Last Updated On – 24th December, 2025

Jump to: Free | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Kids

The best free and fun events in Austin, December 26 – 28, include Sheryl Underwood in Austin, Dashing Through the Snow, and more!

I’ve rounded up the top events and activities happening across the city, from festivals and outdoor fun to live shows and family-friendly picks. Please scroll down for my picks or use the links above to skip to your favorite section!

Stay on top of the best weekend events in Austin with our always-up-to-date guide to Things to Do in Austin this Weekend! Published every Monday and updated throughout the week! 

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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. 

We update this guide each week with verified listings from trusted sources. Still, details can change — please confirm with the event organizer before heading out. This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Christmas Lights are shining brightly across Austin! Check out our capstone article on Best Christmas Lights 2025 in Austin.

If you want detailed guides on the best neighborhoods, check out our posts on 37th Street Lights, Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights, Austin Trail of Lights, and Georgetown Square Holiday Lights.

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Things to do in Austin this Weekend – Free Events in Austin (December 26 – 28)

Merry Makers Market

Get ready for the second annual Merry Makers Market, hosted by Contracommon, where holiday shopping meets local artistry. This booth-style market will showcase art and handmade goods from talented Austin-area artists. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts while supporting creative small businesses this holiday season.

Browse original paintings, prints, sculptures, jewelry, ornaments, homewares, and more from artists like Alison Lackey, Cara Jackson, Emily Tolipova, and many others.

In addition to the market, Contracommon will host a festive holiday party and Mario Kart Tournament on Saturday, December 13, from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Where: Contracommon, 12912 Hill Country Blvd f140, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Friday, December 26, 2025 – January 2, 2026
How Much: Free

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Mozart’s Festival of Lights

Celebrate the holiday season at Mozart’s Festival of Lights, a brilliant spectacle perfect for the whole family.

Experience over a million twinkling lights and brilliant displays that offer endless photo opportunities.

Additionally, you can enjoy a holiday market, dine on tasty bites from vendors like savory Salt Lick BBQ, and treat yourself to delectable sweets and Mozart’s renowned hot chocolate. Live entertainment, including Texas and Celtic Christmas music, will play throughout the festival.

Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
When: Saturday, December 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: Free

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Things to do in Austin this Weekend – Friday Events (26th of December)

Cap City Comedy Club presents Sheryl Underwood

Cap City Comedy Club presents Sheryl Underwood, a comedian, actress, and television host with a groundbreaking career in comedy. Get to see her live and get ready to laugh ’til your sides hurt as she barrages you with her comedic genius.

Where: Cap City Comedy Club, Bldg B, 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Unit 100, Austin, TX 78758
When: Friday, December 26 – 28, 2025
How Much: Not stated

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Georgetown Palace Theatre presents Dashing Through the Snow

Step into the tiny town of Tinsel, Texas, four days before Christmas, as a parade of eccentric guests arrives. And watch the Snowflake Inn fill with festive chaos as the halls deck themselves in holiday hilarity, setting the stage for nonstop laughs and seasonal cheer.

Where: Palace Playhouse, 216 W 8th St, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Friday, December 26 – 28, 2025
How Much: Not stated

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Luminations

Experience the magic of Luminations at the Wildflower Center this winter, where twinkling lights illuminate the natural beauty of the gardens. Stroll glowing paths, enjoy nightly live music, and savor hot chocolate and churros while capturing festive photo-worthy moments.

Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, December 26, 2025 – January 3, 2026
How Much: Free – $30

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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: Friday, December 26 – 30, 2025
How Much: Not stated

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Weekly Tree Lightings at Hotel Viata

Make sweet holiday memories by attending one of the Weekly Tree Lightings in Hotel Viata’s Courtyard.

Gather on the hilltop as the switch is flipped on the holiday tree, guaranteed to be complete with a 100% chance of snow at every lighting.

You can also enjoy live music with holiday covers almost every Friday and Saturday, write Letters to Santa, savor complimentary cookies and hot cocoa by the tree, or warm up around the fire pits with s’mores kits available for purchase.

Where: Hotel Viata, 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
When: Friday, December 26 – 27, 2025 | 5 pm – 7 pm
How Much: Complimentary access

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Peppermint Parkway

Experience a drive-through holiday spectacular at Peppermint Parkway, where you will find holiday displays, millions of lights, and dancing characters.

You can enjoy festivities in Peppermint Plaza before or after your trip down the Parkway, where you can race at COTA Karting, enjoy amusement park rides, grab a bite to eat, and sing holiday carols.

You can also snap a picture with Santa, grab a holiday-themed drink at the Peppermint Pub, shop 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: Friday, December 26 – 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $10

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A Christmas Carol

Back for its eleventh dazzling year, this beloved production offers a soulful sleigh ride through the timeless tale. Secure your ticket for this exciting reimagined tale featuring fresh songs and a whole lot of soul.

Where: Zach Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, December 26, 2025 – January 3, 202
How Much: Starts at $63

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Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar

Step into a winter wonderland at Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar, the most festive and nostalgic setting in the city!

This Christmas-themed cocktail bar features dazzling wall-to-wall holiday decor, multiple bars, and a whole lot of Christmas spirits.

You can sip one of the many Christmas cocktails crafted by the jolly staff, take your next profile picture in Santa’s Throne, and connect with friends and family in the city’s most decked-out holiday bar, enjoying Christmas cheer as you’ve never seen before.

This is a ticketed event with first-come, first-served tables and seats. For parties of fewer than 8, you can skip the General Admission line by purchasing limited-quantity Dasher Passes!

Where: The Eleanor, 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, December 26 – 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $13.30

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The Light Park

Buckle up, turn up the volume, and prepare for a dazzling experience at The Light Park! You will immerse yourself in a mile-long light show featuring millions of stunning LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy holiday music presented by DJ Polar Ice.

This resident mixologist spins re-imagined holiday favorites blended with fresh beats to keep the energy high from start to finish, and you can even tune in before arrival to set the festive tone on your drive to The Light Park.

From giant illuminated tunnels to towering animated trees and dancing reindeer, every night promises an unforgettable spectacle of color and sound designed to delight all ages.

Where: Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
When: Friday, December 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026
How Much: Starts at $29

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A Charlie Brown Christmas

See the beloved holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, come magically to life on stage!

Follow the wonderful journey of Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas. The entire Peanuts gang, including Snoopy and Linus, will be joining him on his quest.

Where: Zach Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, December 26 – 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $30

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Fortlandia

Discover your new secret hideout at Fortlandia, an exciting interactive exhibit waiting for you this fall at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! Connect directly with the environment by climbing upon, crawling through, and exploring a brand-new lineup of unique forts designed by local artists.

Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, December 26, 2025 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3

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Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Saturday Events (December 27th)

Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More

Candlelight invites you into a live, multi-sensory concert set inside The Mansion in Austin, where Christmas-inspired music unfolds beneath the warm glow of candlelight.

You’ll get to enjoy a carefully curated program featuring holiday medleys and timeless favorites such as “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “The First Noël,” “O Holy Night,” and “Joy to the World,” alongside seasonal gems like Debussy’s “The Snow is Dancing” and selections from Tchaikovsky’s “The Seasons.”

The evening crescendos with highlights from “The Nutcracker,” including the March, Waltz of the Flowers, Trepak, and the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, delivering a complete holiday musical journey with smooth, logical flow from start to finish.

Where: The Mansion – Austin, 2312 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
When: Saturday, December 27, 2025 | 8:45 pm
How Much: Starts at $40.50

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Cooking Classes at Fareground: Handmade Gnocchi

Learn to make handmade gnocchi at Fareground in a relaxed, hands-on cooking class that celebrates fresh pasta made from scratch.

Create the perfect potato dough and shape it into pillow-soft dumplings while the chef instructor demonstrates a classic butter thyme sauce and guides you as you help bring it together.

Where: Fareground Austin, 111 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, December 27, 2025 | 6 pm
How Much: $55

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Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Sunday Events December 28th

Cooking Classes at Fareground: The Art of French Pastry

Experience the art of French pastry in this hands-on cooking class at Fareground inspired by Paris’ Le Cordon Bleu. 

Follow a detailed demonstration, then create choux dough from start to finish as you pipe, bake, and fill éclairs and cream puffs. In this class, you’ll be able to build foundational skills that also apply to gougères, churros, French cruller donuts, and choux beignets, leaving you ready to recreate a range of classic pastries with confidence.

Where: Fareground Austin, 111 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Sunday, December 28, 2025 | 5 pm
How Much: $55

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The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!)

Step into a one-of-a-kind holiday spectacle in Austin! This year’s performance showcases incredible rescue dogs, including the newest stars, Dragonfly and Firefly.

Watch in awe as Darren Peterson dazzles with his expert juggling, unicycling, and extraordinary dog-training skills.

Where: East Side Performing Arts, 979 Springdale Rd Ste 815, Austin, TX 78702
When: Sunday, December 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026
How Much: Starts at $15

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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: Sunday, December 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $35

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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: Sunday, December 28 2025 – January 4, 2026
How Much: $10 – $15

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Things to Do in Austin this Weekend – Kids Events December 26th to 28th

Luminations

Experience the magic of Luminations at the Wildflower Center this winter, where twinkling lights illuminate the natural beauty of the gardens. Stroll glowing paths, enjoy nightly live music, and savor hot chocolate and churros while capturing festive photo moments.

Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, December 26, 2025 – January 3, 2026
How Much: Free – $30

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Weekly Tree Lightings at Hotel Viata

Make sweet holiday memories by attending one of the Weekly Tree Lightings in Hotel Viata’s Courtyard.

Gather on the hilltop as the switch is flipped on the holiday tree, guaranteed to be complete with a 100% chance of snow at every lighting.

You can also enjoy live music with holiday covers almost every Friday and Saturday, write Letters to Santa, savor complimentary cookies and hot cocoa by the tree, or warm up around the fire pits with s’mores kits available for purchase.

Where: Hotel Viata, 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
When: Friday, December 26 – 27, 2025 | 5 pm – 7 pm
How Much: Complimentary access

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Peppermint Parkway

Experience a walk-through holiday spectacular at Peppermint Parkway, where you will find holiday displays, millions of lights, and dancing characters.

You can “Fa-La-La” in love with Peppermint Plaza before or after your trip down the Parkway, where you can race at COTA Karting, enjoy amusement park rides, grab a bite, and sing holiday carols.

You can also snap a picture with Santa, grab a holiday-themed drink at the Peppermint Pub, shop 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: Friday, December 26 – 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $10

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A Christmas Carol

Back for its eleventh dazzling year, this beloved production offers a soulful sleigh ride through the timeless tale. Secure your ticket for this exciting reimagining that features fresh songs and a whole lot of soul.

Where: Zach Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, December 26, 2025 – January 3, 202
How Much: Starts at $63

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The Light Park

Buckle up, turn up the volume, and prepare for a dazzling experience at The Light Park! You will immerse yourself in a mile-long light show featuring millions of stunning LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy holiday music presented by DJ Polar Ice.

This resident mixologist spins re-imagined holiday favorites blended with fresh beats to keep the energy high from start to finish, and you can even tune in before arrival to set the festive tone on your drive to The Light Park.

From giant illuminated tunnels to towering animated trees and dancing reindeer, every night promises an unforgettable spectacle of color and sound designed to delight all ages.

Where: Dell Diamond, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
When: Friday, December 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026
How Much: Starts at $29

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A Charlie Brown Christmas

See the beloved holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, come magically to life on stage!

Follow the wonderful journey of Charlie Brown as he searches for the true meaning of Christmas. The entire Peanuts gang, including Snoopy and Linus, will be joining him on his quest.

Where: Zach Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, December 26 – 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $30

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Fortlandia

Discover your new secret hideout at Fortlandia, an exciting interactive exhibit waiting for you this fall at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center! Connect directly with the environment by climbing upon, crawling through, and exploring a brand-new lineup of unique forts designed by local artists.

Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, December 26, 2025 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3

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Mozart’s Festival of Lights

Celebrate the start of the holiday season right after Thanksgiving at Mozart’s Festival of Lights, a brilliant spectacle perfect for your list of enchanting things to do Thanksgiving week in Austin.

Experience over a million twinkling lights and brilliant displays that offer endless photo opportunities.

And enjoy a unique twist on classic holiday markets featuring charming wooden chalets, savory Salt Lick BBQ, delectable sweet treats, and Mozart’s renowned hot chocolate while live entertainment, including Texas and Celtic Christmas music, plays throughout the festival.

Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
When: Saturday, December 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: Free

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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: Sunday, December 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
How Much: $10 – $15

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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: Sunday, December 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $35