Last Updated On – 30th November, 2025
Jump To: December 5 – 7 | December 12 – 14 | December 19 – 21 | December 26 – 28
The holiday season is here, and Austin is buzzing with excitement. This December, the city’s calendar is packed with a mix of world-class light shows, thrilling holiday adventures, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Read on to discover your next great adventure!
This month’s highlights include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Horror for the Holidays Expo, and Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker!
This monthly roundup is grouped by date range, with quick summaries to help you scan and plan.
Ready for even more holiday fun? Explore our full guide to Things To Do in Austin This Weekend and fill your December with unforgettable events.
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.
Events in Austin for Adults – December 5 – 7, 2025
Georgetown’s 44th Annual Christmas Stroll – Kick off the holiday season at Georgetown’s 44th Annual Christmas Stroll. This year’s Candyland-themed event features shopping, dining, live entertainment, and plenty of holiday fun, including a parade, photos with Santa, and over 200 artisan vendors.
A Merry Mary (Moody) Christmas Cabaret – Join Broadway’s Nyla Watson (Waitress), along with Austin’s own Andrew Cannata, Libby Detling, Jarret Mallon, and Anna Skidis Vargas, for a night of laughter, music, holiday hits, and holiday cheer.
Image credit: Mary Moody Northern Theatre
A Not-So Silent Night: Fierce, Fabulous and Full of Light – Experience a dazzling night where tradition collides with transformation, featuring reimagined carols, energetic pop anthems, and radiant harmonies, all served with unapologetic queer joy.
German-Texan Christmas Market – Visit the German Free School and its gardens, transformed into a festive market with imported decorations from the Erzgebirge, along with hot, spiced Glühwein to warm you up. With activities for kids, St. Nick handing out gifts, and unique shopping options, this holiday market is the perfect way to celebrate the season in true German style.
Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run – Whether you stroll, jog, or run, this 2-mile, untimed course takes you through the dazzling Austin Trail of Lights. After the run, stick around for the Finish Line Festival with Santa photos, food, drinks, and fun rides right in the heart of Zilker Park!
Image credit: Austin Trail of Lights
Downtown Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting – This free, family-friendly event on Congress Avenue features artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa, and of course, the festive tree lighting and sing-along.
Horror For The Holidays Expo – Get ready for the 11th Annual Horror For The Holidays Expo, Austin’s largest and longest-running horror-themed shopping market turned one-of-a-kind convention! This year, the event is bigger and better than ever, with brand-new attractions and all the spine-chilling fun you can handle.
Image credit: Blood Over Texas
Jim Brickman The Gift of Christmas LIVE in Concert! – Experience The Gift of Christmas with Jim Brickman, joined by special guests Anne Cochran and Luke McMaster, for an unforgettable holiday concert! Enjoy timeless classics along with Brickman’s biggest hits like “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” and “Destiny.”
Image credit: Arthritis Foundation
Luminations – Wander through glowing garden paths, enjoy live music each night, and treat yourself to hot chocolate, churros, and festive photo ops.
Oh What Fun! Austin Holiday Market – Shop unique gifts from local makers, enjoy bites from food trucks, sip festive drinks, and catch live musical performances. With a rotating selection of artisans, a holiday cocktail lounge, and community activities, this vibrant market is the perfect spot for holiday cheer and shopping!
Austin Holiday Market – Austin Holiday Market is back at the Palmer Events Center, bringing together over 130 local makers for a weekend full of shopping, DIY fun, and festive photo ops. Enjoy delicious snacks, drinks, and take home unique items from small businesses while filling your free tote with holiday finds.
Mozart’s Festival of Lights – Enjoy festive sing-alongs, wander through the Christmas Village for treats, or even take a holiday donut boat ride for a front-row view of the spectacular lights.
Community First! Village of Lights – Enjoy thousands of lights choreographed to holiday music, along with unique, handcrafted gifts from artists who live at the Village. You can also savor festive food and drinks, catch a Christmas movie, hop on a mini train ride, and take a photo with Santa.
Lights on the Lake – a Christmas Walk Thru! – Step into the magic of Lights on the Lake, Austin’s newest Christmas walk-through on the shores of Lake Travis! Stroll through breathtaking holiday displays, capture festive photos, and enjoy a full range of activities, from visiting Santa on Saturdays to meeting the Grinch on open days.
Merry Makers Market – The Merry Makers Market returns for its second year, offering a vibrant display of art and handmade goods from local Austin artists at Contracommon. Explore original paintings, jewelry, ornaments, sculptures, and more while supporting creative small businesses this holiday season.
Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker – The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Ballet Austin’s 63rd annual production of The Nutcracker! Step into a world of magic and wonder as Clara journeys from a festive party to the sparkling Land of Sweets, meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince along the way.
Peppermint Parkway – Peppermint Parkway is back at Circuit of The Americas, bringing a festive wonderland of lights, animated characters, and holiday displays you won’t want to miss. After your stroll through the parkway, keep the fun going at Peppermint Plaza with kart racing, amusement rides, festive food, and even a chance to snap a photo with Santa.
A Christmas Carol – Catch the high-octane, soulful reimagining of A Christmas Carol, one of the best Austin holiday traditions, this November.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar – Head on over to the 25th annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar, where you’ll find unique, handmade jewelry, art, and gifts from over 200 regional artists for everyone on your list.
Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar – Grab your friends and immerse yourself in the Miracle on 5th Street pop-up bar, which will be serving festive cocktails amidst wall-to-wall holiday decor.
Fortlandia – Step into a world of childhood wonder: explore, climb, and crawl through amazing, secret forts created by local designers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Austin, TX – Step into a hilarious true-crime murder mystery show and solve a thrilling case as you enjoy a fantastic dinner. Can you figure out who the culprit is before you become the prime suspect?
The Light Park – Drive through The Light Park’s mile-long spectacle, featuring millions of dazzling LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy music mixed live by DJ Polar Ice.
Events in Austin for Adults – December 12 – 14, 2025
A Christmas Card Musical – Follow Reagan Steele as she unexpectedly stars in her own Hallmark-style holiday romance, all while enjoying free welcome shots, holiday drinks, pizza, and gelato.
Austin Mystical Market’s Krampus Market – Dive into the unique Austin Mystical Market’s Krampus Market, where local Austin artists showcase their creative talents in an unforgettable holiday setting.
Graham Reynolds Ruins the Holidays – Join the genre-defying composer and bandleader as he turns classic holiday tunes upside down with his raucous, minor-key twists, featuring special guest Ricky Davis on pedal steel.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is back at the Palmer Events Center, bringing Austin’s beloved art and music festival to life for its 49th year. Explore a vibrant collection of galleries, unique shops, local food from Southside Flying Pizza, and enjoy live music on an intimate stage.
Image credit: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The Gallery ATX Holiday Market – Shop a curated selection of handmade goods, grab those last-minute holiday gifts, and enjoy live performances from Lady Chops, Keepsake, and Ursa.
Luminations – Wander through glowing garden paths, enjoy live music each night, and treat yourself to hot chocolate, churros, and festive photo ops.
Oh What Fun! Austin Holiday Market – Shop unique gifts from local makers, enjoy bites from food trucks, sip festive drinks, and catch live musical performances. With a rotating selection of artisans, a holiday cocktail lounge, and community activities, this vibrant market is the perfect spot for holiday cheer and shopping!
Mozart’s Festival of Lights – Enjoy festive sing-alongs, wander through the Christmas Village for treats, or even take a holiday donut boat ride for a front-row view of the spectacular lights.
Merry Makers Market – The Merry Makers Market returns for its second year, offering a vibrant display of art and handmade goods from local Austin artists at Contracommon. Explore original paintings, jewelry, ornaments, sculptures, and more while supporting creative small businesses this holiday season.
Lights on the Lake – a Christmas Walk Thru! – Step into the magic of Lights on the Lake, Austin’s newest Christmas walk-through on the shores of Lake Travis! Stroll through breathtaking holiday displays, capture festive photos, and enjoy a full range of activities, from visiting Santa on Saturdays to meeting the Grinch on open days.
Community First! Village of Lights – Enjoy thousands of lights choreographed to holiday music, along with unique, handcrafted gifts from artists who live at the Village. You can also savor festive food and drinks, catch a Christmas movie, hop on a mini train ride, and take a photo with Santa.
Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker – The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Ballet Austin’s 63rd annual production of The Nutcracker! Step into a world of magic and wonder as Clara journeys from a festive party to the sparkling Land of Sweets, meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince along the way.
Image credit: Ballet Austin
Peppermint Parkway – Peppermint Parkway is back at Circuit of The Americas, bringing a festive wonderland of lights, animated characters, and holiday displays you won’t want to miss. After your stroll through the parkway, keep the fun going at Peppermint Plaza with kart racing, amusement rides, festive food, and even a chance to snap a photo with Santa.
A Christmas Carol – Catch the high-octane, soulful reimagining of A Christmas Carol, one of the best Austin holiday traditions, this November.
Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar – Grab your friends and immerse yourself in the Miracle on 5th Street pop-up bar, which will be serving festive cocktails amidst wall-to-wall holiday decor.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar – Head on over to the 25th annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar, where you’ll find unique, handmade jewelry, art, and gifts from over 200 regional artists for everyone on your list.
Fortlandia – Step into a world of childhood wonder: explore, climb, and crawl through amazing, secret forts created by local designers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
The Light Park – Drive through The Light Park’s mile-long spectacle, featuring millions of dazzling LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy music mixed live by DJ Polar Ice.
Keep the good times going! After planning your December festivities, check out Things To Do in Austin This Weekend for the newest concerts, pop-ups, and nightlife happenings.
Events in Austin for Adults – December 19 – 21, 2025
A Christmas Card Musical – Follow Reagan Steele as she unexpectedly stars in her own Hallmark-style holiday romance, all while enjoying free welcome shots, holiday drinks, pizza, and gelato.
Beat Root Revival’s 3rd Annual Christmas Cracker – Join Beat Root Revival for their 3rd Annual Christmas Cracker, a night filled with roots, folk, blues, and rock ‘n roll. This powerhouse duo, made up of Andrea Magee and Ben Jones, will fill the room with their rich harmonies and soulful melodies, blending influences from their English and Irish roots.
Lights at the Legation – Explore the French Legation’s historic holiday customs, enjoy a cozy cup of wassail, and snap photos with Santa. Don’t miss the Kealing Middle School Choir’s carol performance at 6 pm, and bring a non-perishable food item to support the local East Austin Food Pantry.
The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!) – Get ready for The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!), Austin’s most extraordinary holiday show featuring talented rescue dogs like Dragonfly and Firefly. Watch in awe as Darren Peterson combines his juggling, unicycling, and dog-training skills for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings – Under the soft glow of candlelight, enjoy stunning renditions of holiday classics like “Carol of the Bells,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” and “Deck the Halls” performed by a talented string ensemble.
Frostbite: The Witch Who Melted Winter – Watch as Frostbite and her sidekick, Carol, embark on a magical adventure to melt Winterland, meeting quirky characters like Señor Snow, the Ice Unicorn, and the Polar Bear along the way. With evening shows and interactive kids’ performances, this holiday spectacle promises fun for all ages!
Austin Trail Of Lights – The Austin Trail of Lights is back, lighting up Zilker Park with over 2 million dazzling lights, 90 holiday trees, and 70+ stunning displays. Stroll through Candy Cane Lane for food, drinks, and the ZIP Lounge, then head to the North Pole to visit Santa’s House and Workshop.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is back at the Palmer Events Center, bringing Austin’s beloved art and music festival to life for its 49th year. Explore a vibrant collection of galleries, unique shops, and local food from Southside Flying Pizza, and enjoy live music on an intimate stage.
Luminations – Wander through glowing garden paths, enjoy live music each night, and treat yourself to hot chocolate, churros, and festive photo ops.
Image credit: Art Seen Alliance
Oh What Fun! Austin Holiday Market – Shop unique gifts from local makers, enjoy bites from food trucks, sip festive drinks, and catch live musical performances. With a rotating selection of artisans, a holiday cocktail lounge, and community activities, this vibrant market is the perfect spot for holiday cheer and shopping!
Mozart’s Festival of Lights – Enjoy festive sing-alongs, wander through the Christmas Village for treats, or even take a holiday donut boat ride for a front-row view of the spectacular lights.
Merry Makers Market – The Merry Makers Market returns for its second year, offering a vibrant display of art and handmade goods from local Austin artists at Contracommon. Explore original paintings, jewelry, ornaments, sculptures, and more while supporting creative small businesses this holiday season.
Lights on the Lake – a Christmas Walk Thru! – Step into the magic of Lights on the Lake, Austin’s newest Christmas walk-through on the shores of Lake Travis! Stroll through breathtaking holiday displays, capture festive photos, and enjoy a full range of activities, from visiting Santa on Saturdays to meeting the Grinch on open days.
Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker – The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Ballet Austin’s 63rd annual production of The Nutcracker! Step into a world of magic and wonder as Clara journeys from a festive party to the sparkling Land of Sweets, meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince along the way.
Peppermint Parkway – Peppermint Parkway is back at Circuit of The Americas, bringing a festive wonderland of lights, animated characters, and holiday displays you won’t want to miss. After your stroll through the parkway, keep the fun going at Peppermint Plaza with kart racing, amusement rides, festive food, and even a chance to snap a photo with Santa.
Image Credit: Peppermint Parkway FB Page
A Christmas Carol – Catch the high-octane, soulful reimagining of A Christmas Carol, one of the best Austin holiday tradition, this November.
Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar – Grab your friends and immerse yourself in the Miracle on 5th Street pop-up bar, which will be serving festive cocktails amidst wall-to-wall holiday decor.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar – Head on over to the 25th annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar, where you’ll find unique, handmade jewelry, art, and gifts from over 200 regional artists for everyone on your list.
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Austin, TX – Step into a hilarious true-crime murder mystery show and solve a thrilling case as you enjoy a fantastic dinner. Can you figure out who the culprit is before you become the prime suspect?
Fortlandia – Step into a world of childhood wonder: explore, climb, and crawl through amazing, secret forts created by local designers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
The Light Park – Drive through The Light Park’s mile-long spectacle, featuring millions of dazzling LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy music mixed live by DJ Polar Ice.
Events in Austin for Adults – December 26 – 28, 2025
Frostbite: The Witch Who Melted Winter – Watch as Frostbite and her sidekick, Carol, embark on a magical adventure to melt Winterland, meeting quirky characters like Señor Snow, the Ice Unicorn, and the Polar Bear along the way. With evening shows and interactive kids’ performances, this holiday spectacle promises fun for all ages!
The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!) – Get ready for The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!), Austin’s most extraordinary holiday show featuring talented rescue dogs like Dragonfly and Firefly. Watch in awe as Darren Peterson combines his juggling, unicycling, and dog-training skills for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Luminations – Wander through glowing garden paths, enjoy live music each night, and treat yourself to hot chocolate, churros, and festive photo ops.
Mozart’s Festival of Lights – Enjoy festive sing-alongs, wander through the Christmas Village for treats, or even take a holiday donut boat ride for a front-row view of the spectacular lights.
Merry Makers Market – The Merry Makers Market returns for its second year, offering a vibrant display of art and handmade goods from local Austin artists at Contracommon. Explore original paintings, jewelry, ornaments, sculptures, and more while supporting creative small businesses this holiday season.
Lights on the Lake – a Christmas Walk Thru! – Step into the magic of Lights on the Lake, Austin’s newest Christmas walk-through on the shores of Lake Travis! Stroll through breathtaking holiday displays, capture festive photos, and enjoy a full range of activities, from visiting Santa on Saturdays to meeting the Grinch on open days.
Peppermint Parkway – Peppermint Parkway is back at Circuit of The Americas, bringing a festive wonderland of lights, animated characters, and holiday displays you won’t want to miss. After your stroll through the parkway, keep the fun going at Peppermint Plaza with kart racing, amusement rides, festive food, and even a chance to snap a photo with Santa.
Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar – Grab your friends and immerse yourself in the Miracle on 5th Street pop-up bar, which will be serving festive cocktails amidst wall-to-wall holiday decor.
Image credit: Miracle on 5th Street
A Christmas Carol – Catch the high-octane, soulful reimagining of A Christmas Carol, one of the best Austin holiday traditions, this November.
Fortlandia – Step into a world of childhood wonder: explore, climb, and crawl through amazing, secret forts created by local designers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
The Light Park – Drive through The Light Park’s mile-long spectacle, featuring millions of dazzling LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy music mixed live by DJ Polar Ice.
Image credit: The Light Park
Still craving more ways to celebrate the season? Don’t miss our updated roundup of Things To Do in Austin This Weekend to see what’s happening around the city right now.
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