AUSTIN, Texas — Can you feel the holiday spirit yet?
The winter holidays are just around the corner! But if you're ready to start celebrating now, you're in luck: several family-friendly holiday events are already kicking into gear.
Austin's most famous holiday event is almost here!
While passes will be free for seven out of the 59th annual Austin Trail of Lights' 14 public nights, limited quantities of tickets to the Night Lights Preview Party on Dec. 1 and registration for the 12th annual Fun Run on Dec. 2 are also available.
Those who plan to walk the trail can visit the event's calendar to see which nights offer free entry and which carry an entry fee. A variety of premium ticket options are also available.
This year's event will open on Dec. 8 and close on Dec. 23.
Here's a breakdown of the different ticket types. Guests can also purchase limited pre-paid parking passes to access the Zilker Park parking lots, which open nightly at 5:30 p.m. Parking at the event is limited each night and passes must be purchased in advance online, for $25 per vehicle.
Shuttle transportation is available to the Trail of Lights on most nights. Shuttle fare – $8 with free rides for lap children – includes general admission access to the trail and a special entry line. Visitors are encouraged to purchase a shuttle pass in advance.
Trail of Lights isn't the only major light show in town. The 37th Street Lights are another Austin staple returning this holiday season.
Every year, neighbors on 37th and Guadalupe streets in Central Austin string together hundreds of lights and big decorations. It's an all-volunteer event that accepts both monetary donations and donations of lights. Attendees can view the lights by walking or driving down the street – but don't be surprised if there is a long line of cars!
This year, the lights will be up from Dec. 8 through Jan. 1.
If you're looking for something classic to do this holiday season that doesn't center around lights, you and your family can take in Ballet Austin's production of "The Nutcracker."
With this year's 61st annual production, "The Nutcracker" remains Austin's longest-running live production – a dazzling display of sparkling sets and costumes, impressive ballet and beautiful music.
The production runs 120 minutes including a 50-minute first act, a 20-minute intermission and a 50-minute second act. Ballet Austin will be performing "The Nutcracker" each weekend at the Long Center for the Performing Arts from Dec. 2 through Dec. 23. Saturdays and Sundays will feature both matinee and evening shows.
Tickets are available now. Check out Ballet Austin's FAQ for more information.
You and your family can skate beneath the stars at this year's Ice Rodeo at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin. The event features an outdoor ice rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake, outdoor dining cabins, art installations, afternoon tea service and more.
The Ice Rodeo will be open from Nov. 18 through Jan. 7.
One of Austin's most celebrated light shows returns this year, and there are a couple of different viewing options.
As with previous years, visitors can reserve a table, selecting the day, time and table locations they would like. This format usually sells out quickly, so Mozart's is also offering a general admission format through its Bavarian Marketplace. This year, the coffee shop is also hosting a silent disco with a light-up dance floor.
Those who reserve a table also have the option to purchase a number of holiday treats, from hot cocoa and kettle corn doggie treats.
This event is quite popular, and hopeful visitors tend to have a lot of questions about how it works. Mozart's has published an extensive Q&A addressing booking and attending with a reserved table, as well as questions about the Bavarian Marketplace and silent disco.
The light show will begin on Nov. 9 and be shown daily through Dec. 31, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Families can make sweet memories at Peppermint Parkway when it returns to Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this year. Tickets are on sale now for the holiday spectacular, which will be held on select nights from Nov. 24 through Dec. 30.
The drive-thru Parkway will feature millions of lights, holiday tunes, the Grinch and more. Then the party continues at the Peppermint Plaza, with a Mistletoe Kissing Booth, drinks at the Peppermint Pub, Pepper's Petting Zoo, Mint's Market and even more lights. There will also be a Ferris Wheel, three new rides, a 3-lane light-up slide and special nights.
Parkway admission starts at $40, parkway admission plus a lap on the F1 track starts at $65, parkway admission with a fast pass starts at $80 and parkway admission plus a fast pass and a track lap is $99.