AUSTIN, Texas — The holidays are almost here! With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Christmas not far behind, families across the Austin area might be looking for ways to spend time together this season.
Here are some family-friendly events you can enjoy in the coming weeks, from festive lights to a live dance performance.
Austin Trail of Lights
If you're looking to experience a Central Texas holiday tradition, why not visit the 60th annual Austin Trail of Lights?
From Dec. 10-23, you can head to Zilker Park to walk through a world of over 2 million lights, more than 90 trees, a ferris wheel, cocoa and more.
Entry is free of charge for seven of the nights, including for the event's grand opening. A preview party will be held Dec. 6 and a Fun Run is set for Dec. 7 leading up to the first night.
Paid general admission is required during the other seven days of the event, with a number of ticketing options available, from general admission to platinum packs.
Shuttles will also be available on select nights for $8, which includes general admission and faster entry. You can get a ride starting at 5:30 p.m., and it's recommended to arrive early.
37th Street Lights
If you're looking for a less conventional light show, you might want to visit the 37th Street Lights.
This volunteer-based display has been around for more than 30 years, known as "The weirdest lights you will see this holiday season."
The event kicks off on Dec. 13 and lasts until Dec. 31. Visitors can walk or drive down the street each night at 7 p.m., from 37th St. and Guadalupe Street.
Those interested can also donate equipment, such as LED lights and extension cords.
The Nutcracker by Ballet Austin
Another holiday classic is "The Nutcracker" production, performed annually by Ballet Austin.
The show -now in its 62nd year- tells the story of a young girl who finds herself in the Court of the Sugar Plum Fairy, set to the music of famed composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
The two-hour show is split into two acts with a 20-minute intermission in between.
Opening weekend lasts Dec. 6-8, then additional shows hit the stage Dec. 13-23, with matinee and evening tickets available.
Ice Rodeo at the Four Seasons
Want to get outside this holiday season? You can rent out a pair of ice skates at the Ice Rodeo at The Four Seasons Austin.
This year's event is held from Nov. 22- Jan. 5, welcoming everyone to the outdoor rink with a view of Lady Bird Lake.
Ticket prices vary, but typically start at $38 for an hour on the ice, entry and skate rentals.
Mozart's 2024 Lake Austin Festival of Lights
One of Austin's well-known coffee shops is also getting in on the holiday fun! Mozart's is hosting its annual Lake Austin Festival of Lights from Nov. 29- Jan. 4, not including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The event is switching things up this year by replacing its reserved table seating with $5 general admission tickets available ahead of time. Light shows will be held between 5 p.m.-7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
For the first time ever, attendees can also ride electric, eco-friendly boats on the Donut Boat Cruise, with a captain leading the way. It costs $300 total for 10 passengers.
Another new element is boat cruises along the lake, allowing up to 22 passengers at a time. Individual tickets are priced at $30 for 45 minutes and $45 for an hour and a half.
Mozart's is also introducing 'Immersive Igloos,' offering a view of the lake, hot chocolate and your own server. A maximum group of 10 people is $300.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
If you're hoping to purchase some holiday presents, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar might have what you're looking for.
This indoor event highlights hundreds of Central Texas artists and also includes live musical performances from a wide range of performers.
The annual event is happening from Dec. 14-23 at the Palmer Events Center. Daily tickets cost $12 a person or $60 for ten days, with free admission for children 12 years old or younger.
Attendees are welcome from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Peppermint Parkway
Families can also enjoy the holidays at the Peppermint Parkway, located at Circuit of the Americas in Del Valle.
Visitors can drive through a display of over 6 million lights, meet Pepper and Mint and check out the Peppermint Plaza, featuring photos with Santa, Mint's Market, Pepper's Petting Zoo and more.
This year's event is set from Nov. 22-Dec. 29, and tickets start at $45 for parkway admission.
You can also purchase parkway admission with the lap track for $80, parkway admission and a fast pass starting at $90 or 'The Sweetest Deal' (parkway admission, the lap track and a fast pass) for $99.
