Ready to celebrate the holidays in style? Check out our guide to the best events and activities in Austin, Texas this season! In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Austin during the holiday season.
From Christmas lights displays to New Year’s Eve celebrations, there is something for everyone in this lively city. So if you’re considering a trip to Austin during the holiday season, be sure to read on for our top recommendations! Get into the spirit and start planning your holiday fun today!
- Where to See Holiday Lights in the Austin area
- Local Businesses to Shop Christmas Gifts
- What’s Open on December 25th in Austin
- Where to Celebrate 2021 New Year’s Eve in Austin
Where to See Holiday Lights in the Austin area?
1. Austin Trail of Lights
Drive through the magic! The 57th Annual Austin Trail of Lights returns as a drive-thru event with multiple ticket options available. This Austin tradition has been around since 1965 and provides miles of its jubilant display of lights!
2. Bastrop River of Lights
Enjoy the numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk! The Bastrop River of Lights will be at the Fisherman’s Park, Farm Street in Bastrop from November 27 to January 1st! Admission is free!
3. Lakeway Trail of Lights
Witness the glow at the Lakeway Trail of Lights! One of Lakeway’s most cherished traditions is back from December 4th to January 2nd. You can access the trail from the lower level of the parking lot at the Lakeway Activity Center or by parking behind the City Hall. The self-guided trail has handicapped and stroller access available from the City Hall following the sidewalk. Admission and parking are free!
4. Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Center
From December 2 to January 30th every Thursday to Sundays from 6 pm – 9 pm, enjoy the natural wonder of winter in our beautiful Texas Arboretum. Featuring thousands of luminarias, seasonal food and drink, and the light-splashed forts of Fortlandia. Closed on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1st. Reservations are highly recommended for the event will have limited capacity nightly.
5. Marble Falls Walkway of Lights
Take in the dazzling illumination of the Walkway of Lights at Marble Falls! Open nightly from 6 pm to 10 pm, the Walkway of Lights displays 2 million lights in Lakeside Park with over 350+ lighted sculptures. Admission is free for the public!
6. Mozart’s Christmas Light Show
Join Mozart’s Coffee is bringing back the Annual Christmas Lightshow this 2022 that is bigger, better, and brighter than ever! Book your tickets and reserve your seats. You can also purchase some sweet holiday treats alongside your reserved table tickets.
7. Round Rock Christmas Towne
Bring your family and friends for and take in the amazing light displays at Round Rock’s Christmas Towne! The Christmas Towne will be operating on December 13-15 and 19-29 at the Old Settlers Association and the Dell Diamond Parking Lot and will be featuring light displays including a walking tunnel of lights, full-scale carnival rides, holiday refreshments, and more.
Local Businesses to Shop Christmas Gifts
1. Luxe Apothetique
Luxe Apothetique is a locally based boutique and salon in Austin that offers a wide range of hair and spa services. In their online store, you can find luxurious candles, stylish tees, bath products, novelty gifts, and locally made goods.
2. Reliv Organix
CBD products come in as great gifts for your loved ones too for they are so versatile and can be used for your physical and mental health. Reliv Organix is a CBD store in Austin that sells the highest-quality products that are third-party tested in world-class labs to ensure their safety that they are properly formulated.
3. IV Drip Ladies
An IV Drip is perfect for those that are in need of help with their nutrition and to strengthen their immune system. Get your loved ones a gift certificate from IV Drip Ladies, it will make a lovely stocking stuffer for your secret Santa. The best part is they offer mobile services in your home!
4. The BiG Cafe
Breakfast, pastries, full-service lunch menus, and giving back to the community. The BiG Cafe is an enterprise of Brookwood in Georgetown, a non-profit organization that provides meaningful jobs and life experiences for adults with special needs. This season, they also offer delicious winter drinks that you’ll surely love! Check out their online store and get some fun gifts for your loved ones. Their products include homemade goods, customized gifts, freshly baked pies, and more!
5. Sweet Freitag
Make your Christmas sweater with Sweet Freitag’s custom-decorated sugar cookies! Besides Cookies, they also offer DIY Holiday Kits and Wine Holiday Bottles. So make someone’s Christmas extra special by giving them a customized Christmas present!
6. Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
Warm-up this cool season with a beer from Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. Get your favorite beers, kegs to go, gift certificates, and some cool merch for your friends and family!
7. Prima Dora
Looking for novelty gifts made by local artisans? Prima Dora has no shortage of locally made goods from souvenirs, stickers, clothing, and accessories. Visit their shop in SoCo or check out their website to find the perfect gift for your loved one!
Restaurants Open in Austin on December 25th
Here are some restaurants in Austin, TX, and the surrounding areas that will be open on December 25th, 2021.
1. Fairmont Austin
Fairmont downtown will be open during their regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a more casual food court style Revue and a poolside bar.
2. Bennu Coffee
Looking for breakfast, pastries, and coffee? Bennu Coffee will be open 24/7 on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
3. Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum
This Chinese restaurant in Clarksville will be open during its regular hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day alongside its sister restaurant Qi.
4. Wu Chow
Wu Chow in downtown Austin will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day serving specialties such as soup dumplings and Sichuan spicy won tons from 5 to 11 pm!
5. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a 3-course Ruth’s Classics menu starting at only $55! They will be open early to host you and your loved ones. Full menu and holiday takeouts will also be available.
6. Tillie’s
Tillie’s at Dripping Springs will be open on Christmas Day this year. Tillie’s will be offering a 3-course choice of menu $95 per person and $45 per child under 12.
7. Corner
Taste the bold flavors and Austin sensibility in Corner in downtown Austin! Regular menu will be available plus enjoy Texas-minded mixology featuring crafted tequila cocktails, regional distilleries, and locally sourced brews.
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Austin
Ring in 2022 in style from live music to all-night partying.
1. 3TEN ACL Live with HeartBryne
3TEN ACL LIVE
Say goodbye to 2021 and welcome 2022 with a dance party with HeartByrne: A Tribute to Talking Heads at 3TEN ACL Live.
2. New Year’s Eve Silent Disco
The Brass Tap Domain
Dance the night away into the new year at the Brass Tap Domain’s Silent Disco. Move to the beat of top EDM hits plus throwback hits from the ’80s and ’90s. The ticket includes a pair of headphones and champagne.
3. 2022 Austin New Year’s Eve Party – Gatsby’s House
Hilton Austin Hotel
Join the most upscale New Year’s Eve party in Austin! The event will be having a 5-hour prepaid bar, top-rated Texas DJs, casino games, and a giant ballroom countdown.
4. Hamilton Pool Vineyards and Farms’ New Year’s Eve Party
Hamilton Pool Vineyards and Farms
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Hamilton Pool Vineyards with a 5-course dinner paired with wine tasting, champagne toast at midnight, DJ music, and dancing. The cocktail lounge and wine bar will be available all night!
5. New Year’s Eve 2022 Party – Red Carpet Bollywood Style
Lucas Event Center
Put on your dancing shoes and best attire and say hello to 2022 on the dance floor with music by live DJs plus enjoy the live entertainment, games, and prizes!
6. New Year’s Eve 2021 at The Belmont
The Belmont
The Belmont’s New Year’s Eve party will feature three full-service bars along with three illustrious areas to party. A post indoor space, a tented/heated outdoor courtyard, and a tented/heated VIP rooftop deck. Doors will open at 8 pm with special performances throughout the evening. The silent disco will be from 10 pm to 2 am featuring 3 live DJs spinning different genres of music.
More information about the New Year Celebrations in Austin
