The holiday spirit is in full swing, filling the air with festive activities, delicious treats, and countless opportunities to spread joy. Dive into the ideas below to discover how you can fully embrace the season and make the most of this special time of year.
Holidays in Austin:
Holiday Happenings
Mark your calendars! Here are a few events happening in Austin this holiday season.
Now – December 23
Ballet Austin will again host its beloved holiday tradition with the 61st annual performance of The Nutcracker at the Long Center. The ballet production also includes music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Now – December 23
As one of the most beloved, and longest-running holiday traditions of its kind, the 60th Annual Trail of Lights is an essential Austin holiday experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories, and fun.
Now – December 27
Kick off winter with cooler temps, a spiked hot chocolate and chicken tender basket, and a classic movie on the big screen. Join Ski Shores’ Winter Lodge for seasonal specials, festive cocktails, and their new Holiday Movie Night Series.
Now – December 29
Drive through Peppermint Parkway’s magical mile of dazzling holiday displays, millions of twinkling lights, lively dancing elves, and a festive plaza filled with food, activities, and holiday cheer.
December 31
Ring in the new year at The Paramount’s legendary New Year’s Eve Party with Bob Schneider! Enjoy a dazzling night of music, chandeliers, and disco balls in the glittering Paramount Theatre—an unforgettable way to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 in style.
Now – January 4
Indulge in a steaming cup of hot chocolate at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters as you enjoy their breathtaking holiday light display, perfectly choreographed to lively music. The dazzling show runs nightly through January, making it the perfect spot to soak in the seasonal magic.
Holidays in Austin:
Get into the Holiday Spirit
From wreath making to holiday barhopping, celebrate the holidays in Austin with some seasonal activities.
Whether you’re building a gingerbread house at the Thinkery, savoring holiday flavors with Antonelli’s Cheese, or crafting your own handmade holiday ornament at the French Legation, Austin has no shortage of festive local workshops this season.
Celebrate the season with ZACH Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, Ballet Austin’s enchanting The Nutcracker, or Ventana Ballet’s The Watchmaker’s Song—timeless traditions brimming with festive charm and dazzling artistry.
Enjoy open-air ice skating with stunning views of Lady Bird Lake at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin’s Ice Rodeo or in the scenic hill country at the Hill Country Galleria. Prefer indoor skating? Head to Chaparral Ice in North Austin.
Embrace the holiday spirit with a festive night out! Visit Miracle on 5th Street for seasonal charm, experience the year-round Christmas magic at Lala’s Little Nugget, or delight in Gibson Street Bar’s Winter Wonderland. Cheers to celebrating the season, Austin-style!
From centerpiece design kits by The Flower Social to festive DIY cookie kits from Hayley Cakes & Cookies and floral mailbox kits from Gracious Garlands, these local holiday offerings are perfect for festive fun—try one or all!
Experience the joy of the season with Austin’s Trail of Lights, now in its 60th year. Discover even more sparkle at Johnson City’s Lights Spectacular or enjoy Mozart’s Coffee Roster’s charming light show with a cozy hot chocolate in hand.
Holidays in Austin:
Prepared Dishes
Below are a few of our favorite local restaurants offering to make the holiday season less stressful with to-go meals and dishes.
This December, Hill Country’s Abby Jane Bakeshop will offer a delicious selection of holiday treats, from Yule logs and eggnog pies to savory quiches. Don’t miss their bake-at-home buttery and chocolate croissants!
16604 Fitzhugh Rd Unit C | 512.383.5923
Dai Due, a Cherrywood butcher shop, carries a cornucopia of meats to be cooked this holiday season, including brined turkeys, smoked wild boar ham, turducken sausages, brined quails, and more.
2406 Manor Road | 512.524.0688
It’s tamale season! From chicken and pork to vegetarian options, plus all the perfect sides, get everything you need in one stop at Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon.
1703 S 1st Street | 512.992.2946
In addition to pies, Garbo’s is offering DIY lobster roll kits, along with hearty chowder, rich lobster bisque, and comforting lobster pot pie – perfect for a delicious holiday feast!
626 N Lamar Boulevard | 512.291.6541
From turkey to pineapple-sage-glazed ham to brisket, this Michelin-starred barbecue joint is selling its smoked meats for the holidays, along with an array of sides.
12233 Ranch Road 620 North | 512.382.6248
Order a holiday gift box from Lee’s Meat Market that can be picked up in-store or delivered. Boxes range from a prime filet box to a twice-baked potato box to even a build-your-own box option.
1601 W 38th Street #12 | 512.467.6700
Rebel Cheese’s Holiday Deluxe Box is the ultimate dairy-free, plant-based addition to your holiday spread, featuring an array of delicious treats and extra goodies to satisfy a larger crowd!
2200 Aldrich St Suite 120 | 512.382.0048
Small pies, big taste – Tiny Pies is doing what it does best for the holidays! Grab an assortment of these individually-sized pies, baked fresh daily with ingredients sourced from local farms.
Multiple Locations
Experience the unforgettable flavors of Uchi at Home! From sushi boxes to large-scale events, indulge in the culinary artistry of Uchi, delivered straight to your home or venue for any occasion.
801 S Lamar Boulevard | 512.916.4808
Holidays in Austin:
Giving Back
Below are just a few of the hundreds of wonderful organizations working hard to improve the lives of our neighbors. The holiday season is a great opportunity to take a minute and find a way to give back that is personally meaningful.
The Austin Humane Society transforms animal lives through life-saving adoption programs, crisis response, and fostering community engagement. This holiday season, you can make a meaningful impact by sponsoring a pet in need—bringing hope, warmth, and a chance for a forever home to animals who deserve a second chance.
This master-planned community provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for those coming out of chronic homelessness. We’ve proudly supported the Gottesman Residential Cluster at Community First! Village since 2021. Show support by shopping at their Community Market this holiday season for unique art and handcrafted gifts made by residents.
Family Eldercare thoughtfully partners with older adults and people with disabilities to create stability, dignity, and well-being. Through their Holiday Giving Drive, explore the stories and holiday requests of some of the resilient and inspiring individuals Family Eldercare currently serves.
Foundation Communities is a local nonprofit providing affordable, eco-friendly homes and free services for families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. This holiday season, sponsor a family through their “Home for the Holidays” initiative by selecting a family and wish list from a Foundation Communities property.
The SAFE Alliance works to end abuse by supporting survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, exploitation, and domestic violence. This holiday season, bring joy by donating a Christmas tree, holiday supplies, or sponsoring a SAFE family through their Holiday programs!
The Trail Conservancy works to preserve, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for all to enjoy. Support the trail with an engraved brick—a lasting way to honor loved ones, celebrate Trail enthusiasts, or commemorate pets.