‘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 32 of our favorite activities! Save this list or send it to a friend and start checking things off your holiday bucket list!!
Updated November 2024
YOUR 2024 HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST
We put together your 2024 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 December 1st!
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!
Have a Hot Cocoa from Houndstooth Coffee
Warm up on the coming cold weather days with a cup of chocolatey goodness from one of the many Houndstooth locations around town!
Visit the Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience
This interactive forest, inspired by the Harry Potter films, takes you on a magical journey through the most iconic Wizarding World moments. Get ready to cast your spells and take on an adventure like no other!
Photo courtesy of The Elanor
Hit the Miracle on 5th Street pop-up at The Elanor
The annual Miracle on 5th Street holiday pop-up event hosted 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 our Thanksgiving feast!
Find the perfect tree at Papa Noel's Trees
Come browse a selection of beautiful trees from their farms in Ashe County, NC! PS. That's the same fields as the trees that decorate the White House!
Host a Friendsgiving or grab a Thanksgiving meal from District Kitchen
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 District Kitchen
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 nearly 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 14th through 23rd, 2024.
Walk the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
The Austin Trail of Lights is celebrating its 60th anniversary this December in Zilker Park! What began as a modest Yule Fest has blossomed into Austin's premier holiday event. Be sure to mark your calendars and join the festivities from December 10th through 23rd, 2024.
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 December 1.
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.
Go to the Kwanzaa Celebration at George Washing Carver Museum
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Carver Museum's vibrant community event featuring student performances, poet readings, drumming, African cuisine, and hands-on crafts - a free, family-friendly experience honoring culture and unity.
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 22nd, 2024 through January 5th, 2025.
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 Vibe Artisan Market
Shop local at this vibrant indoor marketplace featuring over 110 artisans and makers, plus enjoy complimentary cocktails, live music, coffee, and global cuisine from guest chefs.
Watch Ballet Austin perform The Nutcracker
Experience the magic of Ballet Austin's 62nd 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
Drive through the Peppermint Parkway
Cruise through 6 million dazzling lights at the Parkway, make a pit stop at Peppermint Plaza for festive treats and rides, 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, featuring the must-see Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo and creative light installations best explored on foot.
Hit the nightlife scene the night before Thanksgiving
Get into the holiday spirit at Austin's Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl on November 27th, where you'll hop between iconic venues enjoying themed cocktails, festive entertainment, and pre-turkey day celebrations from 5 PM to 11 PM.
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!
See at 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 2025 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! Score incredible deals on everything from tech gadgets to cozy winter wear. Happy bargain hunting!
Participate in a Thanksgiving cook-off + food drive with Chalmers
Get into the holiday spirit and give back to the community! Join Chalmers for a fun-filled Thanksgiving cook-off and food drive. Share your culinary creations and help those in need.
