From watching a brilliant light show at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters to strolling through the Austin Trail of Lights, Austin’s winter activities attract people from around the country. As students celebrate the end of finals by getting into the holiday spirit, The Daily Texan compiled a list of festive activities to bring cheer to Austin’s colder months.

Grab a cocktail and do some holiday shopping at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar 

A one-stop shop for Christmas gifts, fine art and live music, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar takes place from Dec. 17 to 23 inside the Palmer Events Center. Featuring work from hundreds of local and touring artists, art enthusiasts can discover and support Austin creatives. Complete with two full bars and a variety of food options, the event offers a great holiday experience for all ages.

Ice skate at Chaparral Ice

While many residents of northern states wait for their bodies of water to freeze over, Texans find joy in skating on man-made ice rinks. Open year-round, Chaparral Ice serves as a popular destination for competitive and recreational skating. Although the rink hosts hockey teams and figure skating groups, skaters of all levels can visit the rink during public sessions — and maybe even pick up a few new tricks. 

Take a cheerful ride through Circuit of the Americas’ Peppermint Parkway

Known for world-class motor racing, Austin’s Circuit of the Americas transforms into a winter wonderland from Nov. 25 to Dec. 30. The drive-thru holiday event also boasts extravagant Christmas lights, entertaining rides and delightful treats. While it may be tempting to stay bundled up in a vehicle, visitors willing to brave the cold can enjoy the event’s catalog of winter activities, from writing a letter to Santa to taking a date to the mistletoe kissing booth.  

Watch a beloved performance of “The Nutcracker”

A classic tale of magic and courage accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s famous compositions, Ballet Austin will put on their annual performance of “The Nutcracker” from Dec. 3 to 23. From the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Mouse King, the Ballet Austin performers will once again take the Long Center stage and put on a dreamy show for all ages.

Enjoy a warm beverage and a dazzling light display at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

Mozart’s hosts its nightly Christmas Light Show, an annual tradition for many Austinites, this year from Nov. 10 to Jan. 6 on their patio. Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s offers attendees the chance to enjoy scenic views and hot chocolate to the tune of Christmas carols accompanying over a million lights. 

Walk through Austin’s magnificent Trail of Lights

Celebrating the city’s holiday spirit for almost six decades, the Trail of Lights returns to Zilker Park on Dec. 8 until Dec. 23. Guests can relish the holiday cheer by twirling under the Zilker Tree, enjoying a ride on the ferris wheel, viewing elegant displays of Christmas lights and more. Longhorns can even show some school pride at UT night, taking place Dec. 11.