Holiday Fun for the Whole Family: Week Three

Christmas in exactly ONE WEEK AWAY! Take a break from all the holiday shopping and enjoy some time with the family at one of these amazing activities full of Christmas cheer! From twinkling lights to parades, gingerbread houses, live music, theatre, ice skating and more — the holidays in Austin are full of wonderful family events to celebrate the season! 

1.  Zilker Holiday Tree
Tree on Display through Dec. 31, 6 p.m. – 12 midnight
Take a spin under this holiday tree and enjoy hot drinks and snacks from food vendors on-site. It’s an Austin tradition!

2. Ice Skating on the Plaza
Through Jan. 7, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
A must-do for locals and visitors alike, Ice Skating on the Plaza at the Whole Foods Downtown location has become one of Austin’s most anticipated events of the holiday season! The ice rink is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays but you will need to call ahead or check their online schedule about weekday hours, as the rink gets booked for private events. Cost is $10 per person and includes the use of skates.

3. Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker
Through Dec. 23, evenings at 7 p.m., matinees at 2 p.m.
This seasonal tradition returns to the Long Center for its 55th year with all the colorful characters, pomp and pageantry you adore. Journey with young Clara Silberhaus from her family’s holiday party to the confection-filled Court of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where sweets of all kinds come to life. Ballet Austin’s production features hundreds of dancers, lavish sets and costumes, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Tickets range from $15 – $89, and can be purchased online here.

4. Trail of Lights
Through Dec. 23, general admission 7 p.m., ZiP Fast Pass 6 p.m.
Every holiday season, Zilker Park is transformed into the Trail of Lights with over two million lights, 40 displays, 20+ food trucks, two stages, 30 private holiday parties and interactive experiences throughout the trail. There will be a general admission fee on seven of the 14 nights of the event. Early entry ZiP Fast Pass, VIP Platinum, parking and shuttle passes are also available for purchase on select nights. For tickets and full details, visit AustinTrailofLights.org.