Last Updated On – 21st November, 2025
Jump to: Top Events | Holiday Attractions | Family-Friendly Events | Free Events | Sports Events | Holiday Kickoff Events
Thanksgiving week in Austin feels like a bonus festival season. During this week, the city’s calendar is filled with live shows, night markets, pop-up art experiences, rooftop concerts, and outdoor gatherings that keep the momentum high long after the holiday meal ends.
Explore the top happenings across the city and make your Thanksgiving week feel anything but ordinary with our guide to the best things to do Thanksgiving week in Austin.
Looking ahead to the weekend? Don’t miss our complete guide to Things to do in Austin this weekend, including free festivals, live music, and hidden gems.
Editor’s Note: We do our best to keep listings up to date, but details may change. Always verify with event organizers or participating locations before heading out.
This article may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through them may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Also, check out our post on Thanksgiving Events in Austin 2025, Best Pizza Austin, and Best Ramen in Austin.
Top Events Happening Nov 24–30
Peppermint Parkway
Image credit: 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: Monday, November 24 – 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: Monday, November 24, 2025 – January 3, 202
How Much: Starts at $63
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 a.m. to 9 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday, grab a bite from local food trucks, enjoy musical performances, and sip a themed drink until 10 p.m. at the festive “What a Wonderful Lounge” cocktail bar.
Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 24 – December 21, 2025
How Much: No cover
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025
Step into holiday magic the day after Thanksgiving by securing your seats for the Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 at The Long Center.
Born from the spirit of Vienna, this global concert experience blends sweeping symphonic sound with theatrical beauty.
You will also find yourself immersed in a nostalgic atmosphere as over 2,000 flickering candle lights illuminate world-class musicians and vocalists performing the most treasured Christmas Classics.
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, November 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $54.13
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: Monday, November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: Free
Holiday Attractions Open Thanksgiving Week
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: Monday, November 24 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $10
Mozart’s Festival of Lights
Image credit: Mozart’s Coffee
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: Monday, November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: Free
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: Monday, November 24 – 29, 2025
How Much: Starts at $31
Family-Friendly Activities During the Break
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: Monday, November 24 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $30
A Christmas Carol
Image credit: ZACH Theatre
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: Monday, November 24, 2025 – January 3, 202
How Much: Starts at $63
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: Monday, November 24 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $10
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: Monday, November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
How Much: Free
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: Monday, November 24 – 29, 2025
How Much: Starts at $31
ELF Holiday Movie Under the Stars at Vista Brewing
Bring the whole family to Vista Brewing for a free outdoor screening of the classic Christmas comedy ELF.
Gather in the Beer Garden and enjoy the movie projected onto a big screen under the stars.
Where: Vista Brewing, 13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
When: Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 5:30 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Free
North Pole Flyer: A Vintage Holiday Train Ride
Image credit: Austin Steam Train
All aboard the North Pole Flyer! Step into a magical winter wonderland as you travel through the countryside on a vintage train. There will also be visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Last but not least, you can savor delicious cookies and hot cocoa while you sing along to cheerful holiday tunes and watch the holiday cheer light up the season.
Where: Austin Steam Train Association, 401 E Whitestone Blvd C-100, Cedar Park, TX 78613
When: Saturday, November 29 – December 14, 2025 | 5:30 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $55 | $10 for lap kids
Free & Cheap Events During Thanksgiving Week
Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Step into Christmas cheer like you have never seen it before at the Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Pop-Up Bar.
This wall-to-wall decorated Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar features multiple bars and cheery social experiences where you can sip holiday cocktails crafted by the jolly staff.
You can also take your next profile picture in Santa’s Throne and connect with friends and family inside the most decked-out holiday bar in the city.
Where: The Eleanor, 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 24 – December 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $13.30
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Image credit: Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Begin your holiday shopping right after Thanksgiving at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar (BGAB).
Returning for its 25th year, this market features the work of more than 200 regional artists, allowing you to find handmade jewelry, artwork, home goods, and unique gifts for everyone on your list.
You can even visit the daily open Snackbar for a refreshing drink.
Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Monday, November 24 – December 24, 2025
How Much: Free
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 a.m. to 9 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday, grab a bite from local food trucks, enjoy musical performances, and sip a themed drink until 10 p.m. at the festive “What a Wonderful Lounge” cocktail bar.
Where: Republic Square, 422 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 24 – December 21, 2025
How Much: No cover
Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025
Image credit: Vienna Light Orchestra
Step into holiday magic the day after Thanksgiving by securing your seats for the Vienna Light Orchestra Christmas Tour 2025 at The Long Center.
Born from the spirit of Vienna, this global concert experience blends sweeping symphonic sound with theatrical beauty.
You will also find yourself immersed in a nostalgic atmosphere as over 2,000 flickering candle lights illuminate world-class musicians and vocalists performing the most treasured Christmas Classics.
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Friday, November 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $54.13
‘Home is Here’ Concert
Join an incredible lineup of musicians, including Shakey Graves, Nina Diaz, and Shawn Colvin, for the ‘Home Is Here’ Concert.
This epic event brings Texas musicians together with Being Dead, Tekle Mezghebe, and Yowhannes Tquabo to welcome their immigrant neighbors and ensure Austin remains a safe and welcoming place for refugees and asylum seekers.
Where: The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, November 28, 2025
How Much: Starts at $40
A Christmas Card Musical
Step into a dazzling Christmas cabaret at the A Christmas Card Musical. The moment you walk in, the entire theater transforms for a pre-show party complete with glittering projection, live music, and themed cocktails.
In this musical, you will follow Reagan Steele as she returns home to shoot a Hallmark-style Christmas romance but instead finds herself starring in her own love story, featuring Austin’s best talent, including Emmy Award-winning actors and B. Iden Payne Award-winning choreography.
Where: Sterling Stage, 6134 E Hwy 290, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 | 8 pm – 10 pm
How Much: Starts at $19
ELF Holiday Movie Under the Stars at Vista Brewing
Bring the whole family to Vista Brewing for a free outdoor screening of the classic Christmas comedy ELF.
Gather in the Beer Garden and enjoy the movie projected onto a big screen under the stars.
Where: Vista Brewing, 13551 Ranch to Market Rd 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
When: Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 5:30 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Free
Sports Events in Austin Over Thanksgiving Week
Drinksgiving, Turkey & Texas Football
Celebrate Thanksgiving week the Austin way with great food, cold drinks, and plenty of football at this exciting, multi-day event.
On Wednesday for “Drinksgiving,” you can enjoy $10 Original Mexican Martinis all day along with Thanksgiving-inspired food specials like Turkey Wraps and Turkey Plates with dessert.
On Thanksgiving Day, the venue is open from 3–8 PM, offering $1 Wings and Turkey Plates while you watch the Cowboys game at 3:30 PM.
And on Friday, you can watch the Texas vs. A&M Lone Star Showdown downtown while sipping on $7 Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Irish Mules, and Ranch Waters.
Where: Cedar Door Patio Bar & Grill, 201 Brazos St bldg A, Austin, TX 78701
When: Monday, November 24 – 28, 2025
How Much: Free
Game Day Watch Party at Heydey
celebrate the UT Football season with cold drinks and friends at the Game Day Watch Party at Heydey. Head up to the 8th-floor rooftop at Heydey Social Club to make sure you never miss a game.
Where: Heyday Social Club, 721 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, November 28, 2025
How Much: Free
2025 UT Football Season: University of Texas vs. Texas A&M
Cheer on the University of Texas Longhorns as they enter their second season in the SEC. Get decked out head-to-toe in burnt orange gear and head to Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium to support the team as they take on the Aggies.
Where: Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, 2139 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78712
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 | 6:30 pm
How Much: TBA
Holiday Kickoff Events After Thanksgiving
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, November 28 – December 27, 2025 | 5 pm – 7 pm
How Much: Complimentary access
Thanksgiving is just one of the many celebrations to look forward to this fall in Austin. Explore more upcoming events and local fun in our Things to do in Austin this weekend guide.
- Things to Do in Austin – Thanksgiving Week 2025 (Nov 24–30) - November 21, 2025
- Soul Food Austin: Comfort Classics and Southern Favorites to Try Now - November 21, 2025
- Free and Fun Events in Austin November 21 – November 23 - November 20, 2025
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.