They say everything is bigger in Texas and the holidays are no exception. From Austin to Houston and everywhere in between, Texas lights up for the holiday season. We’ve compiled a list of the biggest and best Texas-sized holiday happenings from the Live Music Capital of the World to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
Austin-Area Events:
Trail of Lights:
From December 10-23rd Zilker Park will be ablaze with over two million lights during its 55th annual Trail of Lights event. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, or a beer, and view the over 60 displays. Trust us when we say this will be a mile-long walk like you’ve never walked before! You can also participate in the Trail of Lights 8th annual Fun Run happening on December 8th. There will be a dance party and fun to be had after the run! #ILLWALKYULERUN https://austintrailoflights.org/
Lost Pines Christmas:
Escape the city bustle with a holiday getaway to Bastrop for their annual Lost Pines Christmas tradition with holiday events happening throughout the town. Shop downtown Bastrop and sip wassail at the 4th annual Wassail Fest. Get spooked, holiday-style, at Twisted Christmas at Scream Hollow. Enjoy a holiday homes tour, a Christmas opera, or a parade! You can even celebrate the new year in style at the Lost Pines Resort New Year’s Eve celebration! Visit their website for specific dates: https://explorebastropcounty.com/calendar-event/lost-pines-christmas-2019/
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar:
This is a shopping experience that you definitely won’t be dreading! From December 13-24th, nearly 200 curated artists and makers will set up shop at the Palmer Events Center for Christmas shopping like you’ve never seen it before. There will be items for sale in all price ranges, live music, food and beverages, as well as games and events for the whole family! https://www.armadillobazaar.com/
Operation Blue Santa:
Give back this holiday season through Operation Blue Santa. Join the Austin Police Department in spreading holiday cheer to families in need. This year, they will be serving over 6,000 families by making sure that each one has a Christmas meal to eat and a gift for each child. Volunteers are needed to wrap and deliver gifts, adopt a family, donate a toy, or clean up after the holiday season winds down. Learn more: https://www.bluesanta.org/volunteer
Georgetown Square Christmas Stroll:
Wander through Austin’s cutest little suburb at the 39th annual Georgetown Square Christmas Stroll, taking place one weekend only, December 6-7th. Visit Bethlehem Village, enjoy live entertainment, and grab dessert with The Grinch. There will be shopping with over 150 vendors, a Winter Wonderland complete with ice-skating, workshopping, and a Candyland obstacle course, as well as meet and greets with Santa! https://visit.georgetown.org/christmas-stroll/
Headed to Houston? Check out our holiday happenings in Houston, Texas by clicking HERE!