Holiday Activities in Austin, Texas
Austin comes alive every December. Whether you're here with family, a group of friends, or just looking for something festive to do, the city has more going on than most people realize. Browse our picks below, then book a GuestSpaces vacation rental minutes from all the action.
Light Shows
Twinkling Lights and Enchanting Trails
Austin's streets and parks light up every winter with some of the best free and ticketed light experiences in Texas.
Longhorn Lights
When: Nightly, November 29 – January 1, 5–10pm
Where: Guadalupe Street ("The Drag"), between 21st and 24th Street
Cost: Free
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Mozart's Coffee Roasters Annual Holiday Light Show
When: Now – January 6, hourly 6–11pm
Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Cost: $40 (4-person) / $60 (6-person)
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Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
When: Now – December 23, nightly 7–10pm
Where: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Cost: Free some nights, around $10 per ticket on others
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Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas (COTA)
When: Now – December 30
Where: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX
Cost: Packages from $40 (one vehicle + four admission tickets to Peppermint Plaza)
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Bars and Nightlife
Themed Pop-Up Bars
Most are 21+ and require tickets. A few are family-friendly earlier in the evening.
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar (Fairmont's Rules and Reg)
When: Nightly from 5pm to close
Where: 101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
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Miracle on 5th Street (The Eleanor)
When: Now – December 27, from 2pm to close
Where: 307 W 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Note: Family friendly until 7pm, then 21+ only. Tickets required.
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The Deck at the Four Seasons (Ice Rodeo)
When: Now – January 7, 60-minute sessions, times vary daily
Where: 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Note: Tickets required for ice skating, cabins, and A-Tea-X tea service
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Gibson Street Bar
When: Now – December 30
Where: 1109 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
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Family and Festive
More Holiday Activities
Round out your Austin holiday weekend with these family-friendly and festive options.
Thinkery's Candy Wonderland
What: Gingerbread people and house kits available; tickets also available for the Gingerbread Workshop
When: Saturdays and Sundays through December 23
Where: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
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Ice Rodeo at the Four Seasons Austin
What: Ice skating, art installations, private cabins, and A-Tea-X tea service
When: Now – January 7, varied session times
Where: 98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
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Holiday Shows at Zach Theatre
What: "A Christmas Carol" and "POP!" featuring holiday classics alongside hits from Taylor Swift, *NSYNC, The Beatles, and more
When: Now – December 31
Where: 202 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704
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Stay Minutes from All the Action
