Not a fan of the traditional Christmas Day activities? Perhaps you’re celebrating solo this year or you don’t celebrate at all! Either way, we’ve come up with all of the best things you can do on Christmas Day while most people are home and out of your way.
Here Are All The Things You Can Do On Christmas Day in Austin
Drive Around And Look At Christmas Lights
This may be one of the best days to look at lights. You won’t have to fight crowds and you can get pictures of your favorites without someone stepping in your way. We recommend checking out this neighborhood in Round Rock!
Take Photos At Some Of The Most Popular Spots In Austin
Speaking of photos, why not pop over to some of the most popular spots in town for a photo shoot? Just think, no line and no time limit at the I Love You So Much mural. Spend as much time as you want getting that perfect shot. Here are seven totally picture perfect places to take your next Austin selfie. Also, check out our guide to the best murals in the ATX.
Take A Drive To A Nearby Town
Already have your fill of photos around Austin? What about one of the most quaint towns nearby? Here are some of our faves where you’ll feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of a Hallmark movie!
See A Movie
Back in the day, some of the biggest blockbusters were released in December. We’re talking Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), and Titanic (1997), just to name a few. Seeing a movie on Christmas Day has been a tradition for many over the years. There may be a lot of options to watch at home now, but nothing beats the theatrical experience. Some new films out this year include: Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, The Iron Claw, Migration, The Color Purple, and Anyone But You.
Visit a Hotel
If there’s one place that’s going to be open, it’s a hotel. Bonus, they are usually decked out for the holidays. A few that we’ve visited this season include The Driskill, Fairmont, JW Marriott, and The Loren, where you’ll get one of the best views of the city at their restaurant, Nido.
Go Out To Eat
Think everyone is closed on Christmas Day? Think again! Summer House on Music Lane and W Austin Restaurant and Lounge are open. If you want to relive that famous scene in A Christmas Story, there are some Asian restaurants open as well. Here’s a full list of restaurants open on Christmas from Eater Austin.
If you’re just looking for a drink, Eater also published this list of bars that plan to be open.
Foster a Pet and Spend the Way With It
This may be our very favorite suggestion. Some animal enclosures at local shelters are exposed to the elements so many pets are in need of a foster now more than ever.
Here are a few area shelters to contact regarding fostering:
- Austin Pets Alive!
- Austin Animal Center
- Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter
- Paws Shelter of Central Texas
Can’t get enough Christmas? Many light displays will remain up through the beginning of 2024. Here’s a massive list!
