Plan your festive season itinerary with ease in Austin. Our guide has all the top holiday events. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, our guide reveals the holiday wonders of Austin.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting Trail of Lights, where zillions of sparkling lights illuminate Zilker Park, creating a magical walking path for all ages. With stunning decorations and festive displays, Mozart's Lights offers a cozy lakeside atmosphere combined with musical performances. And the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring local artisans and live music in a vibrant, holiday market setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Austin
- Trail of Lights
- Mozart’s Lights
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
- Peppermint Parkway
- A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre
- Zilker Tree Lighting
- Downtown Austin Holiday Stroll
- A Christmas Affair
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar
- Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker
See these and even more events listed below!
Austin Holiday Light Displays
Trail of Lights
What to Expect:
Community-wide celebration with diverse holiday displays.
Description:
The Austin Trail of Lights is a 60-year-old holiday celebration in Zilker Park, featuring over 2 million lights, 65+ displays, and interactive experiences.
Where: Austin | More Info: Trail of Lights
Mozart’s Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive LED dance floor and silent disco.
Description:
Mozart’s Holiday Light Show features over 2 million twinkling LEDs, live performances, and interactive activities like a silent disco and LED dance floor, set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Austin.
Where: Austin | More Info: Mozart’s Lights
Peppermint Parkway
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light displays with various activities and attractions.
Description:
Peppermint Parkway is a drive-thru holiday event featuring a mile of holiday displays, millions of lights, and dancing characters. The event includes a festive plaza with rides, food vendors, and activities like a petting zoo and a Mistletoe Kissing Booth. Guests can also enjoy a track lap on the Circuit of The Americas' F1 track and visit the COTA Candy Cane Observation Tower.
Where: Austin | More Info: Peppermint Parkway
Zilker Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Unique spiral pattern of lights created by City of Austin electricians.
Description:
The 57th Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony features pre-event music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, followed by a tree lighting ceremony with local entertainment, food, and live music. The event includes ASL interpretation services and offers free parking on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Austin | More Info: Zilker Tree Lighting
6th Annual Holiday Market with SANTA CLAUS
What to Expect:
Children's Scavenger Hunt with Elf Training Activities.
Description:
Join us for the 6th Annual Old West Christmas Light Fest, where you can immerse yourself in holiday cheer amidst beautifully decorated Christmas trees and sparkling light installations. Enjoy live music, meet Santa Claus, and participate in fun family-friendly activities like a children's scavenger hunt and petting zoo. The event features a variety of food options and shopping at the Old West Trading Post.
Where: Austin | More Info: 6th Annual Holiday Market with SANTA CLAUS
Austin Holiday Markets and Shopping
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
What to Expect:
Immersive fine art and music festival with diverse local and national artists.
Description:
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a vibrant fine art and music festival featuring over 200 local and national artists showcasing unique, handmade pieces. Enjoy live music, festive decor, and a lively atmosphere.
Where: Austin | More Info: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Downtown Austin Holiday Stroll
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with local artisan vendors and festive activities.
Description:
The Downtown Austin Holiday Stroll is a free family-friendly event featuring artisan vendors, food trucks, and photos with Santa. It takes place on Congress Avenue between 8th and 11th streets, offering a variety of activities to kick off the holiday season.
Where: Austin | More Info: Downtown Austin Holiday Stroll
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
What to Expect:
Unique, high-quality handmade items from local artisans.
Description:
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a premier holiday shopping event in Austin, featuring over 200 regional artists showcasing handmade jewelry, artwork, home goods, and unique gifts.
Where: Austin | More Info: Blue Genie Art Bazaar
A Christmas Affair
What to Expect:
Largest League event of its kind in the nation.
Description:
A Christmas Affair is a 49th annual holiday market featuring over 200 vendors from across the country, benefiting The Junior League of Austin's signature programs and nonprofit community partners. The event offers a variety of activities, including parties, children's events, raffle and auction, and Santa photos.
Where: Austin | More Info: A Christmas Affair
Christmas Stroll
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with local shopping and events.
Description:
The Christmas Stroll in Georgetown is a three-day event featuring festive activities, holiday shopping, and community gatherings in the historic downtown district.
Where: Georgetown | More Info: Christmas Stroll
Austin Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre
What to Expect:
Infusing traditional Victorian story with diverse musical score.
Description:
ZACH Theatre's adaptation of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is a musical journey through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a diverse score spanning all genres and eras. This production brings Victorian charm to life with a joyous spirit, featuring Scrooge, the Cratchit family, and three spirited ghosts on an unforgettable adventure of redemption and joy.
Where: Austin | More Info: A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre
Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Description:
Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker is a timeless holiday classic featuring Clara's dream-inspired adventures through a twinkling winter setting to the Court of the Sugar Plum Fairy. With exquisite costumes, astonishing sets, and live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, this production showcases the artistry of over one hundred artists on stage.
Where: Austin | More Info: Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker
Holiday Heroes at ZACH Theater
What to Expect:
Interactive celebration of multiple holiday traditions.
Description:
Holiday Heroes at ZACH Theatre is an uproariously entertaining sing-along that incorporates elements from various holiday traditions, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. This event is designed for families and features interactive surprises, ensuring everyone gets into the holiday spirit.
Where: Austin | More Info: Holiday Heroes at ZACH Theater
Mingle and Jingle
What to Expect:
Live music and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Description:
Join the PCMA Gulf States Chapter for a holiday celebration featuring live music, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and discounted valet parking at the Otis Hotel Austin.
Where: Austin | More Info: Mingle and Jingle
Austin Other Holiday Activities
Lala’s Little Nugget Christmas
What to Expect:
Disco-themed celebration with retro cocktails and decorations.
Description:
Lala’s Little Nugget is a beloved Austin institution celebrating 52 years with a disco-themed bash featuring groovy tunes, dazzling lights, and signature retro cocktails. The event encourages costumes and promises endless fun with classic festive vibes mixed with 70s sparkle.
Where: Austin | More Info: Lala’s Little Nugget Christmas
Meet us at Santa's Station
What to Expect:
Meet Texas Santa in his iconic black boots and Texas cowboy hat.
Description:
Meet Texas Santa at Santa's Station, where you can visit the jolliest man of the season in his iconic black boots and Texas cowboy hat.
Where: Austin | More Info: Meet us at Santa's Station
Breakfast with Santa and Cookie Decorating
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a delightful breakfast at The Westin Riverwalk, featuring holiday music, story time, and cookie decorating.
Where: Austin | More Info: Breakfast with Santa and Cookie Decorating
Santa Paws
What to Expect:
First-ever Santa Paws event with high-resolution photo downloads.
Description:
Bring your furry friend for photos with Santa at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center. This event includes high-resolution downloads perfect for holiday cards, with all pets required to stay on a leash.
Where: Austin | More Info: Santa Paws
Old Time Christmas
What to Expect:
Held rain, shine, or snow.
Description:
The Fredericksburg Christmas Parade is a festive event held along Caroline and Princess Anne Streets in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. The parade features a "Fredericksburg Toyland" theme and is free to attend. Participants are encouraged to dress for cold weather and wear walking shoes. The event includes downtown shops and restaurants before and after the parade.
Where: Fredericksburg | More Info: Old Time Christmas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Pflugerville (14 miles)
- Brushy Creek (17 miles)
- Cedar Park (17 miles)
- Round Rock (17 miles)
- Kyle (21 miles)
- Hutto (22 miles)
- Leander (23 miles)
- Georgetown (26 miles)
- San Marcos (29 miles)
- Canyon Lake (41 miles)