The Zilker Park tree lighting on Sunday signified it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year in Austin! Although it is still almost 80 degrees most days, it is time to deck the halls and get in the Christmas spirit. We love that the community celebrates the holidays in true Austin fashion with many city-wide events. There are many local holiday events our team has grown up attending so we rounded up our top five to share with you.

5. Austin’s annual Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll

On Dec. 2, Austinites will gather at the Texas State Capitol to spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear. The Downtown Austin Alliance puts on this annual stroll down Congress Avenue. The Sustainable Food Center will be featuring a special night market for the community and everyone can look forward to a holiday card making station and a gingerbread house building station. This event also includes the lighting of the Texas State Capitol Christmas tree. For the full event schedule, visit the Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll website.

4. Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker

This year is the 55th annual production of Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker. The production is held at the Long Center – which decorates the columns overlooking downtown with festive red candy cane stripes – and will run from December 3-23. A favorite tradition that makes Ballet Austin’s production so unique is they feature local celebrities and leaders in the special role of Mother Ginger each show. It is a great production for all ages! You can buy your tickets on Ballet Austin’s website.

3. Winter Wonderland At The Circuit

The Circuit of Americas has bestowed upon us a full fledge winter wonderland –  since we will never know what this looks like in Austin, Texas. We are excited about this new tradition for the community. We will be heading out to Circuit of the Americas when it opens this Friday to experience the human snow globe, Santa’s workshop and an ice skating rink. Tickets are available now on the COTA website, and it’s worth mentioning parking is free!

2. Mozart’s Light Show

The annual light show at Mozart’s is more interactive than ever this year. The show features local choirs and custom sculptures out of lights that were made in Greece to represent Austin’s culture. It’s our favorite place to drink hot cocoa by the lake as the Christmas extravaganza lights up the sky. The show runs nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. until Jan. 1 and is free to the public. This year’s show is one not to miss!

1. Austin Trail of Lights

Our favorite community holiday tradition at Zilker Media is going to the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. The Trail of Lights began in 1965 as the Yule Fest as a gift to the city from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. It is known today as Austin’s largest community celebration and features more than 40 displays, 2 million lights and a ferris wheel. Be sure to check out the Austin Trail of Lights calendar to view the themed nights and special activities such as the Fun Run.

Don’t forget to stop and get a picture under the Zilker Holiday Tree! It is the biggest man-made tree, built upon one of Austin’s historic moontowers – a true Zilker Media favorite.