8 Austin Holiday Must Do’s for 2021

Written by Alex Goins

Alex is a native Austinite and thus has exceptional knowledge of the Austin area, neighborhoods and trends. Working with an Austin native is invaluable when it comes to supreme first-hand knowledge of this ever-evolving city. After spending time working in Sales, Market research, and Management, Alex decided to change gears, combine the knowledge he gained in these fields, and become a realtor. Alex lived and studied abroad in Belgium & the Netherlands, and speaks fluent Dutch. Whether you or someone you know is looking to buy, rent, sell or invest in the city of Austin, Alex would be more than happy to help.

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December 1, 2021

Ready to explore and experience all of the holiday spirit that Austin has to offer? Grab your hot egg-nog and get ready to see some amazing holiday light displays and holiday events. We’ve put together a list of the 8 must-do’s this holiday season in Austin, Texas.

1. Zilker Holiday Tree

The Zilker Holiday Tree is one of our favorite Austin classic holiday traditions. The Zilker Holiday Tree is 155 feet tall, has over 3,000 lights, and is constructed around one of Austin’s 14 historic moonlight towers.

Join hands with a loved one and spin under the tree while looking up – the helix patterned lights create a festive animated effect. The tree is located across Barton Springs Road from the Tail of Lights.

You can go to the trail of lights and the Zilker Tree in one trip, or break them up into separate trips. Both attractions are located in Zilker Park.

Date: November 27th – January 1, Daily 6 PM – 10 PM

Location: Zilker | Zilker Park | 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746

Free | Parking available on-site

For more info visit the Zilker Holiday Tree Website

2. Trail of Lights

The Trail of Lights is an Austin holiday tradition dating back to 1965. The event has grown to a community-wide celebration with more than 65 displays, 2 million lights, and holiday activities that create countless memories.

Located at Zilker Park in the heart of Austin this holiday event is highly recommended. You can go to the trail of lights and the Zilker Tree in one trip, or break them up into separate trips. Both attractions are located in Zilker Park.

Date: Daily thru December 31st, 2021

Location: Zilker | Zilker Park | 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704

Driving only | Purchase vehicle passes ahead of time.

3. Mozart’s Holiday Light Show

Every year Motzart’s Coffee decorates their deck with over 1 million LED lights and set up an amazing show to holiday music favorites. Grab a homemade pastry and house-roasted drink and enjoy the light show with friends and family. Enjoy live music weekly Thursday-Sunday

Date: Daily thru January 6th, 2022

Location: Tarry Town | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Reserve a table on Mozart’s website.

4. Gibson Wonderland

Gibson is taken over with holiday spirit each December. The halls are decked, mistletoe is hung and festive cocktails are being served. Grab some friends and head over to Gibson for a great time and some amazing photo ops under the twinkling lights.

Rock around the Christmas Tree, then Sleigh All Day while sippin’ on our Festive Cocktails & snappin’ your holiday photo in our very own Gibson Sleigh!

Date: Daily thru January 2nd, 2021

Location: South Lamar | 1109 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

For more info visit the Gibson Wonderland Website

5. Miracle on 5th Street

The Miracle on 5th Street is a festive pop-up full of holiday cheer and skilled bartenders. Classic cocktails and holiday specialty drinks can be ordered at one of the two bars. While Snowball Old Fashioneds, Miracle Shots, beer and wine, single-spirit mixed drinks, and full-sized Shot Skis can be ordered at The Shot Ski Lodge.

Date: thru December 19th, 2PM – 2 AM most days

Location: Warehouse District | The Eleanor | 307 W 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702

Get a Dasher Pass to skip the line.

For more info visit the Miracle on 5th Website

6. Luminations at The Wildflower Center

The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center is lighting up the gardens with thousands of luminarias in the magical winter event, Luminations. Featuring aerial dance performances and live music in a gorgeous setting, this is a lovely event to enjoy with friends and family.⠀

Date: Daily thru January 30th, 6 PM-9 PM

Location: Circle C Ranch | 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739

Reservations are strongly recommended. Reserve Tickets to Luminations

For more info visit the Luminations Website

7. Strolling Carolers at the Domain

Enjoy the holiday spirit and knock out some holiday shopping. Each Saturday from 6-8 PM carolers stroll the sidewalks of the Domain between Macy’s and Neiman Marcus and spread holiday cheer by singing out loud for all to hear.

Date: Saturdays thru December 23rd, 6 PM-8 PM.

Location: The Domain | 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758

For more info visit the Strolling Carolers Website