://armadillobazaar.com/
Opening hours: Dec 17, 2022 - Dec 23, 2022: 11am - 8:30pm
Price:12 USD (General Admission); 47 USD (Season Pass); Free (kids aged 12 and under, with a ticketed adult)
6. Have a festive day at Holiday Stroll & Sing Along
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Downtown Austin Alliance hosts this annual event and allows participants to sing along to popular Christmas classics before the tree-lighting ceremony. It guarantees an excellent evening out for the entire family, even if you don’t join the sing-along. Join the countdown as the spectacular Christmas tree is lit up to market at the beginning of the holiday season. The tree stays up throughout December, and there are holiday songs by Austin’s favorite musicians.
Holiday Stroll & Sing Along
Address: Downtown Austin, Texas, United States
Website: Holiday Stroll & Sing Along
Opening hours: Dec 3, 2022
Price: Free
7. Bask in spectacular lights at Mozart’s Christmas Light Show
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The annual light show at this riverfront coffee shop is an excellent tradition you can enjoy with family or friends to get into the holiday spirit. Visitors can register for free admission to the standing-only Bavarian Marketplace and enjoy the show. But for a more exclusive experience where you can enjoy drinks and food with reserved seating, you can opt to purchase a ticket.
Your ticket allows you and your group to enjoy the light show for an hour. You can include food for the table with your ticket or order once you get to the venue and have it delivered from Bavarian Marketplace.
Mozart’s Christmas Light Show
Address: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, United States
Website: Mozart’s Christmas Light Show
Opening hours: November 10, 2022 - January 6, 2023. Two timeslots of 6 pm and 9 pm, Closed on November 24 and December 25.
Price: 40 USD for a 4-person table to 60 USD for a 6-person table
8. Enjoy your holiday shopping at Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Forget generic items when you come to this annual Christmas bazaar, where the organizers only feature stalls by selected artists. The unique set-up of the bazaar is such that exhibitors do not man their spaces. All transactions are carried at checkout counters by the bazaar’s cashiers. This system allows the patrons to view and decide on purchases without the hassle of persistent sales staff.
Featuring high-quality handmade products, purchases made here will liven and decorate any space in your house.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Address: 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752, United States
Website: Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Opening hours: Nov 18, 2022 - Dec 24, 2022: 10am - 10 pm daily. Reduced hours on Dec 24, 2022: 10am - 6pm.
Price: Free
9. Indulge in cultural exchange and shopping at German-Texan Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The German Free School and its grounds are transformed into an authentic German Christmas market for one day every year. Even the decorations at the marketplace are imported from a region in Germany called Erzgebirge, famed for its wooden toys and Christmas pyramids. Explore the shops and purchase some last-minute gifts and knick-knacks, and remember to try Glühwein, a hot spiced wine.
Children will enjoy the host of activities on the grounds and the gifts distributed by Santa Claus himself.
German-Texan Christmas Market
Address: The German Free School, 507 East 10th Street Austin, TX 78701, United States
Website: German-Texan Christmas Market
Opening hours: For members only: Nov 6, 2022: 10am - 4pm; Dec 1, 2022: 11am - 5pm; For public Christmas market: Dec 3, 2022: 10am - 5pm
Price: Free
10. Watch the breathtaking Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
A holiday tradition in Austin, the lighting of the Zilker Park holiday tree marks the beginning of the festive season. Originally the Mayor lights the tree, but these days the honor goes to the winner of the Zilker Holiday Tree Art Contest. The spectacular tree stands 155 ft (47 m) tall, topped with a double star that measures 10 ft (3 m) in height. The huge diameter of the tree allows visitors to walk under the tree and makes for excellent holiday photo-ops.
Come early to enjoy pre-event music, and stay for a few hours to enjoy local food, entertainment, and live music. After the ceremony day, the tree lights up every evening at 6pm all the way to the New Year.
Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Address: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704, United States
Website: Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Opening hours: Nov 27, 2022: 5:30pm - 7pm
Price: Free
Christmas in Austin is magical even without snow
Christmas is about community and activities for the entire family. If you’re up for some fun things to do, Austin plays host to a wide variety of festivals and events enjoyed by everyone over the holiday season. Come to Texas to experience the best things to do at Christmas in Austin, Texas.
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