December Bucket List || Austin
Photo by Rebecca Darling
Holidays are here and so are we!
We put together this list of things to check out during the holidays. Whether you are spending it solo, with your fur babies, or with a house full of family, there is sure to be something everyone can enjoy so keep reading! Less than three weeks until Christmas and there’s still so much to do. Our time is filled with last minute shopping, drinking hot coco, and all the fun Austin traditions.
Can you believe we are approaching the end of a decade? There is so much to reflect on, so much to look back on and see how we’ve molded and changed and grown, and so much to reminisce on. Do you have anything you want to check off your list before 2020? We know this time of year is filled with joy and laughter but it can also be very busy and tough on our schedules. Don’t forget to take some down time to rest, relax, and reflect. We look forward to what the new year will bring but we are ready to slow down and squeeze every last drop out of 2019.
Ciao for now,
Kendall
Zilker Trail of Lights
Opening night of Zilker Trail of Lights is Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 7-10 P.M. The lights will be up and open from the 10 until the 23. Check their website for prices and parking.
Cost: FREE - $5
Ice skating at Whole Foods
Ice Skating in the heart of Austin? Yes please! Whole Foods on Lamar has their annual popup outdoor skating rink. It will be open through mid-January from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Holiday Hours vary. Purchase your ticket ahead of time here.
Cost: $12 online, $15 at door
Light Show at Mozart’s
The Mozart’s Light Show is a must-see. With over 1 million LED lights synced with some favorite holiday jingles, you’ll not want to miss this. Parking can be tricky but after 6 p.m. you are allowed to park in the LCRA parking lot across the street for free. Follow Mozart’s on IG to stay updated.
Cost: FREE
Photo by Ballet Austin
The Nutcracker by Ballet Austin
Ballet Austin is putting on their 57th annual play, The Nutcracker. There will be 15 performances between now and Dec. 23. Check their website for dates and ticket info.
Cost: $39 - $99
Roast Marshmallows at Halcyon
Halcyon is known for their coffee, craft cocktails and of course s’mores. They bring a mini roasting fire right to your table and you can roast away. There are two Halcyon locations in ATX, Mueller and the Warehouse District.
Cost: $7 - $12
Workshop at The Cathedral
The Cathedral is a newly renovated space in East Austin, originally a church. It has been masterfully molded into a beautiful co-working space for artists and creatives. They host a multitude of workshops, from Yoga to sound healing to watercoloring. Check their website for their next workshop.
Cost: $25 - $65
Photo by Andrew Uzzel @uzzelphotography
Watch Sunset at Mt. Bonnell
Have you been to Mt. Bonnell yet or recently? It’s quite the scene, especially during dusk. We’ve been told its 100 steps to the top, although we’re not entirely sure because we haven’t counted ourselves. What we are sure about is it’s well worth it.
Cost: FREE
Movies at the Trail: Home Alone
This years #moviesatthetrail is kicking off with Home Alone. It will be held outdoors at the Trail of Lights and is open to the public! Bring a blanket, some snacks and snuggle up for a movie under the Austin Stars.
Cost: FREE
Shop Small ATX List
If you’ve not seen our Austin Holiday List, what are you waiting for? Go! Now! Click here to see it.
Hike the Ann and Roy Butler Trail
If you’ve not walked, run, or biked the Ann and Roy Butler Trail, have you even seen Austin? We don’t think so. This trail is 10 miles long and runs along both sides of Lady Bird Lake. It’s the perfect spot for a casual date with yourself or someone else!
Cost: FREE
Photo by Jon Prichard @the_lochness_jonster
Camping at McKinney Falls State Park
Want to go camping but not have to drive 3 hours away? Well, Mckinney Falls State Park is where it’s at. You won’t even feel like your in the city but you’ll be 10 minutes away from HEB. Now that’s a win-win. Check their website for availability and pricing.
Cost: $20 - $25
Decorate a tree on 360
This has been an on going tradition since the 90’s. Gather a few decorations, some friends, and go decorate a tree along Loop 360. Some things to keep in mind with this fun tradition are to make sure the decorations will not fly off in a gust of wind and clutter the roadways also don’t forget to set a reminder to clean it up after the holidays for the following year.
Cost: FREE
Donate some older warm clothes, blankets, and food to a shelter
Although we live in Texas, one of the warmer states during fall and winter, it still gets chilly for those who can’t afford to bundle up! We’ve all got those extra coats, jackets, blankets, socks, etc. that no longer get used. Why not take an afternoon, gather some of those things together and donate them! This is sure to make you and others smile.
Cost: FREE
Grab a coffee from 1886 Cafe and see the Driskill Tree
1886 Cafe is inside the famous Driskill Hotel and something you may know less about is their magnificent Christmas tree decorated in the lobby. Grab a friend and and cup of joe and check it out!
Cost: FREE
Photo by Austin Steam Train
Ride the North Pole Flyer
The whole family will love this one. The Austin Steam Train runs a special route in the months of November and December. This adventure lasts 2 hours and includes hot coco, Christmas cookies, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a reading from the Austin Steam Trains very own book. They only have a few tickets left for Dec. 14 and 15, snag them from their website.
Cost: $50 - $55
Gingerbread Village at the Four Seasons
The Four Seasons annual Gingerbread Village’s theme this year is Friendship. What better way to bring everyone together than with gingerbread? This is open to guests and the public through Christmas day.
Cost: FREE
Make Apple Cider
Is anything better than sipping on homemade (or store bought) apple cider on a cool and crisp evening? One of our favorite ways to make apple cider is over the stove so the scent fills your entire home. Here’s an easy recipe you can try now!
Cost: FREE - $5
Host/Attend a Christmas Party
There are endless Christmas themed parties and places you can find in Austin, but some of our favorite Christmas parties are ones that we host in our home or attend at a friend’s home. Hosting a party can seem daunting but turn it into a Christmas potluck or cookie exchange where everyone can bring something. You won’t regret this one.
Cost: dependent on your desired festivities
Photo by Minimalist Baker
Make Christmas Cookies
Whether it’s you, yourself, and you or a larger group, everyone loves Christmas cookies. Pick your favorite cookies or a new recipe you’ve been dying to try and get baking! Here are some of our favorites: Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies, and Pumpkin Cookies. What’s your favorite Christmas cookie?
Cost: FREE - $10
Watch the Polar Express + Drink Hot Cocoa
We’re not sure about you but our favorite song in the Polar Express is hands-down the Hot Chocolate song on the train. This is such a fun movie to get into the holiday spirit with, but it could be any movie from animated to Hallmark to Die Hard.
Cost: FREE
Bake a Christmas Goodie for your Neighbor
As we are in the midst of the season of giving, our neighbors are easy to pass by without thought. Why not bake a little treat with lots of love, walk on over to their door, and then hand it over to them expecting nothing in return? This doesn’t happen often enough, be the one who starts a trend!
Cost: FREE - $5
Build a Gingerbread House
Now if you’ve been inspired by the Gingerbread Village at the Four Seasons Hotel downtown then maybe go grab a Gingerbread house kit at Trader Joes and start building. The architect inside of you will thank you later.
Cost: $10
Photo by Kendall Sanner
Vegan Holiday Fair
First ever Vegan Holiday Fair! There will be food, Austin based makers and creators, and a whole lot of holiday cheer! Head down to Nadamoo! Scoop Shop on S. Lamar this Saturday, Dec. 14 from 12-5p for all the festivities.
Cost: FREE
Lala’s Little Nugget
This is Austin’s very own Christmas themed bar! It’s Christmas all year round at this little nugget. They are throwing a Christmas Bash on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 6 p.m. till 2 a.m. so be sure to wear your best Christmas sweater and bring your Christmas spirit. Must be 21* or older.
Cost: FREE
Walk and See Christmas Lights
If you’re wanting to walk around and see some dazzling Christmas lights then you’ve got to visit Chinati Court in Cedar Park, some call it Christmas Court. It’s slightly north of Austin but very worth the drive. This small street allows you to walk through the story of the 12 days of Christmas.
Cost: FREE