It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and there’s so much to see and do in Austin this weekend. Check out our Top Weekend Picks for Families below, as well as all of our best tips for spending the holidays in Austin. You can also get a head start on planning New Year’s Eve in ATX for families here. Happy holidays, Austin!
Also, check out:
- Hanukkah in Austin
- Festive Winter Activities for Teens
- Winter Break Camps
- Where to Eat on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
- Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Family
Top Photo Credit: Trail of Lights
Photo via Mozarts
— 2024 Holiday Guide for Families | Check out the most festive things to do around Austin
From Ice Skating to Visits With Santa, and Holiday Eats and Treats in between, there’s so much yuletide magic to explore in and around Austin. Check out our 2024 Holiday Guide, as well as our Family Calendar, and upcoming FREE events.
via The Bullock Museum
— Mufasa: The Lion King 3D IMAX @ The Bullock Museum
Multiple screenings through January 3 | 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Friday, Dec. 20 | $10 for matinee; prices vary for GA here
Experience the follow-up to Disney’s The Lion King in this 2019 star-studded movie in IMAX 2D and immersive IMAX 3D at The Bullock Museum. Mufasa: The Lion King begins at The Bullock this Friday and has multiple shows through January 2. Get info on ticket prices, refund policies, and parking.
Photo credit: Chasco Family YMCA
— Christmas Trees & Snowy Things @ Chasco Family YMCA
Sat., December 21, 2024 | 10 am – 4 pm | FREE
Join in the fun at Christmas Dreams & Snowy Things for a full day of winter activities. There will be “real snow” activities, a giant slide, games, interactive holiday booths, food, music, and more! This event is FREE to the public!
— FREE Children’s Christmas Wreath Workshop @ Artisan Mercado
Saturday, Dec. 21 | Noon – 2 pm | FREE with RSVP here
All materials are provided at this FREE wreath-making workshop for kids at Artisan Mercado. The Artisan Mercado market specializes in handcrafted products made by LatinX artists. The market is indoors and has children’s crafts: from 10 am to noon kids can make a Christmas card or letter to Santa, and from noon – 2 pm, kids can participate in a wreath making workshop. Get your free tickets to the market and get more info here.
Through Dec. 29 | Parkway: 6 pm – 10 pm; Plaza 5 pm – 10 pm | Prices vary here
Experience the drive-thru Parkway come to life with over a mile of lights, the Grinch, snowflake roller skaters, the greatest holiday hits, and more. The party continues on foot in Peppermint Plaza with tons of activities including amusement park rides, a petting zoo, go-karting, yummy food, and more. Kids can sip on cocoa while adults have the option to join them while adding a splash of something special.
Race fans can also enjoy the F1 Track Lap, an exclusive opportunity that will allow guests to take their cars for a parade lap on COTA’s world-famous 3.41-mile FIA-grade Formula 1 track, where many world champions have raced. Tickets are on sale now and you can grab yours here.
Editor’s note: we took our kids ages 8, 11, and 14 to Peppermint Parkway and feel the Plaza portion is geared more toward younger kids this year. The rides are best for the younger ones, though there is carting and a slingshot ride the older kids and adults may enjoy.
via Trail of Lights Facebook Page
— 60th Annual Trail of Lights & Zilker Train at Trail of Lights
Through Dec. 23 | 5:45 pm – 10 pm | Ticket prices vary here
There are four nights left to enjoy the Trail of Lights! This beloved Austin tradition will immerse you in holiday spirit, with more than two million lights, 90 holiday trees, amusement rides, food and drinks, and more. There are multiple options for tickets and parking and you can purchase yours here.
More events to explore:
- Holiday Movie Night: The Grinch @ Ski Shores
- Winter Solstice Celebration @ Temple of the Sacred Womb
- Kids’ Book Swap & Free Coffee for Adults
- Gingerbread Workshops: Tinker Tots Edition
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Check out our Do512 Family Calendar for more awesome things to do with your family in Austin. Don’t forget to tag us on social!
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