Check out our December agenda from our favorite local insiders.
Austin Trail of Lights
“Attracting 400,000 people, the Austin Trail of Lights features 2 million twinkling lights, 20-plus food vendors and 45 live-music performers each year. This is the top holiday event I look forward to every year!”
Dec. 9 through 23, 6 to 10 p.m.| Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road| austintrailoflights.org/General admission is free for all ages from Dec. 9 through 14 and Dec. 18 and 19. General admission is $3 per person for ages 12 and older every other night. Zip Fast Pass admission, which costs $15 to $20, is available Dec. 10 through 23, and allows for early entry at 6 p.m. nightly, one hour before the trail opens to the public.| Jane Ko, @tasteofkoko
Elf Screening and Pub Run at the Paramount
“There are so many holiday happenings around Austin that it can be hard to keep up. For any Elf movie fan, this one is a no-brainer. You meet at the Paramount Theatre, jog over to Whole Foods for a beer and jog back for a screening of Elf. Everyone is in costume and the Christmas spirit is abundant. Sitting on your sofa watching the film is so last year!”
Dec. 5, run check-in is at 6 p.m. The film starts at 8:15 p.m.| Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave.| tickets.austintheatre.org/single/eventdetail.aspx?p=3125 | Tickets for the pub run and film are $21. Tickets for the film only are $11. | Kristy Owen, @365thingsaustin
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
“For last-minute Christmas shopping, I recommend heading to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. This is a wonderful shopping event, complete with live music, for the whole family. You can select art and handcrafted gifts and stocking stuffers from more than 160 artists and artisans, and hear from at least three bands per day.”
Dec. 14 through 24, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road | armadillobazaar.com | One-day passes are $8.| Katie Kime, @katie_kime
2017 Fun Run
“Kick off December with some Austin nostalgia and light. I was born in Austin, and while the city changes rapidly, some things just stay warm in your heart, no matter what. Get your heart rate up under the stars and among the lights. This 2.1-mile journey is for all types. Move at your own pace and celebrate with a hot cocoa or a cold brewsky after. Viva la Austin!”
Dec. 2, 6:30 to 10 p.m.| Zilker Tree near Barton Springs Pool, 2131 William Barton Drive | austintrailoflights.org/2017-fun-run | Tickets range from $20 to $75. | Adriene Mishler, @yogawithadriene