The holiday season is here. It’s time to deck the halls, be merry, and spread cheer near and far. Check out this list for some local Austin events coming your way next month to help bring that holiday magic that only this city can bring to life.
Trail of Lights
Location: Zilker Park
Dates: Throughout the month
Hosted by the Trail of Lights Foundation, the annual event in Zilker Park celebrates the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home. The 57th annual Austin Trail of Lights will return to the city's iconic Zilker Park in 2021 as a drive-thru event. The most beloved and longest-running holiday tradition welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests from Central Texas and worldwide each year for its jubilant light displays.
ZACH Theatre presents Into the Woods
Location: Zach Theatre
Dates: Throughout the month
Composer Stephen Sondheim’s fairytale masterpiece will play outdoors in a contemporary, reimagined interpretation. The musical will surround the audience, using ZACH’s architecture and natural environment in surprising ways.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Location: Blue Genie
Dates: 12/1 - 12/24
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a local pop-up holiday shop of artists from all around Texas. The Bazaar features the handmade, unique work of over 200 artists, whom they select from a talented pool of more than 400 applicants each year. This is perfect holiday shopping for those who are on the more creative side.
Peppermint Parkway
Dates: 12/1/21 - 12/26/21
Location: Circuit of The Americas
Experience a mile of immersive holiday displays, millions of lights, live dancing elves, a walking plaza of food and activies, and more. Only at Circuit Of The Americas.
Austin Fashion Week
Dates: 12/2/21-12/5/21
Location: The Domain
It’s all about the glitz and the glamour at Austin Fashion Week. See the latest and greatest strut the runway in all of the trendiest clothes styled by by the iconic Loreal Sarkisian
Luminations
Dates: 12/2/21 - 1/30/22
Location: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Enjoy the natural wonder of winter in our gardens and natural areas every December and January. Featuring thousands of luminarias, seasonal food and drink, and the light-splashed forts of Fortlandia.
Mozart’s Light Show
Throughout the month
Location: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Right by our Lake Austin Office, enjoy the magic of the season with Mozart’s famous lakeside lightshow. Be sure to reserve your seats early as tickets are limited to this classic Austin event.
Gingerbread Village
Dates: 11/29-12/28
Location: The Four Seasons
With its clear crisp evenings and pleasant daytime temperatures, visitors may not think of Austin as a winter wonderland. But what the Texas capitol lacks in snow, it more than makes up for in things to see and do. Locals and businesses embrace the season with a variety of holiday events in Austin; at the Hotel, cozy nooks and creative activities invite you to reconnect with friends and family in a meaningful way.
Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker
Dates: 12/04-12/23
Location: Ballet Austin
From the scrumptious sets and costumes to the colorful characters you adore, Ballet Austin’s annual production of THE NUTCRACKER is Austin’s favorite holiday tradition! Hundreds of dancers perform Stephen Mills’ enchanting choreography to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s magical score with live accompaniment from Austin Symphony Orchestra. Share this sweet treat with your favorite people and celebrate the season with Ballet Austin.
Downtown Holiday Stroll
Dates: 12/10-12/23
Location: Downtown Austin
Gather at the south steps of the Capitol to sing songs of the season, led by KUTX 98.9 music hosts. Complimentary keepsake songbooks will be available to attendees while supplies last. Countdown the lighting of the downtown holiday tree at 11th St. and Congress Ave. The 45’ tree features 137,000 LED lights and rotates through a programmed light show
37th Street Lights
Dates: 12/10-12/31
Location: 37th Street
The lights mostly occur between Guadalupe and Home St on 37th. Entering 519 W 37th St, Austin, TX 78705 or La Tazza Fresca into your GPS will get you here. The best house though is actually on the corner of 35th Street and Cedar just around the corner at the end of the block.
Tuba Christmas
Dates: 12/20
Location: The Capitol Steps
Gather around The Capitol Steps to hear local high school ensembels preform classic Christmas tunes.
Austin's New Year
Dates: 12/31/21
Location: Auditorium Shores
This alcohol-free, family-friendly event celebrates the diversity and creativity of the city with visual art installations, jugglers, storytellers, fire dancers, and other festive performances.
