Oh the weather outside is frightfully hot, but the holiday cheer marches on. In Austin, our tacky Christmas sweaters are short-sleeved, and we always throw a snazzy blues riff into our carols. Just because we can’t build a snowman doesn’t mean we don’t know how to celebrate! These are eight weird and wacky holiday traditions that you’ll only get if you’re from Austin.
- Standing beneath a moontower Christmas tree
Turner/Flickr You can’t get any more “Austin” than this, folks. Every year, The Zilker Trail of Lights turns its massive moontower into a glistening 155 foot tall Christmas tree. With a total of 3,309 lights, this huge display can be seen throughout the city.
- Decorating the cedar trees along the 360 loop
Rick McMaster/Flickr This quirky tradition spreads a little cheer to the typical Austin traffic. All along the 360 loop, Austinites decorate these fragrant cedar trees with tinsel, garland, and bows.
- Saying “howdy” to Cowboy Santa
Elisa Regulski It’s not uncommon to see Cowboy Santa galloping down South Congress during the holiday season. He’s usually trotting along atop of his mule, spreading cheer and chuckling merrily.
- Snapping photos in front of the Willie Nelson Nutcracker
Elisa Regulski During the holidays, The Domain is a blissful winter wonderland. Shoppers love taking in the festive sights and smells of the season. It wouldn’t be an authentic Austin experience, however, without a little bit of country twang thrown in. Behold: The Willie Nelson Nutcracker. He’ll keep you merry and bright even as you get back on the road again.
- Attending the Lake Austin Boat Trail of Lights
Lake Austin’s Boat Trail of Lights/Facebook With winters this mild, why not spend the holiday season along the lake? Every year, boats float down the clear waters of Lake Austin and showcase their sparkling lights and festive displays. You won’t even need a tacky Christmas sweater in this weather.
- Sipping frozen hot chocolates
Holy Cacao/Flickr While the rest of the country spends their time shoveling snow and bundling up, Austinites are just now replacing their shorts with jeans. Yes, it may not feel like the holidays, but we still find a way to sip some holiday cheer. Hot chocolate would make us sweat, but frozen hot chocolate does just the trick. There’s no better place to taste this delicious concoction than at Holy Cacao, located at 1311 S 1st St.
- Rocking out to local music while we shop at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar/Facebook The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been an Austin tradition since 1976. It runs for 11 days at the Palmer Events Center every December. If browsing through 175 booths wears you out, you can always take a break and jam to some local musicians. In Austin, we always have to throw a concert into the mix.
- Watching The Mozart’s holiday light show
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters/Facebook Every hour, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters plays an exciting light show that’s sure to get you in the spirit. This animated display, complete with festive music, is all about Austin. You’re sure to see some illuminated bats flying by the UT bell tower as the state capital blinks and twinkles. Check out this holiday tradition at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
What’s your favorite Austin holiday tradition?
Turner/Flickr
You can’t get any more “Austin” than this, folks. Every year, The Zilker Trail of Lights turns its massive moontower into a glistening 155 foot tall Christmas tree. With a total of 3,309 lights, this huge display can be seen throughout the city.
Rick McMaster/Flickr
This quirky tradition spreads a little cheer to the typical Austin traffic. All along the 360 loop, Austinites decorate these fragrant cedar trees with tinsel, garland, and bows.
Elisa Regulski
It’s not uncommon to see Cowboy Santa galloping down South Congress during the holiday season. He’s usually trotting along atop of his mule, spreading cheer and chuckling merrily.
Elisa Regulski
During the holidays, The Domain is a blissful winter wonderland. Shoppers love taking in the festive sights and smells of the season. It wouldn’t be an authentic Austin experience, however, without a little bit of country twang thrown in. Behold: The Willie Nelson Nutcracker. He’ll keep you merry and bright even as you get back on the road again.
Lake Austin’s Boat Trail of Lights/Facebook
With winters this mild, why not spend the holiday season along the lake? Every year, boats float down the clear waters of Lake Austin and showcase their sparkling lights and festive displays. You won’t even need a tacky Christmas sweater in this weather.
Holy Cacao/Flickr
While the rest of the country spends their time shoveling snow and bundling up, Austinites are just now replacing their shorts with jeans. Yes, it may not feel like the holidays, but we still find a way to sip some holiday cheer. Hot chocolate would make us sweat, but frozen hot chocolate does just the trick. There’s no better place to taste this delicious concoction than at Holy Cacao, located at 1311 S 1st St.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar/Facebook
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been an Austin tradition since 1976. It runs for 11 days at the Palmer Events Center every December. If browsing through 175 booths wears you out, you can always take a break and jam to some local musicians. In Austin, we always have to throw a concert into the mix.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters/Facebook
Every hour, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters plays an exciting light show that’s sure to get you in the spirit. This animated display, complete with festive music, is all about Austin. You’re sure to see some illuminated bats flying by the UT bell tower as the state capital blinks and twinkles. Check out this holiday tradition at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
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