by nicolec763964483 - 188 Reviews - 58 List
In the vibrant city of Austin, there is much to see and do during the holiday season when the city plays great host to locals and out of town guests alike. Sip, stroll and sing your way into the holiday spirit with these fun Austin events happening all around town. (Photo: Courtesy of The City of Austin).
Updated: November 20, 2011
Every year the houses on this block try to outdo each other with their displays of holiday lights and decoration--Clark Griswold would be put to shame. The wait in the stream of traffic that stretches for miles is worth it for your turn to ooh and ahh over this festive holiday display.
Dream of sugar plum fairies dancing in your head? Nothing says holiday more than a performance of "The Nutcracker." This all-ages-welcomed production rings in the season with day and nighttime shows starting in the first week of December. For tickets and showtimes visit http://www.balletaustin.org/atb/tickets.php
Gather on the steps of the Texas State Capitol on Dec. 3, for the annual Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll. There's caroling, the lighting of the Christmas Tree on the Capitol grounds and a stroll up on down Congress Avenue for shopping, music and more. This event is family friendly and takes place from 6pm to 9pm.
Normally you come to this massive park in Barton Hills for daytime activities, but each year in December the City of Austin puts up the Zilker Holiday Tree. Stare in wonder at the 155-foot-tall tree illuminated by more than 3,000 lights during the annual Zilker Tree Lighting Ceremony that takes place on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. The glow of lights can be seen each night from 6 pm to 12 am until Dec. 31.
Make your way to the lobby of this iconic Austin hotel located in downtown to enjoy the yearly spectacle of the Gingerbread Village created by the hotel's talented pastry team. Each house is uniquely crafted and composed of edible gingerbread, icing and treats that give off a sweet aroma reminiscent of this wonderful time of year. The houses can be purchased and proceeds go to the Seton Shivers Cancer Center.
We may not have a white Christmas in Austin, but we do have an outdoor ice skating rink smack dab in the middle of downtown on the rooftop of Whole Foods Market. Each year, this Austin homegrown grocery store acts as a mini Rockefeller ice skating rink from Nov. 26 through Jan. 15 from 10am to 9pm daily. Bring the entire family, as all ages are welcomed at this outdoor activity.
