The Ultimate Guide to Holidays in Austin

See Austin sparkle with lights that transform favorite local spots into festive wonderlands. Bundle up and enjoy the glow.

Austin Trail of Lights
Dec. 1–23
With more than 2 million lights and 40 displays, it’s hard not to be awed by the glorious spectacle of this dazzling walk-through event at Zilker Park.

Peppermint in the Park
Nov. 12 - Jan. 3
Don't miss the first ever Peppermint in the Park at COTALAND. Experience amusement rides, sparkling light displays, a holiday gift market and special visits from Santa himself.

Austin Trail of Lights. Credit to Katie McDowell.

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Nov. 21 - Jan. 3
Sip a steaming cup of hot chocolate while watching the coffee shop’s dazzling Festival of Lights display choreographed to lively music nightly.

Downtown Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll
Dec. 5
Join in this annual event that includes the lighting of the towering tree in front of the Texas State Capitol, live music, shopping and more.

Check out more holiday light displays.

Add a festive show to your holiday plans. Austin offers beloved holiday classics filled with music, memorable characters and plenty of good cheer.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 4–23
The whole family will be mesmerized by the magic of Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker, with live accompaniment from the Austin Symphony Orchestra at the Long Center. 

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Nov. 6–Dec. 27
Catch a classic musical at Zach Theater. Family favorite A Charlie Brown Christmas, returns for another year.

A Christmas Carol
Nov. 18–Dec. 27
The Zach Theater brings back its uplifting production of A Christmas Carol, featuring fresh music.

Breathe in the fresh air and crisp scent of pine as you stroll farms that open specially for the holiday season. Kids will love exploring the countryside and cutting down their own Texas-grown Christmas tree. Don’t want to cut down your tree? No worries — the farms offer pre-cut trees that are ready to go. 

Courtesy of Elgin Christmas Tree Farm. 

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
Opening Nov. 21
Cut down a pine grown right on the farm or take home a pre-cut Fraser fir shipped in from North Carolina. Make it a day and let the kids ride the train, visit the petting zoo and bounce in an inflatable.

Evergreen Farms
Opening Nov. 27
Use the farm’s saws to harvest your pine, cypress or fir tree, then let the staff wrap it for you to take home. Join activities such as tetherball, hopscotch and wandering in a maze. Roast marshmallows on the weekends.

Support Austin’s makers and nonprofit organizations this holiday season. Find handcrafted goods, original artwork and tasty treats at seasonal markets.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Nov. 13–Dec. 24
Shop handmade wares, jewelry and ceramics from more than 200 artists.

A Christmas Affair
Nov. 18–22
Support local causes while shopping this festive fundraiser market hosted by The Junior League of Austin.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. ​Credit Jennifer M Ramos. 

German-Texan Christmas Market
Dec. 5
Pick up authentic German baked goods, glühwein and handmade gifts at the historic German-Texan Heritage Society building.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Dec. 12–21
Browse fine art and artisan gifts while enjoying live local music at the Palmer Events Center in South Austin.

Shop local this holiday season.

Austin hotels get into the holiday spirit with festive traditions and fun seasonal activities. Take in a grand tree lighting or hit the ice for an only-in-Austin outing.

Ice Rodeo. Courtesy of Four Seasons Austin.

The Driskill Tree Lighting
Date TBA
Gather together for a cherished custom and watch as the historic Driskill Hotel's tree is lit in the beautiful Grand Lobby.

Bee Cave on Ice
Nov. 13 - Jan. 18
Spend the afternoon ice skating and shopping for holiday gifts out at the Hill Country Galleria. 

Ice Rodeo
Nov. 20 - Jan. 3
Head to the Four Seasons Austin and lace up your skates and take a spin at the Ice Rodeo. This outdoor rink sports cozy winter vibes and a stunning view of Lady Bird Lake.

Austin’s bar scene gets a merry makeover for the holidays. Toast the season at bars and pop-ups that go all out with over-the-top decor, holiday-themed drinks and plenty of Christmas spirit.

Courtesy of Miracle on 5th Street. 

Lala’s Little Nugget
Year-round
It’s always Christmas at Lala’s Little Nugget and Lala's South Pole, where the holiday decorations are up year-round and tunes blast from a vintage jukebox.

Miracle on 5th Street
Nov. 12–Dec. 27
The pop-up bar transforms The Roosevelt Room’s next-door event space into Miracle on 5th Street, complete with Christmas-themed cocktails and holiday decor.

Sippin’ Santa
Dates TBA
The tiki-themed pop-up bar at Nickel City serves tropical drinks — like the Frost Bite with tequila, sage, pineapple, lime, cranberry syrup and spiced cranberry bitters — in whimsical holiday mugs and glasses.

Check out our complete guide to Austin's holiday pop-up bars.

Say "howdy" to 2027 as you celebrate at an all-out party at Auditorium Shores on New Year’s Eve.

Austin's New Year. Credit to Chris Lammmert. 

Austin’s New Year
Dec. 31
Get down to live music on multiple stages, chow down on tasty cuisine from local food trucks and count down to a fireworks spectacle with the illuminated city skyline as the backdrop. It’s one good time you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about celebrating New Year's Eve in Austin.

Looking for even more festive things to do? Explore our events calendar.