We asked some of our favorite well known Austinites to share their Austin holiday traditions. Did your fave make the list?
Anne Hudson
Radio Personality with 96.7 KISS-FM and KASE 101
“One of our favorite traditions is taking the North Pole Flyer train ride out of Cedar Park. We reserve an entire car and invite our neighbors and friends. Mrs. Claus serves warm cookies and Santa comes through with gifts for all the kids! It’s the best!”
Jane Ko
Blogger, Author, and Mastermind behind A Taste of Koko
“I love Austin year-round but during the holiday season is when the city really becomes magical. My favorite Austin holiday traditions are Mozart’s holiday light show, Trail of Lights, and the Christmas tree lighting at the Capitol!”
Lane Garrison
Actor (“Prison Break,” Shooter, “Yellow Stone”)
“So being a new Dad we are just now starting the tradition of hitting all the smaller towns around Austin to look at all their lights… like old Bastrop, Fredericksburg, Johnson City, and finishing at Zilker Park.”
Jackie Venson
Musician
“When I was a kid we used to go to the Trail of Lights and the Zilker Tree guaranteed every year. I remember for at least a decade we would park at Palmer Events Center and take the bus to the Trail, I’m not sure if they still do that now! When I got older we ditched the Trail and started going to Zach Scott Theatre’s annual Santaland Diaries. After both of these it was always Amy’s Ice-cream for a treat after the festivities.”
Jackson Rathbone
Actor (Twilight, “The Last Ship”)
“Not really a tradition, but Sheila and I love taking the kids to Mozart’s on the water. Having coffee for the adults, hot chocolate for the kids, and treats for everyone. When they have the live music and lights going at the same time… magical.”
Kendra Scott
CEO Kendra Scott Jewelry
“I have always loved seeing the Nutcracker at the Long Center. My boys may not love it quite as much as I do, but to me it is the perfect tradition – a classic holiday performance, in an iconic Austin setting, and of course, a great excuse to get all dolled up in my holiday best.”
Moonray
ATX-based, Synth/Cosmic-Pop Duo
“We love going to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar and catching one of their shows while shopping for unique Christmas gifts from local artists. Ending the night with a cup of cocoa and some kettle corn walking down the Austin Trail of Lights.”
Rachel Holtin
Founder of the Food, Style, and Travel Blog Austinfoodsta.com
“I usually go to Mozart’s every year for their lights show. A new tradition that my boyfriend and I began this year is picking out a tree at Papa Noel’s. 😊”
Sally Hernandez
Anchor at KXAN
“Every year we visit the Trail of Lights. My 10-year-old boy and 8-year-old girl love it! I love the look on their faces when we enter the tunnel of lights. We also have a very special tradition decorating our Christmas. Each ornament represents a special moment that year. My mother-in-law started it when my husband and I bought our first home 15 years ago. Every time we hang an ornament we explain to our kids how much joy and happiness the tree holds. ❤️ 🎄”
Trevor Scott
Host of “We Are Austin” on CBS Austin
“My absolute favorite Austin holiday tradition is going to watch classic holiday movies at the Paramount. There is nothing like seeing White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life on the big screen in that historic space.”
Lunchbox
Co-Host of The Bobby Bones Show
“The lights on 37th are by far my favorite Austin tradition!!!!”
We’d love to hear about your favorite ATX holiday tradition too! Let us know all about it by commenting on one of our holiday posts on Instagram or Facebook!
Featured photo via Trevor Scott on Instagram.
Looking for more holiday fun?
Check out these posts:
- Holiday Markets, Art Bazaars, And Fairs In Austin 2019
- Holiday Lights Displays in Central Texas
- 15 Perfect Ways to Have a Very Merry Christmas in Austin
- Get In The Spirit at These 22 Themed Holiday Bars and Restaurants in Austin
- Guests Visiting For The Holidays In Austin? Here’s Where To Take Them
- Keep It Local By Shopping Our Austin Gift Giving Guide
- Holiday Gift Guide: Drink Like an Austinite
- Step Up Your Gift Giving Game With A Unique Austin Experience
