So, you’re staying in town this holiday season? Great! We are too. Honestly, in the past year, I think I’ve taken more flights than ever before. Last year at this time, I was in India for work. So, I’m really looking forward to a cozy (read: lazy) Christmas in our new home.  My parents are going to join us in Austin for Christmas, and I’m really looking forward to having them here.

However, we can’t sit in the house for a whole week. So, I decided to curate a list of things to do while they are here, and maybe they’ll be helpful for you nd your family & friends too.   

• Trail of Lights

  • Now until December 23rd, Zilker Park transforms into a sea of magical Christmas lights. If you prefer less crowds, I’d suggest going through the week. There are still a few days left that offer FREE general admission. 

• Mozart’s

  • Now until January 5, 2020 - Mozart’s Coffee Roasters puts on a spectacular light show - with over 1 million lights. Admission is free and the show runs daily from 6:00 - 11:00 pm. We’ve never done this one, so it’s at the top of our list this year. 

• Miracle Bar

  • Miracle bars pop up all over the country this time of year, and if you’re looking for something festive - this is it! Desiring cocktails that are decked in holiday cheer? Try the Snowball Old Fashioned or Run Run Rudolph! Located at The Eleanor (The Roosevelt Room) downtown. Last year we visited a Miracle bar in our hometown over the holidays, and it was a great place to hang out with friends.

• Blue Genie Art Bazaar

  • Are you still holiday shopping? I have barely started. But, this is a great place to buy gifts made by local and regional artists! It is open now through December 24th! And, I have my eye on it for stocking stuffers with an Austin twist!

• A Christmas Carol @ Zach Theatre

  • There’s just something about seeing a show at the theatre that says HOLIDAYS to me. Even though it was never an annual tradition in our household, those are some of my favorite memories I look back on. There are still seats available for many of the showings of the classic performance — A Christmas Carol.

• Flower Vault Holiday Installations 

  • Maybe you haven’t taken any family photos this year? Well, you’re in luck because Austin has the perfect Instagram (and holiday card) worthy backdrops to take photos. The installations change from time to time, but right now there are tons of great holiday backdrops. Located at The Domain - open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket information is on their website.

• Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

  • Ok, so this isn’t covered in garland and lights. But, I thought this would be a fun way to get out of the house and explore. Located just south of Austin in New Braunfels, the ranch is 450-acres of protected environment for all sorts of animals. You drive through in your own vehicle and come nose-to-nose with many of them. I’m really looking forward to this - have you done it?

I snagged this last idea from my friend, Dana, and it’s something you can do no matter your location. It starts with making Christmas cookies, hot cocoa in to-go mugs and then driving around your own neighborhood
to look at all the beautiful lights.

I’m interested to know if you have any Austin holiday traditions, especially if they are ones I didn’t mention here. Let me know in the comments, and feel free to pin the graphic below to keep handy!