Things to Do in Austin in December
Explore top things to do in Austin this December, from holiday lights and family-friendly festivals to iconic Austin events that celebrate the season's cheer.
Peppermint Parkway
November 21 - December 28
Peppermint Parkway turns Circuit of the Americas into a full-scale holiday drive-through adventure that feels like stepping into a storybook. Guests cruise past towering displays, glittering tunnels, dancing lights, and cheerful characters that wave from the sidelines as music plays through the route. Families can stop at Peppermint Plaza for sweet treats, rides, seasonal photo spots, and roaming entertainers that keep the energy bright.
November 22 - January 3
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters creates one of the most beloved holiday outings in Austin with a lakeside light show that grows larger and more creative every season. Thousands of bulbs sparkle in perfect sync with a mix of classic and modern holiday music, transforming the waterfront patio into a glowing performance space. Guests can sip warm drinks, enjoy bakery favorites, and relax in a cozy setting beside Lake Austin. Reserved seating, photo moments, themed nights, and specialty drinks all add to the charm.
UMLAUF After Dark: Holiday Market
December 2
The sculpture garden at the UMLAUF Sculpture Museum becomes a warm and inviting seasonal market during this special After Dark event. Visitors can browse handmade goods, artisan crafts, and unique gifts from local makers while wandering through a garden filled with sculptures, soft lighting, and festive decor. Live music adds to the relaxed ambiance, and seasonal drinks and snacks are available throughout the evening.
Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker"
December 5 - 23, Select Dates
Ballet Austin brings one of the most iconic holiday stories to life with world-class dancers, vivid sets, sparkling costumes, and the timeless score by Tchaikovsky. Clara’s magical journey unfolds with whimsy and elegance as the stage fills with toy soldiers, snowflakes, swirling sweets, and colorful characters that captivate audiences of all ages. Families return every year for this signature production that feels both familiar and fresh.
December 6
Congress Avenue transforms into a lively holiday street scene during the Downtown Holiday Stroll. Families can enjoy free entertainment, twinkling lights, live music, and interactive moments throughout the evening. The tree lighting ceremony brings everyone together for a warm, community-centered moment. Local vendors, food, art, and joyful performances fill the blocks around the Capitol, creating a cheerful environment that invites visitors to slow down and soak in the season.
December 6
This long-running festival brings together a creative mix of local artists and makers who fill the Wheatsville grounds with handmade jewelry, art, prints, ceramics, clothing, and other imaginative gifts. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with live music, food, and opportunities to chat with the creators behind each piece. Shoppers can discover meaningful, one-of-a-kind items that stand apart from traditional retail options.
December 6
This spirited run invites participants of all paces to enjoy a fun, social route that begins and ends at Vacancy Brewing. Runners and walkers can take in the neighborhood scenery before returning to the brewery for a cold craft beer and a casual celebration. Friends gather around picnic tables, food trucks offer post-race snacks, and the atmosphere feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a traditional race.
December 6
Holiday costumes, jingle bells, and cheerful music set the tone for this festive seasonal race. Participants show up in everything from themed leggings to Santa hats, and the event draws families, joggers, and serious runners alike. The course is approachable and fun, and the energy is upbeat from start to finish. After crossing the line, guests can enjoy warm drinks, spirited photo spots, and a lively gathering that keeps everyone in the holiday mood.
German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market
December 6
The German Texan Heritage Society creates an inviting European-style market filled with warm holiday charm. Guests can explore rows of handcrafted ornaments, traditional baked goods, festive decor, and imported items that showcase German holiday traditions. Live music and cultural performances bring a sense of history and celebration to the courtyard, while warm drinks create a cozy backdrop for browsing.
December 10 - 23
Zilker Park becomes a glowing wonderland during the Trail of Lights, one of Austin’s most iconic December traditions. Visitors stroll through millions of shimmering lights, intricate displays, whimsical scenes, and the famously colorful light tunnel that draws crowds year after year. Food trucks, music, and family-friendly activities line the trail, creating a festival-style atmosphere beneath the night sky. Families bundle up with cocoa, take photos at classic stops, and enjoy a holiday experience that has become part of Austin’s seasonal identity.
December 13 - 21
This beloved Austin event blends a full art market with a lively indoor concert series, giving guests a chance to browse local art while listening to some of the city’s favorite musicians. The Bazaar features curated collections of fine art, handcrafted goods, unique gifts, and creative pieces that highlight Austin’s vibrant artistic community. It offers a festive and lively environment where holiday shopping feels more like a celebration. Visitors often stay for multiple musical acts while exploring the market at a relaxed pace.
December 16 & 17
Fans of the classic film can watch Kevin outsmart the Wet Bandits on a giant screen while a full orchestra performs the movie’s score live. The combination of visuals and live music creates an immersive experience that brings new depth to familiar scenes. Families laugh, cheer, and enjoy the nostalgia of a childhood favorite while hearing the soundtrack played with beautiful clarity. It is a fun and heartwarming event perfect for both longtime fans and new audiences discovering the story together.
Pop Punk Nite: Nightmare before Christmas Party!
December 20
This themed concert and party brings a high-energy mix of pop punk favorites and holiday-inspired fun. Guests can sing along to nostalgic hits, dance to live covers, and show off costumes inspired by the world of Jack and Sally. The crowd brings a playful mix of holiday spirit and alternative style, with glitter, eyeliner, and creative outfits everywhere you look.
Afternoon Tea: A Sparkling Holiday Tea Party
December 21
A seasonal tea service unfolds with care as guests are greeted by the aroma of warm blends steeping nearby and tiered trays filled with pastries, fruit, and little touches of sparkle. The room glows with festive decor that creates a soft, inviting atmosphere where conversations linger and time seems to slow down. Every detail adds to the charm, from the polished china to the twinkling accents tucked into corners of the space.
December 31
Austin closes the calendar with a waterfront celebration that brings people together in a lively mix of music, art, and seasonal excitement. Vic Mathias Shores fills with families, friends, and visitors exploring local food, creative installations, and performances that showcase the city’s talent. The evening builds steadily as crowds settle on blankets and benches along the water, soaking in the energy around them. As the countdown approaches, fireworks rise over the skyline and brighten the lake below, creating a moment that feels shared and unforgettable.
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