What To Do Today - Christmas Day 2025 In Austin

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Christmas Day in Austin doesn’t slow things down — it simply shifts gears. Whether you’re looking for holiday events, festive lights, family-friendly outings, or places that are open today, Austin still offers plenty of ways to enjoy December 25.

This is the today-only highlights version for December 25. For the full, expanded guide (with all listings and sections), visit: How to Spend Christmas Day in Austin (2025 Full Guide).

Need the practical stuff for today too? These guides can save you time:

Volunteer opportunities on Christmas Day
Best Christmas Lights 2025 in Austin – A Comprehensive Guide
Guide to 50 Restaurants open on Christmas Day in Austin
Stores open today for last-minute shopping

Check out everything you can do in Austin during Christmas Week. Looking ahead? You can also explore upcoming concerts, pop-ups, and seasonal attractions in our regularly updated Austin weekend guide.

Editor’s Note: Holiday hours can change. Always confirm details directly with venues or organizers.

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Christmas-Themed Events Open Today

A Christmas Carol (ZACH Theatre) — Live holiday production continues on Christmas Day.
The Light Park (Round Rock) — Drive-through holiday lights synchronized to music.
Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Austin — Outdoor ice skating by Lady Bird Lake.
Santa’s Ranch (New Braunfels) — Drive-through Christmas light experience.
Merry Makers Market (Bee Cave) — Holiday artisan market featuring local makers.

Family-Friendly Things to Do

The Light Park — Easy, all-ages holiday lights from your car.
Ice Rodeo: Lakeside Ice Skating — Seasonal skating with festive décor.
Santa’s Ranch — Kid-friendly animated holiday displays.

Volunteering on Christmas Day in Austin

Looking to give back today? Austin offers Christmas Day and holiday-week volunteer opportunities including meal delivery, food service, gift sorting, Adopt-a-Family programs, and animal shelter support. Availability can vary by organization and many shifts fill quickly.

For locations, confirmed opportunities, and sign-up details, see our full guide to Austin volunteer opportunities for the 2025 holiday season.

Free Events and Neighborhood Christmas Lights

37th Street Lights — Austin’s iconic, quirky neighborhood light displays.
Zilker Holiday Tree — Walk or spin beneath the city’s historic lighted tree.
Domain Northside Holiday Display — Free holiday lights, tree displays, and photo spots.

Check out our comprehensive guide to the Best Christmas Lights in Austin for 2025

Adults-Only Christmas Day Events

Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-Up Bar (Fairmont Austin) — Festive cocktails and themed décor.
Miracle on 5th Street — Christmas-themed cocktail bar with holiday drinks.

Where to Eat on Christmas Day in Austin

If you’re dining out today, these five options are among the most reliable picks from our 2025 guide: Waffle House, Kerbey Lane Cafe, Truluck’s, The Cheesecake Factory, and Din Ho Chinese BBQ. Hours and reservations can vary, so confirm before heading out.

For the full, verified list, visit Austin Restaurants Open on Christmas Day (2025).

Last-Minute Shopping and Store Hours

Need essentials today? Select locations of CVS, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Whole Foods Market are typically open on Christmas Day with reduced hours.

For confirmed locations and expected hours, see Stores Open on Christmas Day in Austin (2025).