Things To Do Around Austin | January Events

Here we are in the first of the year. Everyone's set new goals to conquer and we're simply looking to make your first month in the new year brighter with cool and fun activities to do around the Greater Austin Area! Check out our top picks of what to enjoy in Austin and beyond this January!  January 1: Barton Springs Polar Plunge
Barton Springs Pool
Although there was a brief time when we didn't know if the plunge was going to happen due to flooding in the Austin area, the polar plunge is on and set for New Year's Dday! Join the brave and jump into the water during the chilly 30-something degree weather.  January 1-7: ACL Radio
Austin Steam Train Society  
This winter wonderland 2-hour excursion on a real train features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa and a locally baked holiday cookie. Each train car is decorated for the season where passengers enjoy a live reading of the North Pole Flyer book - the railroad’s very own Christmas Story! Santa will spend time in each train car to "check your list twice”, and pose for photographs before handing out a gift to each child as a token of this special experience! January: Gingerbread Village Open Houses
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Experience the enchanted forest with hundreds of different performances showcased daily. The Texas Renaissance Festival is the most acclaimed renaissance themed park in the United States. January : Santaland Diaries
ZACH Theatre
David Sedaris’ ever-irreverent and cynical Crumpet is back! The outlandish tale of a Macy’s elf merrily jingles to life. In this holiday cult-classic, Crumpet sarcastically expounds on the talent it takes to juggle tinsel, tearful tots, and not-so-sober Santas during what is hailed as the most wonderful time of the year. 75 minutes of rollicking (and not so politically-correct) fun, this laugh-‘til-you-spill-your-cocktail evening will delight adult elves who like it more naughty than nice! January: Christmas Family Night
Downtown Round Rock
Enjoy this free event with the entire family that includes events like live music, dancers, candle making, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more. Children should bring their “wish lists” for Santa Claus and parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras for pictures with Santa. Plus, savor in free hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other refreshments, activities and snacks.