With the clock counting down to Christmas, you’re probably rushing to holiday markets, searching for presents, and fitting holiday parties into your (sparse) free time. Let’s be real. The holidays tend to be more stressful than fun sometimes.
If you need to take a step back and enjoy a fun activity with the family, then the Austin area has multiple Christmas events that can transport you to another place. Here are our top five recommendations for 2021.
Best Christmas Shows in Austin – 2021 Events
1. Zach Theatre – A Christmas Carol
Austin’s hottest Christmas tradition is returning, with new music and delights to welcome in the season, after a two-year hiatus. Zach’s one-of-a-kind rendition of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” is a melodic sleigh ride across rhythm and time, infusing the conventional Victorian tale with a soundtrack that crosses genres and ages.
Everyone in the audience can be seen dancing in the aisles as this family-friendly spectacle produces a captivating vibe. The lovely Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts accompany Ebenezer Scrooge on a joyride to recover his heart and passion for human goodness.
When: A Christmas Carol” has been running from November 24th, 2021, and will run till January 2nd, 2022. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Where: 202 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704
Visit the Zach Theatre website to book your tickets and for additional information.
2. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters – 2021 Holiday Light Show
Mozart’s Coffee’s Christmas Lights Show has become one of Austin’s most popular holiday events. During the holidays, Mozart’s illuminates the deck with 1 million Christmas lights, and people go to see the light display every day. Reservations will be necessary for 2021, just as they were last year, to ensure social distancing. They provide a variety of Christmas appetizers and beverages, and it’s a very exciting sight.
When: You may attend Mozart’s 2021 Holiday Light Show from the 2nd of January, 2022 till the 6th of January, 2022.
Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Price: The cost varies depending on the placement of the seats.
Visit Mozart’s Holiday Light Show website to book your tickets according to your day and seating preference, and for additional information.
3. Austin Trail of Lights – Zilker Tree
After driving around the Trail Of Lights, stop at the Zilker Tree for some hot cocoa and tree twirling. You may also shop for Austin Trail of Lights items, Inca Wasi one-of-a-kind presents, and Light Em Up Guys light-up toys for the kids. Rayne Desserts and H-E-B provide cookies and sweets to satiate your sweet craving. A visit to the Zilker Holiday Tree isn’t complete without Native Kettle Corn’s made-to-order kettle corn as well as Rodriguez Concessions’ funnel cake. Burro Cheese will be serving gourmet grilled cheeses, as well as a variety of refreshments from Rodriguez Concessions.
When: From November 27 through January 1, the Zilker Holiday Tree will be available for viewing from 6 p.m to 10 p.m nightly.
Price: Free.
Where: Zilker Park: 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704.
Visit the Austin Trail of Lights website for more information.
4. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Luminations

While the Trail of Lights will be a drive-through event this year, Luminations offers a lovely alternative for those who want to stroll amid the lights. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Luminations is a lovely Christmas event that takes place after sunset. Thousands of candles illuminate the Wildflower Center. There’s food and drinks, and the atmosphere is lighthearted, joyful, and inviting.
When: Wild Flower Center’s Luminations have been going on since December 2, 2021, and will last until January 30, 2022. The entry hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Thursdays, it’s solely for members.
*Note that it’ll be closed on December 24, 25, 31, 2021, and January 1st, 2022.
Price: Tickets for children aged 0 to 4 are free.
For children aged 5 – 17 is $15 ($10 for members).
And for individuals above the age of 18 is $25 ($20 for members)
Where: 4801 La Crosse Ave. Austin, TX 78739.
Visit the Wildflower Center website to book your tickets according to the events and for additional information.
5. Santa’s Ranch
You can go along with your friends and family to see one of the state’s top Christmas light displays. You’ll get to savor handmade hot chocolate, kettle corn, and munchies while driving over nearly a mile of meandering country roads, taking in the spectacular lights and animated Christmas displays.
When: Santa’s Ranch has been running from November 5th, 2021, and will continue till January 2nd, 2022. It is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Price: It costs $35 tax included per vehicle and $70 tax included per vehicle for a season pass.
Where: 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Visit Santa’s Ranch website to book your tickets and for additional information.
Looking for more Christmas events? Check out Christmas Lights in Austin Area – Best Holiday Lights 2021
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Travel on your mind? Check out Christmas Lights in Houston!