Spending the holidays in Austin? Celebrate like a local and join in some of our city’s most beloved holiday traditions, from over-the-top holiday lights displays to shopping markets and live performances of Christmas classics. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Holiday Light Displays
Peppermint Parkway is a drive-through holiday experience, held from late November through December at Circuit of The Americas, complete with millions of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday songs, dancing elves and an appearance by Santa. With more than 2 million lights and 40 displays, it’s hard not to be awed by the glorious spectacle of the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, a dazzling walk-through event held Dec. 10-23, 2024. Join in the annual Downtown Holiday Stroll on Dec. 7, 2024, which includes the lighting of the towering tree in front of the Texas State Capitol, live music, shopping and more. At Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, sip on a steaming cup of hot chocolate while watching the shop’s dazzling lights display choreographed to lively music nightly from November through early January (reservations required).
Check out more holiday light displays.
The Nutcracker, Ballet Austin. Credit to Tony Spielberg.
Holiday Performances
The whole family will be mesmerized by the magic of The Nutcracker, presented by Ballet Austin with live accompaniment from the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Dec. 6-23, 2024 at the Long Center. ZACH Theater is bringing back its uplifting production of A Christmas Carol, featuring all-new music, from Nov. 20-Dec. 29, 2024. Catch special performances of Ventana Ballet's The Watchmaker's Song, an immersive reimagining of The Nutcracker from Dec. 12-21, 2024 at the Neill-Cochran House Museum.
Downtown Holiday Stroll. Credit Bob Daemmrich.
Christmas Tree Farms
Breathe in the fresh air and crisp scent of pine as you stroll the acres of Elgin Christmas Tree Farm, opening Nov. 23, 2024, or nearby Evergreen Farms, open for the holiday season beginning Nov. 29, 2024. Kids will love exploring the countryside and getting to cut down their very own Texas-grown Christmas tree. Don’t want to cut your own tree? No worries—the farms offer pre-cut trees that are ready to go. Christmas tree sales begin the day after Thanksgiving at both farms.
Holiday Movie Screenings
This holiday season, kick back with a beer at Alamo Drafthouse and have a laugh as you watch classic holiday comedies such as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or A Christmas Story. The Paramount Theatre also offers an annual series of Christmas films in December, so be sure to check the schedule for upcoming flicks.
Courtesy of Blue Genie Art Bazaar.
Local Shopping
During the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, more than 200 artists and makers showcase their handmade wares from Nov. 15-Dec. 24, 2024. From Nov. 20-24, 2024, shop for holiday gifts while helping a good cause during the A Christmas Affair fundraiser for The Junior League of Austin. Head to the charming town of Fredericksburg to shop for nutcrackers, handmade ornaments and more while enjoying German specialties. Or get your German baked goods and handmade gifts at the annual German-Texan Christmas Market on Dec. 7, 2024. Peruse fine art and handmade gifts by local artisans at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, held Dec. 14-23, 2024 at the Palmer Events Center.
Find more holiday markets to explore.
Courtesy of The Driskill.
Hotel Festivities
Gather together and watch as the Grand Lobby tree at The Driskill hotel is lit in early December. The historic Driskill hosts holiday events such as Victorian teas throughout the season. Hotel Van Zandt celebrates the season with a festive holiday pop-up bar at Geraldine's. The South Pole-themed bar features seasonal cocktails, private rooftop igloos, and all your favorite holiday tunes.
Courtesy of Lala's Little Nugget.
Holiday-Themed Bars
It’s always Christmas at Lala’s Little Nugget, where the holiday decorations are up year-round and tunes blast from a vintage jukebox. From Nov. 15, 2024 through late December, pop-up bar Miracle transforms The Eleanor (The Roosevelt Room’s next-door event space) into Miracle on 5th Street, complete with Christmas-themed cocktails and holiday decor. Visit more Austin holiday pop-up bars. Do some boot scootin’ surrounded by snowflakes, ornaments and thousands of glittering lights at Donn’s Depot. Other spots sure to get you in the holiday spirit include Hyde Park Bar & Grill, located in a lovely 1920s converted bungalow, and the kitschy and colorful Ranch 616.
Check out our complete guide to Austin's holiday pop-up bars.
New Year's Eve Events
Say "howdy" to 2025 as you celebrate Austin’s New Year, an all-out party held at Auditorium Shores on Dec. 31, 2024. Get down to live music on multiple stages, chow down on tasty cuisine served up by 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 New Year's Eve in Austin.
Looking for even more festive things to do? Explore our events calendar.