During the month of December, Austin is filled with holiday traditions and festivities. We’ve put together a list of the 7 must do’s this holiday season in Austin.
1. Zilker Tree
The Zilker Tree is one of our favorite Austin holiday traditions. The Zilker Tree is 155 feet tall, composed of over 3,000 lights, and built upon one of Austin’s 17 historic moontowers.
It’s a local favorite to spin under the tree while looking up – the helix patterned lights create a festive animated effect. The tree is located across the street 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.
Date: November 27th – December 31st , Daily 6PM-12 Midnight
Location: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Link: http://www.austintexas.gov/zilkerholidaytree
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. Welcome over 400,000 people a year, and located at Zilker Park in the heart of Austin this event highly recommended.
Date: December 10th – 23rd, 2019, Daily 7P-10P
Location: Zilker Park: 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704
Link: https://austintrailoflights.org/
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.
Date: November 21st, 2019 – January 5th, 2020, daily 6PM-11PM pm
Location: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Link: https://mozartscoffee.com/christmas-lights-show/
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.
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: December 1st – December 31st, 2019
Location: 1109 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Link: https://gibsonstreetbar.com/
5. Miracle on 5th Street
The Miracle on 5th Street is a very well produced festive pop-up full of holiday cheer and skilled bar tenders. Classic cocktails and holiday speciality 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: November 25th – December 19th, 2PM – 2AM most days
Location: The Eleanor, 307 W 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Link: https://www.miracleon5thst.com/
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: December 12th – December 15th, 6PM-9PM
Location:4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
Link: https://www.wildflower.org/event/luminations/all
7. Carolers at the Domain
Get in the holiday spirit and knock out some holiday shopping. Each Saturday from 6-8 PM carolers stroll the sidewalks of the Domain and spread holiday cheer by singing out loud for all to hear.
Date: November 30th – December 21st, Saturdays 6PM-8PM.
