For many Austinites, the holiday season means an annual trip to Zilker Park for the Trail of Lights. This beloved civic event, which dates back to 1964, draws an estimated 300,000-plus people during its two weeks. This year, the celebration runs from December 10-23 and features a mix of free and paid admission nights, depending on the event and day of the week.
However, if you are looking for a holiday event that might be less crowded and maybe a little different, there are plenty of other options both in and around Austin this month; read on for details!
Circuit of the Americas, just southeast of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, brings back its Winter Wonderland at The Circuit. Now in its second year, this event transforms the Formula 1 racetrack into a holiday destination, with numerous activities that range from relaxing, festively decorated walkways to thrilling cart racing—and  even a chance to take a lap around the circuit with a professional driver! There are plenty of kids activities as well. Dates are November 29-December 2, December 6-9, and then daily From December 13-30. Hours are 6-10pm except for Friday and Saturday, when the event stays open until 11pm. Ticket prices vary depending on the days and hours you attend. Here’s more info.
If you head further east to Bastrop, you can enjoy the Lost Pines Christmas celebration taking place every Friday-Sunday through December 23. This celebration is centered in historic downtown Bastrop and will feature a variety of family events, concerts, parades and a River of Lights along the banks of the Colorado River.
The City of Round Rock transforms Old Settlers Park into Christmas Towne 2018 from December 13-23. This free event will feature light displays including the ever-popular walking tunnel of lights, as well as carnival rides, holiday refreshments and more. In addition, through December 29, the Penfold Theatre Company is presenting A Christmas Carol Classic Radiocast at Old Settlers Hall, next door to Christmas Towne.
If you head west into the Hill Country, there are numerous civic events and happenings in Burnet, Marble Falls, Boerne, Fredericksburg and New Braunfels, but it’s hard to top Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular. Now in its 29th year, Lyndon Baines Johnson’s hometown is illuminated with more than one million lights around its Blanco County Courthouse, City Park and Pedernales Electric Co-op headquarters. People enjoy taking advantage of hayrides and antique buggy rides to enjoy the scene. Lasting until New Year’s, this celebration is free and both family and pet-friendly.
Of course, when it comes to ways to celebrate the holidays in Central Texas, this list barely scratches the surface. If you explore enough, you might be able to do something different every day of this festive month!
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