Top 10 Events In Austin Today - November 28, 2025

Last Updated On – 28th November, 2025

Jump To: Free | Kid-Friendly | Adults

It’s Friday, November 28th, 2025, and Austin is bursting with holiday cheer! Whether you’re ready to snap a selfie with Santa on the Terrace, find unique treasures at a local market, or step onto the ice for some lakeside skating, we’ve rounded up the Top 10 Events in Austin Today. Kick off your post-Thanksgiving weekend with these exciting happenings around the city.

The full list of events is available in our Things to Do in Austin This Weekend guide.

Editor’s Note: We work hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out!

Also, please note that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will benefit our readers!

Free Events in Austin Today – November 28, 2025

Santa on the Terrace

Image Credit: Long Center FB Page

Santa’s back at the Long Center for Santa on the Terrace, and this year’s event is bigger and better than ever! Here, you can snap a photo with Santa in his signature sleigh, complete with the iconic Austin skyline as your backdrop. And yes, leashed pets are welcome too!

Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
When: Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 11 am – 2:30 pm
How Much: Free – Pay what you want

Merry Makers Market

Get ready for the second annual Merry Makers Market, hosted by Contracommon, where holiday shopping meets local artistry. This booth-style market will showcase art and handmade goods from talented Austin-area artists. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts while supporting creative small businesses this holiday season.

Where: Contracommon, 12912 Hill Country Blvd f140, Bee Cave, TX 78738
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 – January 2, 2026
How Much: Free

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

Kid-Friendly Events in Austin Today – November 28, 2025

North Pole Flyer: A Vintage Holiday Train Ride

Top 10 Events in Austin Today - November 28, 2025 - North Pole Flyer

Image credit: Austin Steam Train

All aboard the North Pole Flyer for a magical winter adventure! Travel through the countryside on a vintage train, where you’ll be visited by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy delicious cookies and hot cocoa while singing along to festive holiday tunes.

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

A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin: Home Alone 35th Anniversary

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Home Alone with a special screening and an exclusive interview with Macaulay Culkin, the iconic star who brought Kevin McCallister to life. Hear about his time on set, his favorite memories, and why Home Alone has become a beloved holiday tradition for fans of all ages.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $58.20

Fortlandia

Image Credit: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center FB Page

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 28, 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.

Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
When: Friday, November 28 – 29, 2025
How Much: Starts at $31

Adult Events in Austin Today – November 28, 2025

Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating

Top 10 Events in Austin Today - November 28, 2025 - Lakeside Ice Skating

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Celebrate the holiday season at Four Seasons Hotel Austin with the return of Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating! From November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, this lakeside retreat transforms into a festive gathering spot just steps from Lady Bird Lake.

Where: Four Seasons Hotel Austin 98 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, TX 78701
When: Sunday, November 30, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4 pm – 9 pm
How Much: Starts at $35

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.

Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd Ste C, Austin, TX 78752
When: Friday, November 28 – December 24, 2025
How Much: Free

2025 Thanksgiving Turkey Gobble Trot 5K/10K/13.1

Get ready to wobble before you gobble at the 2025 Thanksgiving Turkey Gobble Trot 5K/10K/13.1 in Austin/Round Rock. Burn some calories and make memories with your family, friends, and community as you run or walk before diving into the holiday feast. Spots go quickly, so sign up soon to secure your place.

Where: Brushy Creek Lake Park, 3300 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
When: Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 7:30 am
How Much: Not stated

Looking for more weekend ideas? Check out our complete list of Things To Do This Weekend in Austin.

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.