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 Holiday Light Show
November 29 through January 4
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 multiple ways: General Admission ($5; Kids 11 and under are free), on-the-water experiences with Lake Austin Boat Cruises, small group immersive experiences like Euro Igloos, and guided donut boat rides are some of the upgraded options. Read more about making your reservation.
— Marble Falls Annual Walkway of Lights
November 22 through January 4, 2025
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’s Annual Lights Spectacular
November 29 – January 5
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.
— COTA’s Peppermint Parkway
November 22 – December 29
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.
— Austin Steam Train’s North Pole Flyer
November 30 – December 15
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 start at $49.50, and you can book online here or by calling 512-477-8468. Note: North Pole Flyer sells out quickly – get your tickets ASAP.
— Austin Trail of Lights
December 10 – 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.
— Zilker Holiday Tree
Tree on display Dec. 1 – January 1
The Zilker Holiday Tree is an Austin tradition on a very grand scale! Standing at 155 feet high, the tree has more than 3,300 lights and its special pattern was designed in a unique spiral pattern by Austin electricians. Part of this special tradition is to spin under the tree, and you can check out the drive-up visitation nights (and Trail of Lights Nights with prepaid parking) here.
— Light Up the Lake
December 6 and 7
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! More info.
— A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre
November 20 – December 29
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 by Ballet Austin
December 6 – 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 $20 to $125, available here.
— Downtown Holiday Stroll & Capitol Tree Lighting
December 7 | 3 pm – 8 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 30th 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.
*Header image via Domain Northside
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!
