It's Christmas time in Austin, and it's time to party! The cooler weather has arrived, and Austinians can finally begin to feel like Christmas is approaching! After you've decked the halls, decorate your tree, and wrapped your presents, it's time to go out and celebrate with your cherished friends and family!
The year 2021 has thrown us quite a few curveballs. We have earned the right to go out, have a wonderful time, and actually enjoy ourselves! The good news is that there are a plethora of activities available to you and your family. Austin will not disappoint you with anything from tree lightings and boat parades to drive-in movies and Santa visits.
Take a breath this Christmas season and treat yourself to some festive pleasure. This year, celebrate Christmas in Austin with style, and don't forget to leave Santa some cookies.
Find Some Presents at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Visiting The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a tried-and-true Austin Christmas event for all the right reasons. A juried procedure selects over 200 local and regional artisans to sell their one-of-a-kind items, many of which have a Texan twist—think artisanal honey, Topo Chico buttons, and totes printed with a dog dressed as Bob Ross. While you can still attend the Bazaar, due to the unusual circumstances of this year, you can now view and purchase the Bazaar's goods entirely online. It's a lot better than giving away gift cards for the third year in a row.
Arboretum Luminations
For the first time, tourists are allowed to walk around the Texas arboretum on foot, allowing them to stroll between the lit oaks and the light-splashed forts of Fortlandia, a collection of custom-designed forts made by local architects, designers, and artists. In the calm of winter, find some peace on earth among the lovely greenery, bathe in the lights, and breathe in the fresh air. At all times, face masks are essential.
Stroll Through the Trail of Lights
We all deserve some happy and colorful activities after the calamity that was the majority of 2021. There's no chance Zilker Park visitors will leave the Trail of Lights with low spirits, with over 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 holiday trees lit up, and more than 70 other holiday displays and light tunnels.
Christmas Lights Show
We're all yuletide-ready this year. Mozart's Covid Cautious Christmas Light Show will help you get rid of your grump with some sparkling and light. Reserve a table for a one-hour time window and enjoy all the glitz and glam, as well as live music and some delectable nibbles and pastries, including tarts, tortes, scones, streusels, and perhaps a cannoli or two. Reservations are accepted from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tables will be six feet apart, and when not seated, masks will be necessary.
Cinema with Friends
Assemble a group of friends who have been socially isolating themselves for a getaway in the shape of a couple hours of old-school fun at the movies. With a lineup that includes "Die Hard," "Love Actually," "Gremlins," "The Polar Express," "A Christmas Story," "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," and "Elf," you'll find a film your whole party will enjoy at Alamo Drafthouse's Secret Santa Cinema (and if not, just treat them to some libations and call it a festive treat). Spend some time in front of the television—Santa knows you need it.
