‘Tis the season for all the holiday festivities! There are so many fun things to do around Austin during the holidays and we’ve listed out 30+ of our favorite activities! Save this list or send it to a friend and start checking things off your holiday bucket list!!
Updated November 2025
YOUR 2025 HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST
We put together your annual Austin holiday bucket list so you don’t have to that includes over 30 activities and events to try this holiday season!
Visit the Zilker Tree
Come see this 155-foot-tall adorned with 3,309 multicolored LED lights! The classic Zilker Holiday Tree in Austin returns this year on November 30th!
Watch your favorite holiday movie at Doc's Drive-In Theatre
Catch classic holiday films at this open-air theatre all from the comfort of your car! So cozy up and catch your favorite festive flicks!
Have a Hot Cocoa with Marshmallow Fluff from Dame Coffee
Warm up on the coming cold weather days with a cup of chocolatey goodness from this coffee truc. PS. they also have roasted marshmallow topping you can add!
Photo courtesy of The Elanor
Hit the Miracle on 5th Street pop-up at The Eleanor
The annual Miracle on 5th Street holiday pop-up event is a must-try during the holiday season! Plus, it's hosted at The Eleanor, one of Austin's most distinctive and sophisticated event venues.
Get your steps in at the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot
This year's run marks the 34th anniversary of the event! Come run on Thanksgiving Day at the Long Center, 1 or 5-mile distance, timed or untimed, to celebrate, exercise, build community, and raise money for Carnitas before indulging in a Thanksgiving feast!
Find the perfect tree at Papa Noel's Trees
Come browse a selection of beautiful trees that come straight from their farms in Ashe County, North Carolina!
Host a Friendsgiving or grab a Thanksgiving meal from Corrine
Have your friends over and put your cooking skills to the test! Or if you want to avoid the hassle, grab a quick Thanksgiving meal at Corrine
Indulge on all the holiday drinks at local bars + lounges
Deck the halls with boughs of holly (and plenty of cheerful libations)! Head to Austin's vibrant bar scene and treat yourself to all the festive cocktails and spiked hot chocolates your heart desires. From cozy neighborhood haunts to trendy downtown hotspots, 'tis the season to be jolly and indulge in Austin's holly-iest holiday drinks!
Browse the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
For 50 years, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been a beloved Austin tradition, bringing together holiday shopping, local art, and live music in a one-of-a-kind festive experience at the Palmer Events Center from December 13th through 21st, 2025!
Walk the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
The Austin Trail of Lights is returning to Zilker Park! What began as a modest Yule Fest has blossomed into one of Austin's most beloved holiday events. Be sure to mark your calendars and join the festivities from December 10-23, 2025!
Drop by Lala's Little Nugget or Lala's South Pole for year-round cheer
Step into this cozy, dive bar and celebrate the first Holiday Season at LaLa’s South Pole! This new holiday haven is the sister bar to Lala's Little Nugget, the original year-round holiday bar in Austin! The new interior sports all the makings of the holidays at grandma’s house with Santa figurines galore, holiday cards scattered on the bar top + more! It’s a truly festive spot that will get you feeling all the holiday vibes!
Visit the Hanukkah pop-up at Kitty Cohen's
Celebrate Hanukkah with a festive twist at Kitty Cohen's, the East Austin patio bar inspired by rebel women! Sip creative cocktails and bask in the holiday spirit as this Hanukkah pop-up returns to Austin this holiday season!
Watch the holiday light show on the water from Mozart's
Celebrate over four decades of Mozart's iconic Austin light show with a magical holiday experience featuring twinkling displays, live music, and immersive light-themed lake activities for just $5. Running November 22, 2025, through January 3, 2026!
Enjoy a downtown holiday stroll
Stroll down the festive stretch of Congress Ave between 8th and 11th Streets this December for a free, family-friendly celebration of the holiday season. Explore holiday pop-ups, meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus, marvel at the dazzling window and light displays, and pose for photos with the iconic 45-foot downtown tree. Or enjoy all the winter holiday vibes in the downtown magic any day!
Go ice skating at the Four Seasons
Glide beneath the stars and with views of the scenic waters of Lady Bird Lake at Ice Rodeo, the Four Seasons Hotel Austin's outdoor ice skating and winter wonderland, featuring an ice rink, dining cabins, pop-up lounges, and holiday décor from November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026!
Cook your favorite, yummy holiday dishes
Get cozy in the kitchen and cook up your favorite holiday dishes, from family recipes to signature seasonal treats, for a comforting taste of the season. Or if you aren't feeling it try one of the many yummy restaurants offering holiday meals!
Hit the local holiday markets like the Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Celebrate 25 years of creativity and festive fun at this beloved Austin tradition from November 14th to December 24th! Come out and shop 'til you drop from 10am to 10pm!
Watch Ballet Austin perform The Nutcracker
Experience the magic of Ballet Austin's 63rd annual Nutcracker, Texas' longest-running holiday production, as Clara's enchanting journey through the Land of Sweets comes alive with dazzling costumes, spectacular sets, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra's live performance of Tchaikovsky's beloved score.
Photo courtesy of COTA
Visit the Peppermint Parkway
Join this year as the Parkway transforms into an immersive walk-through experience with millions of dazzling lights, make a pit stop at Peppermint Plaza for festive treats and rides, ride the brand new coaster, and even take an optional spin around the F1 track for an extra-special holiday thrill.
Celebrate Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores
Ring in the New Year at Austin's free celebration at Auditorium Shores, featuring live music, festive food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show over Lady Bird Lake.
Stroll and see the 37th Street Lights
Stroll through the whimsical 37th Street Lights, an enchanting neighborhood tradition where local homes go all out with quirky holiday displays and creative light installations best explored on foot. And it's free!
Hit the nightlife scene the night before Thanksgiving
Get into the holiday spirit at Austin's Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl on November 26th, where you'll hop between iconic venues enjoying themed cocktails, festive entertainment, and pre-turkey day celebrations from 6pm to 11pm.
Photo courtesy of Austin Pets Alive
Get involved with a local charity like The Junior League or Austin Pets Alive
Spread holiday cheer by giving back to the Austin community! Whether you're walking dogs at Austin Pets Alive, joining The Junior League's community initiatives, or finding your own perfect volunteer match, make the season brighter by sharing your time and talents with those who need it most.
Get your house nice & festive with seasonal decorations
Create your own winter wonderland! Deck the halls with twinkling lights, festive wreaths, and cozy holiday decor! And go see all the other holiday homes and light displays around town!
Day trip to festive Hill Country towns like Fredericksburg
Take a merry little day trip to the Hill Country and soak up the holiday charm of towns like Fredericksburg. From twinkling lights and German-inspired markets to cozy shops and seasonal sips, it’s the perfect festive escape just a short drive away.
See a Christmas Carol at the Zach Theatre
Experience the magic of a timeless tale at ZACH Theatre, where "A Christmas Carol" comes alive with stunning performances, festive music, and a sprinkle of Austin flair, a beloved holiday tradition that'll warm your heart and spark your holiday spirit.
Indulge in all the sweet treats the holidays have to offer
Indulge in holiday sweetness overload! From gingerbread cookies to chocolate yule logs, savor every bite of seasonal delights.
Photo courtesy of The Belmont
Ring in the New Year at The Belmont
Celebrate the start of a new year in style! Dance the night away at The Belmont, a legendary venue known for its festive atmosphere and top-notch entertainment.
Pick a few local spots to add to your 2026 bucket list
Discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks! Explore the vibrant streets of Austin and immerse yourself in its unique culture. From historic sites to trendy neighborhoods, there's something for everyone.
Get in on all the deals on Black Friday!
Brace yourself for a shopping spree at some local ATX businesses! Score incredible deals on everything from cozy winter wear to home goods. Happy bargain hunting!
Participate in a Thanksgiving cook-off or food drive
Get into the holiday spirit and give back to the community! Join in on all kinds of fun-filled Thanksgiving cook-offs and food drives happening around the city. Share your culinary creations and help those in need.
