Austin Holiday Festivities Guide 2025

Your season of light, music and pure Austin magic

There’s a moment every year when Austin starts to feel different. The air softens. ZACH Theatre lights glow a little brighter. Mozart’s puts out those first strings of bulbs. Shops start smelling like cinnamon and cedar. People slow down just enough to look around and remember how beautiful this city is when it leans into the holidays.

We pulled together a simple guide to help you enjoy the weeks ahead. Markets, concerts, light trails, tree lightings. Everything that makes this season feel like home.

Holiday Shows and Performances

A Christmas Carol at ZACH
Nov 19 to Jan 3
A fresh, musical take on the Dickens classic.

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Nov 7 to Dec 28
A sweet tradition for families at The Kleberg.

The Nutcracker at The Long Center
Dec 5 to Dec 23
A timeless Austin favorite with Ballet Austin.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Moody Center
Dec 18
A high-energy holiday spectacular.

Holiday Markets and Local Shopping

Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Nov 14 to Dec 24
Austin’s biggest handmade market. Over 200 local makers.

A Christmas Affair: Golden Year
Nov 19 to Nov 23
A five-day holiday market supporting local nonprofits.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Dec 13 to Dec 21
Fine art, live music, and that classic Armadillo energy.

Lights, Magic and Outdoor Festivities

Mozart’s Annual Light Show
Nov 22 to Jan 3
A choreographed light show on Lake Austin.

Peppermint Parkway at COTA
Nov 21 to Dec 28
Millions of lights, characters and holiday treats.

Austin Ice Rodeo
Nov 21 to Jan 4
Ice skating under the stars at the Four Seasons.

Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov 30
An Austin tradition since 1967.

Austin Trail of Lights
Dec 10 to Dec 23
A classic stroll through glowing tunnels and festive displays.

Downtown Holiday Stroll on Congress
Dec 6
Vendors, music, food trucks and Santa.

Christmas on Mercer Street in Dripping Springs
Dec 6
Tree lighting, live music and family fun.

Leander Old Town Christmas Festival
Dec 6
Vendors, a Rudolph fun run and photos with Santa.

Light Up the Lake in Round Rock
Dec 5 to Dec 6
A lakeside light show with live entertainment.

Budafest
Dec 5 to Dec 6
Hot chocolate, lights and Santa at Stagecoach Park.

Georgetown Christmas Stroll
Dec 5 to Dec 7
A Candyland-themed stroll around the historic square.

 Whimsy, Wine and Little Adventures 

North Pole Flyer Train Ride
Weekends Nov 29 to Dec 14
Two hours of hot cocoa, cookies and Santa aboard a vintage train.

The Christmas Wine Affair
Nov 24 to Dec 19
A Hill Country wine trail with 50+ wineries.

Emily Ann Theatre Trail of Lights in Wimberley
Nov 29 to Dec 26
A peaceful, glowing walk through the hill country.

Lake Travis Lighted Boat Parade
Dec 6
Boats decked out in lights gliding across the water.

As the year winds down, may your home be a place of rest and gratitude. If a new chapter is ahead in 2026, we’d be honored to help you turn the key.