Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Events in Austin 🎄

The holidays are here, and Austin is buzzing with festive energy. It’s the season of twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and pretending we aren't sweating through our sweaters. Whether you're new to the city or have celebrated many Austin Christmases, there’s something about this time of year that makes everything feel magical.

If you’re looking to make the most of the season, I’ve rounded up the must-see events happening around town. 

FESTIVE POP-UPS, IGLOOS AND ROOFTOP HAPPENINGS

Fairmont Austin- "Ugly Sweater Bar" at Rules and Regs. Upscale igloo rentals, various events- Through Dec.28

Hotel Van Zandt- "The Lodge" at Geraldine's. Igloos & more. Through Dec.29

JW Marriott- "Snow Much Fun" at Edge Rooftop. Faux falling snow, smore's, festive cocktails. Through Dec. 25

Otis Hotel-"Wintersol" at Otopia Rooftop. Igloos & cookie kits. Through Dec. 30

Four Seasons. Ice rink and private cabins with various events. Through Jan 5

Austin Motel- "Winter Wonderland" Colorful trees, movies and events. Through Jan 1

Westlin "Yule at Azul" Cabanas, S'mores, photo booth & more. Through Dec. 29

Stephen F. Austin "Ralphie's on Congress." Through Dec.31

HOLIDAY FUN

Jingle Bell 5K- Bee Cave | Dec7 7

Trail of Lights Fun Run | Dec. 7

2nd St. Holiday Window Walk

Holiday Party by @atxsocialchair feat. Yall Out Boy- Sunset Room | Dec.6 

Elf Pub Run- Paramlount Theater | Dec. 9

Holiday Afternoon Tea- Driskill Hotel | Dec 8,15

Santa Saturdays - Music Lane| Dec 7,14 | 12-3

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party- Armadillo Den | Dec. 19

Bad Santa- Cabana Club | Dec. 6

Apres Ski Party- Arriba Abajo | Dec. 19

Holly Jolly Festival- By @funonweekdays- Star Hill Ranch | Dec. 7

Mozarts Holiday Boat Cruise 

FESTIVE BARS

• Miracle on 5th St
• Donn's Depot
• Wonder Bar
• Gibston St
• Left's Brick Bar
• Nickel City
• Bee's Knees
• Cosmic Saltillo
• Kitty Cohen's
• Dumon't Down Low
• Swim Club

CONCERTS

Handel's Messiah - Feat. Austin Symphony Orchestra - Riverbend Center | Dec, 3

The Nightmare Before Christmas -Feat. Austin Symphony Orchestra- Long Center | Dec.17

A Charlie Brown Christmas Feat. Austin Chamber Music Center- The State Theater | Dec, 7

A Very Merry Christmas Show- Parker Jazz Club | Thru December 

The Nutcracker Suite- Feat. Ballet Afrique- Bass Concert Hall | Dec. 19

Jelly's 12th Annual Christmas Jam- Moody Center | Dec.12

O Holy Night Candlelight Christmas Concert- Moody Theater | Dec. 10

THEATER & FILM

"A Christmas Carol" - Zach Theater | Thru Dec. 29

"The Nutcracker" Feat. Ballet Austin - Long Center | Dec 6-23

"The Ghosts of Christmas Past" - The Archive Theatre | Thru Dec. 15

"The Watchmaker's Song" - Neill-Cochran House | Dec 12-14, 19-21

"Holiday Heroes" - Zach Theatre | Dec 7-21

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" - Gaslight Baker Theater | Dec 6-21

"White Christmas"- Palace Theater | Thru Dec.29 (Gerogetown)

Additionally, make sure to check out the following venue websites for holiday movie dates & showtimes.

Paramount Theater | Alamo Drafthouse | Doc's Drive-In | Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In | Ski Shores Cafe

Lou's Eastside | Fareground | Austin Motel | Fieldhouse at the Crossover

Lights

Zilker Park Holiday Tree

Austin Trail of Lights

Mozarts Light Show

Peppermint Parkway- Circuit of the Americas

Driskill Hotel Tree Lighting- Dec. 6

37th St Lights

Longhorn Lights- Guadalupe St between 21st & 24th st)

Merry & Bright Tower Lighting- Mueller Lake Park

ICE SKATING

Four Seasons Hotel

Long Center

Hill Country Galleria (Bee Cave)

Chaparral Ice

Winter Wonderland- The Pitch

Pond Hockey Club

Ice & Field at the Crossover (Leander)

"Western Wonderland (Dripping Springs)

Holiday Markets

Blue Genie Art Bazaar | Thru Dec.24

Hill Country Galleria | Weekends

Holiday Market at Hotel Saint Cecilia | Dec 8, 10-5

CommunityFirst! Holiday Market | Dec 6-7, 13-15

Holiday Vibe Market

German-Texas Heritage Christmas Market

Give Back

Brown Santa Program

Operation Blue Santa

Partnerships for Children

Central Texas Table of Grace

Coats for Kids

The Salvation Army

Foundation Communities

Season for Caring Families

Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season! 🎅✨

Love & Light

Kelsey