There’s no shortage of fun things to do around Austin during the holidays. The city boasts an impressive number of Christmas light displays every year, along with other festive events, such as holiday markets, ice skating, Christmas meals and more.
Whether you want to go out for a night on the town or find an activity the whole family will love, there’s something for everyone.
If you want to make the holiday season easier on yourself, leave your holiday light display to the pros. ABC can install your lights for you this year and bring your holiday dreams to life.
Where To See the Best Austin Christmas Lights
Austin is a city full of personality, so it’s no surprise that it goes all out when it comes to holiday lights. There are numerous light displays, both free and paid, to enjoy this holiday season.
Most of the events listed below begin in November and run until the new year.
Peppermint Parkway
Six million lights light up Circuit of The Americas, Austin’s Formula 1 racetrack, between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This mile-long drive-thru display follows the adventures of two characters, Pepper and Mint, on a holiday trip. There are also rides, food trucks and a photo opportunity with Santa waiting at the end of the drive.
Trail of Lights
Perhaps Austin’s most popular holiday event, the Trail of Lights, has lit up Zilker Park since 1965. This ticketed event features forty displays, two million lights and a variety of holiday activities suitable for all ages. As you walk through the park, you’ll also find several places to stop for food or a warm holiday drink. Be sure to check out ABC Home & Commercial Services’ display!
The Trail of Lights runs over two weeks leading up to Christmas. Book your tickets early and expect a crowd.
Downtown Holiday Stroll
If you’re looking for a more relaxed event that still feels festive, check out the Downtown Holiday Stroll. This one-night-only event includes one of Austin’s best features: live music. Enjoy the Christmas singalong as you stroll through the decked-out city. You may even spot some Christmas light ideas for your outdoor spaces that you want to implement for your home.
Zilker Park Holiday Tree
For a free event, hit up the Zilker Park Holiday Tree at 2100 Barton Springs Road. The tree stands at an impressive 155 feet tall and features over 3000 multicolored lights. It’s topped off with a sparkling 10-foot-wide star. The tree lights up every night at 6 pm throughout December.
Want to turn your own house into a magical holiday lights display? ABC can help. Reach out to learn more about professional light installation to get your home festive for the holidays.
Austin Holiday Events
Austin hosts many holiday events outside of light displays, including holiday markets, parades, concerts and other fun traditions. Here are the best Austin holiday events to check out this year.
German Christmas Market
Europe comes to Texas at the German Christmas Market, organized by the German-Texan Heritage Society. The market takes place at the German Free School in December. Sip on a cup of German Glühwein (hot spiced wine) as you shop for Christmas gifts and decorations that are handcrafted in Germany.
The market offers plenty of kid-friendly activities as well, including a visit from St. Nikolaus. The market takes place on November 29, December 3 and December 6. However, the first two dates are member-only events, and the third date is open to the public.
Handel’s Messiah at the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Take in a breathtaking holiday show at the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Chorus this year. The annual performance of Handel’s Messiah takes place at Hyde Park Baptist Church and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Sembrando Herencia
Enjoy an original Christmas production put on by the group Puerto Rican Folklore Dance. The original musical blends traditional music, dance and storytelling to bring a historic tale to life.
Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Austin
Looking for an event the whole family will enjoy? Whether your kiddos are little or in their teens, there’s something fun to do in Austin over the holidays that can appease everyone.
Ice Skating on the Whole Foods Roof
Take the whole family on a holiday outing they’ll never forget. During the season, the roof of the Whole Foods on South Lamar transforms into an ice skating rink. Whether you’re a skating pro or a newbie, this activity will get you in the holiday spirit. The admission price includes the cost of skate rentals.
Teddy Bear Teas and Gingerbread Village at the Four Seasons Hotel
Teach your kids the importance of giving back during the holidays with this event. Every year, the Four Seasons Hotel collects new, unwrapped teddy bear donations to give to local nonprofits.
After you make your donation, stay around and enjoy the Gingerbread Village in the hotel lobby, which features impressive gingerbread houses, delicious baked goods and a fireside storytime with Santa.
Holiday Workshops at The Thinkery
The Thinkery Children’s Museum provides fun activities for kids all year long, and the holiday season is no exception. Enjoy holiday-themed workshops like the gingerbread house construction class, snowflake making and more. Check the museum’s website for specific workshop details.
Holiday Meals in Austin
Austin is known for its great food scene, and it really shows off over the holidays. There are plenty of places around town to enjoy festive meals and drinks while you take in the magic of the season.
CARVE American Grille
On Christmas Eve, CARVE American Grille serves a three-course holiday meal from lunch to close. The meal includes a choice of soup or salad, an entree and dessert. This restaurant, located near Barton Springs, is known for fresh cuts of meat and delicious pastries.
Corinne
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Corinne will debut a Christmas menu that includes festive cocktails, prime rib and more. Located on Cesar Chavez, Corinne is known for authentic comfort food and impressive cocktails.
The Fika Table
For holiday baked goods, check out the traditional Nordic bakery, The Fika Table. They offer a variety of Christmas-themed sweet treats, including Swedish saffron buns, Finnish cardamom bread wreaths, ready-to-bake gingerbread dough and holiday cookie tins.
TLC Austin
Looking to pick up a Christmas dinner you can enjoy at home with the whole family? Order your meal at TLC Austin to keep things simple and delicious. The Christmas dinner serves eight to ten people and includes applewood-smoked bone-in ham, rosemary fingerling potatoes, country green beans, honey-glazed carrots, chocolate pecan pie and white chocolate peppermint bark.
TLC Austin also throws in fun family activities, including a hot cocoa kit, a cookies for Santa decorating kit and carrots for Santa’s reindeer. To secure your Christmas dinner, preorder it on the TLC Austin website by December 23.
ABC Can Help Create Your Own Winter Wonderland
Despite the lack of snow, Austin transforms into a festive winter wonderland during the holiday season, and there’s no reason you should miss out on the fun. Turn your home into your own Christmas snowglobe by working with a professional lighting service. ABC can install your outdoor holiday lights for you so you can spend your time enjoying the season with your loved ones.
