Things to do in Austin in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Austin. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 42—64°F (6—18°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Austin during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a holiday-themed brewery tour, visit the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, attend the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, and more!

Austin has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Austin. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Austin in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Austin in December

Top experiences in December
Take a holiday-themed brewery tour
Austin is known for its vibrant craft beer scene, and many breweries offer special holiday-themed tours and events in December. This is a unique way to experience the local beer culture while also getting into the holiday spirit. Many breweries decorate their taprooms and offer special holiday-themed beers, making it a fun and festive experience for beer enthusiasts. Some breweries also offer special events such as holiday markets, live music, and food trucks, making it a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
Visit the Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a unique holiday shopping experience that takes place in December in Austin. The event features over 200 artists and makers selling their handmade goods, including art, jewelry, clothing, and more. It's a great place to find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones while supporting local artists and artisans. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar also features live music, food and drink vendors, and a festive atmosphere that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Attend the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that takes place in December in Austin. The event features over 160 artists and makers selling their unique and handcrafted goods. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones while supporting local artists and artisans. In addition to shopping, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar also features live music, food and drink vendors, and a festive atmosphere that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Attend the Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll
Each December, the city of Austin hosts a special holiday sing-along and downtown stroll event that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. The event features live music, caroling, and a special appearance by Santa Claus, making it a fun and festive experience for the whole family. The downtown stroll also features holiday decorations, food and drink vendors, and even a special holiday market, making it a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
Go ice skating at the Whole Foods flagship store
During December, the rooftop of the Whole Foods flagship store in downtown Austin is transformed into an ice skating rink. This unique experience allows you to enjoy the holiday season in a fun and active way. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the ice skating rink is a great way to enjoy the winter weather and get into the holiday spirit. The rink also features festive decorations and holiday music, making it a truly unique experience in Austin.
Attend the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
The Trail of Lights is a beloved Austin tradition that takes place in December. The park is transformed into a magical wonderland with over 2 million lights, festive displays, and live entertainment. It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the company of friends and family. The event also features food vendors, a holiday market, and even a visit from Santa Claus. It's a fun and festive experience that is unique to December in Austin.
Take a holiday-themed walking tour of Austin's historic neighborhoods
Austin is home to many beautiful and historic neighborhoods, and taking a holiday-themed walking tour is a unique way to experience the city's rich history and architecture while also getting into the holiday spirit. Many tours feature festive decorations, holiday lights, and even
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Holidays in Austin in December
December

There are no holidays in Austin in December

Other notable holidays
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Weather in Austin in December

Temperatures on an average day in Austin in December

The average temperature in Austin in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 64°F (18°C) to a low of 42°F (6°C). Some would describe it as moderately chilly and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Austin, August, has days with highs of 100°F (38°C) and lows of 76°F (24°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 62°F (17°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Austin in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
64°F
highs
42°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly and breezy
Feels like
20%
Chance of rain
0.097 in
Amount
15.0 mph
Wind speed
72%
Humidity
10.2 hrs
Daylight length
7:18 AM
Sunrise
5:32 PM
Sunset
53%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 64°F (18°C) and a low of 42°F (6°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Austin in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Austin has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Austin that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Austin for December.
Texas Capitol
1. Texas Capitol
4.7
(3814)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
The 1888 granite & marble structure has a significant rotunda & dome, plus House & Senate chambers.
Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Observation Deck
2. Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Observation Deck
4.7
(13)
Sights & Landmarks
Bridges
LBJ Presidential Library
3. LBJ Presidential Library
4.7
(1147)
History museum
Museums
The story of President Lyndon Baines Johnson is told through documents, photographs & mementos.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
4. Barton Springs Municipal Pool
4.7
(9255)
Swimming pool
Nature & Parks
Beloved spring-fed pool maintaining a 68ºF temperature year-round with lifeguards on duty.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
5. Bullock Texas State History Museum
4.7
(6198)
History museum
Museums
Exhibits, IMAX films & educational experiences aim to tell & interpret the story of Texas.
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
6. Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
4.8
(34)
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Popular multi-use path winding for 10 mi. along both sides of Lady Bird Lake & through Zilker Park.
The Driskill - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
7. The Driskill - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
4.6
(4979)
Hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Opulent 1886 property offering high-end quarters & a renowned grill, plus a bar with live music.
Mt Bonnell
8. Mt Bonnell
4.6
(1665)
Mountain peak
Sights & Landmarks
5.1-acre park known for its elevated summit offering sweeping views of Lake Austin.
S Congress Ave
9. S Congress Ave
4.8
(29)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Straight route through the 'Soco' neighborhood known for its cafés, live music venues & boutiques.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
10. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4.7
(2402)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Center focused on native Texas plants & their benefits, founded by & named for a former first lady.
Circuit of the Americas
11. Circuit of the Americas
4.6
(14952)
Car racing track
Sights & Landmarks
Besides the U.S. Grand Prix, this 3.4-mile racetrack hosts concerts in its amphitheater.
The University of Texas at Austin
12. The University of Texas at Austin
4.4
(833)
Public university
Sights & Landmarks
Higher education institution with a robust research program, set on a large campus with 4 museums.
Zilker Metropolitan Park
13. Zilker Metropolitan Park
4.8
(4537)
Park
Nature & Parks
351-acre, urban park with botanical gardens, a spring-fed pool, a theater & sports facilities.
The District at SoCo
14. The District at SoCo
4.4
(36)
Apartment complex
Sights & Landmarks
Zilker Botanical Garden
15. Zilker Botanical Garden
4.6
(5044)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
31-acre garden in Zilker Park with plants, ponds & trails, plus educational programs for kids.
McKinney Falls State Park
16. McKinney Falls State Park
4.6
(6636)
State park
Nature & Parks
Popular site for camping, hiking, biking & fishing, & for "Old Baldy," a 500+-year-old cypress tree.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Austin?

Get inspired for your trip to Austin with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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