Austin Highlights: Nov. 24 To 27 – Food, Music, Arts & More

Last Updated On – 23rd November, 2025

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The best free and fun events in Austin, November 24 – 27, include the 35th Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot, Lights on the Lake, and more!

This week, 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. Explore what’s happening from November 24 – 27 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, November 24, 2025

Mozart’s Festival of Lights

Image credit: Mozart’s Coffee

Kick off the holiday season in style at Mozart’s Festival of Lights. With over a million twinkling lights and stunning displays, this is a festive experience full of photo-worthy moments.

Explore a holiday market with charming wooden chalets, savor delicious Salt Lick BBQ, indulge in sweet treats, and sip on Mozart’s famous hot chocolate. There will also be live performances, including Texas and Celtic Christmas music, as the vibrant holiday atmosphere surrounds you.

Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
When: Monday, November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: Free

Drinksgiving, Turkey & Texas Football

Celebrate Thanksgiving week the Austin way with great food, cold drinks, and plenty of football at this exciting multi-day event.

Kick off the festivities on Wednesday with Drinksgiving, featuring $10 Original Mexican Martinis all day, plus Thanksgiving-inspired food specials like Turkey Wraps and Turkey Plates with dessert. On Thanksgiving Day, swing by between 3-8 PM for $1 Wings and Turkey Plates while catching the Cowboys game at 3:30 PM.

Wrap up the weekend on Friday by cheering on the Texas vs. A&M Lone Star Showdown downtown, while sipping on $7 Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Irish Mules, and Ranch Waters. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the holiday weekend!

Where: Cedar Door Patio Bar & Grill, 201 Brazos St Bldg A, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 24 – 28, 2025
How Much: Free

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, November 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026
How Much: $10 – $15

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Tuesday, November 25, 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: Tuesday, November 25 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $10

Winter Wonderglam

Bask in the holiday sparkle at Gibson Street Bar’s Winter Wonderglam, a dazzling holiday wonderland that’s set to shine all season long. Known for its epic themed events like the Santa Baby Party, the ’80s Ski Soirée, and the Slumber Social, this is the place to be for unforgettable holiday fun.

Come for the delicious drinks, stay for the dance floor, photo booths, and non-stop celebration!

Note: This is a 21+ venue, and valid ID is required for entry.

Where: Gibson Street Bar, 1109 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 – January 4, 2026
How Much: Free (21+ only)

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating

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: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $35

Santa’s Afterparty

Enjoy the festive magic of Santa’s Afterparty, an exclusive holiday celebration at The Swim Club. The Rodeo Room will be transformed into a playful, sparkling winter wonderland, curated by cocktail expert Travis Tober (of Nickel City and Murray’s Tavern).

Sip on Santa’s favorite specialty drinks, like the candy-cane-infused Santa Abides or the creamy Swim Club Eggnog, while enjoying small holiday bites like fried brie with cranberry mostarda and honey-roasted chestnuts, created by Executive Chef Mitch Austin.

For an extra touch of holiday magic, check the weather. You might get the chance to roast s’mores on the lawn with private fire pits and cozy lawn-chair seating.

Where: Swim Club, 650 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4 pm – 11 pm
How Much: No cover

Free and Fun Events in Austin this Thursday, November 27, 2025

35th Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot

Austin picks Nov 24 to 27 2025 - ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot

Image credit: ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot

Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with a healthy and impactful start at the 35th Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot! Choose between a 5-mile run, a 1-mile walk, or the Stepping Stone School Kids K, all set near Ladybird Lake.

Record your time for the 5-mile and 1-mile events, and see how you stack up against others, all while supporting a great cause.

Proceeds from registration benefit Caritas of Austin, making this a fun way to give back while staying active this holiday season.

Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 7 am
How Much: $12 – $30

9th Annual Hill Country Turkey Trot 5k

Image credit: Lake Travis Education Foundation

Start your Thanksgiving off right by joining 2,300 participants at the 9th Annual Hill Country Turkey Trot 5k. Whether you run, walk, or jog, you’ll enjoy a scenic course at the Hills Country Club Signature event while helping raise vital funds for Lake Travis schools.

Before the race, enjoy lively music, delicious snacks, and fun photo ops with the Chick-fil-A Cow and HEB Buddy. Plus, every participant will receive a Hill Country Turkey Trot Finisher Medal as a keepsake of this festive and meaningful holiday event.

Where: 26 Club Estates Pkwy, Austin
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 7:30 am
How Much: $40 (adult, timed) | $30 (children ages 6-18, timed)

Thanksgiving at Cannon + Belle

Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving experience at Cannon + Belle, where Executive Sous Chef Gereamy Cater and Chef de Partie Sierra Preston will craft a plated dinner that’s a feast for the senses.

Highlights include a unique sous vide turkey roulade and a sweet potato mash topped with lemon-thyme meringue. For dessert, indulge in a decadent maple-pecan pumpkin pie that perfectly complements the holiday spread.

Where: Cannon + Belle, 500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
How Much: $35 – $65

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.