From twinkling lights to train rides, live music, ice skating, cookies & cocoa, and more — the holidays in Austin are full of wonderful family events to celebrate the season! Below we’re sharing some old favorites and new experiences that are guaranteed to make special memories with the kids.

Best Holiday Family Events in Austin

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters holiday lights. Photo by Dusana Risovic.

Mozart’s Holiday Light Show
Now through January 6
The awesome light displays — along with the hot chocolate and delicious warm treats — make this a holiday experience that the whole family enjoys! Since this has become one of the most popular winter events in Austin, the team at Mozart’s is offering their light show viewing in three different ways — reserved ticketed table seating on the patio, free reserved admission to their Bavarian Marketplace in the parking lot, or a lake boat cruise. Read more about making your reservation.


Marble Falls to open winter ice rink as part of their holiday celebrations.

Marble Falls Annual Walkway of Lights
November 18 –  December 31
The City of Marble Falls will host their annual Christmas celebrations featuring the Walkway of Lights and Light Up Parade on Dec. 1. You can also enjoy the Winter Ice Skating Rink in Lakeside Park. Additional events throughout the season include Snow Night, Christmas Market on Main, Downtown Sip N’ Shops, and much more. Get the full schedule of events here


Johnson City is quite a beautiful sight! Photo by Heidi Okla.

Johnson City’s Annual Lights Spectacular
November 24 – January 7
Go see “The twinkliest town in Texas”, with more than two million Christmas lights.  It’s so big, NASA reported seeing it from space! Head to Johnson City before sundown to walk the historic district and enjoy local food, beer, wine, and fun festivities in a family atmosphere.  The holiday lights glow from dust til midnight. Get more details here.


 

Take a drive down the Peppermint Parkway!

COTA’s Peppermint Parkway
November 24 – December 30
Peppermint Parkway is a combination of many holiday experiences! Drive down COTA’s Tunnel Road with more than six million lights, live characters, dancing elves, roller skating snowflakes, and even sightings of the Grinch. Plus, you can get out and walk around the Peppermint Plaza to enjoy amusement park rides, food & drink, live entertainment, and more. View the ticket options on sale now.


 

Journey on a magical train ride! Photo from Austin Steam Train.

Austin Steam Train’s North Pole Flyer
November 25 – December 17
Children of all ages can experience their own Polar Express-inspired moments when they go for a real train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy storytime, hot cocoa, sing-alongs with elves, and Christmas cookies along their journey. Tickets range from $36.75 – $65, and you can book online here or by calling 512-477-8468.  Note: North Pole Flyer sells out quickly – get your tickets ASAP.


Photo credit: Trail of Lights Facebook

Austin Trail of Lights
December 8 December 23
Austin’s famed Trail of Lights will welcome us back into twinkly tunnels and merriment throughout Zilker Park this winter as a walk-thru experience, allowing you to take your time as you walk under the lights in the park. For tickets and full details, visit AustinTrailofLights.org.


Take a spin under the Zilker Tree! Photo by Roger Ho.

Zilker Holiday Tree
Tree on display November 27 – January 1
If spinning under the Zilker Holiday Tree has been part of your family’s tradition, you’ll be happy to know that it will be back again this season! The tree will be illuminated each night at 6 pm, and note that the park curfew is 10 pm.  Visiting the tree is free and open to all. Parking is available onsite, first-come, first-served, but you can expect higher traffic on weekends and for the pre-ticketed drive-through Trail of Lights visitors.


Old Settler’s Park will be glowing! Photo from the Light Up the Lake website.

Light Up the Lake
December 1 and 2
Big glowing holiday cheer is returning to Round Rock for two amazing nights in Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock. It begins each night at 6:30 pm, and no tickets are required. The event will feature SPECTACULAR giant balloons hovering over Bright Lake, an amazing light show, LIVE music, holiday displays, holiday food and refreshments, crafts, family activities, a yule log, and more! This 2022 event will feature new displays for guests to enjoy! More info.


ZACH presents a very lively version of A Christmas Carol—photo by Kirk Tuck.

A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre
November 17 December 31
Get into the holiday spirit at ZACH Theatre‘s most popular show!  This family-friendly, upbeat version of Charles Dickens’s classic is anything but traditional, with plenty of upbeat music and dancing. Ticket prices vary, and can be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office at 512-476-0541 x1.


The Nutcracker is a beautiful holiday production! Photo by Anne Marie Bloodgood.

The Nutcracker by Ballet Austin
December 2 23
Ballet Austin’s annual production of The Nutcracker at the Long Center is one of Austin’s favorite holiday traditions! Hundreds of dancers perform Stephen Mills’ enchanting choreography to Peter Tchaikovsky’s magical score with live accompaniment from the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Tickets range from $15 to $125, available here.


via Downtown Austin Alliancce

Downtown Holiday Stroll & Capitol Tree Lighting
December 2, 5 pm – 9 pm | on Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th streets
The community is invited to join this free annual Holiday Sing-Along and downtown tree lighting at the Texas State Capitol. Now in its 29th year and hosted by KUT, KUTX, and the Downtown Austin Alliance, ring in the holidays at this event featuring artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more.  This event is free and open to the public— get more info here.


There’s so much more Holiday Family Fun in store this season in Austin and the surrounding area! We’re working on more listings of seasonal events, like Where to Visit Santa, as well as our roundup of Christmas Lights! Be sure to keep checking back for more!