Austin’s Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Kids Events in Austin in December 2026

Jump To: December 4 – 6 | December 11 – 13 | December 18 – 20 | December 25 – 27 

December in Austin is a month of holiday adventure, where the city comes alive with a vibrant mix of holiday festivals, fun outdoor light events, and family-friendly fun. From new shows and food festivals to exciting cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This guide will help you navigate the best kids’ events and activities happening in Austin throughout December 2026. Get ready to embrace the fall season and create unforgettable memories with your family!

This month’s highlights include Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour, Mozart’s Festival of Lights, and more. Events are grouped by date range for easy browsing and quick planning.

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Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

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Kids Events in Austin on December 4 – 6, 2026

Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour – Get ready for an evening of hit songs as the Disney Worlds Collide Concert Tour brings together Descendants, Zombies, and, for the first time, Camp Rock in a brand-new production featuring fresh mashups and fan favorites.

Light the Night Christmas Parade – Make your way to Fredericksburg’s historic Main Street for this beloved illuminated parade. Watch more than 150 dazzling floats travel between Washington and Bowie Streets, then enjoy the AfterGlow at Marktplatz with food and beverage vendors, holiday music, kids’ activities, and more.

Shiner Holiday Village – Visit Blumenthal Farms for a festive pop-up village filled with holiday huts serving different Shiner favorites, with a Tasting Passport to guide you between stations and collect stamps as you discover new favorites.

Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run – Lace up for the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run where you can join a timed or untimed 5K filled with holiday cheer. Enjoy the Kid Zone, awards, and festive games while supporting Central Texans living with arthritis.

Light Up the Lake – Bring the family to Old Settlers Park in Round Rock for two nights of live music on the Lakeview Stage, spectacular giant balloons hovering over Bright Lake, dazzling light shows, festive displays, holiday food and refreshments, crafts, family activities, a yule log, and more.

German-Texan Christmas Market – Get into the holiday spirit at the German Free School and its gardens, transformed into one of Texas’s most authentic German Christmas markets, with traditional decorations imported from the Erzgebirge. Enjoy famous German Glühwein, browse festive gifts, and enjoy a visit from St. Nick, who will be handing out gifts.

Downtown Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting – Kick off the holiday season at the 31st Annual Tree Lighting, Sing-Along and Stroll. This free, family-friendly celebration features artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more.

Varta Storytelling Festival – Enjoy this three-hour celebration of stories, art, and culture. Meet award-winning children’s authors Saadia Faruqi, Khushboo Patel, and Salma Hussain for interactive readings, join illustrators Anushua Sinha and author-illustrator Anoosha Syed for hands-on block printing and picture-book art workshops, and more.

Bastrop’s River of Lights – Take a festive stroll along Bastrop’s half-mile June Hill Pape Riverwalk, transformed into a twinkling holiday wonderland with hundreds of sparkling displays.

A Victorian Christmas Carol – Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in an intimate, historically informed production, exploring the timeless themes of love, loss, and redemption. Set in Pioneer Farms’ Wessels Dance Hall, this adaptation features live period music played on authentic instruments and Victorian-themed snacks.

Annie – Follow the story of Annie, a fiercely optimistic orphan in Depression-era New York City who refuses to give up hope of finding her parents or building a better life. 

Winter Wonderettes – Get swept up in the close harmonies, colorful charm, and cozy holiday cheer of Winter Wonderettes, where four talented performers must use their creativity to save the Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party when Santa goes missing.

Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run – Celebrate the 15th annual Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run with an untimed, two-mile course for participants of all paces. Registration includes a commemorative long-sleeve T-shirt, a 2026 race bib, complimentary cocoa or beer for guests 21 and up, Finish Line Festival admission, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and early access to North Pole attractions.

Mozart’s Festival of Lights – Watch millions of lights dance across Lake Austin during a magical evening featuring live Nutcracker storytelling by McKenna Michels, a spectacular fire-battle between the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King over the water, festive sing-alongs with lyrics displayed on giant LED screens, and more.

The Light Park – Austin – Cruise through a mile-long wonderland filled with millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes, with glowing tunnels, towering light installations, and larger-than-life holiday scenes around every turn.

Ballet Austin’s 64th annual production of The Nutcracker – Experience the magic of Ballet Austin’s 64th annual The Nutcracker at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar – Shop for holiday gifts at Austin’s beloved Blue Genie Art Bazaar, returning for its 26th year with work from more than 200 regional artists. Browse handmade jewelry, artwork, home goods, and gifts for everyone on your list while supporting local vendors.

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts posse as they search for the true meaning of Christmas in A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe – Enter Narnia through the wardrobe and follow four siblings on a daring journey through a frozen kingdom filled with magic, adventure, Turkish delight, and a battle against the White Witch.

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Kids Events in Austin in December 11 – 13, 2026

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – Explore one of Austin’s longest-running art and music festivals featuring temporary galleries and shops, photo opportunities, full bars, local food from Southside Flying Pizza, and the annual National String Off Competition.

Jingle Bell Run 5K – Kick off the day with a festive race for all ages and abilities! Dress in your best holiday attire and choose the 5K or 1K, with prizes and awards waiting for finishers and top racers.

‘Tis the Season Holiday Market – Find thoughtful, handmade gifts at this seventh annual holiday shopping event, featuring more than 30 local vendors. Browse their creations while enjoying a lovely slice of Hill Country shared with mules and horses for a charming seasonal outing.

Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Parade – Celebrate one of Bastrop’s most beloved holiday traditions as more than 150 dazzling entries light up Main Street, from fanciful floats and fire trucks to unicycles, vintage cars, dancing Honey Bears, and Santa himself.

Annual Festival of Trees – Celebrate the season with your family and friends as you stroll among beautifully decorated trees, sip cozy hot chocolate, browse unique vendor booths, and snap photos with festive inflatables.

Austin Bat Cave’s Portal to the New Year – Celebrate young writers and artists at Austin Bat Cave’s end-of-year event, where students’ creations will be displayed and magical creatures from other dimensions will dance and travel through portals to meet attendees.

Austin Holiday Market – Head to Fair Market to shop for more than 100 makers, enjoy delicious snacks, take photos at themed photo walls, and get creative at free DIY stations.

Joy and Light: Delights of the Season – Enjoy a festive feast of holiday music through the ages with singers and instrumentalists from the Texas Early Music Project. This annual concert brings together medieval chant, joyful carols, magnificent motets, sweet Celtic songs, exuberant folk tunes, and more celebrating Chanukah and Christmas.

A Charlie Brown Christmas at Bass Concert Hall – Celebrate a beloved holiday tradition in its new home at Bass Concert Hall at UT Austin. Get into the holiday spirit in the festive lobby, where you can meet Snoopy and grab drinks and snacks before the show begins.

Bastrop’s River of Lights – Take a festive stroll along Bastrop’s half-mile June Hill Pape Riverwalk, transformed into a twinkling holiday wonderland with hundreds of sparkling displays.

A Victorian Christmas Carol – Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in an intimate, historically informed production, exploring the timeless themes of love, loss, and redemption. Set in Pioneer Farms’ Wessels Dance Hall, this adaptation features live period music played on authentic instruments and Victorian-themed snacks.

Annie – Follow the story of Annie, a fiercely optimistic orphan in Depression-era New York City who refuses to give up hope of finding her parents or building a better life. 

Winter Wonderettes – Get swept up in the close harmonies, colorful charm, and cozy holiday cheer of Winter Wonderettes, where four talented performers must use their creativity to save the Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party when Santa goes missing.

Austin Trail of Lights – Make the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park part of your holiday traditions as this beloved Central Texas celebration returns for its 61st year. Explore more than two million lights, glowing Christmas trees, and festive holiday scenes, plus enjoy food trucks, rides, live music, and photos with Santa.

Mozart’s Festival of Lights – Watch millions of lights dance across Lake Austin during a magical evening featuring live Nutcracker storytelling by McKenna Michels, a spectacular fire-battle between the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King over the water, festive sing-alongs with lyrics displayed on giant LED screens, and more.

The Light Park – Austin – Cruise through a mile-long wonderland filled with millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes, with glowing tunnels, towering light installations, and larger-than-life holiday scenes around every turn.

Ballet Austin’s 64th annual production of The Nutcracker – Experience the magic of Ballet Austin’s 64th annual The Nutcracker at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts posse as they search for the true meaning of Christmas in A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe – Enter Narnia through the wardrobe and follow four siblings on a daring journey through a frozen kingdom filled with magic, adventure, Turkish delight, and a battle against the White Witch.

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Kids’ Events in Austin from December 18 – 20, 2026

Candy Cane Course – Get moving with the Candy Cane Course for a festive race filled with seasonal fun. Participants receive a designer shirt and custom medal, chip-timing with live results and awards, plus free photos, delicious treats, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings – Experience iconic Christmas carols in a new light at St. David’s Episcopal Church. Enjoy holiday favorites such as “12 Days of Christmas,” “Angels from the Realms of Glory,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” to life.

Candlelight: Christmas Classics – Share the magic of the season with a cozy, candlelit concert featuring a collection of beloved Christmas songs. From timeless carols to festive favorites, enjoy holiday classics in a warm atmosphere with the people you love.

The Mutt-Cracker (Sweet!) – Enjoy a playful canine twist on a holiday classic starring rescue dogs Firefly, Dragonfly, and Coyote, alongside talented newcomer Butterfly in her Mutt-Cracker debut. Led by Darren Peterson, the dogs share the spotlight with his entertaining mix of juggling, unicycling, and dog-training skills.

Bastrop’s River of Lights – Take a festive stroll along Bastrop’s half-mile June Hill Pape Riverwalk, transformed into a twinkling holiday wonderland with hundreds of sparkling displays.

A Victorian Christmas Carol – Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in an intimate, historically informed production, exploring the timeless themes of love, loss, and redemption. Set in Pioneer Farms’ Wessels Dance Hall, this adaptation features live period music played on authentic instruments and Victorian-themed snacks.

Annie – Follow the story of Annie, a fiercely optimistic orphan in Depression-era New York City who refuses to give up hope of finding her parents or building a better life. 

Winter Wonderettes – Get swept up in the close harmonies, colorful charm, and cozy holiday cheer of Winter Wonderettes, where four talented performers must use their creativity to save the Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party when Santa goes missing.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – Explore one of Austin’s longest-running art and music festivals featuring temporary galleries and shops, photo opportunities, full bars, local food from Southside Flying Pizza, and the annual National String Off Competition.

Austin Trail of Lights – Make the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park part of your holiday traditions as this beloved Central Texas celebration returns for its 61st year. Explore more than two million lights, glowing Christmas trees, and festive holiday scenes, plus enjoy food trucks, rides, live music, and photos with Santa.

Mozart’s Festival of Lights – Watch millions of lights dance across Lake Austin during a magical evening featuring live Nutcracker storytelling by McKenna Michels, a spectacular fire-battle between the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King over the water, festive sing-alongs with lyrics displayed on giant LED screens, and more.

The Light Park – Austin – Cruise through a mile-long wonderland filled with millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes, with glowing tunnels, towering light installations, and larger-than-life holiday scenes around every turn.

Ballet Austin’s 64th annual production of The Nutcracker – Experience the magic of Ballet Austin’s 64th annual The Nutcracker at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts posse as they search for the true meaning of Christmas in A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Enter Narnia through the wardrobe and follow four siblings on a daring journey through a frozen kingdom filled with magic, adventure, Turkish delight, and a battle against the White Witch.

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Kids Events in Austin from December 25 – 27, 2026

Austin Spurs vs Stockton Kings – Catch the Austin Spurs in action at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, home to the San Antonio Spurs’ NBA G League affiliate.

The Mutt-Cracker (Sweet!) – Enjoy a playful canine twist on a holiday classic starring rescue dogs Firefly, Dragonfly, and Coyote, alongside talented newcomer Butterfly in her Mutt-Cracker debut. Led by Darren Peterson, the dogs share the spotlight with his entertaining mix of juggling, unicycling, and dog-training skills.

Bastrop’s River of Lights – Take a festive stroll along Bastrop’s half-mile June Hill Pape Riverwalk, transformed into a twinkling holiday wonderland with hundreds of sparkling displays.

Mozart’s Festival of Lights – Watch millions of lights dance across Lake Austin during a magical evening featuring live Nutcracker storytelling by McKenna Michels, a spectacular fire-battle between the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King over the water, festive sing-alongs with lyrics displayed on giant LED screens, and more.

The Light Park – Austin – Cruise through a mile-long wonderland filled with millions of dazzling LED lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes, with glowing tunnels, towering light installations, and larger-than-life holiday scenes around every turn.

A Charlie Brown Christmas – Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts posse as they search for the true meaning of Christmas in A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Enter Narnia through the wardrobe and follow four siblings on a daring journey through a frozen kingdom filled with magic, adventure, Turkish delight, and a battle against the White Witch.

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Planning more outings this November? Explore our full list of Austin events and kid-friendly activities to keep the fun going all month long.