It’s the holiday season, whether we’re ready for it or not, so it’s time to start planning which events you want to go to!
If you live in Austin or are visiting for the holidays, there’s so much to see and do to get in the spirit. Here are the best holiday and Christmas events to attend to start feeling holly jolly.
In This Post
Holiday Light Shows Around Austin
Trail of Lights
December 10-23
This might be the most well-known holiday event in Austin, taking place right in the heart of the city. Spin under the Zilker tree and walk through 2 million lights throughout Zilker Park. There are several freebies throughout too, like photos with Santa, toys in the elf’s workshop, and books.
Some nights are free general admission (some are up to $8 plus fees), or you can buy a zip pass to get in an hour early. Buy a parking pass ahead of time if you want the closest parking.
Mozart’s Festival of Lights
November 22 – January 3
Hit this coffee shop on the lake for a light display, live music and a Bavarian style market. They’ve changed it up again this year.
There’s a fire dancing battle from “The Nutcracker,” a Broadway-style Christmas concert with two giant LED displays with choreographed synchronized lights, Christmas Village with treats and hot chocolate, and the nautical light show on Lake Austin.
Plus the light-up dance floor is back this year!
Peppermint Parkway at COTA
November 21 – December 28
Head out to Circuit of the Americas to see the razzle dazzle of millions of lights at Peppermint Parkway. New this year: it’s a walk-through event rather than a drive-through event! Walk through the lights and then enjoy the holiday plaza carnival with rides and treats. This means the price will be per person rather than per vehicle.
Maywald Light Display
November 27 – December 27
This is the LAST YEAR for this amazing display.
This traditional lights display takes place in west Austin, off 71. Every year it gets bigger and better with thousands of lights. Better yet, the proceeds (it’s donation based) go to Make-A-Wish Foundation!
37th Street Lights
December 12 – January 1
One of my favorite Austin-feeling events! It opens December 12, 2024, and runs through New Year’s. This is a free, quirky event with all kinds of light displays in a residential neighborhood. Aliens, stuffed animal petting zoo, yards piled high with decorations. It’s so much fun and you never know what you’ll find!
The Light Park
November 7 to January 4
The Dell Diamond parking lot in Round Rock is hosting The Light Park drive-through light show, open daily at 5:30! You just need one ticket per vehicle.
Longhorn Lights
2025 dates TBD (2024 dates: November 19 to January 1)
Visit the Drag this holiday season to see an orange-and-white light display, with 24 Heritage Oak trees (i.e., huge old trees!) lit up and synced to holiday songs and music by the Longhorn band. See the lights for free from 5 pm to 10 pm each night on Guadalupe Street between 21st and 24th streets.
Holiday Activities Around Austin
Santa on the Terrace at Long Center
November 29
Get free photos with Santa (with an awesome background view of the Austin skyline!) at the Long Center starting at 11 am (must be in line by 2:30 pm). Mrs. Claus will be mingling, and there are also lots of spots for selfies.
The Nutcracker by Ballet Austin
December 5 to 23
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker at Ballet Austin’s 63rd Annual Production at the Long Center.
Join Ballet Austin for Opening Weekend, Dec. 5-7! For one weekend only, guests of all ages will be treated to free professional holiday photos, Clara’s Dreamland, including photos with Clara and a coloring station, a roving magician, a character parade and more.
All events are free and pre-show only so arrive early to enjoy the fun and magical memories!
If you can’t make it to opening weekend, you can catch the show through December 23. Get tickets here!
Downtown Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll
December 6
It’s time to get in the holiday spirit and light the Capitol tree! For this free event, Congress Avenue will be closed off between 8th and 11th streets from 3 pm to 8 pm so Austinites can walk around to different food vendors, a holiday market, children’s market and art displays. There is live music, and from 6 to 7, join the singalong leading up to the lighting of the tree!
Santa’s Jingle House
This fun Round Rock spot in a historic building hosts several holiday events, including breakfast with Santa, story times, and elf scavenger hunts. We’ve done the elf scavenger hunt a couple times, and you get to explore the whole property looking for elves — and they’re not easy to find!
Holidays at Hill Country Galleria
November 14 – January 19
Visit Bee Cave on Ice at the Central Plaza of Hill Country Galleria for an ice skating session. $16 for a skate rental and 50 minutes of skating. You can also take photos with Santa on select dates, stroll through holiday arts markets or participate in the jingle bell run.
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm Christmas
November 29 – December 24
Sweet Eats in Georgetown always has something fun to do each season. You can see live reindeer, have breakfast or supper with Santa, and go on a candy cane hunt while you’re out there.
A Charlie Brown Christmas at Zach Theater
November 7 – December 28
The beloved holiday classic comes to life on stage at Zach Theater! A Charlie Brown Christmas follows Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas, with a little help from Snoopy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang. It’s a family-friendly play in the intimate, 3-sided Kleberg Theater, so it’s sure to be a fun time.
Free Holiday Fun
If you’re wanting to get in the spirit without spending much money, try one of these FREE family-friendly holiday ideas.
I hope this helps get your holiday season off to a great start and brings you lots of Christmas cheer. What are you favorite holiday events around town?
- Looking for more fun in December? Check out this blog post.
- Get your photo taken with Santa.
- Find your new favorite Christmas tree lot or farm.
- Shop local this season at these favorite Austin shops.