The Best Holiday Events in ATX To Enjoy This Year
For the past six years, Austin has ranked in the top 5 for best cities to live in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of fun activities for Austinites and visitors to enjoy during the holiday season. From spectacular Christmas lights and ice skating to holiday shopping and Christmas-themed bar hopping, Austin has got it all. Read on for a comprehensive guide to the most popular Austin holiday events this year to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Tree Shopping
Putting your Christmas tree up signifies the start of the holiday season, so it’s essential to know where to get the best trees before they’re all snatched up.
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
This local tree farm lets you choose and cut your own tree for only $15 a foot. Bring the kids along to enjoy a day of tree cutting, followed by a hayride while you wait for your tree to be delivered to your car.
Evergreen Farms
We recommend visiting this local farm on the weekends with the entire family. After choosing and cutting the perfect tree, you’ll have the option to enjoy games such as tether ball, maze, hopscotch, a nature trail, farm animals, and more! For a detailed pricing list, visit their website.
Best Holiday Light Events
Is Christmas complete without marveling at a display of spectacular lights? Lucky for you, Austin holiday events have multiple lighting events to enjoy.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
This is an annual holiday sing-along event where hundreds of people gather to sing Christmas carols. Stay after to view the capitol’s tree lighting ceremony and a light show set to holiday music.
- When: December 3, 2022, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Where: State Capitol Building
- Price: Free
Christmas Light Show at Mozart’s
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters is a charming, cozy coffee shop located on the banks of Lake Austin. They host an annual Christmas Light Show every evening. Reservations are required and fill up quickly. Don’t miss out, and book your tickets here!
- When: November 10, 2022 – January 6, 2023, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
- Price: 4-person tables are $20, 6-person tables are $30, and the Bavarian Marketplace standing section is free
The Trail of Lights
This winter wonderland has been closed due to COVID-19, but it’s finally back in its traditional format, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Gather with your loved ones to experience this magical night and celebrate the unique spirit and people of Austin. You’ll enjoy 2 million lights, 70 displays, lighted tunnels, 90 lighted holiday trees, nightly entertainment, Austin’s famous food trucks, and more holiday activities!
- When: December 8th – December 23rd, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Where: Zilker Park
- Price: Visit their website here to view their pricing options
Holiday Shopping
There are two popular holiday markets in Austin, and both of them are worth visiting to get some last-minute holiday shopping done during Austin holiday events!
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
View local art, listen to local musicians, and enjoy local food while you walk through endless stalls of Christmas shops.
- When: December 17th – December 23rd, 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
- Where: Palmer Events Center
- Price: $12 per entry, kids under 12 are free; $47 for a season pass
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Aside from art, you’ll also find photos, prints, candles, wooden toys, and more handmade products by local artisans.
- When: November 18th – December 24rd, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Where: 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78752
- Price: Free
Ice Skating
This is a Christmas tradition, and luckily, Austin has two ice-skating rinks for visitors to enjoy!
Ice Rodeo
This venue is Austin’s newest rink, where guests will have the option to purchase cabanas, food, and drink while enjoying s’mores over fire pits and more!
- When: November 19, 2022 – January 8, 2023, 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Where: The Four Seasons Austin
- Price: Visit their website here to view their pricing options
Whole Foods Market
Yup, you read that correctly. The Whole Foods Market in Austin turns its roof into a skating rink for the entire month of December.
- When: Month of December, 11:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Where: 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
- Price: $10 per person
Holiday-themed Bars
Get into the holiday spirit by indulging in some of your favorite spirits. Here’s a list of Austin’s most-loved Christmas bars.
- Lala’s Little Nugget: 1970s-era dive bar with year-round holiday decorations and a vintage jukebox
- Miracle on 5th Street: Austin’s favorite pop-up cocktail bar is back! It’s a ticketed event, so make sure you reserve your tickets before they sell out
- Donn’s Depot: You’ll be surrounded by snowflakes, ornaments, and thousands of glittering lights at this bar!
While there are other bars, we thought these three were the most worth mentioning.
Where is Santa?
If you have little ones, you’ll surely be looking for the opportunity to visit Santa Claus at least once this year. Here are the best places to see him.
Santa on the Terrace
- When: November 24th, 10:00 am
- Where: Long Center
- Price: Free
North Pole Flyer
- When: Every Friday and Saturday, starting from November 25th – December 9th
- Where: Bertram Depot
- Price: Visit their website here to view their pricing options
Final Thoughts
There is no shortage of exciting Austin holiday events happening during the holiday season this year, so get outside and enjoy the Christmas festivities! Planning to move to Austin after spending some time here? Call Capital Movers Texas today, and we’ll help you with your moving needs.