Last Updated On – 17th November, 2025
Jump to: Free | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Kids
The best free and fun events in Austin, November 21 – 23, include Turkey Trails Austin, Mozart’s Festival of Lights, Peppermint Parkway, 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!
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.
Free and Cheap Events in Austin
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Join Austin’s beloved holiday shopping experience, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar (BGAB), as it returns for its spectacular 25th year!
You can find unique handmade jewelry, beautiful artwork, home goods, and gifts for everyone on your list, all featuring the work of more than 200 talented regional artists.
As always, BGAB offers a family-friendly, hassle-free environment where you can easily purchase holiday gifts while supporting local vendors.
Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd, Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, November 21 – December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
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 this week in Austin.
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, November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: Free
Blue Owl Luau – Celebrating 10 Years!
Join the Blue Owl Luau as they turn 10 and celebrate island-style with a full day of tiki-themed fun! Expect amazing tiki decor and taproom-exclusive tropical beers.
There will also be a vendor market, face painting, and live screen printing by FSG. Grab your limited-edition 10 Year Anniversary merch and participate in fun Luau Games, plus much more!
Where: Blue Owl Brewing, 2400 E Cesar Chavez St #300, Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 12 pm
How Much: Free
The Front Market
Head to The Front Market and join over 10,000 guests to showcase and support more than 150 women and LGBTQ+ creatives, small business owners, designers, and makers from across the Texas South.
The Fall 2025 Season will be hosted at Waterloo Park, a beautiful event space located right in the heart of Downtown Austin.
Where: Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, November 22 – 23, 2025 | 11 am – 5 pm
How Much: Free
Hotel Viata’s Annual Tree Lighting Event
Bring your family and friends to Hotel Viata’s Annual Tree Lighting Event to witness the breathtaking illumination of the grand Christmas tree in the Courtyard, plus a guaranteed 100% chance of snow.
You can also discover unique gifts perfect for holiday shopping at the Christmas Marketplace from local artisans, and capture the magic by meeting Santa Claus for photos with the little ones.
Enjoy beautiful carols from a live choir performance in the Courtyard and share the season’s magic by writing Letters to Santa or decorating a festive ornament to take home.
And don’t forget to visit the Cypress Ballroom for a heartwarming fundraiser presented by Community First Village, and participate to give back to the community!
Where: Hotel Viata, 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
When: Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
How Much: Free
Free and Cheap Events in Austin this Friday, November 21, 2025
A Christmas Affair
Head to the Palmer Events Center and celebrate the 50th year of A Christmas Affair, a premier five-day holiday market where over 200 retail merchants will be arriving from across the country.
The Junior League of Austin uses the funds raised here to provide essential funding and volunteer hours to programs like Coats for Kids and FIT-Food In Tummies, as well as provide support to over 30 local community non-profits.
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, November 21 – 23, 2025
How Much: $25 per day
Oh, What Fun! Austin Holiday Market
Kick off your holiday season right on November 20th by visiting the brand-new Oh What Fun! Austin Holiday Market.
Running through Christmas Eve, this market showcases a curated, rotating selection of local makers and retailers offering everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to clothing and artisan treats.
You can shop for gifts from 11 am to 9 pm every Thursday through Sunday, grab a bite from local food trucks, enjoy musical performances, and sip a themed drink until 10 pm at the festive “What a Wonderful Lounge” cocktail bar.
Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, November 21 – December 21, 2025
How Much: No cover
Elf: The Musical
Follow Buddy, a human raised as an elf, as he journeys from the North Pole to New York City to find his real father and discover his true identity. Watch as he brings holiday cheer and a dose of chaos to everyone he meets with his oversized heart and childlike wonder.
This family-friendly musical is packed with catchy songs, high-energy dance numbers, and laugh-out-loud moments, offering a joyful celebration of love, belonging, and the magic of Christmas.
Where: The Chambers Theatre, 121 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
When: Friday, November 21 – 23, 2025
How Much: Starts at $18
Peppermint Parkway
Image credit: 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, November 21 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $10
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, November 21, 2025 – January 3, 202
How Much: Starts at $63
Carpe Noctem Cabaret
Seize the night! Carpe Noctem Cabaret returns by popular demand for one final run before the holiday season at East Austin’s iconic Pershing Hall.
This second run of 2025 transforms Pershing Hall’s secret speakeasy hideaway into a world of movement and magic, inviting you to step into an atmosphere where time bends and genre disappears.
Expect dinner-and-a-show seating, handcrafted cocktails, and Pershing’s signature food and beverage menu, served by renowned mixologists as dynamic performers deliver a collision of classical craft, contemporary edge, humor, and spectacle.
Where: Pershing Hall, 2415C E 5th St., Austin, TX 78702
When: Friday, November 21 – 23, 2025
How Much: Starts at $35
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 like you’ve never seen it before.
This is a ticketed event with first-come, first-served seating for tables/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, November 21 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $13.30
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, November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
How Much: Starts at $29
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Step into the magical world of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Austin is one of only two cities in the entire country to host this innovative, walk-through experience, giving you a rare chance to see beloved characters like Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero brought to life right here in Texas.
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, November 21 – 29, 2025
How Much: Starts at $31
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, November 21 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $30
Hill Country Flyer: A Vintage Train Ride for the Whole Family
All aboard the Hill Country Flyer, your ticket to a full-day adventure through the gorgeous Texas Hill Country!
Your journey begins at the Austin Steam Train Association’s Cedar Park Depot. Then, you’ll go on a 66-mile round trip aboard a beautifully restored vintage train pulled by a diesel locomotive.
Along the way, you’ll cross the scenic trestle bridge over the South San Gabriel River and wind through Short Creek Canyon, all from the comfort of a historic railcar!
Mid-trip, you get a two-hour layover in the charming town of Burnet, where you can explore the historic square, browse local shops, and grab lunch at a local restaurant before settling in for a relaxed ride back.
Where: Austin Steam Train Association, 401 E Whitestone Blvd C-100, Cedar Park, TX 78613
When: Friday, November 21 – 22, 2025 | 9 am – 3:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $35
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, November 21, 2025 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3
Free and Cheap Events in Austin this Saturday, November 22, 2025
The Austin Powwow
Image credit: The Austin Powwow and Native American Heritage Festival kids
Celebrate the 32nd Annual Austin Powwow Native Arts and Heritage Festival, the largest one-day Powwow in the U.S.!
This unforgettable cultural experience features hundreds of Powwow dancers and over 100 Native artists and food vendors.
Where: Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Ln, Austin, TX 78724
When: Friday, November 22, 2025 | 9 am – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $7
21+ Mimosa Fest: Holiday Edition: Lights on the Lake
Get ready to sip on five unique holiday mimosas and enjoy music and holiday vibes alongside delicious themed food and snacks from the year-round restaurant at this Mimosa Fest.
You’ll also get to witness the unveiling of Austin’s newest holiday walk-through, Lights on the Lake, while enjoying the best sunset in Austin.
After your time enjoying the lights, you can shop from local vendors selling holiday merchandise and grab great photo opportunities with a surprise guest at this magical lakeside event.
Where: Volante Beach Water Park, 16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641
When: Friday, November 22, 2025 | 6 pm
How Much: $10 – $20
25th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Expo
Image credit: Mighty Texas Dog Walk and Expo adult
Unleash the fun at Austin’s beloved 25th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Expo! You can fetch tons of dog-centric freebies and play your pup’s favorite games.
You can even stroll across Camp Mabry’s scenic Parade Grounds and compete to snatch the giant gaudy “gold” trophies in the costume contest!
Where: Camp Mabry Parade Ground, Fairview Dr, Austin, TX 78703
When: Friday, November 22, 2025 | 6 pm
How Much: Starts at $30
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Austin, TX
Prepare for a thrilling night of intrigue and laughter at North America’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theater show, now playing right here in Austin!
Enjoy a delicious dinner while you solve a hilarious true crime. Just be careful—the killer is hiding in plain sight among the audience, and you might just become a prime suspect yourself.
Where: Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown, 810 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 6 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $69.99
Turkey Trails – Austin
Image credit: Bodies Race Company
Join the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k, a fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that’s perfect for the whole family! You will receive great swag, including a designer shirt and a custom medal.
You can also enjoy chip-timing with live results and awards, free photos, and delicious treats waiting for you at the finish line.
If you cannot make the race, grab the fun swag anyway by participating in the virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time!
Where: East Metro Park, 18706 Blake Manor Rd, Manor, TX 78653
When: Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9 am
How Much: Starts at $17
Free and Cheap Events in Austin this Sunday November 23, 2025
Armadillo Den’s Gumbo Cook Off
Head over to Armadillo Den on Sunday for BT’s Gumbo Cook Off, benefiting Operation Turkey, which delivers thousands of meals to those in need on Thanksgiving!
The cook off features amazing drinks, live music from The Louisiana Surf Department, and delicious gumbo you won’t want to miss.
Participate in the gumbo tasting and vote for your favorites by donating your desired amount at the door.
Where: Armadillo Den, 10106 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
When: Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 12 pm
How Much: Donate what you can
Free and Cheap Events in Austin for Kids
A Christmas Affair
Head to the Palmer Events Center and celebrate the 50th year of A Christmas Affair, a premier five-day holiday market where over 200 retail merchants will be arriving from across the country.
The Junior League of Austin uses the funds raised here to provide essential funding and volunteer hours to programs like Coats for Kids, FIT-Food In Tummies, and over 30 local community non-profits.
Where: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, November 21 – 23, 2025
How Much: $25 per day
Elf: The Musical
Follow Buddy, a human raised as an elf, as he journeys from the North Pole to New York City to find his real father and discover his true identity. Watch as he brings holiday cheer and a dose of chaos to everyone he meets with his oversized heart and childlike wonder.
This family-friendly musical is packed with catchy songs, high-energy dance numbers, and laugh-out-loud moments, offering a joyful celebration of love, belonging, and the magic of Christmas.
Where: The Chambers Theatre, 121 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
When: Friday, November 21 – 23, 2025
How Much: Starts at $18
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, November 21 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $10
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, November 21, 2025 – January 3, 202
How Much: Starts at $63
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Join Austin’s beloved holiday shopping experience, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar (BGAB), as it returns for its spectacular 25th year!
You can find unique handmade jewelry, beautiful artwork, home goods, and gifts for everyone on your list, all featuring the work of more than 200 talented regional artists.
As always, BGAB offers a family-friendly, hassle-free environment where you can easily purchase holiday gifts while supporting local vendors.
Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, November 21 – December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
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, November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
How Much: Starts at $29
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Image credit: Zach Theater
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, November 21 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $30
Hill Country Flyer: A Vintage Train Ride for the Whole Family
All aboard for the Hill Country Flyer, your ticket to a full-day adventure through the gorgeous Texas Hill Country!
Your journey begins at the Austin Steam Train Association’s Cedar Park Depot. Then, you’ll go on a 66-mile round trip aboard a beautifully restored vintage train pulled by a diesel locomotive.
Along the way, you’ll cross the scenic trestle bridge over the South San Gabriel River and wind through Short Creek Canyon, all from the comfort of a historic railcar!
Mid-trip, you get a two-hour layover in the charming town of Burnet, where you can explore the historic square, browse local shops, and grab lunch at a local restaurant before settling in for a relaxed ride back.
Where: Austin Steam Train Association, 401 E Whitestone Blvd C-100, Cedar Park, TX 78613
When: Friday, November 21 – 22, 2025 | 9 am – 3:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $35
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, November 21, 2025 – February 1, 2026
How Much: $18 for adults | $15 for seniors and military | $12 for kids 3 – 17 | Free for kids under 3
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Step into the magical world of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Austin is one of only two cities in the entire country to host this innovative, walk-through experience, giving you a rare chance to see beloved characters like Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero brought to life right here in Texas.
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, November 21 – 29, 2025
How Much: Starts at $31
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, November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: Free
The Austin Powwow
Celebrate the 32nd Annual Austin Powwow Native Arts and Heritage Festival, the largest one-day Powwow in the U.S.!
This unforgettable cultural experience features hundreds of Powwow dancers and over 100 Native artists and food vendors.
Where: Travis County Exposition Center, 7311 Decker Ln, Austin, TX 78724
When: Friday, November 22, 2025 | 9 am – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $7
25th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Expo
Unleash the fun at Austin’s beloved 25th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk & Expo! You can fetch tons of dog-centric freebies and play your pup’s favorite games.
You can even stroll across Camp Mabry’s scenic Parade Grounds and compete to snatch the giant gaudy “gold” trophies in the costume contest!
Where: Camp Mabry Parade Ground, Fairview Dr, Austin, TX 78703
When: Friday, November 22, 2025 | 6 pm
How Much: Starts at $30
Turkey Trails – Austin
Join the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k, a fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that’s perfect for the whole family! You will receive great swag, including a designer shirt and a custom medal.
You can also enjoy chip-timing with live results and awards, free photos, and delicious treats waiting for you at the finish line.
If you cannot make the race, grab the fun swag anyway by participating in the virtual race option, where you can run anywhere, at any time!
Where: East Metro Park, 18706 Blake Manor Rd, Manor, TX 78653
When: Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9 am
How Much: Starts at $17
Armadillo Den’s Gumbo Cook Off
Head over to Armadillo Den on Sunday for BT’s Gumbo Cook Off, benefiting Operation Turkey, which delivers thousands of meals to those in need on Thanksgiving!
The cook-off features amazing drinks, live music from The Louisiana Surf Department, and delicious gumbo you won’t want to miss.
Participate in the gumbo tasting and vote for your favorites by donating your desired amount at the door.
Where: Armadillo Den, 10106 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748
When: Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 12 pm
How Much: Donate what you can
Hotel Viata’s Annual Tree Lighting Event
Bring your family and friends to Hotel Viata’s Annual Tree Lighting Event to witness the breathtaking illumination of the grand Christmas tree in the Courtyard, plus a guaranteed 100% chance of snow.
You can also discover unique gifts perfect for holiday shopping at the Christmas Market Place from local artisans, and capture the magic by meeting Santa Claus for photos with the little ones.
Enjoy beautiful carols from a live choir performance in the Courtyard and share the season’s magic by writing Letters to Santa or decorating a festive ornament to take home.
And don’t forget to visit the Cypress Ballroom for a heartwarming fundraiser presented by Community First Village and give back to the community!
Where: Hotel Viata, 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
When: Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
How Much: Free
