There's no place quite like Austin and that’s certainly true of the holiday season! Here’s the inside scoop on some of our favorite things to do in Austin throughout the month of December, so dust off those boots and let’s kick off this season with all of our friends!
Not So Silent Night
Warm up those vocal cords around the Capitol Christmas tree and prepare yourself for late-night shopping for the Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll on December 3rd.
Gather ’round the Capitol Christmas tree for community caroling and then enjoy music, art and shopping along Congress Avenue at this free, family-friendly event.
For more information, please visit downtownaustinholidays.com
Rock around the Zilker Tree
Families can’t miss out on the annual lighting of the Zilker Park Tree December 4th. After spinning under the tree, venture to nearby HolidayFest to enjoy famous local trailer fair and to whisper your Christmas list to Santa. An Austin tradition, the Zilker Park Tree will be lit nightly December 4th through December 31st.
For more information, please visit ci.austin.tx.us/zilker/zhttree.htm
Austin Ice, Ice Baby
Lace up those skates and head over to the Oasis, Whole Foods, or Barton Creek Resort & Spa to glide past thousands of twinkling lights on their ice skating rinks with the kiddos, but remember to wear extra padding for those spills and chills!
For more information, please visit:
The Oasis: oasistx.com/#!holiday-festivities
Whole Foods Market: wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lamar
Barton Creek Resort & Spa: bartoncreek.com
Sugar Plum Fairies, Drummers and Dolls, oh my!
Take your best guess at the celebrity disguised as Mother Ginger or watch wind-up dolls come to life this holiday season at Ballet Austin’s whimsical performance of The Nutcracker, accompanied by the Austin Symphony Orchestra December 3rd through December 23rd.
For more information, please visit balletaustin.org
Sip While You Shop
Head on down to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar December 14th through 24th for unique gifts like hand-crafted ceramic ornaments and artwork made from gas pumps. You’re bound to discover gifts for even the most hard-to-please family and friends while sipping on seasonal favorites such as egg nog and hot chocolate.
For more information, please visit armadillobazaar.com
“Santa…I know him!”
Alamo Drafthouse continues its tradition throughout December as “Best Movie Theater in America” by providing holiday cheer with an assortment of family-friendly flicks on “Weird Wednesday’s” with quote-alongs for Elf and The Magic Christmas Tree that are complete with milk and cookies.
For more information, please visit drafthouse.com
Tasty Tour of Texas with Kris Kringle
Take the family to see a Gingerbread Village at the Four Seasons Hotel as they celebrate the 175th anniversary of Texas independence with a tasty village boasting iconic Texas landmarks such as the UT Tower, the Alamo and the Capitol of Texas –all made of gingerbread and frosting! Afterward head to the Teddy Bear Tea for tasty treats, holiday caroling and a fireside reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas’ by Ol’ Saint Nick himself!
For more information, please visit fourseasons.com/austin
Peace. Love. Shop.
From albums by local Austinites to your favorite University of Texas keepsakes, don’t miss out on your chance to “Keep Austin Weird” with 20% off all merchandise at The Austin Visitor Center December 17th through 18th! Be sure to mention “margarita” for the discount.
209 E. Sixth Street; 866-GO-AUSTIN
Live From the North Pole...or Austin, Texas!
Light up the holidays Austin style with the Holiday HAMM Jam CD and experience unique homegrown sounds of Austinites such as Wendy Colonna, Haydn Vitera and Kevin & Dustin Welch. Proceeds benefit the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.
For more information or to purchase a copy of the Holiday HAMM Jam CD, visit myhaam.org/innerpage.php?pageid=224
Making a List, Checking it Twice
Get your last minute shoppin' in at The Domain, on SoCo or 2nd Street District. You’re bound to find everything from designer scarves at Girl Next Door to a Santa suit from Lucy in Disguise.
For more information, please visit:
The Domain: TheDomainInAustin.com
South Congress: austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Guides/SoCo/
2nd Street District: 2ndstreetdistrict.com
A Very Driskill Christmas
Who doesn’t love carolers, breakfast with Santa, sweet holiday treats & watching A Christmas Story for the hundredth time? Austin’s historic Driskill Hotel’s “12 Days of Driskill” indulges you in seasonal favorites December 1st through New Year’s Eve.
For more information, please visit
driskillhotel.com/austin-texas-holidays.php
Not Just ANY New Year
Need an alcohol-free way to ring in 2012 with the family? Check out Austin’s New Year (ANY) on December 31st to experience an event that brings Austin art, film and music all in one place.
For more information, please visit ci.austin.tx.us/holidays/any.htm