Explore Winter

From Festive Light Displays and Gift Shopping to Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Events

Whether you're in town for some festive holiday celebrations, ringing in the New Year or kicking off the New Year with a fun getaway, the winter months are a great time to explore Austin.

Top Things to Do This Winter

See Festive Light Displays
Marvel at incredible light displays on a one-mile walking path through Zilker Park at Austin Trail of Lights or drive through the illuminated racetrack at Circuit of The Americas’ annual Peppermint Parkway. 

Visit a Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Get in the holiday spirit with holiday-themed spirits at a seasonal pop-up bar. Head to Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor for over-the-top decor, drinks and even cookies with Santa. Get LIT at Kitty Cohen’s Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar with festive games and decorations while you sip on a Shabbos Spritz.

Shop for Gifts
Plan to shop ‘till you drop between the packed schedule of holiday shopping events and plenty of local boutiques. Find unique gifts and listen to live music at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar or stop by local boutiques on South Congress to find something for everyone on your list.

Celebrate New Year’s
You won’t want to miss the fanfare at the annual Austin New Year’s event on Auditorium Shores. Listen to live music on the headlining stage and enjoy drinks and food from local vendors before an incredible fireworks show kicks off at midnight. 

Enjoy Seasonal Comforts
Get cozy on a heated patio for comfort dishes at Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, or warm up with a hearty bowl of ramen from Ramen Tatsu-Ya. Stop into any local coffee shop and try a piping hot seasonal beverage.

Tour Austin Museums
Get out of the cool weather and spend some time exploring Austin’s top museums. The Blanton Museum of Art is the largest collection of contemporary art with permanent and rotating exhibitions. Step back in time and learn about the history of the Lone Star State at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Kids will love the endless hands-on activities and immersive exhibits at The Thinkery.

What to Pack & Expect

Austin’s temperate climate averages highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s during the winter, meaning that it’s easy to continue to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities during the winter months. The key to your wintertime trip is layers. The Texas weather can change often, so plan for a coat in the mornings and evenings and a light long-sleeved shirt during the day. 

Can’t Miss Winter Events in Austin

Sports fans won’t want to miss winter in Austin. Runners get ready! The Austin International Half Marathon and the Austin Marathon take place in January and February, respectively and lead participants through the sites of Downtown Austin and surrounding neighborhoods. Tennis fans won’t want to miss the ATX Open held at Westwood Country Club, the only women's tour-level tournament held in Texas. While in the Live Music Capital of The World®, you have to explore some local venues and musicians and Free Week is the perfect time to do so. Pop in and out of venues in the Red River Cultural District and listen to live music for three nights, all for free.

Itinerary Ideas for Every Kind of Winter Traveler

For Families
Start the day at Kerbey Lane Cafe, where everyone will love the warm, fluffy pancakes and seasonal menu. Then lace up your skates and head to the ice rink at the Long Center or get out of the cold with a visit to the Bullock Texas State History Museum. End the night at family-friendly Meanwhile Brewing with food trucks, space for the kids to play and live music.

For First-Timers
Grab a seasonal drink at Jo’s Coffee to start your day and pop in and out of boutiques on South Congress for some retail therapy. Then head downtown for a cozy, heated-patio dinner and a nightcap at a themed-holiday bar.

For Music-Lovers
Depending on the day of the week, kick your day off with a live music brunch at Geraldine’s or Stubb’s. Visit one of Austin’s many local distilleries and breweries, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the process and sample the spirits. After dinner, cozy up in the intimate Continental Club, an iconic venue where you’ll find blues, soul and jazz most nights of the week.

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