Here is a guide I made of Austin happenings during the holidays. If you are coming into Austin around Christmas, I hope this guide helps you out. Austin has a good amount of stuff to do during the holidays. I recommend the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park and Austin's New Year the most. Some of the more unique Christmas events in Austin are the 5K run through the Trail of Lights, the Zilker "tree" and ice skating on Whole Foods roof. (Ice skating? It's like 70 degrees?) I hope you find some good events to do in Austin during the holidays. Email me if you'd like to add anything to the list of Austin Christmas events, festivals and other activities.

Trail of Lights

The Trail of Lights in Zilker Park (near downtown) is a beautiful, festive mile walk through dazzling light displays. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and gather the whole family around the stage for nightly live performances, including dance, comedy, music, theater, and more. Austin fun for all ages!
37th Street Lights

Take in some of the more unusual sights of the season with a walk down 37th Street, where you'll find the offbeat, quirky, and outrageous Christmas light displays that have made this spot a must-see holiday destination for the past quarter century.
Zilker Tree Lighting

When the Zilker Tree bursts to life against the Austin night sky, it's hard to not feel the Christmas spirit! This awe-inspiring tree consists of over 3,300 Christmas lights and stands more than 150 tall. What a brilliant way to ring in the season! The ceremony is open to the public.
Capitol Tree Lighting

This is so much more than a tree lighting! Enjoy carols, live entertainment, and free food as you meander down Austin's Congress Avenue where the galleries, stores, and restaurants spill into the street in celebration. Afterwards, leave a much-appreciated donation for the Capitol Area Food Bank under the glowing Capitol Tree.
Austin's New Year

Immerse yourself in a New Year's Eve celebration with art, music, and culture, at Auditorium Shores. The event features food, live entertainment and a fireworks dislplay. Enjoy the best Austin has to offer with this family friendly, alcohol-free celebration!
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a shopping experience like no other in Austin! Enjoy great live music, aisles spaced wide for dancing, and the finest work of more than 100 artists, craftsmen, and merchants who bring their best to this holiday spectacular each season. You won't want to miss this beloved Austin tradition!
Operation Blue Santa

Join Austin's Operation Blue Santa and the Austin Police Department in spreading Christmas cheer to thousands of Austin children in need by donating a new, unwrapped toy for a child ages 12 and under. Collection sites are located throughout the Austin area.
Junior League Christmas Affair

A Christmas Affair brings together more than 200 national merchants and over 30,000 holiday shoppers for one unforgettable holiday event. Shoppers may also enjoy fine dining Noel de Paris-style in the upstairs tearoom. One- or two-day passes are available.
Cherrywood Art Fair

The Cherrywood Art Fair has exploded onto the Austin art scene. Highly regarded for its selection and variety of artists, the show features all original art of phenomenal quality in a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy live Austin music, great food, and special art projects just for the kids at this acclaimed event!
Real Texas Christmas Trees

Start a new holiday tradition with a live Texas Christmas tree! Skip the tree lots and bring the whole family to an Austin area tree farm instead. Create warm memories by selecting and cutting your own tree, then enjoy the sights and sounds of the farm during the holiday season.
Ice Skating on Whole Foods Roof

Hit the roof for a unique holiday skating event! Skating on the Plaza takes place on the roof of the Whole Foods Market on South Lamar. Lots of fun for the whole family! Admission includes skate rental.
Trail of Lights 5K

Entertain your competitive streak at the Austin Trail of Lights 5K! Take in the sight of more than 180,000 Christmas lights under the watchful eye of the moon during this 3.2 mile run! Awards are given to the top 50 male and female entrants. Runners receive packets and long sleeve event t-shirts.
Project Xmas

This unassuming little house in Austin is big on Christmas spirit! In 2007, more than 20,000 Christmas lights lit up the display, with a large sign directing viewers to listen to the sounds of the season on the radio. It's worth a drive by to see what will happen next!
Santa's Ranch

Enjoy a sensational light show from the comfort of your car at Santa's Ranch. One hundred displays and animations, comprised of more than one million lights, fill the mile-long route. Excitement and fun for the whole family for one great price!
Blue Genie Art Bazaar

The spectacular Blue Genie Art Bazaar showcases more than 100 of the best artists from Austin and the surrounding region. This free event offers incredible indoor shopping throughout much of December, with the best in art, ceramics, paintings, sculpture, and more. Great Christmas fun for the whole family!
Austin Weihnachtsmarkt

The Austin Weihnachtsmarkt, or German Christmas Market, is a holiday destination you won't want to miss! Traditional German Christmas music fills the air, while authentic German wares, handcrafted in the Erzgebirge region of Germany, fill the tables. Kids will love a visit with St. Nikolaus himself! An extraordinary shopping experience!
Wildflower Center's Wild Ideas

The Wildflower Center offers eco-friendly shopping opportunities and works from some of the area's premier artists at this holiday shopping event. Enjoy free admission and special discounts on paintings, jewelry, apparel, wood products, and more.
Violet Crown Arts Festival

The Violet Crown Arts Festival includes more than 50 artists and craftsmen with original work on display. Pick up a one-of-a-kind gift, or enjoy the live music and incredible food at this holiday event destination. Great fun and entertainment for the whole family!

All of us at Orangewood Suites look forward to spending the Christmas holiday with you! Please contact us today to make your reservations. Happy Holidays!