The Christmas season is in full cheer around Austin Texas. The music capital of the world comes alive as the temperature cools down and the kids receive a well-deserved two week holiday. Traditions both old and new fill our event Calendar. As ATX evolves at a torrid pace, so do the events that entertain us so. Santa and the New Year are almost here. Make sure you take the time to enjoy as many fun events as you can. Jingle Bells!
Trail of Lights
Zilker Park
austintrailoflights.org
The grandest of holiday shows in ATX. Zilker Park and Austin’s most famous Moon Tower become a site to see. Parking is beyond difficult and many locals opt to take a shuttle from off site locations.
Winter Wonderland at The Circuit
Circuit of The Americas
Now in it’s third year, Winter Wonderland is a huge event with all sort of attractions including carnival rides, live music, a petting zoo, a train ride, about a million lights, Go Carts, Zip lines, and even Camel Rides. Tickets are $16 and many of the cool attractions like a Camel ride are extra. This event can get expensive quick with the little ones. I’m planning on at least $100 for myself and my one kid, and I plan on eating before hand and not having any adult beverages.
A Christmas Carol
ZACH Theatre
zachtheatre.org
A Christmas Carol with a modern flare. A music rock and roll style holiday event that has become a favorite for ATX locals.
The Nutcracker
Long Center for the Performing Arts
balletaustin.org
Get your tickets early, most of the shows will sell out. If you have not had a chance to check out Austin’s Ballet Company, it’s top shelf.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Palmer Events Center
armadillobazaar.com
This underrated and yet popular event is almost more of a festival than a shopping bazaar. Check out the live music lineup on their website.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
bluegenieartbazaar.com
Support your local ATX artists, find unique gifts for the holidays, and have a great time at a great art fair.
German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market
German Free School of Austin
germantexans.org
Christmas German style. This annual market features traditional German Christmas music, a Santa, shopping, and much more with a German flare. a
Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll
Texas State Capitol
An ATX tradition. This event begins in front of the Capitol with Caroling and the Christmas Tree lighting. Then the crowd strolls down Congress Avenue for a night a holiday cheer.
Austin Music Video Festival
Various Locations
amvfest.com
One of Austin’s new events, AMVF is a little bit like a mini SXSW with Concerts, Screening, and after parties.
Cherrywood Art Fair
Maplewood Elementary
cherrywoodartfair.org
This family friendly event is great for the kids.
Austin’s New Year Eve
Auditorium Shores
austintexas.gov
The official event is family-friendly and alcohol-free featuring visual art installations, jugglers, storytellers, fire dancers, and other fun stuff. Most of the time there is a great fireworks show weather permitting that you can watch from many locations around the river.
