12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, and More!
There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of December 1 which include the Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll, and more!
Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be right for you.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, remember to check out our articles on Winter Camps Austin 2023, Best Places and Parks with Falls Near Austin, and Austin Lakes and Activities!
Deal Alert – Hill Country BBQ and Wine Shuttle
Leave busy Austin for a half-day barbecue and wine tour in the Texas Hill Country. Your driver takes you to the outskirts of Austin to visit three different venues. Driver/Guide and Air Conditioned Vehicle are included. Food and wine tasting costs are NOT included.
Get more information and book your Hill Country BBQ and Wine Shuttle TODAY!!!
Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 – Friday
The Annual Lighting of the Square
Image credit: Visit Georgetown, Texas
When: December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | 5:30 pm
Where: Downtown Georgetown Square, 710 S Main St, Georgetown, TX 78626
How much: Free
The University of Texas at Austin presents Longhorn Lights
When: December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024 | 5 pm
Where: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
How much: Free
When: December 1 – 9, 2023 | 5:30 pm
Where: Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd Suite 950, Austin, TX 78724
How much: Free
Driskill Holiday Tree Lighting
Join the community and watch in awe as the Driskill Hotel lights up their holiday tree. Revel in the festive tunes of the Chalumeau Clarinet Quartet, raise a champagne glass for a toast, and meet St. Nick!
As you bask in the warm ambiance and enjoy lively entertainment, seize the opportunity to snag some goodies like Driskill cookie tins, artisan candles, and this year’s Driskill ornament.
Proceeds from this event will be contributed to the Statesman’s Seasons for Caring Fund.
You also have the chance to elevate your festive experience. If you buy one or more items, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a luxurious stay in their Cattle Baron suite, with a complimentary dinner in The Grill.
When: Friday, December 1, 2023 | 5 pm – 7 pm
Where: Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
How much: Free
Peppermint Parkway
Image credit: Peppermint Parkway
When: December 1 – 2023 | 6 pm – 9 pm (Parkway hours), 5 pm – 10 pm (Peppermint Plaza hours)
Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
How much: Starts at $40
A Christmas Carol
When: Friday, December 1 – 31, 2023 | 7:30 pm
Where: ZACH Theatre, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
How much: Starts at $25
Deal Alert – Small Group BYOB Sunset Boat Tour on Lake Travis
It can be tricky to choose the best spot to watch an Austin sunset without doing lots of research, but this tour makes the decision for you and showcases magnificent sunset views from the water. Sail out along the clear waters of Lake Travis on a small-group boat tour and enjoy captain commentary about local sights and Austin’s history.
- 90 minutes tour
- Access unobstructed views of Austin at sunset from the water
- Avoid expensive bar tabs and bring your drinks with you
- Great photo opportunities of the sun setting over Lake Travis Pass by a filming location from “Spy Kids”—Starnes Island
Get more information and book your BYOB Sunset Tour on Lake Travis TODAY!!!
Things to do in Austin on Saturday, December 2, 2023
Yule in the Garden
When: December 2 – 3, 2023 | 10 am
Where: Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
How much: Included in general admission
Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker
Image credit: Ballet Austin
When: December 2 – 23, 2023 | 10 am
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
How much: $15 – $125
Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll
Image credit: Downtown Austin
When: December 2, 2023 | 5 pm – 9 pm
Where: Texas Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
How much: Free
Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run
Image credit: Austin Trail of Lights
When: December 2, 2023 | 5:45 pm – 10 pm
Where: Zilker Holiday Tree, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
How much: Starts at $20
Deal Alert – Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab
Try out Austin’s craft brewery scene without thinking about transportation on this private microbrewery tour by Pedicab. Enjoy Austin’s famously warm weather as your guide pedals you to three of Austin’s award-winning breweries. Choose to pay for beers as you go or opt for the all-inclusive option for a tour without any additional expenses.
Get all the information and book your Private Austin Brewery Pedicab Tour TODAY!!!
Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 – Sunday
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hotel Granduca
Party it out at Hotel Granduca’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony this December 3!
The event will be chock-full of holiday magic and festive activities. Snowfall will transform the area into a winter wonderland, take magical photos with Mr. Claus, be serenaded with Christmas carols by the Madrigal Choir, decorate cute ornaments, join the silent auction benefiting Community First Village, shop the Christmas Market, and indulge in seasonal treats and sips.
Of course, we can’t forget about the grand lighting of a tree in the middle of the decked-out Texas Hill Country property.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 5:30 pm
Where: Hotel Granduca, 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
How much: Free
Holiday Art on the Lawn
Image credit: Neill-Cochran House Museum
Kick off the holiday season with some art shopping this weekend at the Neill-Cochran House Museum. Unique arts and gifts made by Austin-based artists will be for sale. While the adults shop, the kids can enjoy the Sunday Funday craft activity led by museum staff.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
How much: Free
Westlake Wonderfest
Celebrate the holiday spirit at Westlake Wonderfest this weekend with the family!
There will be over 50 booths selling various gifts and handcrafted items on site. And you can enjoy tons of fun activities including face painting, crafts, balloon artists, and family-friendly games. There will also be a bounce house, a petting zoo, pony rides, the Holiday Express Train, and live music.
If you get hungry, there will be food from local restaurants at the venue.
When: Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 1 pm – 4 pm
Where: Westlake High School, 4100 Westbank Dr, Austin, TX 78746
How much: Free
Stay up to date on the events, activities, and entertainment in the Austin area through our weekly updates to Things to Do in Austin this Week, Things to Do in Austin this Weekend, and Things to Do in Austin with Kids this Weekend!
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Also remember to check out Things to Do in Houston this Weekend, Things to Do in San Antonio this Weekend, Things to Do in Boston this Weekend, and Things to Do in Dallas this Weekend!
Experience Austin’s live music scene on a tour led by a guide. Visit as many as three iconic clubs and up-and-coming venues and enjoy hearing live music with a group of fun fellow travelers. Don’t get caught listening to cover bands, listen to authentic music in one of the world’s music capitals.
