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!
Updated for 2025
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 endless magic of The Nutcracker at Ballet Austin’s Annual Production. 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 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!
For my full guide on seeing the Nutcracker with kids, see this blog post.
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.
New Year’s Eve Events in Austin
Celebrate NYE with your kids, whether at midnight or earlier in the day at one of these family-friendly celebrations.
Movie Nights in December
Ski Shores Holiday Movie Night: Dec. 5, 19
Ski Shores Cafe is playing The Grinch on Dec. 5 and Elf on Dec. 19.
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 The Christmas Chronicles on Dec. 3, Elf on Dec. 10, and The Grinch on Dec. 17.
Holiday Movie Nights at St. Elmo: Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24
St Elmo Springdale is hosting Christmas movies in the taproom! Cozy up with some hot chocolate and bring the whole family. It’s all ages and free. See Klaus on Dec. 3, The Grinch (live action) on Dec. 10, Home Alone on Dec. 17, and Elf on Dec. 24.
Kyle’s Christmas Movie in the Park: Dec. 12
Bring your chairs, blankets and Christmas cheer to watch The Santa Clause at Mary Kyle Hartson 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. The Holiday on 12/3, Die Hard on 12/8, White Christmas on 12/12, The Preacher’s Wife on 12/14, It’s a Wonderful Life on 12/14 and Little Women on 12/16.
Holiday Movie Nights at Meanwhile: Dec. 4, 11, 18
FREE holiday movie nights have returned to Meanwhile, every Thursday leading up to Christmas for a lineup of beloved holiday classics.
December 4th: Elf
Dec 11th: Home Alone
Dec 18th: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Showtime starts at 7pm, with the concession stand opening at 6pm. Head to the stand to purchase popcorn, beer, candy, and sodas – or pick up some free ornament-decorating supplies to craft during the movie.
Movie in the Park at Parque Zaragoza: Dec. 18
FREE movie in the park at Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center — Home Alone! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. The movie starts at 6:15, and there will be hot chocolate and popcorn.
Events in Austin in December
Blue Genie Art Bazaar: Nov. 14 – 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!
Zilker Botanical’s Yule in the Garden: Dec. 6-7
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: Dec. 6
Santa will be set up at the Holly Fishing Pier. Free photos with Santa and meet his trusty herd of goats!
Kyle Grinch on the Green: Dec. 13
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!
Family Day: Winter Waltz: Dec. 14
Join the UMLAUF for a merry and bright Family Day! This free community event features an angelic dance performance, holiday crafts, and creative activities for the whole family.
- KESSHO Craft Chocolate
- Choir Performance
- Garden Dance Activation
- Storytimes
- Community Partners
- Crafts
- Sculpture Searches
Zilker Eagle Community Hours: Dec. 5
Every first Friday 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. 28
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 and January.