Austin Insider Blog

This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of.

Visiting Peppermint Parkway at COTA

This time of year Austin is dazzling with light displays and holiday cheer. During the holiday season, Circuit of The Americas transforms into a holiday extravaganza as it's lit up by millions of lights through a one mile driving route. Here's everything we know so far about the 2024 Peppermint…

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Guide to Austin's Holiday Pop-Up Bars

Although warm Texas temps may not make it feel like December, Austin is ready to celebrate the season big. Light shows illuminate the city skyline and holiday markets are all over town to help you find the perfect gift for loved ones. Even Austin’s nightlife scene gets festive with a number of…

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Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Austin

2024 is quickly approaching, and Austin knows how to celebrate in style. From live music to exclusive dinners, Austin has a range of events so you and your loved ones can ring in the new year the right way. Check out some of the events we’ve highlighted so you can start planning your New Year’s Eve…

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Top Holiday Concerts & Shows in Austin

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Austin is bringing back some festive traditions featuring amazing live music and spirited performances. If you haven’t experienced the holidays in Austin, see below for some of this season’s can't-miss events! "A Christmas Carol." Courtesy of ZACH…

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Armadillo Christmas Bazaar 2024

It's the most wonderful time of the year and time for a new rendition of one of Austin's favorite old holiday traditions, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Taking over the Palmer Events Center for several days during December, stop by to do some holiday shopping or just come and kick back by the…

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Visiting Austin's Trail of Lights

The holidays are here, and one of the best ways to celebrate in Austin is by visiting the city’s Annual Trail of Lights. The December event transforms Zilker Park into a winter wonderland as it's lit up by more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays…

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Austin Holiday Shopping Guide

Whether you’re ready or not, it’s time to start thinking about your 2023 holiday gift list. If you’re looking for something really special or even one-of-a-kind for your friends and family, look no further than these local, handmade shopping events and markets in Austin, running from Black Friday to…

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The Ultimate Guide to Holidays in Austin

Spending the holidays in Austin? Celebrate like a local and join in some of our city’s most beloved holiday traditions, from over-the-top holiday lights displays to shopping markets and live performances of Christmas classics. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday Lights Displays…

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The Ultimate Austin Winter Bucket List

You’ll find plenty to do in Austin during the wintertime, both indoors and out, thanks to the city's temperate weather. Here you can hike along forest trails, sip seasonal cocktails in a cozy lounge, explore a world-class museum and dine outdoors on a heated patio. Add these ideas to your Austin…

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Best Coffee Shops in Austin

Looking for the perfect cup of joe? You'll find it in Austin, where local roasters, craft brewers and champion latte artists abound, offering up everything from fair trade certified and locally roasted beans to spicy seasonal handcrafted chais and intricately detailed rosettas. While you may find…

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