It’s finally December and I am SO excited! This is one of my favorite months of the year; nothing beats watching Love Actually on repeat, seeing holiday lights all over town and drinking hot cocoa like it’s going out of style.
There is a ton going on in Austin this month, but I’ve put together my top picks for things to do this holiday season.
December 2018:
November 17th-January 2nd // 6-11pm
Mozart’s Light Show
A must for all of you holiday light lovers out there! Mozart’s transforms its outdoor space into a winter wonderland with thousands of luminescent lights. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and relax outside while you watch the light show!
Cost: Free // More Info
November 23rd-January 21st // 10am-9pm
Ice Skating on the Plaza
Wait for a cool night, bundle up and swing by Whole Foods on North Lamar for some good old fashioned ice skating.
Cost: $10// Tickets
November 23rd-December 31st // Times Vary
Miracle Pop-Up Bar at The Eleanor
I am so excited that this pop-up came back for another year. It’s such a great spot to grab a cocktail with friends. You’ll be submerged into a winter wonderland with over the top holiday decor and fun cocktails like the Christmopolitan and the Snowball Old Fashioned.
Cost: Entry is Free // More Info
Photo by Eater Austin
November 25th-December 21 // Times Vary
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
If you’re looking to cut down your own tree this year or just a spot to take some holiday photos with the family, Elgin Christmas Tree Farm is perfect. It’s a little bit of a drive from Austin, but totally worth it if you’re looking for a fun day out!
Cost: Varies Depending on Tree // More Info
December 2018 // Various Dates and Times Available
Love Actually with an audience Quote-Along at The Alamo Drafthouse
This has been a holiday tradition for me for the past 4 years and it’s one of my favorite things to do right before everyone breaks for Christmas. Grab tickets to one of the *best* holiday movies around and enjoy themed drinks, props and an evening of quoting along with your favorite characters.
Cost: $10 + Fees // Tickets
December 1-24th // Hours Vary
Holiday at the Domain
Enjoy light shows, carolers and take a ride on a horse drawn carriage. The Domain will be decked out all month and ready for some holiday shopping!
Cost: Free // More Info
December 1-30th // Hours Vary
Winter Wonderland at Circuit of the Americas
I went to Winter Wonderland last year and absolutely loved it. It’s perfect for date night, girls night or even an evening out with the family. Enjoy ice skating, check out Santa’s workshop {SANTA–I know him!}, Christmas movies on the lawn, a tunnel of lights and more.
Cost: $16 + Fees // Tickets
December 6th // 6pm
Elf Pub Run at The Paramount Theater
Check-in at 6pm and enjoy a downtown pub run, followed by a screening of Elf at The Paramount Theater at 8:15pm. Costumes are encouraged and your ticket includes various drinks, snacks and other goodies!
Cost: Pub Run + Film is $20 / Just the Film is $10 // Tickets
December 6th-December 9th
Luminations at the Wildflower Center
Every year The Wildflower Center lights up their gardens with thousands of luminaries! Stop by to see the magic, various musical performances and enjoy some overall festive fun.
Cost: $10-$15 // Tickets
December 10th-23rd // 7-10pm
Austin Trail of Lights
This is another one of my favorite things to do in Austin to celebrate the holiday season! The Trail of Lights is one of the largest events in Austin and it’s no secret why. The park is filled with gorgeous light displays, shopping, food vendors and so much more. Plus, if you go December 10th-19th, admission is free!
Cost: Free the 10th-19th and then $3 + Fees. You can also add on ZIP passes, parking passes, etc. // Tickets
December 12th at 8pm
Eli Young Band
I love The Eli Young Band and I always get so excited when they play in Austin! Kase 101 is hosting Not So Silent Night at the Paramount Theater featuring The Eli Young Band, Russell Dickerson and Tyler Rich!
Cost: $30-$40 // Tickets
December 13th-24th // 11am-10pm
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar at The Palmer Events Center
This 12-day event features live music, two full bars and rows of booths featuring art from local award-winning artists. Knock out some holiday shopping and enjoy a day out with friends.
Cost: $10 // Tickets
December 20th // 8pm
Shakey Graves at The Moody Theater
Date night alert! Shakey Graves is an artist from Austin and he’ll be back in town and performing with Moon Taxi later this month. His music is awesome and combines blues, folk, and rock and roll. Grab dinner downtown and then head to Moody Theater for the show!
Cost: $37-$50 // Tickets
Looking for something to do for New Years Eve? Check out this list for some great ideas!
There are so many other options for fun things to do this month, but those are my top picks! What do you have on your list?
Sooo terrific, we love reading your site‼️ Thanks:)