Light Up Your Holidays! Your Guide to Austin’s Most Magical Holiday Events

Austin in December is a magical time, full of sparkling lights, festive traditions, and something for everyone to enjoy. From iconic events like the Trail of Lights and Mozart’s Festival of Lights to timeless performances of The Nutcracker and one-of-a-kind holiday markets, the city is buzzing with holiday cheer. Whether you’re admiring dazzling light displays, shopping for unique local art, or sipping on hot cocoa, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season. Embrace the joy and warmth of the holidays and discover why December in Austin is truly special!

Santa’s Lights
11/3/24-12/31/24
New Braunfels
Drive through over a mile of dazzling holiday lights at Santa’s Ranch, a family favorite in New Braunfels for over 20 years. Enjoy hot chocolate, kettle corn, and a magical experience that brings the joy of Christmas to life for all ages.
santasranch.com

Mozart’s Festival of Lights
11/9/24 – 1/4/25
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Experience Mozart’s Coffee’s enchanting Festival of Lights on Lake Austin, with over a million twinkling lights, live entertainment, and festive treats. Take in dazzling displays from cozy igloos, boat cruises, or donut boats, making it a perfect night of holiday magic for all ages.
​mozartscoffee.com

Blue Genie Art Bazaar
11/15/24 – 12/24/24
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Experience the magic of the Blue Genie Art Bazaar this holiday season, running from November 15 to December 24, where you can shop thousands of original artworks and unique gifts from local artists both in-store and online. With options for personal shopping assistance, convenient pickup, and shipping, it’s the perfect way to find hassle-free holiday gifts while supporting the Austin art community!
bluegenieartbazaar.com

Miracle on 5th Street
11/15/24 – 12/29/24​
The Eleanor
Miracle is a globally-loved, Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar franchise, serving up festive cocktails amid lavish holiday decor since 2014. Austin’s Miracle on 5th Street, now in its eighth year, offers one of the largest Miracle experiences worldwide, featuring whimsical cocktails, festive snacks, and photo ops like Santa’s throne—perfect for a holiday night out!
miracleon5thst.com

Peppermint Parkway
11/22/24 – 12/29/24
​ Circuit of The Americas
Peppermint Parkway at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas is a one-mile driving attraction featuring millions of holiday lights synchronized to classic festive tunes. Enjoy the magic of light displays, dancing characters, and holiday cheer at Peppermint Plaza with rides, treats, and more!
peppermintparkway.com

Luminations at the Wildflower Center
11/22/24-1/5/25
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Discover winter magic at Luminations, where the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center transforms into an illuminated wonderland. Stroll through stunning light installations, enjoy holiday cocktails, and see Fortlandia like never before on select evenings this season.
wildflower.org/luminations

Zilker Tree Lighting Ceremony
12/1/24
Zilker Park
Kick off the holiday season with Austin’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring live music, food, and entertainment under the stars. Gather at Zilker Park and enjoy a festive night of community and tradition as the city’s iconic tree lights up.
austintexas.gov/department/zilker-holiday-tree

Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker”
12/6/24 – 12/23/24
​ Long Center for the Performing Arts
Ballet Austin presents its 62nd annual performance of The Nutcracker, a beloved holiday tradition featuring music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Experience the enchanting story of Clara’s winter wonderland adventure, brought to life with stunning costumes, sets, and live orchestral accompaniment.
balletaustin.org

German-Texan Christmas Market
12/7/24
​ German Free School of Austin
The German-Texan Heritage Society’s annual Christmas Market features handmade crafts, decorations, and festive treats like Stollen and German cookies. Enjoy traditional German music, authentic decorations from the Erzgebirge, and a cozy cup of Glühwein while shopping for unique holiday gifts.
germantexans.org

Downtown Holiday Stroll
12/7/24
​ Congress Avenue, between Ninth Street & 11th Street
The 30th Annual Holiday Stroll in downtown Austin offers free, family-friendly festivities including a tree lighting, sing-along, and visits with Santa. Enjoy holiday shopping, food trucks, artisan vendors, and festive light displays along Congress Avenue.
downtownaustin.com/holiday-stroll/

Austin Trail of Lights
12/10/24 – 12/23/24
​ Zilker Park
The 59th Annual Austin Trail of Lights returns as a drive-thru event, showcasing over 2 million lights, 90 holiday trees, and 70+ light displays in Zilker Park. This beloved holiday tradition celebrates Austin’s community spirit and includes special nights for nonprofit partners and families in need.
austintrailoflights.org

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
12/15/24 – 12/23/24
Palmer Events Center
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar celebrates 49 years of fine art, handmade gifts, and live music, offering a unique shopping experience with over 200 artists. This multi-day event at the Palmer Events Center is a beloved Austin tradition, combining creative works with festive, family-friendly vibes.
armadillobazaar.com

Austin’s New Year
12/31/24
​ Auditorium Shores
Celebrate the New Year at Austin’s free, family-friendly event at Auditorium Shores, featuring live music by The Band of Heathens, The Suffers, and THEBROSFRESH. Enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, and a midnight fireworks show, with a special countdown hosted by CNN’s Sara Sidner and Cari Champion.
austintexas.gov