Austin Highlights: Dec. 1 To 4 – Food, Music, Arts & More

Last Updated On – 1st December, 2025

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The best free and fun events in Austin, December 1 – 4, include the Elf Pub Run + Screening, Beauty and the Beast, and more!

Austin turns up the energy long before the weekend hits, and this list rounds up the can’t-miss events keeping the city buzzing all week long. Explore what’s happening from December 1 – 4 and keep your weekdays packed with Austin’s signature spirit and creativity!

Looking ahead to the weekend? Don’t miss our complete guide to Things to do in Austin this weekend, including free festivals, live music, and hidden gems.

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.

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Monday, December 1, 2025

The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar

Jingle and mingle at The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar at Rules and Regs! Come dressed in your best festive attire and embrace the merry vibes, complete with kitschy holiday decor, lively drinks, and a fun seasonal menu.

Where: Fairmont Austin, 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, December 3 – 30, 2025
How Much: Not stated

Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Celebrate the holiday season at Four Seasons Hotel Austin with the return of Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating! From November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, this lakeside retreat transforms into a festive gathering spot just steps from Lady Bird Lake.

Enjoy outdoor ice skating, themed skating nights, and cozy festive cabanas, all set against immersive décor that brings the magic of the North Pole to Texas. Then, savor seasonal menus featuring local flavors and create lasting memories in this vibrant holiday destination.

Where: Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, December 3, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $35

Lights on the Lake – a Christmas Walk Thru!

Step into a holiday wonderland at Lights on the Lake, the newest Christmas walk-through experience in Austin! Set along the beautiful shores of Lake Travis, this magical event offers stunning Christmas displays, vibrant lights, and endless festive fun for the whole family.

Stroll through enchanting light displays, capture unforgettable photos, and enjoy holiday crafts, festive drinks, and delicious food. Meet Santa on Saturdays, or visit the Grinch on open days. With cozy spots to relax, play games, and soak up the season, there’s holiday magic around every corner.

Where: Volente Beach Waterpark, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769, Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Monday, December 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
How Much: $10 – $15

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Mozart’s 2025 Celtic Christmas

For six unforgettable evenings, The Loft will be transformed into a festive Irish wonderland, complete with a delicious fixed-price menu that includes hot chocolate with a twist, deep-fried Irish potato pancakes, and Irish cream cake.

You can also enjoy captivating performances by the renowned Irish ensemble Here & Now, as they bring Ireland’s rich traditions to life through soulful music, storytelling, and spoken word.

Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
When: Tuesday, December 2 – 11, 2025
How Much: $75

UMLAUF After Dark: Holiday Market

Image credit: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum

Explore the market for one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, indulge in culinary delights, and soak in the magic of community. With an artist showcase, community partners, and specialty cocktails, it’s the perfect way to jump into the holiday season.

Where: Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, 605 Azie Morton Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5 pm – 8 pm
How Much: $12

Elf Pub Run + Screening

Join a merry group of elves as you race from Scholz’s Garten to the Paramount Theatre, with plenty of elf shenanigans and caroling along the way. Don your best North Pole attire for the costume contest, and you might just win a special prize before settling in for a screening of Elf at the Paramount.

Pub runners will receive two drink tickets — one for beer or soda at the Paramount, and a beer at Scholz Garten. The run covers just 0.8 miles, making it the perfect festive outing!

Where: The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $12

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Join Austin’s beloved holiday shopping experience, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar (BGAB), as it returns for its spectacular 25th year!

You can find unique handmade jewelry, beautiful artwork, home goods, and gifts for everyone on your list, all featuring the work of more than 200 talented regional artists.

As always, BGAB offers a family-friendly, hassle-free environment where you can easily purchase holiday gifts while supporting local vendors.

Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd, Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Wednesday, December 3 – 24, 2025
How Much: Free

Broadway in Austin presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Image credit: Austin Broadway

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with a breathtaking musical experience like no other.

This stunning production brings the enchanting tale to life with spectacular new sets, dazzling costumes, and the Oscar®-winning, Tony Award®-nominated score. Relive the magic with classic songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast,” as romance and grandeur fill the stage.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Wednesday, December 3 – 14, 2025
How Much: Not stated

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, December 4, 2025

Peppermint Parkway

Image credit: Peppermint Parkway

Wander into a dazzling winter wonderland at Peppermint Parkway, where millions of lights, festive displays, and dancing characters create a magical holiday experience. Take a stroll down the Parkway and fall in love with the holiday charm of Peppermint Plaza, with plenty to do before or after your walk.

Race go-karts at COTA Karting, enjoy thrilling amusement park rides, or sing along to holiday carols. Snap a photo with Santa, sip on a festive drink at the Peppermint Pub, shop for unique gifts at Mint’s Market, and even take a spin on the brand-new Circuit Breaker supercoaster.

Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617
When: Thursday, December 4 – 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $10

Oh, What Fun! Austin Holiday Market

Kick off your holiday season right on by visiting the brand-new Oh What Fun! Austin Holiday Market.

Running through Christmas Eve, this market showcases a curated, rotating selection of local makers and retailers offering everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to clothing and artisan treats.

You can shop for gifts from 11 am to 9 pm every Thursday through Sunday, grab a bite from local food trucks, enjoy musical performances, and sip a themed drink until 10 pm at the festive “What a Wonderful Lounge” cocktail bar.

Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, December 4 – 21, 2025
How Much: No cover

Already planning your days off? Browse our latest picks for Friday through Sunday in Austin — concerts, food festivals, date ideas, and more await!

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.