11 uniquely Austin holiday traditions

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In Austin, the holiday season doesn’t bring frosty air or snowy landscapes. Instead, it comes alive with unique, vibrant traditions that have warmed local hearts for decades.

Here's a list of some favorites that celebrate community, creativity, and the city’s distinctive culture.

Turkey Trot

Since 1991, thousands have woken up early on Thanksgiving morning to head to downtown Austin for the annual Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot. It’s become a tradition for many families.

Some runners use the event as an opportunity to dress up in costumes and to support a local charity. All proceeds from the event go to Caritas of Austin, a nonprofit helping those experiencing homelessness.

Zilker Tree

Since 1967, the city of Austin has strung up thousands of lights from a moontower to create the Zilker Holiday Tree in Zilker Park.

Each year, the tradition kicks off with the Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting, where young and old alike take a spin under the lights. The lighting switched to energy-saving LED lights in 2019.

Trail of Lights

Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, the Austin Trail of Lights is among the city’s most famous holiday traditions. An estimated 400,000 people attend yearly to enjoy dozens of displays and millions of lights throughout Zilker Park.

According to organizers, the event began as a small gathering in 1965, previously known as Yule Fest, as a gift to the city from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. KXAN is a proud sponsor of the Austin Trail of Lights.

Downtown Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll

In 1994, the Downtown Austin Alliance and KUT kicked off the holiday season with the lighting of the large tree outside the State Capitol. The event features live music performances, a sing-along, and food and gift vendors.

This free, family-friendly event runs from the steps of the Capitol south to 8th Street along Congress Avenue.

Texas Capitol Menorah Lighting

The first day of this event coincides with the first night of Hanukkah. The governor of Texas joins religious leaders to light the shamash candle on the large outdoor menorah. The event often includes the distribution of Hanukkah chocolate coins, or gelt, to children.

37th Street Lights

While not an officially sponsored or sanctioned event, the 37th Street Lights has been on many people’s list of “can’t-miss” holiday traditions for decades. Between Guadalupe Street and Home Street, homeowners go all out with displays, sometimes following themes like “Barbie” or “Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo.”

In 2023, the event went car-free as part of the City of Austin’s Healthy Streets Program.

Christmas Shopping Specials

Austin offers several unique holiday shopping experiences featuring one-of-a-kind gifts and supporting local artists. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, around since 1976, requires tickets for entry and is held at the Palmer Events Center. It features wares from 200 artists, a “festival atmosphere,” food, bars, and live music.

The Junior League of Austin also holds “A Christmas Affair” at the Palmer Events Center. Originating humbly in 1976 with just 30 booths at the Driskill Hotel, this event also requires tickets.

A relative newcomer, Blue Genie Art Bazaar, has been a holiday fixture since 2001. It showcases handmade work from local artisans in a former warehouse in North Austin.

Peppermint Parkway

A later addition to Austin’s holiday traditions, Peppermint Parkway debuted in 2020 at the Circuit of the Americas. It features a mile of immersive holiday displays, millions of lights, and live performances from dancing elves, Grinches, Santa, and more.

The Nutcracker

Ballet Austin has been performing this holiday classic for decades and is billed as the longest-running production of "The Nutcracker" in Texas.

In addition to breathtaking costumes and awe-inspiring music and dance, the event includes Austin’s prominent figures—school district leaders, mayors, and even news anchors—donning a large wig to play the role of Mother Ginger.

Horseback Santa

For years, a man dressed as Santa has been a familiar sight riding a mule or horse through Austin’s downtown streets.

KXAN interviewed him in 2022, learning that for about a decade, he has donned the suit and mounted his steed daily to spread holiday cheer.

Barton Springs Polar Plunge

Nothing concludes a season of holiday indulgence like a polar plunge into Barton Springs. For more than 40 years, people have marked the end of the holiday season on New Year’s Day by jumping into the water, which stays at a steady 67 degrees year-round.

Did we miss something? What’s your favorite uniquely Austin holiday tradition? Do you have thoughts about what should be added to the list?  Send us your thoughts through ReportIt.

Outside of Austin

Outside of Austin’s city lights, smaller towns and communities hold yearly light shows.

Georgetown hosts its annual Lighting of the Square, Marble Falls has delighted visitors with its Walkway of Lights for more than 30 years, Johnson City presents the “Lights Spectacular” and a dazzling display at the Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters, and Fredericksburg hosts the “Light the Night Christmas Parade” along Main Street.