What is there to do in Austin Texas for Christmas?

Christmas Fun in Austin: Top Holiday Activities

Austin, Texas, is bright and filled with holiday cheer during Christmas. For visitors and natives alike, the city has strung together a dazzling string of lights, special shopping experiences, and fun things to make memories of the holiday seasons. Here's how you can make the most of your Christmas season in Austin.

1. Stroll Through the Trail of Lights

The Trail of Lights in Zilker Park is an Austin holiday tradition perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to be submerged in Christmas magic. This event features over two million lights, themed displays, and live entertainment-a feast for the senses. Take a taste of local food trucks, enjoy a Ferris wheel ride, and snap photos with Santa Claus.

• Pro Tip: Buy tickets online instead to avoid the long queues in person. There is limited car parking; therefore, shuttle services or car-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are the best options.

2. Austin's Christmas Markets

Holiday shopping can be a true delight at Austin's unique Christmas markets. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a local favorite, featuring handmade crafts, art, and jewelry from over 200 artists. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts. By no means less appealing is the German-Texan Christmas Market, where you will get a chance to try real German food, mulled wine, and festive music while browsing holiday wares.

Hosting guests over this season? Let Sparkly Maid Austin help you have your home in the finest condition. Their professional service for cleaning will make one's space sparkle for each occasion.

3. Adventures in Ice Skating

Okay, so Texas does not scream ice skating for most of us, but indeed Austin is filled with pockets of cool spots to beat the summer blues. So let the fun activities begin with a rooftop rink atop the flagship store of Whole Foods Market. An event for one and all-from little ones using their Christmas gifts to Mom and Dad gliding effortlessly, listening to holiday music, and looking out on the Austin city skyline-embrace your inner child inside. Take in a cup of hot cocoa from their coffee shop to warm up from the winter chills following this activity.

4. Festive Performances and Shows

Austin's thriving arts scene meets holiday cheer with seasonal performances. Find your classic Christmas magic at Ballet Austin in The Nutcracker. The Paramount Theatre hosts everything from live music to comedic holiday shows. For something more off the beaten path, check out ColdTowne Theater for holiday-themed improv shows.

5. Drive Through Santa's Ranch

Just a drive from Austin, Santa's Ranch in New Braunfels puts on a light park which is magical. This is so perfect for the family outing-style drive-through featuring millions of lights, intricate displays, and festive music. Pack favorite holiday snacks, turn on a few Christmas tunes, and enjoy a chill evening surrounded by holiday cheer.

• Insider Tip: Stop in during the week, if you can, to avoid weekend chaos.

6. Austin's Neighborhood Light Displays

The residents of Austin take great pride in their holiday decorations, and neighborhoods like 37th Street are the stuff of legend when it comes to over-the-top light displays. This is a great, free thing to do with your family or a group of friends. Alternatively, do an Austin Holiday Light Scavenger Hunt, which will lead you on a tour of the best-decorated areas around town with fun challenges along the way.

7. Have Seasonal Cocktails

For adults looking to get their holly jolly on, Austin is offering some holiday-themed bars and pop-ups serving up cozy cocktails in as festive an environment as you can find. Standing out among them is a little something called Miracle on 5th Street for over-the-top Christmas decor and creative cocktails to please both the classic-eggnog-and-easy and the adventurous, a great place to get your jingle on this season with friends or someone special.

8. Schedule Holiday Cleaning

Between decorating, hosting, and enjoying all that Austin has to offer this holiday season, it's hard to find the time to keep one's home tidy. That is where Sparkly Maid Austin comes in. Let their professional team take care of making your home clean and welcoming for every moment of the holiday. Book a service now and make the most of your holiday season.

9. Plan Ahead to Move Stress-Free

If you're moving after the holidays, let cleaning be the least of your stresses. Professional move-out cleaning services will make the transition smooth, enabling you to focus on starting fresh in the new year.

Celebrate Christmas in Austin in every possible way, from awesome light displays to eclectic markets and seasonal shows. Make this holiday season unforgettable with these activities, and enjoy the best of what Austin has in store for you!