If you are looking for all the Austin holiday events to add to your calendar, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found Christmas light displays, holiday shopping experiences and even a few spots where you can see Santa. Get ready for some holiday cheer!
Christmas Light Show at Mozart's Coffee
This Christmas Light Show has become an annual tradition for many Austinites. Every year, we decorate the deck with over 1 million LED lights and set up a show to our favorite holiday tunes. For 2020, you'll need to book your table in advance and pre-order any food you'd like to enjoy. This will ensure proper social distancing. Daily through Jan. 6. Event details.
Twinkle All the Way to Lakeview Trail of Lights
Come see thousands of twinkling lights all accompanied by delightful seasonal music. Daily through Jan. 1. Event details.
Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro
Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and families are invited to enjoy this magical Christmas village with a few changes for 2020. You'll need to book your free reservation in advance. You'll get a "contactless Claus" visit when you arrive and free craft kits. Make sure to wear your holiday mask. Daily through Dec. 24. Event details.
Check Out the Lights at Santa's Ranch
Bring your friends and family and enjoy one of the best holiday light exhibits in the state! You’ll take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in the beautiful lights, animated Christmas displays, and enjoying homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn and snacks. Daily through Jan. 3. Event details.
Hill Country Holiday Village
Located within one of the most beautiful places for holiday shopping, visitors will lose themselves in decorated walkways featuring local artisan vendors of art, jewelry, home goods, and holiday fare. Experience the winding walkways filled with holiday cheer and an abundance of family photo opp. Nov. 23-Dec. 24. Event details.
Shop at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar
This Austin holiday shopping experience returns with four shopping options to ensure all guests can participate safely. Not only will they have in-person shopping but you can have a personal shopper experience and more. Through Dec. 24. Event details.
The Christmas Walkway of Lights Is On!
Enjoy over a million lights that light a self-guided walk with over 130 light sculptures and a spectacular light tunnel made up of over 12,000 clear lights. Nov. 20-Jan. 2. Event details.
All Aboard the North Pole Flyer
Our special 2 hour excursion on a real train features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa and a locally baked holiday cookie. Each car is decorated for the season where passengers enjoy a live reading of the North Pole Flyer book-our railroad’s own Christmas Story! Our professional Santa will spend time in each car to “check your list twice”, and pose for photographs before handing out a gift to each child to remember this special ride! Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-6. Event details.
Austin Drive-Thru Trail of Lights
One of Austin’s most anticipated events is back this year for a drive-through experience! Millions of holiday lights and displays line the trail, creating a fun experience for the whole family. Purchase special “ZIP” passes online to get in a full 45 minutes earlier than everyone else! Nov. 28-Dec. 23. Event details.
Check out the Bastrop River of Lights
Take in the River of Lights, numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop's scenic June Hill Pape River Walk. To access this one-half mile promenade, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine Streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman's Park on Farm Street. Nov. 28-Jan. 3. Event details.
Christmas at the Caverns
At Natural Bridge Caverns, we celebrate Christmas unlike anywhere else in the world! Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, we kick our holiday festivities up a notch. Hear your favorite carols echo through Texas’ largest underground cavern. Visit with Santa "Spelunker" Claus, then round up his reindeer in our 5000 square foot outdoor maze. As the sun sets behind our 30-foot Christmas tree, take a stroll through our 1/3 mile trail of lights. Don't forget to roast s'mores, enjoy live music, and shop for your holiday gifts! Select dates Dec. 5-23. Event details.
—Kate Loweth
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