Our Favorite Austin Holiday Traditions
The holiday season is a busy time of year for everyone, from company parties to family gatherings, holiday shopping, present wrapping, cookie baking and Christmas tree decorating, how can you fit it all in? Somehow we all manage, but these top 6 holiday activities are something your kids won’t want to miss. Here are our favorite Austin holiday traditions.
Trail of Lights
We are so glad this Austin holiday tradition returned last year! The Trail of Lights is open daily from 7PM to 10PM through December 21. If you go during the week, Monday-Thursday, tickets are free. Weekend tickets will run you $3 per person for ages 12 and up. Don’t forget that parking costs extra ($15 a car). However, there is also a shuttle option. For more information: http://austintrailoflights.org/
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters Music and Light Show
If all the holiday crowds and kid-focused activities have you wishing for some peace, or even just a cup of coffee, Mozart’s has you covered. At the top of each hour from 6PM to Midnight, you can check out a synchronized music and light show at Mozart’s while also blissfully enjoying some caffeine. The kids will love Mozart’s version of the fun song “What Does the Fox Say”. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/MozartsCoffeeRoasters
Main Street Bethlehem – Burnet
If you want a Christmas experience that is a little off the beaten path, you won’t be disappointed by the production the folks in Burnet put on! This Friday- Sunday, December 12-14, your family can visit Bethlehem and all it’s residents from peddlers to craftspeople to beggars and soldiers, the entire gamut is represented. This is more than just a live nativity. At this free event, you can also enjoy some delicious Bethlehem bread. For more information: http://www.fbcburnet.org/mainstreetbethlehem.htm
The Thinkery Kitchen Lab Workshop: Gingerbread Tech-shop
Leave it to the Thinkery to put a high-tech spin on gingerbread house making. Workshop attendees will incorporate lights and a spinning component with the traditional art of gingerbread house building. For more information: http://shop.thinkeryaustin.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventid=1000410
Snow Days at the Hill Country Galleria
Have you checked the weather forecast? Because it looks like it is going to SNOW! Every Saturday at the Hill Country Galleria there will be snow on the street so the young and young-at-heart can romp, build snowmen, make snow angels and enjoy all the traditional winter activities that Texans usually miss out on. For more information: http://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/eventscalendar
The Nutcracker
There are 2 different versions of The Nutcracker you can attend in Austin. Ballet Austin puts on a professional production with several showings this weekend and next at the Long center. For more information: http://www.balletaustin.org/atb/nutcracker2014.php
The younger set may enjoy the 14th Annual Austin Children’s Nutcracker which is performed by children at the Dougherty Arts Center. For more information: http://nutcracker2014.bpt.me/
We hope you can make some time to go these awesome Austin activities this holiday season!