Think you won’t see snow because you live in Central Texas? Think again. We’ve found all kinds of ways you can have a white Christmas right here in the Austin area!
Photo via Pixabay, Creative Commons licensed.
Snow Fun in Austin and Beyond
Winter Wonderland at the Circuit
December 1, 2 and 8-30 | from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m. all other days | Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin
Millions of lights will illuminate a magical world of holiday amusement at Circuit of The Americas this December. There will be something for everyone to experience and enjoy including a skating rink, human snow globe, singing trees, petting zoo, camel rides, Santa’s workshop, carnival rides, hot air balloon float, merry movies on the lawn, delectable food, shopping galore and the soon to be world famous Tunnel of Lights and much more. Who knows, it may even end up snowing in Austin! Admission: $16 (children 5 and under FREE).
Snow Day (Bastrop)
December 2 | from 1 to 7 p.m. | Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop
Join the Parks and Recreation Department at Fisherman’s Park for a winter wonderland you will never forget! Delight in the wonder of winter, hot chocolate, SNOW, and snow slide! End the day with a holiday-themed film. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (PG – 2000) will start at around 7:30 p.m. FREE!
Lights of Love
December 3 | from 4 to 7 p.m. | Ronald McDonald House, 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin
Kick off the holiday season at Lights of Love! Drawing on the original vision that began 27 years ago, Lights of Love will be held once again at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas. Lights of Love is a festive event for children and families to experience holiday fun and the magical moment when hundreds of sparkling lights suddenly illuminate the Ronald McDonald House and its big, bright holiday tree. Many activities are planned including cookie decorating, kids’ crafts, snow slide, music, photos with Santa Claus and much more! You can find all the details here. $5 suggested donation per person or $20 donation per family.
Christmas Dreams and Snowy Things (Round Rock)
December 9 | from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Chasco Family YMCA, 1812 N. Mays Street, Round Rock
This FREE event includes real snow activities, giant slides, train rides, interactive holiday booths, Blue Santa donation station, inflatables, live music, rides, concessions, and an appearance by Santa Claus!
Downtown Christmas Fair (Hutto)
December 9 | from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Downtown Hutto
Head to the Downtown Christmas Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop the stores, enjoy a meal at the downtown restaurants, shop vendors featuring: handmade items, unique gifts, home decor, jewelry, toys and delicious fair food and drinks! The YMCA Children’s Area will include crafts, games, inflatables, train rides and… SNOW! Admission to Children’s Area is $5 per child and includes all activities. Buy wristbands at entrance to Children’s Area by Henrietta the Hippo. There will be live entertainment throughout the day. Parking is free at the Co-Op – 420 US 79 – follow signs.
Ice Skating in Austin and Beyond
Chaparral Ice
Open daily | hours vary | Northcross Mall, 2525 W Anderson Ln, Austin
Public Skating times are offered at Chaparral Ice every day! Admission is $9 and skate rental is $5 for children and adults. Kids 5 years of age and under skate for only $5 on Saturday and Sunday, including skate rental. Kids 5 and under skate FREE during Monday-Friday afternoon public sessions with paid adult admission (excluding holidays).
Eisbahn (Fredericksburg)
November 24 – January 1 | hours vary | 126 W Main St, Fredericksburg
$15, includes skates. Eisbahn will be open every day, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, through New Year’s weekend. Open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Open Sundays 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday before school is out for Christmas break: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (but always 10 p.m. on Fridays). Monday – Friday after school is out for Christmas break: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ice Skating on the Whole Foods Plaza
November 24 – January 15 | from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Whole Foods, Plaza Rooftop, 525 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin
$10, includes skates. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are always open to the public, but please check the website or call Lamar Guest Services at (512) 476-1206 during the week to confirm public skating hours on weekdays. They are hosting several private parties throughout the month of December during which the skating rink will be closed. Every Friday throughout the ice rink season, the skating soundtrack is curated by KUTX for the KUTX Music Fridays series – don’t miss out!
Sights & Sounds of Christmas Ice Skating Rink (San Marcos)
November 30 – December 3 | from 5 to 11 p.m. | San Marcos Plaza Park, 401 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos
The Sights and Sounds of Christmas is bringing even more holiday cheer with a large, simulated ice skating rink. Enjoy skating ’round and ’round with family and friends, surrounded by millions of Christmas lights and holiday music. Make this season the best ever at the 28th annual Sights & Sounds of Christmas. The rink is located across the river at the basketball courts just behind the Town of Bethlehem. Ice skating sessions each run 20 minutes. Cost: $5 per session (5 tokens). This is in addition to nightly admission to Sights and Sounds, which is $5 for adults; free for kids 12 and under.
Christmas Stroll on the Square (Georgetown)
December 2-3 | Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Georgetown Square, 103 W. 7th St., Georgetown
The Downtown Georgetown Association presents its annual Christmas Stroll on the Square on Friday (5 to 9 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Guests will enjoy Georgetown’s own Winter Wonderland filled with activities such as visiting Santa, holiday treats in the food court, a special kids’ activity area, and new this year — a non-melting ice skating rink with FREE skate rental. There will also be a swing carousel and the very young will expend energy tackling the candyland obstacle course. Travel back in time to enjoy the re-enactment of life in Bethlehem Village, including a live manger. Enjoy live music and browse more than 150 arts and crafts booths. Admission is FREE but a new toy donation to Blue Santa or Brown Santa is encouraged.
Winter Wonderland at the Circuit
December 1, 2 and 8-30 | from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m. all other days | Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin
Millions of lights will illuminate a magical world of holiday amusement at Circuit of The Americas this December. There will be something for everyone to experience and enjoy including a skating rink, human snow globe, singing trees, petting zoo, camel rides, Santa’s workshop, carnival rides, hot air balloon float, merry movies on the lawn, delectable food, shopping galore and the soon to be world famous Tunnel of Lights and much more. Who knows, it may even end up snowing in Austin! Admission: $16 (children 5 and under FREE).
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (Leander)
December 2 | at 5 p.m. | City Hall, 200 West Willis Street, Leander
Celebrate the season with The City of Leander! The Christmas Parade will begin at 5 p.m. with the Tree Lighting to follow. Pictures with Santa, s’mores, skating rink, choral performances, and more. FREE!
For more holiday events in Central Texas, click here to access our list of 100+ ways to celebrate the season!
Featured image by Flickr user Muhammad Taslim Razin, Creative Commons licensed.
