Austin is full of fun holiday activities and traditions from the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park to seeing the Nutcracker at the Long Center. One of Austin’s most popular holiday traditions is at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin. For over 30 years, Mozart’s has welcomed all and served holiday memories and fun.
Mozart’s light tradition is well-known in the Bowie community with many s
tudents being frequent visitors at Mozart’s. Senior Brooke Schneider likes the convenience and the inviting feeling Mozart’s brings.
“Mozart’s is very fun and affordable for students because it was only $5 for admission,” Scheider said. “Since the energy is more chill this year, you can go and work on homework or just have a good conversation under pretty lights and some live music.”
Schneider went to Mozart’s with senior Haley Himebaugh and junior Bennett Hadley to have hot chocolate, watch the live performance, and enjoy each other’s company.
“The performance was beautifully done,” Himebaugh said. “The artists were very involved with the crowd and it was l very down to earth and felt in tune with what Austin is known for.”
In the past, Mozart’s has always had a light show with many lights on one wall making all different scenes. This year they have headed in a different direction by focusing on music and shopping.
“I think Mozarts will always have some type of Christmas show, however since it has already changed I think it may continue to get smaller unless enough people advocate to bring the light show back,” Schneider said. “I like the live music and it had a very chill vibe and it was fun to just chill with friends and drink hot chocolate.”
Over the years, Mozart’s has had multiple booths to buy hot chocolate and it b
ecame a big part of the experience. Hadley got the classic Mozart’s experience with hot chocolate and embracing the Christmas festivities with his friends.
“I love the hot chocolate tradition and I think it is cool that everybody loves it and gets hot chocolate too,” Hadley said.
With everything they have to offer, the Mozart’s Coffee Roasters holiday lights can be appealing to anyone.
“The atmosphere is just very positive and festive and perfect for all people of all ages,” Schneider said. “There are activities for kids and adults which makes it very family friendly.”
Since discontinuing the light show, Mozart’s introduced new entertaining activities including igloos with a lake view and boat cruises through light tunnels on the lake. These new activities bring an all new holiday experience to Austin.
“I really enjoyed the idea of the igloos because it’s a new perspective of everything and it seemed fun to get a view of everything,” Himebaugh said. “The boats also looked super cool because I have never seen lights on the lake like that before.”
The new boat cruises take a tour through the Christmas lights on Lake Austin and the homes surrounding it. Views of Christmas decorations, hot chocolate, and food can be appealing for friends and families.
“I think the cruise is a great addition to Mozart’s,” Schneider said. “I would totally like to go do that with my friends and hangout and look at lights and listen to Christmas music.”
Through changes overtime, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters continues to be a popular and beloved Austin tradition bringing holiday spirit to all.
“I think Mozart’s is one of the best traditions in Austin and that it is very nostalgic because so many people have gone every year since they were kids,” Himebaugh said. “I also have been going since I was a kid and it was always a really good time.”
