December Is Here! Holiday Guide!

Austin may not look it with all that leftover summer sun still hanging around at the end of the year, but our little big city really brings out the holiday cheer in just about everyone. We also bring heaps of cool arts, great drinks, and of course, music, music, and more music! Check out these festive frivolities:

Coming back for its 25th year, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar (the BGAB, as the locals call it) is one of Austin's favorite holiday traditions. When it comes to finding that perfect, one-of-a-kind treasure, it's hard to beat a place that's rounded up the works of over 200 of the finest artists from around the region. Forget the big box stores — you can wander through and find sparkly handmade jewelry, beautiful sketches and paintings, and gifts for absolutely everyone on your list. If you can't make it on foot, don't worry; BGAB launched a year-round online shop so you can get your fix of Austin weirdness any time of the year!

The mixologist elves over at The Eleanor have been busy, coming up with a whole sleigh-load of brand-new food and drink items for the ninth season of the Miracle pop-up. Come on down and let Miracle's jolly crew craft you some delightful Christmas cocktails such as the Crooked Antler or a Jingle Ball Nog! It features wall-to-wall Christmas decor, multiple bars, cheery social experiences and a whole lot of Christmas spirits. And parents, feel free to bring the little ones along to enjoy food and non-alcoholic cheer before 7pm!

After a little remodeling to make things even cozier, the beloved lakeside Trail of Lights tradition returns once again with thousands of glimmering lights. This year they've upped their game with spectacular new sights, including a dazzling aerial LED flyboard battle set to the tune of "The Nutcracker" and a special, limited-time Broadway-style Christmas concert.

Get your engines revvin' for the magical drive-thru experience waiting at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA)! The Parkway features over a mile of immersive holiday sights, millions of twinkling lights, and high-kicking dancing elves to wave at as you cruise by. With a special Candy Cane Cruise ticket, you can take a parade lap on COTA's famous signature racetrack, and guests can also explore Peppermint Plaza, where you can even meet Santa himself.