Sing carols, twirl on ice, enjoy spectacular festive displays and get into the spirit of the season. We have the top tips for things to do with kids in Austin this winter.
Courtesy of Trail of Lights.
See Holiday Lights
The Austin Trail of Lights is truly an Austin tradition, celebrating its 61st year in 2025. The event takes place December 10-23, 2025, and spots fill up quickly, so be sure to buy tickets in advance. Head east to Peppermint Parkway, a bright holiday festival featuring a walk-through light display experience with a Christmas village and more. This festive experience is open from November 21st to December 28th with a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Stop by Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin for their annual Festival of Lights. Sip on a steaming cup of hot chocolate while watching the dazzling lights display that are choreographed to lively music. The light show is on display from November 22nd through January 3rd. Stroll through the South Mall Lawn of the University of Texas campus for Longhorn Lights. From November 18 through January 1, a free Longhorn-themed light display will illuminate campus.
Find more opportunities to see holiday lights in Austin.
Courtesy of Hill Country Galleria.
Go Ice Skating
Yes, you can ice skate in Texas! While the temps don't often drop below freezing, Texans also like to get in on the ice skating fun. Make a trip to Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Hotel and skate around the festive outdoor lights and holiday decor from November 21st to January 4th. Get in some last-minute shopping while your kids skate around at the Hill Country Galleria from November 14th to January 19th. Grab a gift for your loved ones at their Holiday Arts Market—open to the public Fridays and Saturdays in December.
Give Back
Want to teach your kids about the importance of helping those less fortunate? Local Tex-Mex joint Chuy's makes it part of their mission to support families with children each holiday season. Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Toy Drive helps provide toys and meals to serve over 8,000 families each holiday season. Want to volunteer for a charity as a family? Mobile Loaves and Fishes, an organization that provides food, clothing and resources for the homeless, has volunteer opportunities available.
Find even more give back ideas on the annual Austin Chronicle Wishlist.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Credit Jennifer M. Ramos.
Go Shopping
Austin and the surrounding area are filled with holiday markets and bazaars. Make sure to check out Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (December 13-21, 2025), Blue Genie Art Bazaar (Nov. 14 - Dec. 24, 2024), and for Austin gifts, visit our Visitor Center (which also has a shop online!).
View our full Holiday Shopping Guide for more ideas.
The Nutcracker, Ballet Austin. Credit to Tony Spielberg.
See a Show
Experience a holiday performance with your family. ZACH revives the classic A Christmas Carol and gives it a modern twist, with various performances from November 19th to January 3rd. The Long Center for the Performing Arts hosts Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 5-23), the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Home Alone in Concert (Dec. 16th & 17th) and more.
Find more holiday events and shows on our events calendar.
Looking for more ideas? Explore VisitAustin.org/Austin-Holiday for more events, deals and hotel booking!
