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Holiday Events in Austin

The Trail of Lights at Zilker Park never ceases to put us in the holiday spirit, but there are many other holiday events around Austin to suit every taste and hobby. Let our holiday event guide lead the way to a cheerful good time–many of them also involve giving back to local charities!

For the Pet Parent

Austin Pets Alive! compiled a list of all kinds of pet-friendly and pet-centric holiday events in Austin, and you can support their organization while having fun. Events range from pet photos with Santa to decorating stockings for the shelter animals to a comedy show with 100% of proceeds benefitting the shelter.

For the Shop-a-holic

Find a gift for everyone on your list–including yourself!–at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar taking place December 15 – 24 at the Palmer Events Center. A day pass is $8, while a season pass for each day of the bazaar costs $60.

For the Sports Lover

Show off your athletism at Ice Skating on the Plaza at Whole Foods on Lamar. For $10, you get access to the ice and skates rental, and you can also rent the rink for private events.

For the Kids

Let the kids jump away their sugar comas with Springfree Trampoline! On December 8, stop by Springfree Trampoline at the Domain for cookie decorating, crafts and trampoline-jumping, of course, all for $5. All ticket proceeds will benefit Operation Blue Santa, which provides struggling families with a full holiday meal and wrapped gifts for their children.

For the Teenagers

Take your teens to the ELF movie party at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz location on December 10. Expect snowball fights, a sweater costume and fun props to take the holiday classic to the next level for $14. Before you know it, smiling will be your teen’s favorite and they’ll be singing “I love you, I love you, I LOVEEEEE YOUUUUU!

For the Blogger

Jeanine Donofrio, the blogger behind Love & Lemons, will share ideas for creating homemade gifts and creative wrapping at The Container Store on December 12. This event is free, and will include prize drawings and holiday snacks.

For the First (or second, or third, or…) Date

What’s more romantic than cozying up to look at holiday lights together? Spice up the normal holiday light routine with Lake Austin’s Boat Trail of Lights. Check out some of Austin’s most beautiful homes lit up for the holidays with free drinks and a photobooth on Austin Party Barge on December 17.

For the Always Working

Meet and greet with business leaders of all industries and backgrounds at the Multi-Ethnic Chamber Alliance Holiday Social at Highland Lounge on December 10. The Multi-Ethnic Chamber Alliance brings together members of the Greater Austin Black Chamber, Hispanic Chamber, Asian Chamber and Gay & Lesbian Chamber to network and share ideas, and celebrate the holidays.

For the Baker

Bake for a cause at the Driskill Hotel’s “Cookies for Caring” event. $25 will get you a cookie tin to fill up with your goods and a portion of the proceeds go to the Austin American-Statesman’s Season For Caring.

Did we leave off your favorite local holiday event or do you have a philanthropic tradition? Tell us by tweeting @uwatx!