The holidays are now in full swing and we’re sharing our 2023 Holiday Guide for Austin Families complete with our favorite winter festivities. There’s something for everyone on this list, from where to do your local holiday shopping, to shows, lights, Santa, and more. Check it out below.
Holiday Lights & Experiences
Check out our list below, as well as Your December 2023 To-Do List and Best Holiday Family Events Around Austin, and Hanukkah in Austin.
- Austin Trail of Lights
- Bastrop River of Lights
- BIG List of Where to See Christmas Lights
- BudaFest
- Buda Trail of Lights
- Domain NORTHSIDE Holiday Tree Light Show
- Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll 2023
- Johnson City Lights Spectacular
- Lakeway Trail of Lights
- Light the Night Christmas Parade – Fredericksburg
- Light Up the Lake – Round Rock
- Longhorn Lights – New for 2023!
- Luminations @ Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Marble Falls Walkway of Lights
- Maywald Christmas Lights Display
- Mozart’s Holiday Lights
- Peppermint Parkway at COTA
- Santa’s Ranch
Holiday Movies, Music & Special Shows
- A Christmas Carol @ ZACH Theatre
- Austin Symphony Orchestra Presents: Home Alone @ Long Center for The Performing Arts
- Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland @ H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
- Holiday Concert 2023: Austin Brass Band @ Austin Public Library
- Jingle Bell Jamboree @ The Domain
- Sir Knightsalot and the Great Dragon Dance-Off @ Austin Scottish Rite Theatre
- The Nutcracker @ The Long Center for Performing Arts
- Polar Express @ Bullock Staten History Museum
- The Muppet Christmas Carol @ Bullock Museum
- Una Noche Buena @ Topfer Theater (Zach)
- Ventana Ballet: The Watchmaker’s Song @ Neill-Cochran House Museum
Where to See Santa
Check the full round-up here and see more below
- North Pole Flyer: Train Ride with Santa
- Santa @ Barton Creek Square
- Santa & Live Reindeer at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm (Breakfast with Santa is available with reservation)
- Santa’s Wonderland @ Cabela’s & Bass Pro
- Selfies with Santa @ Hill Country Galleria
Holiday Craft Markets & Gift Ideas
Check the full round-up of local holiday markets here, and below for more.
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar
- December in the 2nd Street District
- Giving Experiences Instead of Stuff
- Holiday Arts Market @ Hill Country Galleria
- Village of Lights and Holiday Market
- Christmas Tree Farms Around Austin
- Downtown Austin Holiday Stroll
- Giving Back During the Holiday Season
- Places to Go Ice Skating Around Austin
- Thinkery’s Gingerbread Season
We’d love to hear your family’s favorite places in ATX to get festive during the holiday season. Wishing you and yours a peaceful, happy holiday!