It’s our favorite time of the year – Christmas decorations are going up and Austin Christmas festivities have begun! We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite events around Austin in December, in case you want to get in the Christmas spirit like us.

holiday sing-along and downtown stroll

When: Saturday, December 2, 2017, 5-9 P.M.

Where: Downtown Austin, TX

Website: http://downtownaustin.com/holidays

Corral your family or friends, hop in the car and head to downtown Austin to enjoy a night of singing, strolling, live music and dance and shopping at the special night market! This event is great for all ages, but if you have kids don’t miss out on taking photos with Santa at the Vannagram Winter Wonderland!

lights of love

When: Sunday, December 3, 2017, 4-7 P.M.

Where: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas

Website: https://rmhc-ctx.org/all-events/lights-of-love/

Start December with the perfect family event! Lights of Love will be held at the Ronald McDonald house this year and has many activities including cookie decorating, kids’ crafts, a snow slide, music and photos with Santa. If you are going for the official tree lighting, be sure to get there by 6:15PM!

a christmas carol at zach theatre

When: Wednesday, November 22, 2017 – Sunday, December 31, 2017

Where: ZACH Theatre, Austin, TX

Website: http://tickets.zachtheatre.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=6492

You can’t miss this two-hour classic musical rendition of A Christmas Carol at the ZACH Theatre! Follow the story of the loving Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts as they take Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey to incredible transformation, as he rediscovers his heart and love for human kindness.

ice skating on whole foods roof

When: Friday, November 24, 2017 – Monday, January 15, 2018

Where: Whole Foods Market on North Lamar

Website: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/ice-skating-plaza-0

Ice Skating on the Plaza at Whole Foods is a must-do holiday event in Austin. What better way to get in the spirit of winter than skating around on ice with a loved one? Whether it’s a date night, family night or friend outing, don’t miss out on this holiday tradition! The Plaza offers hot chocolate, coffee, beer and snacks for purchase as well!

ballet austin’s the nutcracker

When: Friday, December 8, 2017 – Saturday, December 23, 2017

Where: Long Center

Website: https://balletaustin.org/performances/thenutcracker2017

A true Austin classic, the Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker is back for its 55th year. This production features hundreds of dancers, sets and costumes and the Austin Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s magical score. Gather up your family, and enjoy a perfect day at The Nutcracker!

zilker trail of lights

When: Saturday, December 9, 2017 – Saturday, December 23, 2017

Where: Zilker Park

Website: https://austintrailoflights.org

Everybody’s favorite night out, Zilker Trail of Lights has been around for 50+ years and has grown to become a huge attraction during the holiday season. With over 40 displays, 2 million lights and numerous holiday activities, you can’t miss this holiday tradition. Zilker Trail of Lights has become one of the three largest events in Austin, so you know it’s popular!

armadillo christmas bazaar

When: Thursday, December 14, 2017 – Sunday, December 24, 2017

Where: Palmer Events Center

Website: http://www.armadillobazaar.com

Come by and enjoy this 11-day fine art and shopping event at the Palmer Events Center. With live music, two full bars and national and local award-winning artists, you know the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will have the perfect lively holiday atmosphere we’ve all been looking for!

We hope you have a wonderful time exploring all of the holiday events around Austin this year. Merry Christmas!