Austin December Fun: Top 5 Things You Can’t Miss
December in Austin, it’s almost like, sheds its usual “weird” and embraces a certain festive spirit. That being said, it’s a great time to visit because you’ll discover something to get you in that merry state of mind, without those usual crazy crowds that flock during SXSW, you know? Whether you’re into sparkling holiday lights or want something unique to remember, Austin in December it might just surprise you.
1. Zilker Park Holiday Tree & Trail of Lights
Alright, Zilker Park, it is that ultimate spot to begin feeling Christmas spirit in Austin. They put up this huge Holiday Tree; arguably it’s so bright, you could probably see it from space, almost, which, it’s the perfect backdrop for family pictures or just a simple stroll. As a matter of fact, what most people are truly drawn to is the Trail of Lights experience, right?
Speaking of the Trail, it might be more than just lights; it is that whole production of themed displays, local food vendors, live music, plus it offers a lot of opportunities to feel jolly. Typically, it opens in early December and stays open, usually, through the holidays, as I was saying, so check their website for specific dates and times. Basically, get ready to walk and soak in all the holiday cheer that Zilker has to give, you know?
2. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
If you’re looking for something truly local and kinda quirky, well the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar tends to be where it’s at. Think of it less like the mall and really just more of a huge arts and crafts fair featuring work, like your local artisans, very cool musicians and, of course, food, too, so it’s perfect for buying unique gifts that no one else could likely find back home. Just a little something to note that, really, the Bazaar is an Austin tradition, as a matter of fact, it has been around for decades!
Located indoors, still, it gives a break from, like your December weather, if it gets a bit chilly. Really you could plan on spending a few hours browsing all sorts of goods, so just try local art, handmade jewelry, clothes, and so much more, because that, too it’s almost an overwhelming amount of stuff, yet it is quite a festive experience. Basically, with live music filling the air and a whole lot of Texan spirit, it is an enjoyable alternative for finding something special, or unique.
3. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters Holiday Light Show
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, it is already quite a scenic spot being right on the shores of Lake Austin. That being said, they amp things up, really, when they put on their Holiday Light Show; it’s become quite a tradition that so many locals like.
Frankly, the entire place gets covered in, like, your shimmering lights, which are then set to music, creating that wonderful, synchronized show, too, and, really it is something to experience while in Austin, as a matter of fact, you can get your hot cocoa or coffee and just soak it all in. Apparently, given how popular it has gotten, so the reservations are definitely recommended and usually, as a matter of fact, can book up weeks in advance, very, very quickly; therefore, think of this as planning ahead.
4. Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll
For a classic dose of holiday charm, what you may not expect is to attend that Holiday Sing-Along at the Capitol building. Clearly, it is usually held in early December and really features a massive group singing carols on the Capitol steps! In fact, this is free, basically open to all, really gives those warm, communal feelings.
Alright, right after the Sing-Along, apparently, that downtown Austin area gets turned into the Downtown Stroll. Very typically, Congress Avenue lights up, that being said, shops stay open later and as I was saying, there will likely be street performers; frankly it really feels like a holiday fair in the middle of town. Just, if you love singing holiday songs, now you can experience community event, that gives such classic charm! In short, that Holiday Sing-Along with that Downtown Stroll brings simple and classic holidays to everyone there.
5. Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Very similarly, in the realm of quirky gift options, that Blue Genie Art Bazaar tends to be another amazing choice to seek a one-of-a-kind gift that stands out! Apparently, it does feature the work, like your area artists and craftspeople, that said, so everything is pretty much handmade and very original, like your ceramics to paintings, to jewelry, actually. In particular, it is an interesting way to support those local talents while picking that distinctive Christmas gift, you know?
Open from mid-November through December, frankly it has plenty of time to check it out, yet it’s still not a bad plan to allow yourself, more or less, at least an hour to stroll through that whole building to check every artisan at their station, still, as it could get overwhelming in a hurry. Basically, it feels a bit less “Christmas-y” in contrast to those other holiday events. Although, it provides still the opportunity to experience new creations, it may not have everything related, so a heads-up, very.
