Get set for a holiday adventure in Leander with our guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're a Leander insider or an outsider looking in, this guide reveals the city's holiday heart.
Popular events during the season include the enchanting Zilker Trail of Lights, where visitors can stroll through a dazzling display of lights that transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Additionally, the Old Town Christmas Festival brings together local artisans and delightful food vendors, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for families. And definitely don't forget A Christmas Carol, a timeless tale brought to life that promises to inspire and entertain. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Leander
- Zilker Trail of Lights (Austin)
- Santa’s Ranch (New Braunfels)
- The Nutcracker at the Ballet Austin (Austin)
- A Christmas Carol (Austin)
- Old Town Christmas Festival
- North Pole Flyer (Bertram)
- A Christmas Affair (Austin)
- Luminations (Austin)
- Liberty Hill Christmas Festival (Liberty Hill)
- Breakfast with Santa (Cedar Park)
See these and even more events listed below!
Leander Holiday Light Displays
Tail of Lights
What to Expect:
Pet-friendly holiday lights and music stroll.
Description:
Tail of Lights is a festive holiday event at Veterans Memorial Park featuring beautifully lit paths, holiday music, and pet-friendly vendors. Dress your furry friend in their best holiday outfit and take a picture with Santa Paws.
Where: Cedar Park | More Info: Tail of Lights
Zilker 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 tradition in Zilker Park, featuring over 2 million lights, 90 lighted trees, and 70 displays.
Where: Austin | More Info: Zilker Trail of Lights
Luminations
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light show with local performances and food trucks.
Description:
Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center features all-new light installations spanning the Central Gardens, offering a chance to explore Fortlandia at night. Food and drink options are available for purchase.
Where: Austin | More Info: Luminations
Santa’s Ranch
What to Expect:
Spectacular drive-thru light display with themed areas and animations.
Description:
Santa's Ranch is a premier holiday light exhibition in Texas, featuring over 2.5 million beautiful lights, animated Christmas displays, and homemade hot chocolate and kettle corn.
Where: New Braunfels | More Info: Santa’s Ranch
Leander Holiday Markets and Shopping
Winter Wonderland Festival
What to Expect:
Ice skating through an enchanted forest lit by hundreds of Christmas trees.
Description:
The Yuletide Festival at Union League Liberty Hill features ice skating, over 30 high-end market shop booths, dazzling lights, and free rides. Enjoy Santa photos, high-end shopping, and a festive atmosphere with hundreds of lit Christmas trees.
Where: Liberty Hill | More Info: Winter Wonderland Festival
A Christmas Affair
What to Expect:
Unique holiday market with diverse vendors and community-focused fundraising.
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 children’s events, Santa photos, and a raffle and auction.
Where: Austin | More Info: A Christmas Affair
Leander Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Extravaganza
What to Expect:
World-class circus performance with holiday classics.
Description:
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is a spectacular holiday event featuring awe-inspiring acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats, and talented musicians and singers. The show blends spellbinding circus artistry with timeless holiday melodies, creating a world-class circus experience infused with beloved seasonal favorites.
Where: Cedar Park | More Info: Holiday Extravaganza
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Fresh musical score blending traditional and modern elements.
Description:
ZACH Theatre's adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras. This family-friendly spectacular creates an infectious spirit that has everyone dancing in the aisles. Celebrate the season with the loving Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts as they take Ebenezer Scrooge on a joyride to rediscover his heart and love for human kindness.
Where: Austin | More Info: A Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker at the Ballet Austin
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker at Ballet Austin is a timeless ballet performance featuring exquisite costumes and sets, accompanied by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The show follows Clara's dream-inspired adventures through a twinkling winter setting to the Court of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Where: Austin | More Info: The Nutcracker at the Ballet Austin
North Pole Flyer
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa and festive activities.
Description:
The North Pole Flyer is a 2-hour train ride departing from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot, featuring a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, live balloon twisters, on-board caroling, and a locally baked holiday cookie. Each car is decorated for the season, and passengers enjoy a live reading of the North Pole Flyer book.
Where: Bertram | More Info: North Pole Flyer
Leander Other Holiday Activities
Old Town Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Annual holiday celebration with a 5K run, marketplace, parade, and tree lighting.
Description:
The Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander, TX, features a 5K Rudolph Run, Christmas Marketplace, Hometown Parade, and tree lighting ceremony, along with live performances and local food and craft vendors.
Where: Leander | More Info: Old Town Christmas Festival
Cocoa & Cookie Decorating
What to Expect:
Expertly guided cookie decorating with royal icing techniques.
Description:
Join Penny Royal Bakery for a delightful cookie decorating experience where you'll learn to outline, flood, and detail sugar cookies using royal icing. Enjoy personal instruction and complimentary beverages in a fun and creative environment.
Where: Leander | More Info: Cocoa & Cookie Decorating
Liberty Hill Christmas Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with local shopping and activities.
Description:
The Liberty Hill Christmas Festival is a community event in downtown Liberty Hill, TX, featuring shopping, food vendors, and activities for all ages. Guests can shop from unique, hand-crafted vendors, enjoy live music, and participate in Christmas-themed activities.
Where: Liberty Hill | More Info: Liberty Hill Christmas Festival
Pancakes & PJs
What to Expect:
Hot breakfast and Christmas crafts with Santa.
Description:
Join us for Pancakes & PJs at the Leander Activity Center, where families can enjoy a hot breakfast, Christmas crafts, and a visit from Santa. Pre-registration is required, and family members not participating in the activities are welcome at no charge.
Where: Leander | More Info: Pancakes & PJs
Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Catered breakfast and photo opportunity with Santa.
Description:
Join us for a special morning with Breakfast with Santa This event is designed for children ages 2-5 years old and their parents or guardians. Activities include a catered breakfast, stories at the Cedar Park Public Library, and a photo opportunity with Santa. Each child will also receive a free take-home ornament.
Where: Cedar Park | More Info: Breakfast with Santa
Holidays with the Horses
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with horses and community activities.
Description:
Join us at Open My World for a festive holiday event featuring horses, carnival booths, and community celebration.
Where: Leander | More Info: Holidays with the Horses
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Cedar Park (5 miles)
- Brushy Creek (8 miles)
- Georgetown (11 miles)
- Round Rock (11 miles)
- Pflugerville (17 miles)
- Hutto (18 miles)
- Austin (23 miles)
- Harker Heights (37 miles)
- Copperas Cove (38 miles)
- Killeen (38 miles)
- Fort Cavazos (39 miles)
- Belton (40 miles)
- Kyle (41 miles)