Christmas in Austin is a magical time of year. The city comes alive with festive holiday lights, markets and events that celebrate the spirit of the season. From the Trail of Lights and the Zilker Tree Lighting to the Gingerbread Workshops and Winter Wonderlands, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

If you love holiday markets and shopping, you won’t want to miss the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, German Christmas Market, and Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. These popular events feature unique gifts and handmade crafts from local artists and artisans.

For those looking to give back during the holidays, Austin offers a number of opportunities to volunteer and make a difference, such as Operation Blue Santa and Giving Tuesday.

If you’re looking for entertainment, be sure to check out the Austin Downtown Holiday Stroll, Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade, and Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker. And if you want to get outside and have some fun, don’t miss the Ice-Skating on Whole Foods Roof, Trail of Lights Fun Run, and TubaChristmas.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Christmas in Austin is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for festive lights, holiday markets, or festive events, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday season in Austin.

Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Austin

Austin Holiday Light Displays

Trail of Lights

The Trail of Lights is an annual holiday tradition in Austin that has been taking place for more than 50 years. The event features a 2-mile path through Zilker Park that is filled with more than 2 million lights and holiday displays. The Trail of Lights is a beloved event for both locals and visitors, and it attracts more than 400,000 people each year. In addition to the stunning light displays, the event also includes live music, food and drink vendors, and Santa Claus. The Trail of Lights is typically held in December, and it is free to attend.

Zilker Tree Lighting

The Zilker Tree Lighting is an annual holiday event that takes place at Zilker Park in Austin. The event features the lighting of a massive Christmas tree, which is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. The tree lighting ceremony is accompanied by live music, and it is a popular event for both locals and visitors. The Zilker Tree Lighting is typically held in December, and it is free to attend.

Luminations at the Wildflower Center

Luminations at the Wildflower Center is an annual holiday event that takes place at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. The event features a stunning display of lights and holiday decorations that are spread throughout the center’s gardens and grounds. The Luminations event is a popular destination for families, and it attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year. In addition to the holiday lights, the event also includes live music, food and drink vendors, and Santa Claus. Luminations at the Wildflower Center is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Peppermint Parkway

Peppermint Parkway is an annual holiday event that takes place at the Hill Country Galleria in Austin. The event features a festive holiday light display and a variety of holiday activities, including visits with Santa Claus, live music, and food and drink vendors. Peppermint Parkway is a popular destination for families and holiday shoppers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and it is free to attend.

Santa’s Ranch

Santa’s Ranch is an annual holiday light display that takes place at a Christmas tree farm in New Braunfels, Texas, which is located about 30 miles from Austin. The event features more than a million lights and holiday displays that are spread throughout the tree farm, and it is a popular destination for families and holiday revelers. In addition to the holiday lights, Santa’s Ranch also includes food and drink vendors and Santa Claus. The event is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Mozart’s Coffee Christmas Lights Show

Mozart’s Coffee Christmas Lights Show is an annual holiday event that takes place at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters in Austin. The event features a stunning display of holiday lights and decorations that are spread throughout the coffee shop’s grounds and gardens. The Mozart’s Coffee Christmas Lights Show is a popular destination for families and holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. In addition to the holiday lights, the event also includes live music, food and drink vendors, and Santa Claus. The Mozart’s Coffee Christmas Lights Show is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

The Eureka Room

The Eureka Room is a holiday light display that takes place at the Eureka Building in Austin. The event features a variety of holiday lights and decorations that are spread throughout the building, and it is a popular destination for families and holiday revelers. In addition to the holiday lights, the Eureka Room event also includes live music, food and drink vendors, and Santa Claus. The Eureka Room holiday light display is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Austin-Area Christmas Lights and Events

The Austin area offers a variety of holiday light displays and events for people to enjoy during the holiday season. Some of the notable events include the Lost Pines Christmas in Bastrop, the Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander, and the North Pole Flyer in Bertram. These events feature holiday lights and decorations, as well as live music, food and drink vendors, and Santa Claus. In addition to these larger events, there are also many smaller neighborhood holiday light displays and events throughout the Austin area that are worth checking out. These events are a great way to get into the holiday spirit and experience the magic of Christmas in Austin.

Austin Holiday Markets and Shopping

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is an annual holiday market that takes place in Austin. The event features a wide variety of handmade crafts and gifts from local artists and artisans, as well as live music and food and drink vendors. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a popular destination for holiday shoppers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in November and December, and tickets are required for admission.

German Christmas Market

The German Christmas Market is an annual holiday market that takes place in Austin. The event is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and features a variety of handmade crafts, gifts, and holiday decorations from local artists and artisans. The German Christmas Market also includes live music, food and drink vendors, and Santa Claus. The event is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is an annual holiday market that takes place in Austin. The event features a wide variety of handmade crafts and gifts from local artists and artisans, as well as live music and food and drink vendors. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a popular destination for holiday shoppers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Junior League’s A Christmas Affair

Junior League’s A Christmas Affair is an annual holiday market that takes place in Austin. The event is organized by the Junior League of Austin and features a wide variety of handmade crafts, gifts, and holiday decorations from local artists and artisans. The Junior League’s A Christmas Affair also includes live music, food and drink vendors, and Santa Claus. The event is typically held in November, and tickets are required for admission.

Real Texas Christmas Trees

Real Texas Christmas Trees is an annual holiday event that takes place in Austin. The event features a wide selection of real Christmas trees that are grown in Texas, as well as a variety of holiday decorations and gifts. Real Texas Christmas Trees is a popular destination for holiday shoppers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in November and December, and tickets are not required for admission.

Austin Holiday Giving Opportunities

Operation Blue Santa

Operation Blue Santa is an annual holiday charity event that takes place in Austin. The event is organized by the Austin Police Department and aims to provide holiday gifts and meals to families in need. Operation Blue Santa accepts donations of money, gifts, and food, and it also organizes volunteer opportunities for those who want to help out. The event is typically held in December, and it is a popular way for people in Austin to give back to their community during the holiday season.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is an annual global event that takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The event encourages people to donate their time, money, and resources to charitable causes and organizations. In Austin, there are many charities and organizations that participate in Giving Tuesday and offer opportunities for people to get involved and give back. Some popular options include the Central Texas Food Bank, the Austin Humane Society, and the Austin Children’s Shelter. Giving Tuesday is a great way to kick off the holiday season with a focus on giving and helping others.

Austin Holiday Shows and Entertainment

Austin Downtown Holiday Stroll

The Austin Downtown Holiday Stroll is an annual holiday event that takes place in the downtown area of Austin. The event features a variety of festive holiday activities, including live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. The Austin Downtown Holiday Stroll is a popular destination for families and holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and it is free to attend.

Seasonal Offerings at Zach Theatre

Zach Theatre is a performing arts venue in Austin that offers a variety of seasonal shows and events during the holiday season. Some popular holiday offerings at Zach Theatre include “A Christmas Carol,” “The Santaland Diaries,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” These shows are popular choices for holiday entertainment in Austin, and tickets are required for admission.

Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade

The Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade is an annual holiday parade that takes place in Austin. The parade is organized by Chuy’s Restaurants and features a variety of festive floats and marching bands. The Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade is a popular event for families and holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The parade is typically held in December, and it is free to attend.

Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker

Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker is an annual holiday production that takes place at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin. The production is a classic holiday ballet that tells the story of Clara and her journey through the Land of Sweets with the help of her nutcracker prince. Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker is a popular holiday tradition in Austin, and tickets are required for admission.

Handel’s Messiah

Handel’s Messiah is an annual holiday performance that takes place in Austin. The performance is a classical music oratorio that tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ. Handel’s Messiah is a popular holiday event in Austin, and tickets are required for admission.

Sembrando Herencia

Sembrando Herencia is an annual holiday performance that takes place in Austin. The performance is a celebration of Latinx heritage and culture, and it features a variety of music, dance, and other performances. Sembrando Herencia is a popular holiday event in Austin, and tickets are required for admission.

Austin Holiday Fun and Events

Ice-Skating on Whole Foods Roof

Ice-skating on the roof of Whole Foods Market is an annual holiday event that takes place in Austin. The event features a temporary ice rink on the roof of the downtown Whole Foods store, and it is a popular destination for families and holiday revelers. In addition to ice skating, the event also includes live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. The Ice-Skating on Whole Foods Roof event is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Trail of Lights Fun Run

The Trail of Lights Fun Run is an annual holiday event that takes place in Austin. The event is a 5K race that takes place on the same route as the Trail of Lights holiday light display in Zilker Park. The Trail of Lights Fun Run is a popular event for runners and holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of participants each year. The event is typically held in December, and registration is required to participate.

Teddy Bear Teas and Gingerbread Village

Teddy Bear Teas and Gingerbread Village are annual holiday events that take place in Austin. Teddy Bear Teas are festive holiday tea parties that are held at various hotels and restaurants in the city, and they typically feature holiday-themed menus, live music, and visits with Santa Claus.

Gingerbread Village events are holiday-themed activities that are held at various locations in Austin, and they typically feature gingerbread house decorating workshops, holiday craft-making stations, and other festive activities.

Teddy Bear Teas and Gingerbread Village events are popular destinations for families and holiday revelers, and they attract thousands of visitors each year. These events are typically held in December, and tickets or registration may be required for admission or participation.

Gingerbread Workshops and Winter Wonderlands

Gingerbread Workshops and Winter Wonderlands are annual holiday events that take place in Austin. Gingerbread Workshops are holiday-themed activities that typically involve building and decorating gingerbread houses, and they are held at various locations in the city. Winter Wonderlands are festive holiday events that typically feature holiday lights, live music, food and drink vendors, and other festive activities. Gingerbread Workshops and Winter Wonderlands are popular destinations for families and holiday revelers, and they attract thousands of visitors each year. These events are typically held in December, and tickets or registration may be required for admission or participation.

TubaChristmas

TubaChristmas is an annual holiday event that takes place in Austin. The event is a festive holiday concert featuring a variety of brass and percussion instruments, including tubas, euphoniums, and baritones. TubaChristmas is a popular event for holiday music lovers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Out of Town Holiday Fun

Lost Pines Christmas (Bastrop)

Lost Pines Christmas is an annual holiday event that takes place in Bastrop, which is located about 30 miles east of Austin. The event features a variety of holiday activities, including a parade, live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. Lost Pines Christmas is a popular destination for holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets may be required for admission to certain activities.

Old Town Christmas Festival (Leander)

The Old Town Christmas Festival is an annual holiday event that takes place in Leander, which is located about 20 miles northwest of Austin. The event features a variety of holiday activities, including a parade, live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. The Old Town Christmas Festival is a popular destination for holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets may be required for admission to certain activities.

North Pole Flyer (Bertram)

The North Pole Flyer is an annual holiday event that takes place in Bertram, which is located about 45 miles northwest of Austin. The event is a festive holiday train ride that takes place on the Austin Steam Train. The North Pole Flyer features holiday decorations, live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. The North Pole Flyer is a popular destination for holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Sights & Sounds of Christmas (San Marcos)

Sights & Sounds of Christmas is an annual holiday event that takes place in San Marcos, which is located about 30 miles south of Austin. The event features a variety of holiday activities, including a parade, live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. Sights & Sounds of Christmas is a popular destination for holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets may be required for admission to certain activities.

Christmas Family Night (Round Rock)

Christmas Family Night is an annual holiday event that takes place in Round Rock, which is located about 20 miles north of Austin. The event features a variety of holiday activities, including live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. Christmas Family Night is a popular destination for families and holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets may be required for admission to certain activities.

Georgetown Christmas Stroll (Georgetown)

The Georgetown Christmas Stroll is an annual holiday event that takes place in Georgetown, which is located about 30 miles north of Austin. The event features a variety of holiday activities, including a parade, live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. The Georgetown Christmas Stroll is a popular destination for holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets may be required for admission to certain activities.

Hutto Downtown Christmas Fair (Hutto)

The Hutto Downtown Christmas Fair is an annual holiday event that takes place in Hutto, which is located about 20 miles northeast of Austin. The event features a variety of holiday activities, including live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. The Hutto Downtown Christmas Fair is a popular destination for holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets may be required for admission to certain activities.

Hutto Santa Claus Crawl (Hutto)

The Hutto Santa Claus Crawl is an annual holiday event that takes place in Hutto, which is located about 20 miles northeast of Austin. The event is a festive holiday bar crawl that takes place at various bars and restaurants in downtown Hutto. The Hutto Santa Claus Crawl is a popular event for holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of participants each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Holiday Model Train Exhibit (Round Rock)

The Holiday Model Train Exhibit is an annual holiday event that takes place in Round Rock, which is located about 20 miles north of Austin. The event features a variety of model trains and holiday-themed displays, and it is a popular destination for families and holiday revelers. The Holiday Model Train Exhibit is typically held in December, and tickets are required for admission.

Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration & Trail of Lights (City of Lago Vista)

The Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration & Trail of Lights is an annual holiday event that takes place in the city of Lago Vista, which is located about 30 miles northwest of Austin. The event features a variety of holiday activities, including a tree lighting ceremony, live music, food and drink vendors, and visits with Santa Claus. The Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration & Trail of Lights is a popular destination for holiday revelers, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event is typically held in December, and tickets may be required for admission to certain activities.