If you are looking to avoid a snowy holiday season head over to Austin, Texas for a unique Christmas vacation. You do not need snow-covered streets to feel the charm of the city. Instead, you will find incredible holiday events and activities perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Here is how you can celebrate an Austin Texas Christmas:
Austin Texas Christmas Events: Ice Skate in Downtown
Sure, the weather will not call for snow, but you can still enjoy ice skating in the downtown district in front of the Whole Foods store. Each year this grocery flagship sets up a “real” skating rink right outside their doors. Enjoy local vendors for hot food and drinks to keep you warm as you practice your best ice-skating moves.
Visit the Zilker Holiday Tree
Stare up at the behemoth 155-foot Christmas tree on display at Zilker Park. The Zilker Holiday Tree is massive at 380 feet wide and is the biggest tree in all of Austin. Over 3,300 Christmas lights adorn the tree, with a humongous star measuring over 10 feet perched at the top. This incredible sight is one of the must-see Austin Christmas events!
Enjoy a Cup of Hot Chocolate at Mozart’s
Another incredible holiday display is the fantastic Christmas lights found at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Each year they put up over 150,000 Christmas lights around their shop and play popular holiday songs from Trans-Siberian Orchestra and more on a 12-minute loop. Go for the coffee and hot chocolate but stay for the incredible light display!
Check Out the ZACH Theatre
Another local favorite in Austin is the annual rendition of A Christmas Carol featured at ZACH Theatre. From Thanksgiving to December 31st, you can enjoy this portrayal of a Christmas classic. You will be dancing in the aisles with a musical score that features a multitude of genres. Come see this modern rendition of a Dickens classic story.
Enjoy a Christmas Classic with Ballet Austin
From December 10-23, Ballet Austin will be putting on a spectacular performance of a classic Christmas favorite – The Nutcracker. While this year’s event will be virtual, it will offer an interactive experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family from the comfort of your Austin vacation rental. Not only will the performance include the mesmerizing moves of your favorite scenes from The Nutcracker, but attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with the cast, engage in performance-themed crafts, activities, and games, and experience plenty of behind-the-scenes extras.
Stroll the Illuminated Paths of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Austin’s famed botanical garden takes on a special glow for the holiday season. If you find the usual Christmas light displays to be a little over the top, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center takes on a much more understated tone. Adding to the natural beauty that already abounds in this space, thousands of luminaries are added along the pathways that weave their way through the wildflowers and native plants. A quiet stroll through the elegantly lit garden is a great way to guarantee a special Austin Texas Christmas. And as an added bonus, native plants such as holly, Mexican bluebonnet, and Possumhaw enjoy peak blooming throughout the winter, adding to the Christmas feel.
Ride the Train to the North Pole
Take the kids for a trip they never would have believed with a train ride to the North Pole! Austin Steam Train Association features a train ride with Mr. and Mrs. Claus to and from Bertram, or in this instance the “North Pole.” Your family will enjoy delicious Christmas treats and hot chocolate while listening to all of the classic Christmas stories.
Take a Drive Through Peppermint Parkway
Enter a true twinkling wonderland with a drive through Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas. With literally millions of lights and a variety of festive displays, this light bonanza is a feast for the senses. Activities, games, and food make this a full event for the entire family!
Shop for Christmas Gifts
While Austin has its share of malls and shopping centers great for finding a variety of gifts, you’ll also want to check out some of the markets that pop up around Christmastime. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is open from Black Friday to Christmas Eve and offers unique, locally made items great for giving. Not only does shopping at the Bazaar support local artists and makers, but it also offers items that will be unique and meaningful for those on your shopping list this year!
Create Holiday Memories
Special Christmas memories will be made from our Christmas vacation rentals in Austin. These well-equipped homes are perfect for opening presents on Christmas morning, recreating favorite holiday recipes, and spending quality time together throughout the holidays!
Austin Texas Christmas Done Right
These incredible Austin Christmas events await you in during the upcoming holiday season. Make your holiday even more special by reserving one of our exclusive vacation rentals. Your family can enjoy several luxury amenities and be close to all of these local attractions. Reserve your holiday rental online today or let us help you plan for the perfect Christmas getaway to Austin. Check out our condos rentals and more today!
