To help you get the most out of this most wonderful time of the year, we’ve compiled our winter bucket list, complete with 15 seasonal events + activities around Austin that the whole family can enjoy.
💡 Where to see lights
57th Annual Austin Trail of Lights | Now-Fri., Dec. 31 | Times vary | Zilker Park | $30+ | Kick off the holiday season with a standard Austin tradition, with a twist: Visitors will view the show from their vehicles this year. 🎄
Peppermint Parkway | Now-Sun., Dec. 26 | Times vary | Circuit of the Americas | $35+ | Drive through one mile of magical Christmas displays.
❄️ Winter Activities
A Christmas Carol | Now-Sun., Jan. 2 | Times vary | ZACH Theatre | $26+ | Let a visit to see this Christmas classic help you ring in the holiday season.
AYREP Dec 2021 Ugly Sweater Party | Thurs., Dec. 16 | 6-8 p.m. | Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom | Free+ | Join local real estate professionals to network at this Holiday-themed event.
Twas the Rave Before Christmas 2: 8O8 Love | Sat., Dec. 18 | 10 p.m.-6 a.m. | ArtBrut Lounge | $15+ | Grab a friend and get your tickets to this local holiday rave.
TubaChristmas | Mon., Dec. 20 | 9:30 a.m. | Texas State Capitol | $10 registration | Local Tubists, Euphomonists, and baritone horn players are invited to rehearse on the south steps of the Capitol — the main concert starts at noon.
Cari Hutson & Good Co. live | Tues., Dec. 21 | 8-9:30 p.m. | The Saxon Pub, 1320 S. Lamar Blvd. | $10 | This Tuesday night jam will feature a brand new Christmas song to party to at the pub.
Oh Antonio and His Imaginary Friends Holiday Hap | Thurs., Dec. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Company | Free | Gather your friends and join in on this holiday concert on the Meanwhile outdoor stage.
Santiago Jimenez Jr.'s Blue Christmas | Sat., Dec. 25 | 8 p.m. | Antone’s Nightclub | $12+ | Top off the night at this show also featuring Conjunto Los Pinkys + Manolo Black — doors open at 7 p.m.
🎁 Shopping
Downtown Holiday Stroll | Now-Fri., Dec.24 | Any time | Downtown Austin | Free | Download a Holiday Passport containing discounts and activity guides + get it stamped at more than 30 participating local businesses — more stamps, more prizes. 🎁
Pop Spot ATX Christmas Shopping Party | Thurs., Dec. 16-Sun., Dec. 18 | Times vary | Hilton Austin, 6th floor | $10+ | Get ready to do some serious shopping at this party, which includes a full bar + music.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar | Now-Fri., Dec. 24 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 6100 Airport Blvd. | Free | Pick up some locally-made gifts at this classic Austin event. 🎁
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar | Fri., Dec. 17-Sun., Dec. 19 | 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Palmer Events Center | $10 | Kids under 12 have free entry to this shopping and live music event.
❤️ Places to donate time or gifts
10 Year Anniversary Toy Drive | Sat. Dec. 18 | 9 a.m. | Zilker Park Disc Golf Course | Come out for a good cause at this toy drive — toys will be donated to the SAFE organization.
AGSDR’s 14th Annual Holiday Gift Wrap
| Wed., Dec. 22 | 4-8 p.m. | Nordstrom Barton Creek Square | Free | Join the Austin German Shepherd Rescue for this holiday gift wrap fundraising event.