Kristy’s Top 10: December 2015
December's to-do list from 365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas.
1. Christmas in the Community
Dec. 1–24
Various Austin locations
austinsymphony.com/events/christmas-in-the-community
This year, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is producing a free series of 12 concerts hosted throughout Austin and featuring various ensembles of the orchestra playing familiar holiday music. Christmas in the Community will replace the symphony’s previous traditional gift to the city, the Christmas Sing-Along, in hopes of reaching a broader audience with more performances and more locations and more chances to catch the show.
Admission is free.
2. Mozart’s Holiday Light Show
Through Jan. 10
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3826 Lake Austin Blvd.
mozartscoffee.com
Mozart’s Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Austin, mostly because it has a phenomenal location on Lake Austin and a great outdoor deck. It’s also one of the best places to see some spectacular holiday lights. Each year, Mozart’s takes Christmas lights to the extreme, offering an extravagant display. It has a light show at the top of each hour, starting at 6 p.m., accompanied by holiday music. One of the featured songs is “Wizards in Winter” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I love it! And, of course, another favorite is the “Texas Fight” song.
Admission is free.
3. Deliver Presents for Operation Blue Santa
Dec. 19, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Blue Santa Warehouse, 4101 S. Industrial Drive
bluesanta.org
Delivering presents for Operation Blue Santa is easily one of the most rewarding things I participate in each year. The joy on the kids’ faces when you drop off the presents is unmatched and proves that it really is better to give than receive. On delivery day, the nonprofit needs all the help it can get. As a volunteer, you get to deliver presents and make peoples’ days. When you show up, the folks at Blue Santa will load your vehicle with as many presents as you wish to deliver, and then off you go to make these deserving families’ days. Post delivery, volunteers are invited to share in barbecue and live music as a thank you.
4. Willie Nelson & Family New Year at ACL Live
Dec. 29–31
ACL Live, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd.
acl-live.com/calendar/willie-nelson-2015-12-29
Willie Nelson is back for his annual Willie Nelson & Family concert at ACL Live. This year, Kacey Musgraves will join him. This is a great show for the entire family!
Admission is $99 to $157.
5. Ice Skating on the Plaza at Whole Foods
Nov. 29–Jan. 9, 2016 Whole Foods,
525 North Lamar Blvd.
wholefoodsmarket.com/store/event/ice-skating-plaza
In Austin, December is often mixed with a variety of cold, cool and unseasonably warm days. Sometimes, you have to participate in activities that remind you that we’re in the holiday season. A classic is ice skating at the Whole Foods plaza. Admittedly, the rink is not the biggest, but strapping on ice skates while holiday music is playing can make anyone feel like a kid at heart. Finish your skate session with a cup of hot cocoa or soup from Whole Foods.
Admission is $10 and includes skate rental.
6. Trail of Lights and the Zilker Holiday Tree
Dec. 8–22
Zilker Park
austintrailoflights.org
Walking through the 1 1/4 miles of holiday awesomeness really gets you in the spirit. It is basically a rite of passage to becoming an Austinite. The various displays on the Trail of Lights are so different, and each night has a different theme. There are performances, dancers and carolers along the trail.
Want a special sneak peak? Check out Night Lights, the second annual preview party, Dec. 4. There will be live music, “night bites” provided by some of Austin’s best chefs, beer, wine, specialty cocktails, carousel rides, Ferris wheel rides and much more fun, all benefiting the Trail of Lights Foundation. Ticket prices for Night Lights vary.
General admission to the Trail of Lights is free Dec. 8 through 15. Gate tickets are $3 for adults and children 12 and older, and are required for general admission Dec. 16 through 22.
7. Omni Barton Creek Gingerbread Competition
Dec. 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, 8212 Barton Club Drive
facebook.com/events/1703985823150800
Gingerbread houses are one of my favorite things about the holiday season. I never decorate a gingerbread house. Instead, I just go and ogle all the creative houses in the competition. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland,” so all entries will have that motif. Don’t want to join the competition? Come hang out for delicious desserts, holiday carols and a tree-lighting ceremony to remember.
Admission is free.
8. Elf Pub Run and Screening at The Paramount
Dec. 1, 7:45 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.
tickets.austintheatre.org/single/eventdetail.aspx?p=768
Every so often, the Paramount Theatre pairs a movie screening with a pub run, and I think it’s just genius. This is for other humans who share an affinity for elf culture! Grab all your buddies and meet at the Paramount. From there, you'll pass through the seven layers of the candy-cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gumdrops...” OK, OK, so it’s more like swirly twirly layers of downtown Austin construction, after which you’ll cross Sixth Street (If you see gum there, don’t eat it; it isn’t free candy.), around the Frost-y tower to delectable food partner Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. Once there, grab a pint of holiday cheer. Then make your way back across Sixth Street (Don’t hug anything there!) to the theater for more holiday cheer, aka complimentary local Austin beer and a 7:45 p.m. screening of Elf.
Pub-run participants will also receive two tickets good for beer, soda or popcorn they return to the theater. Plus, you’ll leave with other goodies!
And don’t forget to make plans to enter the elf costume contest. The top five costumes will receive complimentary entry into the 2016 Paramount Break-A-Leg 5K (Feb. 14, 2016) and two free film passes to the Paramount Theatre and Stateside at the Paramount.
Admission is $20.
9. Austin’s New Year 2016
Dec. 31, 4 to 10 p.m.
Auditorium Shores at South First Street and Riverside Drive
austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year
The City of Austin is hosting a family-friendly, alcohol-free event for those who are looking for a good old-fashioned celebration of the new year. There will be live music, interactive art installations, performances and creative activities throughout the night, all culminating in a fireworks finale.
Admission is free.
10. Holiday Lights & Ice
Dec. 18–Jan. 6, 2016
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, 8212 Barton Club Drive
facebook.com/events/750893681682112
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa sets up a great indoor ice rink overlooking the Hill Country. Holiday-inspired treats and hot beverages will be served, and families can participate in ornament and gingerbread-cookie decorating in Santa’s Workshop. Proceeds from the event benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & South Texas.
Skating tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children. Season passes are $150.
Kristy Owen is the event mastermind and blogger behind 365 Things To Do In Austin, Texas. To stay up to date on the best Austin has to offer, visit her blog, 365thingsaustin.com.
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