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 ten recommendations for 2022.
Looking for holiday light displays? Check out our post on the 20 Best Christmas Lights in Austin!
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.
Deal Alert – Texas Hill Country and LBJ Tour – 2 adults for just $109!
Experience Texas Hill Country while exploring the life of U.S. President and Texas native son Lyndon Johnson. After a convenient hotel pickup, visit Johnson’s “Texas White House,” his reconstructed boyhood home (now a national park), and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. Learn about the cowboys and German immigrants who shaped the region, stop by historic Fredericksburg, and visit the legendary country music town of Luckenbach.
Get more details and book your Texas Hill Country and LBJ tour from Austin TODAY!!!
Best Christmas Shows in Austin – 2022 Events
Zach Theatre – A Christmas Carol
Austin’s hottest holiday tradition returns with new music and surprises! ZACH’s adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras. This family-friendly spectacular creates a joyous spirit that has everyone dancing in the aisles. Join the Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts as they take Scrooge on a joyride to rediscover his heart and love for human kindness.
When: November 30 – December 31, 2022, | 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Where: 202 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704
How much: The ticket starts at $40
The Floor is Lava Presents: A Holiday Spectacular
Are you tired of Christmas shows that only show you the wonderful things about Christmas? Your favorite monthly sketch performers, The Floor is Lava, present A Holiday Spectacular. This is the sketch show the capitalist, happy-making Christmas machine doesn’t want you to see. You don’t need to go home to see the dark side of the holidays when you can just come to see us! Tell your friends, tell your enemies, and tell some randos on the street, The Floor is Lava Presents: A Holiday Spectacular.
When: December 23, 2022, | 8:00 pm (Doors at 7:30 pm)
Where: Fallout Theater, 616 Lavaca St., Austin, TX 78701
How much: $8 online | $10 door | Dec. 23rd show is NOT BYOB (bar provided)
Neill-Cochran House Museum: Hoppy Holidays with the Tinsel Singers
This holiday season the merry Tinsel Singers will grace the magnificent porch of the Neill-Cochran House Museum to sing all your Holiday favorites. These performances are part of the critically-acclaimed Beerthoven Concert Series, a down-to-earth, approachable celebration of classical song, chamber music, and beer.
When: December 23, 2022, | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: 2310 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705
How much: General Admission: $25 | ($30 at the Door) | Student Admission: $10
ACL Live: A Magical Cirque Christmas
The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spell-binding and incredible holiday production – A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS! Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied y your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.
When: December 28, 2022, | Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:30 pm
Where: 310 Willie Nelson Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
How much: The ticket starts at $35
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters – 2022 Holiday Light Show
Mozart’s Coffee’s Christmas Lights Show has become one of Austin’s most popular holiday events. During the holidays, Mozart 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: November 29, 2022 – January 6, 2023, | 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm
Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
How much: The cost varies depending on the placement of the seats.
Deal Alert – Hill Country BBQ and Wine Shuttle – 2 adults for just $55!
Leave busy Austin for a half-day barbecue and wine tour in the Texas Hill Country. Your driver takes you to the outskirts of Austin to visit three different venues. Driver/Guide and Air Conditioned Vehicle are included. Food and wine tasting costs are NOT included.
Get more information and book your Hill Country BBQ and Wine Shuttle TODAY!!!
Best Christmas Shows in Austin for 202
Austin Trail of Lights – Zilker Tree
The annual Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, presented by Chuy’s is back! Walk or run through the iconic Austin Trail of Lights in your best holiday costume, then stick around for the ultimate after-party celebration.
When: Friday, December 2, 2022 – Friday, December 23, 2022, | 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704.
How much: Free
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Field of Light
Illuminating 16 acres in the Texas Arboretum at the Wildflower Center, Field of Light is a stunning display of 28,000 vibrant solar-powered, fiber-optic light pods that showcase the intersection of art, technology, and nature. The installation unites with the outdoors, celebrating the natural topography of the landscape and creating an immersive and emotional experience for guests.
When: September through December 2022.
Where: 4801 La Crosse Ave. Austin, TX 78739
How much: Starts at $20
Santa’s Ranch
Bring your friends and family and enjoy one of the best holiday light exhibits in the state! You’ll take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in the beautiful lights, and animated Christmas displays, and enjoying homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn, and snacks.
When: November 11, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Where: 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
How much: Starts at $35
Miracle on 5th Street – The Eleanor
The Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in the most festive and nostalgic setting in the city. Featuring wall-to-wall Christmas decor, multiple bars, cheery social experiences, and a whole lot of Christmas spirits!
Sip one of the many Christmas cocktails crafted by our jolly staff, take your next profile picture on Santa’s Throne, and connect with friends & family in the most decked-out holiday bar in the city. It’s Christmas cheer like you’ve never seen before.
When: November 17, 2022 – December 27, 2022
Where: The Eleanor, 307 W 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702
How Much: Starts at $5
Peppermint Parkway Lights at the Circuit of the Americas
Check out Peppermint Parkway at with Circuit of the Americas this holiday season! Experience a Drive thru Peppermint Parkway Holiday Spectacular with a Mile of Holiday Displays, Millions of Lights, Dancing Characters, and a Holiday Plaza Full of Food, Rides, Activities, and More.
When: Until December 30th, 2022
Where: 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd. Austin, TX, 78617
How Much: Starts at $40
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