AUSTIN, Texas — Christmas is right around the corner, and although the pandemic has canceled many of this year's events, there are still some ways you can celebrate the holidays.
Things will look different this year. Due to the pandemic, many of the events featured in this article have made changes to keep attendees as safe as possible.
Know of other events in the Austin area that aren't on this list? Let KVUE know by emailing kvuedigital@kvue.com.
Here's a list of 2020 holiday things to do in the Austin area
PHOTOS: Austin Trail of Lights 2020 drive-thru event
Starting off strong with one of the city's most popular events is the Trail of Lights. Usually, Austinites get to take a stroll through Zilker Park to see all of the lights, but this time around it will be a drive-thru event. You can purchase tickets online.
When: Grand opening is Sunday, Nov. 29
For the 12th year in a row, the City of Buda is hosting its annual Trail of Lights event, and it will be drive-thru this year. You can see the Christmas lights and displays from the comfort of your vehicle. You can find more information such as the route map here.
When: Dec. 5-6, Dec. 10-13 and Dec. 17-20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For the past couple of years, the Circuit of the Americas has hosted a Winter Wonderland event, but this year it is turning into Peppermint Parkway for the holidays. Attendees will be able to drive around and see all kinds of lights and displays. Tickets are $35 per vehicle.
When: Nov. 27 through Jan. 3
Downtown Austin is going to look a lot more like Christmas. The annual Downtown Holiday Stroll is back, allowing families to enjoy holiday activities and shopping this season. Mani Thomas with the Downtown Austin Alliance joined KVUE midday to talk about the family-friendly event and said the event will include window displays, photo-ops, holiday shopping and even appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus all month long. You can learn more and take a look at participating businesses here.
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 31
This coffee shop is known for its beautiful view of the Colorado River, but when the holidays roll around customers get a whole new experience with their extravagant lights. In order to see the light show, you will need to reserve a table in advance online here.
When: Nov. 20 through Jan. 6 from 6-11 p.m.
This year this event will be a drive-thru one and cars will be able to ride through Downtown Pflugerville. There will be no parade this year.
When: Starts Dec. 4 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Every year Austinites flock to Zilker Park to see the Christmas Tree light up Downtown Austin, kicking off the start of the holiday season. But like most events this year, the 54th annual event will be virtual. It'll be streamed on ATXN Channel 6 and several City of Austin pages.
When: Sunday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m.
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