The holidays are officially upon us. The 6 weeks left of 2019, will undoubtedly, feel like 6 days by the end of it.
So, as if you're not already busy enough, here's a list of (a few of our favorite) events kicking off to share and spread the spirit of the holidays with friends and family!
[All event titles are links to event pages.]
THE NORTH POLE FLYER
November 16 - December 8
Departing from our historic 1912 Bertram Depot. Our special 2 hour excursion on a real train features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa and a locally baked holiday cookie. Each car is decorated for the season where passengers enjoy a live reading of the North Pole Flyer book-our railroad’s own Christmas Story!
WHOLE FOODS MARKET'S ROOFTOP ICE SKATING
Saturday, November 23 - Monday, January 20
Open 10 am to 10 pm daily
Whole Foods Market
525 N. Lamar Blvd.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and CultureMap is spreading extra holiday cheer in Austin this season. Grab your family and friends and join us for ice skating at the CultureMap Rooftop Rink at Whole Foods Market’s downtown flagship store, presented by Frost Bank.
Tip: Tickets at the door are higher.
SIPPIN' SANTA at NICKEL CITY
Monday, November 25 - Tuesday, December 31
Combine all of our favorite things - a Hawaiian vacation, Santa, and drinks. You're welcome.
Tip: Lines get long, they get to capacity. But you can host a mini-holiday party for you and your friends for $50pp which includes guaranteed entry, reserved seating, 2 drinks, 1 take-home holiday glass, and a partridge and a pear tree. Ok, not the last part, but you should look into it.
MIRACLE ON 5TH ST. at THE ELEANOR
Monday, November 25 - Sunday, December 29
Open 2 pm to 2 am daily
Check calendar for private events
Love it or hate it, you still want to see it.
Santa's got a little surprise for everyone this weekend. This Saturday (11/23) and Sunday (11/24), we're hosting a Sneak Peak of Miracle on 5th Street from 6pm-Midnight. Be the first to see the space and drink some delicious holiday cocktails before our Grand Opening on Monday November 25th. Shhhhhhhhh! Don't tell anyone...
29TH ANNUAL THUNDERCLOUD SUBS TURKEY TROT
Thursday, November 28
The good news is that it's not a 5k (3.1 miles)... it's 5 miles. Lol.
The ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, one of Austin’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, started in 1991 with just a handful of volunteers and 600 participants. Today it has grown to be the largest 5 mile run in Texas, with more than 700 volunteers and over 20,000 participants from all over the U.S. and beyond.
Not only is it a great way for families to have fun together on Thanksgiving, it’s an event that you can really feel good about being a part of. All proceeds from the race go directly to Caritas of Austin, a non-profit that works to prevent and end homelessness in the Austin community. To date, the Turkey Trot has raised nearly $3.8 million for Caritas.
If you're new to Austin, never run in the Thundercloud Turkey Trot, or been witness to the event, know that costumes and fun is encouraged!
BALLET AUSTIN'S THE NUTCRACKER
Dec. 7-23 | The Long Center
15 performances
Start your holiday celebrations with a scrumptious trip to the Court of Sweets and Ballet Austin’s spectacular annual production of THE NUTCRACKER! From its vibrant sets and costumes to the impressive cast of more than 200 dancers, this colorful winter classic brings families and friends together every year to enjoy the world’s best-known ballet. Make The Nutcracker your annual holiday tradition and share this memorable experience with those you love!
AUSTIN TRAIL OF LIGHT
December 10-23
Zilker Park: 2100 Barton Springs Rd.
The 55th Annual Trail of Lights is part of the essential Austin experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories and fun. The annual Tree Lighting ceremony will be held in November, then the 5k fun run will kick off the spectacular season in early December. Plan your visit early and don't forget to take a spin under the Zilker Tree!
There are many more events, more than we'd like to count, in and around town during the holidays. These just happen to be a few of our favorites.
If you'd like to further complicate your life with an endless amount of options, check out the full list at 365 Things Austin.
