We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite ways to celebrate the holidays in Austin! From light shows, to Christmas cocktails, to Instagram photo-ops, ATX has different snowy celebrations popping up all over the city.

Winter Wonderland At Austin Motel

A neon rainbow holiday experience, the Austin Motel pool and courtyard will be decked out with holiday cheer. Trees, rainbow lights, carols with Drag Mrs. Claus, a visit from Hunky Santa, and weekly film screenings with some of the season’s best, and of course a holiday drink menu.

Naughty & Nice List At Old Thousand

Old Thousand is keeping everyone on their toes this holiday season with their Naughty & Nice cocktail list! Feeling naughty? Try their new Buttered Up Blitzen ($14)  made with Buttered Tequila, Chai Syrup, and Hot Apple Cider or sip on their Run Run Rudolph ($12) made with Vodka, Ancho Reyes, Lemon, Cranberry, and Prosecco. Their Nice list is comprised of three non-alcoholic mocktails including the Elf On A Shelf made with honey, rosemary, grapefruit, lime, and tonic. Old Thousand’s Naughty & Nice list cocktails will be available through the end of the year.

Miracle on 5th Street 

Austin’s favorite pop-up Christmas bar, Miracle On 5th Street, is back! Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in the most festive and nostalgic setting in the city. Featuring wall-to-wall Christmas decor, multiple bars, cheery social experiences, and a whole lot of Christmas spirits! It’s located at 307 W. 5th Street.

Gibson St. Bar

Gibson Street Bar has decked their halls with all things merry and bright! Along with their holiday decor, they’ve crafted up ten new festive cocktails, both hot and cold. They’re open everyday until 2 a.m. for all your boozy holiday needs and photo opportunities.

Peppermint Parkway

Experience a mile of immersive holiday displays, millions of lights, live dancing elves, a walking plaza full of food and activities, and more during Peppermint Parkway located at Circuit Of Americas. Customize your Peppermint Parkway experience with one of 4 ticket packages. Regardless of which package you choose, all guests are invited to explore the activities, games and food at Peppermint Plaza before or after your drive! Running now through December 26th.

The Driskill

The Driskill transformed every corner of the hotel for the holidays which is always an especially magical time of year at the property. Each space is thoughtfully decked out with festive lights and holiday decorations, from the famous Driskill Bar to the grand staircase and the 16-foot Douglas Fir tree in the lobby.

Lights And Delights At Dreamland

Dreamland, the one-of-a-kind outdoor entertainment, recreation and arts venue located in Dripping Springs, Texas, invites visitors to experience a winter wonderland in Dripping Springs. There will be seasonal activities ranging from a limited-time ice skating rink to “Dreamland’s Lights & Delights,” their first-ever holiday light display. The events are great for adults and kids alike to enjoy outdoor activities during the cooler weather in the Texas Hill Country and get in the holiday spirit.

Pinkmas at The Museum Of Ice Cream

The Museum of Ice Cream is celebrating the holiday season with Pinkmas! Pinkmas is a wonderland filled with limited time offers including drink specials, exclusive retail products, themed activities, and more. The magical immersive experience will feature festive drink specials at the cafe, including a gingerbread milkshake, Pinktini, and a Sprinkle Pool sundae.  Additionally, guests can expect a variety of celebratory activities such as a “winter-fied” game of I Spy, sing-alongs to holiday favorites, candy cane hunts, educational information about holiday celebrations from around the world and more.

Gingerbread Village At Four Seasons

Inspired by the magic of the North Pole, this year’s Gingerbread Village at the JW Marriott features 11 edible “houses,” from Santa’s Workshop and an Elf Dormitory to a bustling Town Square, complete with a live countdown to Christmas. The Village will be on display in the lobby now through December 28.

Naughty Noel At The Cavalier

Party like it’s 1999 at The Cavalier’s Nostalgic Noel holiday cocktail popup going on from December 11th through the 30th. Enjoy this epic celebration of 90s-and-00s-themed toys and cartoons in cocktail form. Opening party is December 11th from 7 p.m. – midnight!

Trail Of Lights 

Experience the 57th annual Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park now through December 31st. The annual event in Zilker Park celebrates the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home. The 57th annual Austin Trail of Lights will return to the city’s iconic Zilker Park in 2021 as a drive-thru event.Secure your vehicle passes here.

Snow Much Fun At JW Marriott

Snow Much Fun at The Edge Rooftop Bar at the JW Marriott is back! Join them for snowfall on the hour, holiday cocktails, and live music daily.

A Very Bad Larry Christmas

Bad Larry Burger Club is popping up at Little Brother Bar throughout all of December! Little Brother Bar will have special Christmas Cocktails and Bad Larry will have a different special every day of the week.

Know of any other Holiday Happenings going on around Austin? Email Emily@365ThingsAustin.com. 

Emily Grant
Born and raised in Austin, Emily thrives off sunlight and a good happy hour. In her free time she enjoys finding hidden spots along the greenbelt and frequent trips to Austin Pets Alive! She graduated with a degree in PR and has spent the past four years as a social media manager and writer.

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