We made it to the sparkliest month of the year, y’all! December is here! Here’s what you need to know this month:
📅 Stay Organized
With so much going on in December, you’ll want to make sure you know what’s happening and when. A few key dates to remember:
- Luminations runs at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Dec. 5 through Jan. 3
- Trail of Lights at Zilker Park runs Dec. 10-23
- The 37th Street Lights start on Dec. 12 and stay open throughout the month
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is open Dec. 13-21 at Palmer Events Center
- Light up South Austin is on Dec. 14 at the South Austin Recreation Center
🍁 Fall Foliage Is Here
I hear you. What fall foliage? But Austin does get some nice orange and yellow leaves this time of year — just check out Red Bud Isle or the Lady Bird Lake trail. We haven’t reached our peak color season, so there’s still lots to look forward to. Keep an eye on this map for what’s happening with our leaves.
🫶 It’s Giving Season
GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that happens the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, returns Dec. 2. Find an organization to donate to on Amplify Austin’s website.
You can also drop off new, unwrapped toys at any fire station before Dec. 20 for Austin Police Department’s Operation Blue Santa.
🎄 Recycle Your Christmas Tree
When you’re ready to part with your Christmas tree this year, trashing it is easy. You can either put it on the curb during your regular composting collection day if you’re a city curbside customer, or you can drop it off at Zilker Park.
Zilker Park drop-off days are on Dec. 28 and Jan. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
🥂 Don’t Forget New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve falls on a Wednesday this year, which means you can buy alcohol for your celebration between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. If you’re looking for something free to do, go to the city’s celebration at Auditorium Shores! It starts at 7 p.m. and includes food and drink vendors, live music, and a fireworks show. You could also watch the fireworks show from the steps at City Hall!
