There’s so much to do in town this holiday season. We pulled together some of our favorite free family activities so you can focus on having fun.
Caroling at the Capitol
Austin’s annual Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll will kick off this Sat Dec 3 at 6pm at the Texas State Capitol Building. This family friendly event begins with caroling at 6pm followed by the lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree. There will be live music, a farmer’s market, opportunities for photos with Santa, and many downtown businesses will have extended hours. Take part in this Austin tradition and all the fun holiday activities.
Delights at the Four Seasons
What better way to celebrate than with a cheery gingerbread village. Enjoy the "Classic Fairy Tales"-themed Gingerbread Village which will be on display in the lobby at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin now through December 25, 2016.
Festivities at the Domain
For full details on happenings at the domain visit their Celebrate the Season page.
Holiday Light Shows: Stand in amazement as 200,000 lights dance to holiday music! Lights shows available throughout Domain II at 6, 7 and 8pm. Shows run through Sunday, January 1.
Complimentary Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride under the holiday lights each Friday and Saturday night from 5:30 to 9:30pm. (Pick-up locations near California Pizza Kitchen and The Brass Tap.) Available through Friday, December 23.
Strolling Carolers: Listen to the sounds of the season with performances by Austin Carolers in Domain I each Saturday night from 6:30 to 8:30pm now through Saturday, December 17.
Lights, Lights, Lights
If you want more twinkle this season, there are plenty of other opportunities to enjoy lights in Austin. Here are a few favorites:
Ooh and ahh at the 1.25-mile Trail of Lights in Zilker Park. General Admission is free Dec 10-16th.
Spin around beneath the 155-foot Zilker Holiday Tree and celebrate “50 years of Sparkle" -- don’t forget to look up! The tree is open to the public 6pm-midnight through Dec 31st.
Head to Mozart's Coffee Roasters to enjoy their free Holiday Light Show. The 15-minute synchronized lights display begins daily at 6pm, and replays every hour, on top of the hour. Shows run through Jan 8th.
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By Stephanie Bazan
Stephanie is a mama, and freelance writer and graphic designer from Austin, Texas. She enjoys adventures with her husband, 1-year-old son, and shepherd pound puppy.