Come winter, Austin is alive with Christmas spirit and the spirits that fill your glass! This guide to Austin Christmas events details the best things to do in the city during the festive period including music, parades, shows, lights and bar events.
Quick answer: the big Austin Christmas events in 2026 are the Zilker Holiday Tree (lit 29 November, free), the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park (10 to 23 December, $0 to $8, with free nights), Luminations at the Wildflower Center (from 20 November), the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (12 to 21 December), Ballet Austin’s Nutcracker (5 to 23 December) and the Miracle on 5th Street pop-up bar (12 November to 30 December).
- Best free events: Zilker Holiday Tree, Trail of Lights free nights (10 to 11 and 13 to 17 December), 37th Street Lights and Blue Genie Art Bazaar
- Busiest day: Saturday 5 December, with the German Christmas Market, the Trail of Lights Fun Run, the Real Ale 5K and the Nutcracker’s opening
- Weather: it can be warm enough for a T-shirt, so pack layers rather than a big coat
- Checked: dates and prices checked against official event sites in October 2026
Don’t miss this extensive list of what to do in Austin all year round too!
Things to do in Austin in December
Gliding, singing, and slugging; whatever your favorite festive pastime, you can do it in The Live Music Capital of the World this winter.
Only in town for a few days? Slide the date picker below to see which of the big 2026 holiday events are on while you’re here.
Two Scots Abroad · Travel data
What’s on in Austin on your dates this Christmas?
Pick a day between 12 November 2026 and 10 January 2027 and we’ll show you which of the big holiday events are on. Early December is the sweet spot: 5 December alone has a market, two runs and the first Nutcracker.
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The season at a glance
| Event | Dates | Price |
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Source: Austin Trail of Lights, City of Austin, Wildflower Center, Ballet Austin, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar and each event’s official site · As of October 2026 · twoscotsabroad.com
Austin Holiday Lights, Parades and Winter Activities
1. Ice Skating at the Four Seasons Ice Rodeo
Although it may be 80 degrees outside, you can still lace up your skates in downtown Austin! The Whole Foods rooftop rink we used to recommend hasn’t run in years, so head to Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Austin instead.
The lakeside rink (built on top of the hotel pool, no less!) is open daily from 4pm to 9pm from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with private rinkside cabins for up to six and a holiday candy shop.
→ Pro tip: Book your skate slot online in advance; the hotel doesn’t list prices on its main page.
2. Zilker Trail of Lights and Tree
After you’ve seen the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park, check out the Zilker Holiday Tree.
Perfect for photo ops and sinful snacks!
This 155 ft string of lights shaped tree is free to visit. There is sometimes music and there is always scalding hot chocolate and kettle corn.
2026 dates: the tree lighting is Sunday 29 November 2026 at 6pm (music from 5:15pm), and the tree stays lit until 1 January 2027.
The Trail of Lights itself runs from 10 to 23 December 2026 at Zilker Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd). General admission is $0 to $8 depending on the night, and it’s free on 10 to 11 and 13 to 17 December. Kids 11 and under are always free.
Want to skip the queue? The ZIP pass ($20 to $25) gets you in from 6pm with a lounge serving cookies and cocoa. Parking passes ($25 to $35) sell out, so book them online in advance, or take the $10 shuttle from Toney Burger Center on 12 and 18 to 23 December.
Here’s what Austin’s big holiday events cost this year, from free light displays to the beer run:
3. Minor Mishap Winter Solstice Lantern Parade
‘Bourbon Street meets Budapest’!
Join this 25-piece renegade brass band as they put on a fun mobile brass band show on the solstice.
Guests of the Minor Mishap Marching Band are encouraged to bring lanterns…. And to rock out! It’s free.
The last parade we could confirm set off from the treehouse in Pease Park at 6pm on 21 December 2024, with flameless lanterns only. Check the band’s social channels in December for this year’s plan.
4. KRAMPUS, Dead Music Capital Marching Band
Austin at Christmas is all about the marching bands; the town hosts HONK! Festival, after all!
KRAMPUS are like the naughty step-sister band of Minor Mishap, who have hosted a holiday parade on the streets of Austin, goth-tastic no less!
We couldn’t find a confirmed Krampus parade date for 2026, so check their page before you plan around it.
5. Holiday Drinks on Congress Avenue (Chuy’s Parade Route)
Chuy’s Holiday Parade harkened back to America’s traditional small-town celebrations: lots of school marching bands, veterans, etc, giving it that warm and fuzzy old-school feel.
Sadly, Chuy’s called time on the parade in 2022 and now puts its holiday giving into the Trail of Lights Fun Run instead.
Pro tip: Congress Avenue still looks best from above.
Head to the terrace of Stephen F’s Bar at the Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta and enjoy a drink with views up to the Capitol.
Chuy’s Tex Mex features in this guide on where to eat in Austin.
6. 37th Street Lights
After a few years of being closed, Austin’s favorite holiday neighborhood is back!
It’s smaller than in its heyday and run by the neighbors, so dates aren’t fixed. In 2025 the lights went on on 12 December and stayed up until New Year’s Day, from sunset to 10pm (11pm on Fridays and Saturdays), and it’s free.
Crank up your tunes, roll down your windows, and soak up some genuine “old Austin” holiday spirit on 37th Street.
7. Luminations at the Wildflower Center
Prefer your lights a bit more peaceful? Luminations lights up the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center with thousands of luminarias on select nights from 20 November to 31 December 2026 (closed 24 and 25 December).
Entry is between 5:45pm and 7:45pm, tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids aged 3 to 12, and you must book in advance. Onsite parking is $25 a car, or park free and shuttle in from St. Augustine’s University.
Fancy a drive into the Hill Country too? The free PEC Holiday Lights in Johnson City run from 27 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, and make a fun first stop on a Texas road trip from Austin.
8. German Christmas Market
The German-Texan Heritage Society hosts a Christmas market (507 East 10th St) in Austin featuring decorations that are imported from the Erzgebirge, an East-German region known for its Christmas customs.
Glühwein and a visit from St Nick is also on the schedule!
2026 date: the public day is Saturday 5 December, 10am to 5pm, at the German Free School. Entry is $8 online or $10 at the door, and under 12s go free.
This sounds like the ideal date idea; check out more here.
9. Christmas Light Show at Mozart
Mozart’s Coffee has been in action since the 90s, and its light show has become quite an institution.
Expect piano playing on the lit-up piano, choirs, and, of course, coffee!
In 2025 the Lake Austin Festival of Lights ran from 22 November to 3 January, with shows at 7, 8, 9 and 10pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) and entry from $5. The 2026 dates hadn’t been announced when we checked, so keep an eye on Mozart’s site.
10. Peppermint Parkway
Walk through millions of lights of the Peppermint Parkways, Circuit of Americas (9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd).
It’s now a walk-through rather than a drive-through. The 2025 season ran until 4 January 2026 with tickets from $8 (kids 2 and under free); 2026 dates weren’t out yet when we checked.
Share some love at the kissing booth, hop aboard the Peppermint Express at Peppermint Plaza, and pick a fresh Christmas tree from the Winter Woods at this lit Austin Christmas event.
Music in Austin at Christmas
Austin is the music capital of the world, and this title doesn’t drop just because Santa is coming to town.
11. Austonettes
The Austonettes play a cappella holiday show every winter where they cover holiday tunes.
Their tribute to the film “Love, Actually” is especially adorable.
We couldn’t find a 2026 show date, so check their site before you plan around it.
12. Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker (and a Nod to Kelly & Bruce)
Ballet Austin’s 64th Nutcracker runs from 5 to 23 December 2026 at the Long Center, and it’s the big family night out of the Austin holiday season.
Kelly & Bruce are Austin music royalty.
For 23 years Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison hosted a sold-out holiday show, including at the historic Austin Theatre.
The pair have since retired the show, so raise a glass to Twang Time and catch them separately on Austin stages instead.
13. Bob Schneider & the Moonlight Orchestra Annual Holiday Show
Bob Schneider can be found with his “Lonelyland” residency every Monday at the iconic Saxon Pub in South Austin.
However, he cleans up every winter and plays with the Moonlight Orchestra for this festive holiday show.
2026 date: Bob Schneider & the Moonlight Orchestra play ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Saturday 28 November 2026 at 8pm.
14. Music FREE WEEK in January
Does what it says on the tin! Free bands in the Red River Cultural District in early January. Perfect, since everyone is feeling the festive pinch!
It’s now a two-day weekend rather than a full week: the 2026 edition ran on 9 and 10 January, and the 2027 dates weren’t announced when we checked. Staying on into the new year? Here are the best places to visit in the USA in January.
Love music? Check out our guide on SXSW for free + where to stay.
Festive Restaurants and Christmas Bars in Austin
15. Justine’s Winter Tents
The coolest place to warm up!
Justine’s creates elaborate “winter tents,” which more than double the space of this super hip French restaurant.
They also host awesome parties and theme nights.
Justine’s is at 4710 E 5th St. Its 2025 winter tent was called Pearl of the Night; check the restaurant’s socials for this year’s theme.
Open late with mouthwatering steak frites, Justine’s is the place to be seen this Christmas in Austin!
16. Fonda San Miguel
Fonda San Miguel is like visiting a Mexican hacienda – right in central Austin!
It’s super festive and always delicious. Serving excellent margaritas, Fonda San Miguel is a true Texas Holiday tradition. → Pro tip: Try the traditional corn soup.
17. Lala’s Little Nugget
It’s *always* Christmas at this legendary Austin dive bar, LaLa’s Little Nugget (2207 Justin Ln).
It also features an old-school jukebox and games.
More tinsel needed? Its sister bar, Lala’s South Pole (3008 Davis Ln), brings the same year-round Christmas vibes to South Austin.
18. Donn’s Depot Honky Tonk Christmas
Nothing says Texas like Honky Tonk, so why not visit Donn’s Depot (1600 W 5th St) for a tradition and Christmas fusion?
Established in 1978, this piano bar has two dance floors and is located in old rail cars and a former depot.
Hot and cold festive cocktail menu available every year!
19. S’mores at Halcyon
Fancy a treat?
Halcyon (218 West 4th St) will let you fire up a Bunsen burner and roast your marshmallows from the comfort of your sofa!
Just watch the flame near the throw pillows!
20. Christmas Tree at the Driskill Hotel
Don’t let the ghost scare you away!
The Driskill is one of the most famous haunted hotels in Texas, after all.
Enjoy a photo with the famous tree at the Driskill Hotel (604 Brazos St) and a cocktail with a friend in the fun Driskill Bar.
To stay the night, The Driskill sits on the corner of 6th Street and Brazos Street in the heart of downtown, so the tree and the bar are just downstairs.
21. Snow At Edge Rooftop
Snow falls every hour on the hour in winter at JW Marriott Austin’s Edge Rooftop (110 E 2nd St), during its Snow Much Fun holiday pop-up.
Melt marshmallows over an open fire, watch the city turn from day to night, and get tipsy on the hot buttered rum cocoa at this stunning rooftop Christmas bar.
22. Winter WonderGlam at Gibson Street Bar
Gibson Street Bar (1109 South Lamar) loves holidays and is known for its Nightmare on Gibson and Winter WonderGlam decor.
Sip on a spiked hot coco under the magical Christmas interior.
23. Igloos at The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt
Grab your closest pals and hide away in the rooftop igloos at The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt (605 Davis St), each one seating up to six.
Order a Christmas cocktail and soak it up with Southern comfort food.
24. Miracle on 5th Street Christmas Bar
This pop-up bar (307 W 5th St) in downtown Austin is festive and fab.
Speciality Christmas cocktails in Santa mugs are on the menu.
2026 dates: 12 November to 30 December, daily from 5pm to 2am at The Eleanor. Entry is ticketed through Eventbrite, there are no reservations for groups under six, and Dasher Passes let you skip the line.
→ Pro tip: It’s usually packed, so plan ahead!
Christmas Shopping in Austin
25. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Want a totally unique shopping experience? The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is an Austin institution: local art, crafts, live music and a bar all under one roof at the Palmer Events Center (900 Barton Springs Rd).
2026 dates: 12 to 21 December. Hours vary by day, so check the bazaar’s site before you go.
You may also like our free things to do in Austin guide.
26. South Congress
This stretch of street hosts some of the most fun shops in Austin.
Big Top Candy Shop, Allen’s Boots… (sadly Lucy in Disguise, Yard Dog and Tesoros have all left the strip).
You’ll have a blast strolling around, and you can even pick up a taco and catch some music in the beer garden at Guero’s Taco Bar!
South Congress is where many of Austin’s IG spots are located.
27. Fairs for Holiday Shopping
Looking for something local and crafty to purchase?
Look no further than the following markets.
Cherrywood Art Fair was an art-filled two-day event with local artists, live music, kids activities, and food, but it held its last fair in 2019.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar is an online and in-person shopping experience that offers personal shopping, open 13 November to 24 December 2026 at 6100 Airport Blvd with free entry.
Hotel San Jose Holiday Market hosts local makers, food and drink specials, and live music so you can bop while you shop (its most recent confirmed holiday block party was in December 2024, so check the hotel’s events page).
Christmas Theatre, Film, and Art
28. Austin Swing Syndicate Swing Dance Lessons
Now that you are here in Texas, you need to learn to dance like you are from here!
Austin Swing Syndicate offers weekly dance lessons every Thursday, now at Cherrywood Center (1605 E 38½ St) rather than the beautiful Texas Federation of Women’s Club.
Don’t be shy!
29. December Specialty Screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse
The Alamo is always a fun time (the old Ritz on Sixth Street closed in 2021).
Its Austin cinemas have food and drink and always a surprising lineup of films during the holidays.
30. Make Art at Smudge Studios
Want to make art?
Try Smudge Studios for a super fun and creative art studio with its own self-contained splatter paint room.
→ Bonus: They have a great gift shop!
Update: Smudge Studios’ website was no longer working when we checked in October 2026, so call ahead. For crafty gifts, Austin Creative Reuse (2005 Wheless Ln) runs a Holiday Reuse Art Market and is a brilliant spot to upcycle, baby!
31. Creek Show Art Installation
The annual Creek Show art installation on Waller Creek is the coolest thing in town.
Catch it while you can because it’s only up briefly.
2026 dates: 13 to 21 November along Waller Creek, run by Waterloo Greenway. Hours and prices weren’t published when we checked.
Christmas Races in Austin
Work off the calories in time for the turkey!
32. Fun Runs and 5Ks
Trail of Lights Fun Run is an annual route that runs through the festive Austin Trail of Lights! The 2026 run is a 2 mile, untimed route on Saturday 5 December.
Turkey Trot has been running (boom boom) since the 90s and includes a 5-mile run, 1-mile walk, and Kids K. This year it’s on Thanksgiving, 26 November 2026, at the Long Center.
Real Ale Brewing 5K is a popular running and drinking event an hour from the city in Blanco. The 2026 race starts at 8am on Saturday 5 December, with adult entry from $60 to $75 depending on when you sign up.
Where to Stay
Have you ever been to Austin if you’ve not stayed in an airstream? We did this back in 2015, and it was a cool overnight stay. See here for full details.
If you prefer an apartment, this modern one has a heated swimming pool and is within walking distance to the hip SoCo. Want more? Here’s our list.
Austin hotels fill fast around the big December weekends. If downtown is pricey, Round Rock makes an easy base north of Austin.
Pin to your Austin board for future reference
Austin Christmas Events FAQ
When is the Austin Trail of Lights in 2026?
The Trail of Lights runs from 10 to 23 December 2026 in Zilker Park. General admission is $0 to $8, with free entry on 10 to 11 and 13 to 17 December.
When is the Zilker Christmas tree lit in 2026?
The Zilker Holiday Tree lighting is on Sunday 29 November 2026 at 6pm, and the tree stays lit until 1 January 2027. It’s free to visit.
What are the best free Christmas events in Austin?
The Zilker Holiday Tree, the Trail of Lights free nights, 37th Street Lights and the Blue Genie Art Bazaar are all free, and the PEC Holiday Lights in Johnson City are free too.
Is Austin worth visiting at Christmas?
Yes! The weather is usually mild, the lights are excellent, and the live music doesn’t stop. Early December is the busiest stretch, with the Nutcracker, the German Christmas Market and two fun runs all starting on 5 December 2026.
Does it snow in Austin at Christmas?
Real snow is rare in Austin, but you can catch fake snowfall every hour at the Edge Rooftop at the JW Marriott and go ice skating at the Four Seasons.
Final Words
Christmas in Austin is a fun time for locals and visitors alike. Many festivities and festivals are happening in the streets, parks, bars, and restaurants.
It’s a great time to support local businesses too. So whether you are looking for live music, Christmas cocktails, or light festivals, there’s something for everyone in these things to do in Austin in winter guide.
Looking for somewhere hotter in the US this December? Here’s our guide to the best places to visit in winter.
Planning a festive city hop? Compare Austin with the other best US cities to visit in December, or see our guide to Chicago at Christmas if you fancy a proper cold one.
Our Austin Guides
About the author
Sarah Greene Reed wasn’t born in Texas, but she got there as soon as she could. The host of the infamous “Cheetos, Tito’s & Speedos Party,” this artist/mom/venue owner can’t sit still and is usually dreaming up her next adventure. You’ll most likely find her with big hair, a cold drink, and a belly laugh.
Hi Gemma! Thank you for this list…heading to Austin this weekend with the fam. If you had time for only 2 things, curious what they would be. We’ll have a 12 and 9 year old with us. THANK YOU!