Celebrate the season with festive flair in Austin! From the iconic Trail of Lights at Zilker Park and the snowy rooftop scene at the JW Marriott Austin to the charming holiday train ride and gingerbread workshops around town, our “Christmas in Austin” guide covers all the best things to do in Austin, TX during the holidays. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly adventures, date night magic, or quintessential Texas holiday traditions, you’ll find unique experiences that make this Austin Christmas season unforgettable.
Trail Of Lights – Zilker Park
Like years of past, the opening night is free of charge. Otherwise, you now can buy tickets in advance, and parking is available via VIP valet near the entrance. Parking passes are $25 and shuttle passes are $8. For those of you that have not been in a while, the only major change is they now have carnie rides. It was not clear from the website if you walk up and buy tickets, but it’s once again a walking experience.
Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas
Go Carts a Zip line and other cool stuff. A drive through experience is also available. It’s sort of expensive, but something the kids would really love.
The Nutcracker
Austin Ballet puts on a full production of the Christmas classic every year. One of many performances during the year by Austin’s Ballet Company at the Long Center. It’s a first-class experience. The affordable tickets in the upper balcony sell out fast. Ticket neat the state can go for over $500.
Armadillo Bazaar
Music and Shopping is back in 2021. Dec 17-19, Outside Palmer Event Center Downtown Austin, TX
Zach Theater’s a Christmas Carol
Get tickets early, as their shows typical sell out. Shows every day except Monday. Tickets start around $80
SantaCon
If you don’t’ know of this SantCon thing, Austin has one of the bigger Con’s in the country. Nothing like NYC, but it’s a show. It’s a LARGE group of “grown ups” that dress up like Santa and go bar hopping downtown. It’s supposed to be a little bit of a secrete, and there are nock off Santa Cons, check out Eventbrite and Facebook to find your ticket
Other Fun Holiday To Do’s in Austin
TEDDY BEAR TEAS – Located at the 4 seasons, Santa reads twas the night before Christmas by the fire, there is afternoon caroling, and afternoon tea services. Children are asked to bring an unwrapped teddy bear as a donation. Saturday and Sundays, noon and 3. First few weeks in December.
GINGERBREAD WORKSHOPS AT THE THINKERY
A really cool kids science museum located in the Mueller town center district; previously the old ATX airport. Hour long workshop for all ages. You must reserve a seat, recommended 1 gingerbread house kit for 2-3 people, $12$20 per kit. 3-24 check website for dates and more information.
THE NORTH POLL FLYER
One of our family favorite kids attractions. A full size old school steam train that runs from North Austin to Burnett and back. There Christmas train ride is something special for the little kids.
37TH STREET LIGHTS
A funky and decked out street in North Austin.
Chirstmas on Shady Lane – One day only, Dec 6 one conrner of 7th and Shandy Lane. Multi venu hoiday cebrration featuring pop up markets, food and drinnk at every stop.
Boat Trail of Lights
It’s a boat parade where the boats light up with Christmas lights and decoration. They travel down Lake Austin. If you don’t have a boat, you can book a spot-on Austin’s Party Barge, or a table at Lakeway Resort and Spa.
Christmas Light Show at Mozarts
A cool place to check out during the holidays. It’s a nice coffee shop on Lake Austin that is open late and has an amazing lite show on their doc the overlooks the Lake. One of the best date night places for those looking for a non-alcoholic option.
Snow At Edge Rooftop
Snow falls every hour on the hour in winter at JW Marriott Austin’s Edge Rooftop Christmas bar. Melt marshmallows over an open fire.
Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Bar
One the the oringaly holiday pop up bars. It can be a long line and tought to get into this iconic drinking establishment. Located at the Elenor.
Raindeer over Rainy
Upscale pop up bar at hotel Van Zant. A releatinvy new addition to the ATX pop up bar sceen.
Other Fun Christmas Austin Things to do.
- Donn’s Depot Honky Tonk Christmas
- S’mores at Halcyon
- Hill Country Road Trips
- Christmas Tree at the Driskill Hotel
- Christmas Tree Lighting at the State Capital
Holiday Shopping Events
Cherrywood Art Fair for an art filled two-day event with local artists, live music, kids activities and food.
Hotel San Jose Holiday Market hosts local makers, food and drink specials, and live music so you can bop while you shop.
Texas Hill Country Christmas Events and fun things To Do
GRUENE HALL AND AND TOWN SQUARE
The very old and very cool dance hall, and old school town square have turned into a few blocks long tourist destination with music, food, drinks, and shopping. We love this place.
GEORGETOWN CHRISTMAS STROLL
A quant downtown event about 20 miles north of ATX. The town square Christmas event features a parade, craft boots, food, photos with Santa and more.
MARBLE FALLS
An hour drive from Austin. A nice little town with a very cool Christmas lights show with a Santa in the downtown lake area. I normally make the drive to check it out.
BUDA
There is a nice trail of lights without the big crowds. You can park at the Cabalas and then ride the buses to the event.
For More information on Christmas in the Texas Hill Country – Click Here
Not really in the Hill Country, but not too far from Austin. A pretty cool looking Christmas destination in College Station
https://www.santas-wonderland.com
Other Christmans Things in Texas
Christmas in Dallas
- Hilighd Park Horse Charage Rides
- In City Wheels Light Tours
- Dallas Cowboys Christmas Extravaganza
- The Wave Part Boat Holiday Cruises
- Christmas at Dallas Arboretim
- Lula’s Wine Bar
- Campo Verde Countdown to Chirstmas – Thier final holiday season.
Christmas in Houston
- The holly jolly bar – Pop Up Bar
- Heights and Company Christmas movies screening with drinks and dinner
