Austin and Out of Town Holiday Fun and Events
The number of engaging events and places leading up to the winter holidays is beyond counting. From small events and picking out a Christmas tree for your home to large gatherings and vibrant, feature-rich festivals, everyone can fully immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
Nancy J. Hassler
December always brings an abundance of exciting ideas and events, which can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry! Check out the most engaging and memorable festive entertainment and occasions in Austin and beyond — they’re definitely worth a visit!
Experience Winter Wonderland With Ice Skating on Whole Foods Rooftop
The flagship Whole Foods Market, with several locations downtown, has established slipping on ice a long-standing and delightful tradition that both kids and adults look forward to. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the ice rooftop rink on North Lamar Boulevard is fondly remembered by many as one of the best Austin Christmas events.
While the admission fee, which includes skate rental, is $15, there are event days when 50% of the proceeds go to local community charities. These occasions occur during Community Skate Nights, held on several Monday evenings. Attendees are wholly enchanted by the open-air skating, gliding across the ice surrounded by glowing lights. This experience perfectly reflects the pre-holiday season's magic and Christmas spirit.
Trail of Lights Fun Run as a Highlight of Christmas Things to Do in Austin
As the holiday season approaches, the city's premier recreational area, Zilker Park, is decked out with millions of lighting displays, becoming the site of many vibrant Austin Christmas events. Among them, special attention is given to the Trail of Lights Fun Run — a festive activity that allows participants to soak in the celebratory vibe with a leisurely walk, jog, or run along the stunningly decorated 2-mile course starting from the Zilker Tree.
In addition to supporting the local community, staying in shape, and having fun, registrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, complimentary beer or cocoa, and access to the Finish Line Festival, the race's after party. The latter includes various dining options, entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, fun on the carousel, and many other attractions.
Cozy Up With Teddy Bear Teas and Explore the Charming Gingerbread Village
The heart-in-down highlight, held at the Four Seasons Hotel on San Jacinto Boulevard, the Gingerbread Village, and the Teddy Bear Teas are among the most anticipated Austin Christmas events, attracting everyone from little ones to adults. As part of a series of festive happenings at this location, the highlights are sure to charm every family member. While the tea service occurs once a week, the Gingerbread Village is open throughout the entire celebration season.
Bring a stuffed friend along for tea — a teddy bear in good condition can be donated to local charities. In addition to sipping a cup of tea, the event includes caroling and fireside storytelling with Santa Claus, adding even more magic to the festivities. Visitors to Gingerbread Village can savor cookies and wash them down with cider while also enjoying the chance to chat with the talented pastry chefs — the unique creators of the gingerbread displays. And, of course, where would we be without Santa Claus? The ever-busy main character of Christmas has found time to delight visitors.
Austin December Events to Unwrap Creativity: Holiday Workshops at The Thinkery
Located on Simond Ave, Thinkery is a joyful learning space that delights every family member, regardless of age, with its holiday highlights. The Fantastic Gingerbread Workshops, priced at $20 to $25, are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They offer fridges over four years old the chance to craft traditional Christmas treats — albeit from cardboard. Oh, they are so tempting to bite into!
The Tinker Tots 3+ Edition offers a sensory painting and decorating experience, allowing little angels to create cardboard gingerbread houses. There's also a version for adults aged 21 and over called Thinkery21. The point is to find your ugliest winter sweater to wear while designing and building whimsical yummies from cardboard. Among other festive activities is Thinkery LIVE, a series of outstanding performances, as well as the Toy Joy station for gifts. Moreover, you can purchase festive vouchers to gift your loved ones a full year of FREE General Admission, allowing them to explore all the features.
Enchanting Lights and Joy: Lost Pines Christmas in Bastrop
Nobody doubts that the Lost Pine Christmas in Bastrop, approximately 30 miles east of Austin, is a real font of specialties and holiday celebrations. The fantastic Wassail Fest & Small Business Saturday marks its 7th season, during which shoppers and visitors can vote for the best recipe or enjoy live music from a Polka band while sipping homemade hot mulled cider. Exceptional magic permeates the June Hill Riverwalk, a half-mile promenade lined with light displays that fill every passerby with the Christmas spirit ahead of the holidays.
Another highlight is a Country Christmas-themed Opry Night, where the fun and anticipation of the holidays blend with the local band and patrons performing music in the appropriate style, along with other festive sound masterpieces. There will also be a chance to meet Santa himself, while another event on the program, called Merry on Main, offers the opportunity to write him a letter amid all the festive fun. Following an over 40-year tradition, the Holiday Homes Tour opens the doors to Bastrop's gems. All these are reasons to add a trip to Lost Pines to the Austin December events list!
Heartwarming Festivities: Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander
The Old Town Christmas Festival, located just north of Austin and hosted by the Leander Chamber of Commerce and the city, is a magical treasure trove of entertainment featuring a truly festive program. The Rudolph Run, serving as a stepping stone for the event, starts at 10 a.m. in the heart of Old Town and winds through the streets of Leander. The 3-mile course features a flat, non-hilly surface and utilizes a chip timing system, filling attendees with energy from the very start of the festival.
The Christmas Marketplace includes vendors open for business from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. While you're there, enjoy the music from the theater production, taste delicious treats, and explore activities for kids. At 1 p.m., immediately following the Old Town Rudolph Run, the Holiday Community Parade begins. Then, at 6:30 p.m., gather in the heart of the location for the Tree Lighting & Holiday Movie in the Park, where attendees can enjoy the festive classic The Polar Express. Although it requires leaving the city, this occasion can be considered one of the most colorful Christmas Austin events.
Celebrating Holidays in Style: Sights & Sounds of Christmas
Held in San Marcos, about 30 miles south of Austin, The Sights & Sounds of Christmas is a famous annual Texas festival. This year, a one-day holiday event starts at 9 a.m. on December 15th with a free-access 3-mile bell race. Following that, Hometown Holidays showcases a series of dynamic highlights that will inspire everyone to join in.
The entertainment kicks off at 2 p.m. with performances from SMCISD elementary schools, followed by local community members joining in. This year's headliners are the Spazmatics, and of course, Santa will make his grand arrival at 5 p.m. Where would the festival be without it?
North Pole Flyer in Bertram Enchants Families This Season
Puff-puff! Every year during the holiday season, the cherished North Pole Flyer departs from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot on a two-hour journey with the most action-packed features. Pulled by a diesel locomotive, cars are decked out in festive garb, immersing each passenger in a wintry atmosphere of wonder. The live reading of The North Pole Flyer lifts the curtain on the Christmas story of a railroad. You can select both the car and the seat when placing an order. At the same time, children under three can sit on an adult's lap, while everyone older must have their ticket.
In addition to story readings, the entertainment program features onboard caroling and sing-alongs, coloring sheets with crayons, and visits from festive friends. Guests will have the chance to capture a moment as Santa sits in one of the cars with photo zones, giving each child under 13 a gift from himself and the Elf. Mrs. Claus will also be present with delicious cookies, which you can enjoy alongside unlimited hot chocolate and cocoa.
Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker: A Journey into Holiday Fantasy
E. T. A. Hoffmann's magical tale The Nutcracker has firmly established itself as a key symbol of the festive winter season. Along with P. Tchaikovsky's equally enchanting ballet adaptation, it provides a delightful answer to the question of Christmas things to do in Austin, featuring several presentations in various formats.
The live Austin Symphony Orchestra revitalizes Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece, featuring music and choreography that warm the cold season and create lasting celebration memories. The performance lasts two hours, and the vibrant pre-show, intermission, and post-show activities will captivate everyone, making the experience of watching this enchanting story a cherished family tradition during holidays.
Christmas Eve is one of the most magical times of the year, when events, ideas, and environmental transformations take your breath away. Countless ways to spend time during this season turn daily into an unforgettable experience, making Austin in December increasingly appealing for exploration.