Treat Your Elf to The Best Holiday Events in Austin!

Holiday-Themed Pop Up Bars

Holiday pop-up bars in Austin are back and better than ever!

We are here to guide you through all of the holiday pop-up bars in Austin. Whether you start from the top of the list and work your way down or vice versa, get ready to sip your way through the best time of the year.

Holiday VIBE Market

Texas Artisan Market events are for the handmade and handcrafted artisans designed to give the ultimate showcase to the surrounding local communities that crave this talent. Texas Artisan Markets is held in locations all over Houston, Austin & Dallas with National Expansion within a few years. Texas Artisan Markets is structured as a large-scale event-style market including music, food, and adult drinks. Our events are ALWAYS FREE, always friendly to children, and most times dog friendly.

Join Saturday or Sunday!

Light Shows in Austin

It is the most magical time of the year. The time when you can find Austin extra lit with some incredible light shows. Many of the shows that took a hiatus during Covid are now back in full swing!

2022 Christmas Festival

Get ready to meet Santa and see his reindeer at the 2022 Christmas Festival.

The reindeer and activities will be available every day of the week, but since this is Santa’s busy season he will only be available on weekends until closer to Christmas!

🗓 Santa’s Schedule:

Saturdays and Sundays 10 am – 6 pm

12/19 – 12/24 10 am – 6 pm

🗓 Reindeer’s Schedule:

7 days a week, 9 am – 6 pm

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

The Watchmaker’s Song

The Watchmaker’s Song is an immersive retelling of The Nutcracker. It will be at the Neill-Cochran House Museum on December 8th at 7:30 pm and December 11th (Kids’ show) at noon. Grab your tickets now!

Peppermint Parkway

Customize your Peppermint Parkway experience with one of 4 ticket packages. Regardless of which package you choose, all guests are invited to explore the activities, games, and food at Peppermint Plaza before or after your drive! November 25th through December 30th.

Ice Rodeo at the Four Seasons

It might not be cold enough to skate on the lake in Austin (although, there was that one time in February 2021…), but the Four Seasons will get you close! From November 19th to January 8th, you can skate alongside Ladybird Lake at the hotel’s outdoor ice rink. Skate from 4 pm to 10 pm daily, and rent a private cabin for you and some friends.

The Nutcracker

It’s just not Christmas without the Nutcracker, and Ballet Austin is celebrating its 60th anniversary of the performance. There will be 15 total shows, taking place on December 3rd and 4th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, and 20th-23rd.

Austin Trail of Lights

Going into its 58th year, the Austin Trail of Lights is one of the most iconic holiday traditions the city has to offer. There are two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and 70 other displays. Grab some hot chocolate and funnel cake and enjoy the stroll. Be sure to check out the specialty nights as well, such as movie night, heroes night, and pride night. The trail is open December 8th to 23rd, and closed on Mondays.

Holiday Cheer at the Paramount

From movies to music to drag queens, the Paramount has something for everyone this holiday season. Check out their calendar and pick your favorites! The season starts November 26th and runs through New Year’s Eve.

Elf Movie Party

Son of a nutcracker! If you’ve never been to an Alamo Drafthouse movie party, you’re in for a treat. Catch this holiday classic on the big screen this winter. There will be games, props, and singing! Showings begin the last week of November and run through December 14th. Grab a spot before they sell out!

Tinseltown: Where Everyday Is Christmas

Wanderlust Wine Co is inviting you to a holly jolly winter wonderland. The pop-up bar is currently available for those over 21, but family-friendly sessions and non-alcoholic drinks are also available. Come experience a North Pole that Buddy the Elf would love.

Christmas in the Caverns

Have you ever wanted to hear some Christmas carols inside a cave? Well, now is your chance. But if caves aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities such as a trail of lights, an outdoor maze, Santa photos, and story time with Mrs. Claus to name a few. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can stop by the Twisted Rails zip rails and ropes course too.

Tickets are available December 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, and the 16th through 23rd.

Dreamland Ice Rink

Dreamland in Dripping Springs will have an ice rink this year. Dates have yet to be announced, but keep checking their website for details!

Dale on the Rail

You’ve heard of Elf on the Shelf, now meet Dale on the Rail! Since 2019, this loft has been transformed into a winter wonderland with Christmas decorations throughout. The unit has two bedrooms and a nook, and sleeps up to five people (parking pass optional as well). Cozy up inside, or walk along 6th street to enjoy the festivities.

Snow Much Fun

Driskill Tree Lighting

The Driskill Hotel hosts several holiday events through the season, but one of the most iconic is the Christmas tree lighting. The ceremony takes place December 1st at 6 pm, with cocktails and live music.