There are so many fun things to do in Austin for Christmas. I'm starting off with one of my favorites that I took my family to last weekend...
Peppermint Parkway
Peppermint Parkway is located at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). You must purchase your ticket online in advance. It’s a drive thru holiday light show experience, driving through 8 holiday villages. Keep your eyes peeled for The Grinch and other fun characters at the Parkway. After your drive, park your car (parking is free) and enjoy more fun at the Peppermint Plaza which includes carnival rides, meet and greet with Pepper and Mint, write a letter to Santa, take an Instagram worthy pic in the Mistletoe Kissing Booth and gaze at more festive lights while enjoying some hot chocolate and treats. (Disclaimer, my family enjoyed the treats and drinks. Out of caution due to Celiac Disease I decided not to have any snacks. If you have any food allergies eat at your own risk.) Although I didn’t eat, I did purchase a fun Santa cowboy hat that lights up! Young and old, my whole family had a fun time at Peppermint Parkway.
Austin Christmas Pop-up Bars
There are so many fun popup bars throughout Austin during the holiday season. If you’re downtown, visit Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor open through Dec 27th. Have a fun drink and pay a little extra to keep the Christmas dinosaur (or other fun) cups if you’d like. Walk down the hall in the back and see the funny photos of kids with Santa. Located on South Lamar is Gibson Street Bar’s Christmas Wonderland. Enjoy this popup all December. If you’re on the East Side, swing by Nickle City’s Sippin’ Santa’s popup, now through December 30th. It’s first come first serve, or email events(at)nickelcityatx.com if you want to reserve for a group of 6-12. $500 minimum spend plus 8.25% sales tax and 20% gratuity. Any time of year, visit Lala’s Little Nugget, “where the North Pole meets Central Texas”. This Christmas themed bar will fill your heart with Christmas cheer all throughout the year!
The Trail of Lights/Zilker Park Holiday Tree
Enjoy this long time Austin Christmas tradition from December 8-23, 2022. Tickets must be purchased in advanced. The Trail of Lights is a 1.25 walk, plus your walk from parking to the trail. There are lots of fun activities like the Ferris Wheel and Carousel. Bottled water is available for a suggested donation of $2. Lots of snacks to purchase, but eat at your own risk if you have a gluten allergy or any other food allergy. While you’re in the area, walk across to stand under the Zilker Park Holiday Tree. You’ll see lots of children spinning as they look up at the lights. You can view the map on the Trail of Lights website to see the Zilker Park Tree’s location. You can visit the Zilker Park Tree through January 1st from 6pm to 10pm. No charge if you are only visiting the Holiday Tree but you’ll need to find free parking in an area near the tree or take a shuttle.
The Domain – Holiday Tree Light Show
The Domain on the North side of Austin is a great place to shop and eat! If you’ve never been, it’s a large open air (fancy) mall. Something new is a fun Christmas Tree light show. Located at the lawn across from the Apple store, the light show happens every hour on the hour through December 25th. Enjoy shopping, food, and entertainment all in one place. No fee to view but be aware that there may be large crowds.
Motzart’s Coffee – Annual Christmas Light Show
Mozart’s Coffee is a beautiful place to enjoy a cup of coffee by the lake. During the holiday season it transitions into an amazing Holiday Light Show. Expect crowds. You’ll need to reserve tickets in advance. Food and hot chocolate tickets are also available to purchase in advance. The Mozart’s Kettle Corn is listed as vegan and gluten-free! The fun musical light show happens every hour on the hour. If you book a table to view the light show, the reservation is only for the hour. Free parking is available across the street, up the hill.
The Long Center
There’s a couple of fun things to do at The Long Center this holiday season. Bring your friends or family and go ice skating at the outdoor rink through January 1st with hours from 10am – 10 pm, $15. If you’re up for an evening out, get dressed up and grab your tickets to the Nutcracker by Ballet Austin, now through December 23rd.
Waller Creek Light Show (pre-holiday season)
I wanted to include this event even though it’s a pre-holiday event. Before the holidays begin, you can kick off the season by enjoying the annual Waller Creek Light Show which takes place in mid-November for a week and a half. It’s free to attend. Be prepared to wait in line for about an hour. Each year you’ll enjoy a different immersive light show display that you’ll walk through along Waller Creek. Enjoy some fun activities at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park.
There is something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season all around the city. Take your family or enjoy solo. However you choose to celebrate your holiday season, I wish you the Merriest Christmas and a peaceful and joyful New Year filled with lots of love and travel!
**Disclaimer, as always please ask your server/bartender before ordering if you have a gluten allergy or any kind of food allergy and eat/drink at your own risk.