With Austin’s signature blend of creativity, self-proclaimed weirdness, dazzling nightlife and welcoming personality, the holidays mean that you can only expect the unexpected - and have a blast doing it. Fly south this December and let the Austinites share a thing or two about throwing a party.
From December 9-23, the Trail of Lights will illuminate for you to amble along and enjoy. Or try a faster pace by registering for the Trail of Lights 5K - a nighttime fun run on December 10th at 6:30 p.m. And don’t miss the Zilker Tree, a spiral of lights soaring 155 feet high along a historic Moonlight Tower; Austin is the only place in the world where these monumental lights can still be found.
Once Christmas is over, the excitement continues through New Year’s Eve when Austin pulls out all the stops for people of all ages. Everyone will appreciate the unique First Night Austin where art takes to the streets, ranging from large-scale public installations to street performances to mobile art and everything in between. Enjoy the afternoon family festival, the Grand Procession and Grand Finale fireworks show. If you prefer a little more buzz in your New Year, grab your dancing shoes and head to Austin’s famous 6th Street. This area is cordoned off for the evening and will ring in 2008 with a giant star dropping 130 feet at midnight.
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Shop and compare lowest prices from top travel sites.
Shop and compare lowest prices from top travel sites.
No change or cancel fees, plus lower hotel booking fees at priceline.com
No change or cancel fees, plus lower hotel booking fees at priceline.com
Things to know:
Region: Hill Country Texas
Average temperature: Between 42 and 62 degrees F.
Dates and Prices: Admission is free to the Trail of Lights and First Night Austin. Registration fee for the Trail of Lights 5K ranges from $17 to $22. See www.ci.austin.tx.us/tol/5k.htm for more information.
Extra Stops: In November, visit 6th Street for the Victorian Christmas arts and crafts festival. Stop by the 1888 pink granite Texas State Capitol for a free guided tour.
Photos courtesy Texas Tourism.
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