Things to Do on Christmas Week in Austin

Things to Do during Christmas Week in Austin

Free Christmas Events Austin

Austin Christmas-Related Events

Holiday Events for Kids

Festive Fun for Adults

There’s so much to do in Austin this Christmas week! People of all ages have something to look forward to, whether it’s a bazaar, a dazzling lights show, or an epic party.

They’ll have free events you won’t have to spend a dime on. These include the Johnson City Lights Spectacular and Trail of Lights in Austin.

If you’re looking to go out for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the city has a slew of events, like Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland and the Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Menu.

Families and kids even have plenty to do this holiday season, such as visiting the Peppermint Parkway and watching A Christmas Carol live on stage!

We’ve even included epic New Year’s celebrations on the list, including 80s and 90s parties.

Check out the full list below!

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.

Also, check out our articles on Christmas Lights in Austin, Restaurants Open in Austin on Christmas Eve, and Austin Restaurants Open on Christmas Day!

Free Things to Do during Christmas Week in Austin 2024

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Get some last-minute Christmas shopping done at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. There will be over 200 artists showing off their cool work and crafts. You just might find something a friend will love or something to treat yourself with.

When: Until December 24, 2024 | 10 am – 10 pm
Where: ​Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
How Much: Free to attend

Bastrop River of Lights

Celebrate the holiday season in style at the Bastrop River of Lights. Enjoy festive performances by local choirs, savor delicious holiday treats, and meet Santa Claus himself!

Check out their website for several family-friendly activities happening along the river throughout the holiday season, like Christmas Carol Karaoke and Movie in the Park.

When: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025 6:00 pm
Where: 1200 Willow St, Bastrop, TX 78602
How much: Free

Johnson City Lights Spectacular

Image credit: Lights Spectacular TX – Hill Country Style Facebook

Come down to the “Twinkliest Town in Texas”. With over two million lights in their historic square off Main Street, Memorial Park, and PEC headquarters, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit envelop you.

Bring your friends and family and enjoy some local food, beer, wine, and festivities.

Zilker Holiday Tree

The Zilker Holiday Tree is a beloved tradition! This towering tree is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights and is a perfect photo opp for those holiday family pictures. Parking is very limited, so consider carpooling or using rideshare.

When: December 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Austin, TX 78746
How much: Free

Trail of Lights in Austin

Image credit: Lakeway Parks & Recreation Department Facebook

Austin Christmas-Related Events

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Image credit: Cirque Musica Facebook

Wimberley Trail of Lights

This free, family-friendly event features dazzling light displays, live entertainment, and visits with Santa. The enchanting trail features stunning light displays set across acres of beautiful grounds.

When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 – Thursday, December 26, 2024, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: 1101 Farm to Market Rd 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676

Miracle on 5th Street

Austin’s favorite Christmas cocktail bar is back this holiday season! Line up and get a taste of holiday cheer with your friends.

When: Until December 28, 2024 | 2 pm
Where: The Eleanor, 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
How much: Starts at $12.50

2025 Kyle Polar Bear Splash

Start the year with an icy plunge in the James Adkins Pool.

Commemorative shirts will be available for purchase onsite and online.

Register for the splash online before you go.

When: January 1, 2025
Where: James Adkins Pool, 1100 W Center St, Kyle, TX 78640
How much: $10

TLC Christmas Takeover!

Image credit: TLC Austin Facebook

TLC is turning into a holiday paradise until New Year’s Day. They’ll have festive drinks, holiday food specials, snow machines, cookie decorating, holiday arcade games, cocoa bombs, classic movies, light shows, ugly sweaters, visits from Santa, and Christmas carol karaoke!

When: November 30, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Where: TLC, 1100 S Lamar Blvd Ste. #1150, Austin, TX 78704

Luminations

Luminations offers an experience where nature meets artistry with a dazzling display of lights, letting you feel the magic of the holidays.

The Central Gardens will have new light installations, immersive projections, and tasty holiday-themed cocktails.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, so be sure to visit their website to buy them for your visit.

When: Until January 5, 2025 | 5:45 pm
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
How Much: $28 for adults; $13 for kids 3-12; Free for kids under 3

Mozart’s 2024 Lake of Austin Festival of Lights

Image credit: mozartscoffee.com

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and create memories with over one million twinkling lights at Mozart’s annual lights festival!

This event offers a unique twist on holiday markets, featuring wooden chalets, engaging activities, tasty treats, and Mozart’s renowned hot chocolate.

There will also be live entertainment, including Texas and Celtic Christmas music, performances on their one-of-a-kind, light-up Steinway piano, and a few other surprise acts!

New this year are small-group experiences, like Lake Austin boat cruises, guided donut boat tours, and private immersive light “euro igloos.”

Parking is limited, so consider carpooling or using rideshare when you attend.

When: Until December 29, 2024 | | 5 pm & 7:30 pm
Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
How much: Starts at $6.40

Longhorn Nights

The University of Texas at Austin invites you to Longhorn Nights, a community celebration this holiday season full of spectacular lights.

Ogle at the nine miles of orange and white twinkling lights dancing to your favorite holiday tunes and music by the Longhorn Band.

When: Until January 1, 2024 | 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: Austin, TX 78705, USA​Asian American Resource Center,  8401 Cameron Rd, Austin, TX 78754
How Much: Free

Holiday Events for Kids

Gingerbread Workshops: Tinker Tots Edition

Babies will have a jolly good time at Thinkery this Christmas weekend. In this Gingerbread Workshop, families with toddlers will create delightful gingerbread houses with cardboard!

They’ll have plenty of festive materials on hand so you can make a merry and bright creation!

When: Monday, December 23, 2024 | 8 am & 9:30 am
Where: Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
How Much: $15

Peppermint Parkway

Image credit: Peppermint Parkway Facebook

Make your holidays a little bit sweeter with a visit to Peppermint Parkway! Drive through over a mile of stunning light displays and animated characters. 

You’ll then be greeted by a plaza full of food, rides, and activities!

When: Until December 29, 2024 | 7 pm
Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617
How Much: Starts at $45

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol is one of the most, if not the most, beloved Christmas story out there. Bring your family and friends to the Topfer at ZACH Theater to see this magical story come to life on stage.

Follow how Scrooge finds the true meaning of Christmas in this re-imagined tale with fresh songs and enchanting twists.

With its tenth anniversary, Austin’s ultimate holiday tradition celebrates with special extras, like commemorative tickets and experiences, among other surprises!

When: Until December 29, 2024
Where: Topfer Theater, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
How Much: Starts at $25

Santa’s Ranch

Image credit: Santa’s Ranch-Drive thru Christmas Light Park Facebook

Ice Rodeo

Everyone of any age will love skating under the stars and overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Add this to your family traditions and have immense fun as you create memories.

When: Until January 5, 2025 | Times vary daily
Where:​ Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
How Much: $40

Festive Fun for Adults

Festivus Dance Party

The Festivus season is ending with a massive dance party! Slip on your dancing shoes, call friends and family, and move the night away. Paul Klemperer & The Festivians will play swing, salsa, Motown, and more!

When: Monday, December 23, 2024 | 7 pm – 9:30 pm
Where:​ The Highball, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
How much: Donation

Devil May Christmas: A Holiday Pop-Up

Have a devilishly festive time at Devil May Christmas. Their underground lounge has transformed into an edgy and cozy holiday hideaway– complete with festive vibes and wicked decor.

Drop by and sip on limited-edition cocktails inspired by the season’s boldest flavors.

When: Until December 28, 2024 | 5 pm | 21+
Where:​ Devil May Care, 500 W 6th St Suite 100, Austin, TX 78701

The Nutcracker Pop-Up at Daydreamer Bar

Image credit: daydreamer (@daydreameraustin) Instagram

Call your friends and head over to Daydreamer and their Nutcracker-themed pop-up bar. Decked out in elegant decor and stocked with a themed cocktail menu, Daydreamer is the place to celebrate the holiday season.

When: Until December 30, 2024 | 5 pm | 21+
Where:​ Daydreamer, 1708 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

The Totally Awesome 80s New Year’s Eve Bash

End the year with a totally gnarly party! The New Year’s Eve bash at Austin Roller Rink will have a plethora of fun stuff like costume contests, retro video games, a karaoke room, a photobooth room, and onsite photography.

Plus, count down to 2025 during the midnight balloon drop!

When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 7:30 pm – 1 pm
Where:​ Austin Roller Rink, 11600 Menchaca Rd #101, Austin, TX 78748
How much: $75, 18+

1990s Hotel Vegas New Year’s Eve

Step into 2025 with the music of the 90s. 20 bands will come together to give you the best of the era, with songs by Oasis, Nirvana, Radiohead, Green Day, Weezer, and more!

When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 7 pm
Where:​ Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, 1502 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
How much: $40.14, 21+

An Old Fashioned New Year’s Eve

Put on your festive cocktail attire and ring in the New Year in style. Head over to the South Congress Hotel for a New Year’s party with dancing, live music by TC Superstar and DJ sets by King Louie, Who Izzy, and Prissy P.

They’ll also have a fancy photo booth, drink specials, and bubbles flowing until the next year!

When: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 | 9 pm – 1 pm
Where:​ South Congress Hotel, 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
How much: $46-$60, 21+

New Year’s Day Restoration

Kick off the year with a restorative experience at the Shuniya Yoga Collective. Give yourself this time to learn how to get through the new year with a full cup and calm being.

You may bring props you need to support your practice, like mats, water bottles, blankets, blocks, and bolsters.

When: Wednesday, January 1, 2025| 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Where:​ Shuniya Yoga Collective, 1708 Houston St, Austin, TX 78756
How much: $35 (Early bird until December 25, 2024); $40 (Regular); $25 (live stream)

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