Enjoy Winter Festivities in Austin

Winter is an exciting time in Austin as temperatures drop and holiday events and activities take over the city. With events for the whole family and an adult-only bar scene, there is something to get everyone into the spirit of the season.

Festive, family-friendly events abound this time of year, making Austin the perfect winter holiday destination. If you’re looking for holiday lights, Trail of Lights is roughly 1.25 miles long and illuminated by more than 2 million lights all located just south of Downtown Austin in the beloved Zilker Park. If a drive-through light show is more your speed, head east to Circuit of The Americas for Peppermint Parkway. After you’ve driven through, park, get out and explore Peppermint Plaza with amusement rides, a petting zoo, holiday treats and more. Learn about more events taking place this season on our event pages.

During the winter and holiday season, Austin’s favorite bars and rooftop lounges transform into festive-themed pop-up bars. Celebrate the season in a festive rooftop igloo with cocktails at The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt. One of Austin’s most anticipated, Miracle on 5th Street, is an explosion of all things Christmas from decor, cocktails, food and quite the site to see. Anyone celebrating Haunakkah will love the month-long festivities at Get Lit at Kitty Cohen’s. Take photos in front of a sea of blue-themed decor, sip on a Shabbos Spritz or play a game of dreidel with friends. To learn about more seasonal pop-ups taking place around town check out the Visit Austin Insider Blog.

With such a unique local shopping scene Austin is the perfect place to find a special, one-of-a-kind gift for all your loved ones. Holiday markets featuring local artisans are abundant this time of year and most often paired with food trucks and live music making them all the more fun and festive. Although Austin doesn’t get cold enough for a skate on an icy Lady Bird Lake, there are several artificial ice rinks open throughout the holiday season.

To learn more about things to do this winter and start planning your trip, visit VisitAustin.org.