AUSTIN, Texas — The weekend is here and, as always, there are a ton of things going on in the Austin area! From holiday markets to a Hanukkah feast, there's no shortage of fun activities happening over the next few days.
Here’s a breakdown of just some of the events you can attend this weekend.
Austin's most famous holiday light display has its grand opening on Friday. Starting at 6 p.m., Austin Trail of Lights walkers will be able to take in more than two million lights, 96 lighted holiday trees and 70 displays and tunnels. There's also plenty of other fun, from a carousel and live entertainment to food trucks and hot cocoa.
Learn more about ticket options and parking options.
When: Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Zilker Park, located at 2100 Barton Springs Road
This weekend, Midnight in the Garden – a supper club specializing in intimate, rotating, multi-course chef's table dinners – will host its second-annual Hanukkah Heritage Feast.
Tickets to the meal, hosted by "Top Chef" alumni Amanda Rockman and Jo Chan, are on the pricier side at $225 per person. But each ticket pays for eight dishes with seven complementary pairings. Interested foodies can expect to see a "mix of the classics through a fine dining lens," including smoked fish, latkes, matza ball soup and sufganiyot.
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: Midnight in the Garden, located at 7700 Manassas Drive
Holiday markets
Still need to do some Christmas shopping? You're in luck: several holiday markets will be held this weekend to help you pick some special gifts from local businesses and makers.
- Downtown Christmas Fair – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Hutto
- Christmas Market – Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at Lustre Pearl East (114 Linden St.)
- Kinda Tropical Vintage Market – Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at Kinda Tropical (3501 E. Seventh St.)
- Brunch Sip & Shop Holiday Market – Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Ruby Hotel & Bar (400 Fannin Ave. in Round Rock)
- Maggie's Holiday Market – Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at Hotel Magdalena (1101 Music Lane)
- Holiday Trunk Show – Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at Hotel Saint Cecilia (112 Academy Drive)
Most Austin parents are familiar with Thinkery, the children's museum that aims to give kids the opportunity to learn while they play. This year, Thinkery turns 40! To celebrate its anniversary and 10 years in the Mueller neighborhood, it will be hosting a birthday bash on Sunday.
The event will feature a parade and the grand opening of Toy Joy @ Thinkery. Admission to the museum will also be free from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Thinkery, located at 1830 Simond Ave.
Other events happening this weekend:
- Queens of the Stone Age – Friday at Moody Center
- Texas Stars vs. Chicago Wolves – Friday and Saturday at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
- "The Polar Express" – Saturday and Sunday at the Bullock Texas State History Museum
- Winter Celebration – Saturday at the Austin Public Library - Little Walnut Creek Branch
- Keep Austin Cheer'd! – Friday and Saturday at The Continental Club
- Holiday Baking Class – Sunday at Easy Tiger - South Lamar
- City-Wide Vintage Sale – through Sunday at the Palmer Events Center
- "My Fair Lady" – through Sunday at Bass Concert Hall