December is a fun month in Austin, but it’s a busy one! There’s so much going on, you’re sure to find some perfect things to do with family. And if you are visiting or have family in town, there’s plenty to check out to keep everyone entertained.
Here’s what’s going on around Austin in December — plenty of holiday happenings, but other fun too!
In This Post
Fortlandia: Open all month
Fortlandia is one of my favorite Austin events of the year (even more so because it lasts a few months, until Feb. 2, so everyone has time to catch it while the forts are up). Every year, the Wildflower Center hosts unique forts that look awesome and kids can climb in, on and under!
Holiday Events Around Austin
Austin and the surrounding areas have lots of light shows, Santa sightings, and Christmas-themed events to get you in the festive mood. Some of our favorites include Trail of Lights and 37th Street Lights!
And don’t forget to find your perfect Christmas tree.
The Nutcracker by Ballet Austin
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker at Ballet Austin’s 62nd Annual Production. Join Ballet Austin for Opening Weekend, Dec. 6-8! 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!
Ice Skating Around Austin
Austin has a few year-round ice skating rinks, but in December, several seasonal rinks open! Read all about them in this blog post.
Movie Nights in December
Austin City Parks Movie in the Park: Dec. 18
See the Christmas classic Elf at Parque Zaragoza on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 pm. There will be Christmas games and crafts, photos with Santa, and hot chocolate! Wear your Christmas PJs and bring chairs or blankets.
Ski Shores Holiday Movie Night: Dec. 6, 13, 20, and 27
Ski Shores Cafe has a slate of holiday movies ready for you each Friday this month. Join them for Elf, Home Alone, The Grinch, and The Santa Clause.
Holiday Movies at The Fieldhouse: Dec. 3, 10, and 17
Go to The Fieldhouse at the Crossover on the first 3 Wednesdays of December for holiday films! They are showing Polar Express on Dec. 3, Elf on Dec. 10, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas on Dec. 17.
Vista Brewing Movie Under the Stars: Dec. 7
You’ve got to watch Home Alone this season, so why not do it on the big screen outside at Vista Brewing in Driftwood. 5:30-9. There will be smores!
Kyle’s Christmas Movie in the Park: Dec. 13
Bring your chairs, blankets and Christmas cheer to watch Elf at Lake Kyle Park. There will be lights, music and food and drink vendors.
Holidays at the Paramount
Grab tickets for your favorite holiday movies at The Paramount Theatre. White Christmas on 12/12, Edward Scissorhands on 12/16, Home Alone on 12/17, and It’s a Wonderful Life on 12/19.
Events in Austin in December
Blue Genie Art Bazaar: Nov. 15 – Dec. 24
Start your shopping (for yourself or others) at Blue Genie Art Bazaar, where hundreds of artists set up booths to sell their work during the holiday season. If you’re bringing kids, don’t forget to download the scavenger hunt ahead of time to make it even more fun for everyone!
Winter Wonderland at The Pitch: All December
Enjoy ice skating and family fun, like Santa visits, a play area, and writing letters to Santa at The Pitch in North Austin.
Dog Man Release Party at BookPeople: Dec. 4
Celebrate the release of Dog Man 13: Big Jim Begins with Dog Man trivia, photo ops, and kid-friendly activities and freebies at the release party at BookPeople.
Zilker Botanical’s Yule in the Garden: Dec. 7-8
Come enjoy family-friendly crafts, music from the Austin Camerata string quartet, a photo booth, and walk the grounds of the botanical garden to celebrate the season. Music performances at 11 am and 12:30 pm. Bring a picnic!
Santa on the Trail: changed to Dec. 15 (previously Dec. 7)
Santa will be set up at International Shores on the Lady Bird hike and bike trail from 9 am to noon on Dec. 15. Free photos with Santa, holiday music from Cool Yule Jazz, a market and kids activity!
Kyle Grinch on the Green: Dec. 7
This free family event will include treats, a market full of vendors, live music, photos with the Grinch, a chalk graffiti station, carnival games, screenings of the Grinch movie and more!
Hotel San Jose x Jo’s Coffee Holiday Block Party: Dec. 8
Get some holiday shopping done and check out some vintage cars at the holiday block party from Hotel San Jose and Jo’s Coffee on South Congress. From noon to 5 pm on Dec. 8, you can find holiday treats and drinks, live chainstitching from Lunchroom Anxiety, and tons of vendors.
Family Day: Snow Place Like Umlauf: Dec. 8
Explore the Umlauf Sculpture Garden for free on family day and create winter-inspired art, enjoy family activities and have some hot cocoa and churros! There will be a puppet show, sculpture scavenger hunts, a performance from the Austin Children’s Choir, and a free book table!
Zilker Eagle Community Hours: Dec. 18
Every third Wednesday of the month, rides on the Zilker Park train are free to the public from 10 am to 2 pm. Presented by the Bill Wood Foundation.
Free Fourth Sunday at Texas Science and Natural History Museum: Dec. 22
Get free admission to the Texas Science and Natural History Museum every fourth Sunday of the month, thanks to HEB.
What’s the weather like in December in Austin?
Fall and winter in Austin are pretty mild. Highs are usually in the 50s or 60s, and lows in the 40s (and occasionally the 30s). In 2024, it has been unusually warm later in the year, though, so be prepared for it to be a little warmer than average. There may be some showers in December, but still plenty of sun, which always makes it feel warmer.
Looking for more fun ideas for the holiday break? Try one of these free ideas or a great hike in town!
Read what to do in Austin in November.