There’s nothing like the holiday season to spend some family time! Thanksgiving and Christmas are the perfect dates to gather with your loved ones and share a special moment.
The magic of the winter holiday season is coming to Austin with events and activities for all ages to enjoy!
We can all agree that this season is about spending time with friends and family to celebrate life. Luckily, Austin and its surroundings have many events going on throughout December that will add plenty of cheer!
Check out some amazing options below:
If you want more options to keep your kids entertained during the winter months, take a look at these activities for kids during the winter in Austin!
Santa’s Ranch is one of Texas’ favorite and most popular Christmas traditions!
During Santa’s Ranch, families will take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in over 2.5 million beautiful lights, animated Christmas displays, and enjoying homemade hot chocolate, kettle corn, and more!
Location:
Santa’s Ranch
DATES:
November 3- December 31, 6 PM- 11 PM
The Holiday Light Show at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters is one of Austin’s most famous holiday traditions!
There will be many activities and things for the whole family to enjoy, and there will also be a LED light-up dance floor, and silent disco!
Location:
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
DATES:
Open 7 days a week, 7 AM – 12 AM | November 9- January 6
Zach’s adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras.
The whole family will love it!
Location:
Zach Theatre
DATES:
November 17 – December 31
Kids ages 4.5–14 (they will be split up according to age) will be making all of their Thanksgiving favorites, including pumpkin pie, butter rolls, au gratin potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce!
Location:
Foodie Kids
DATES:
November 20, 10 AM- 1 PM
Give your kids the chance to get crafty and creative over the holiday break!
This Thanksgiving Workshop offers two full days of maker-ed projects, process art, and playtime with the Figment Furry Friends. Spots are limited, so please register in advance to ensure you get a spot.
Location:
Figment Creative Labs
DATES:
November 21, 22. 9:30 AM- 2:30 PM
Kids ages 4.5–14 (they will be split up according to age) will celebrate everybody’s favorite part of Thanksgiving—the dessert! In this camp, they will be making pumpkin layered cake, caramel apple crisp, cranberry upside-down cake, and scarecrow cupcakes!
Location:
Foodie Kids
DATES:
November 21, 10 AM- 1 PM
During Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights, families will experience the unique mix of German Christmas traditions and warm Texan hospitality this Weihnachtszeit, or Christmas season!
Location:
Marktplatz
DATES:
November 21 – January 7 | Nightly at 6 PM
Kids ages 4.5–14 (split up according to age) will celebrate Thanksgiving…with a twist! In this camp, they will be making Mashed Potato Monsters, Rice Krispie Turkeys, Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes, Apple Cheddar Pizza, and Pumpkin Spiced Popcorn!
Location:
Foodie Kids
DATES:
November 22, 10 AM- 1 PM
The Grinch is trying to steal Christmas at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum!
Look carefully, because you might find him hidden among the artifacts and exhibits!
Help the museum stop him before Christmas this year!
Location:
Rosenberg Railroad Museum
DATES:
November 24, 10 AM- 3 PM
Austin’s glowing celebration of winter’s natural beauty returns with all-new light installations.
Inspired by the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—this year’s exhibition spans nearly two miles of the Texas Arboretum, inviting you to immerse yourself in the season.
Location:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
DATES:
Wednesdays – Sundays | November 24 – January 6 | 5:45 – 9 PM
Lights Spectacular is a must-see, free Christmas/Holiday Lights display that you can’t miss.
Visitors will see over 2 million Christmas lights. This display is so big that NASA reported seeing it from space!
Location:
Lights Spectacular
DATES:
November 24 – January 7
The North Pole Flyer 2023 is departing from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot!
The 2023 North Pole Flyer is returning to its roots with hugs from Santa and balloon twisters in the plans for some dates!
Location:
Austin Steam Train Association
DATES:
November 25-26 | December 2-3 | December 9-10 | Decemebr 16-17
The 2023 Christmas in Burnet is filled with fun activities for the whole family! Don’t miss the Lighting of the Square, the Holiday Trail of Lights,
Christmas on the Square Festival, Main Street Bethlehem, and Christmas at Old Fort Croghan!
Location:
Burnet Chamber of Commerce
DATES:
Lighting of the Square: November 25, 5:30 PM | Holiday Trail of Lights: November 25 – January 1 | Christmas on the Square Festival: Saturday, December 9, Noon – 8 PM | Main Street Bethlehem – December 1-3 and 8-10 | Christmas at Old Fort Croghan – December 9 from 5-8 PM
The Zilker Holiday Tree stands 155 feet tall and comprises 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25-watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights.
On December 10, 1967, the first tree was lit by Mayor Pro Tem Mrs. Emma Long. In subsequent years, this honor has been awarded to the young winner of a city-wide tree art contest.
Location:
Zilker Park
DATES:
November 26, 5 PM
This event will feature spectacular giant balloons hovering over Bright Lake, an amazing light show, live music, holiday displays, holiday food and refreshments, crafts, family activities, a Yule log, and more!
Location:
Old Settlers Park
DATES:
December 1, 2 | 6 PM – 9:30 PM
The Trail of Lights is one of Lakeway’s most cherished traditions!
An event for the whole family to enjoy!
Location:
Lakeway City Hall
DATES:
December 1- January 1 | Nightly from 6 PM to midnight
Families can join the Cedar Park Parks and Recreation Department in lighting the Heritage Oak Tree. It will be a very special night!
Illuminated with over 50,000 lights, this event is a shining tradition and family favorite. The 2023 celebration will also recognize the city’s 50th anniversary.
Location:
Heritage Oak Park
DATES:
December 1, 6:30-8:30 PM
The 8th annual Old Town Rudolph Run 5K takes place in Old Town Leander.
This chip-timed event starts in the heart of Old Town and tours through the streets of Leander. The course is flat and fast, with no hills or rough terrain.
Location:
Old Town Leander
DATES:
December 2, 10 AM
The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition perfect for the entire family!
From the twinkling lights, whirling snowflakes, and sparkling beauty of the exquisite sets and costumes comes the heartwarming story of young Clara and her nutcracker. Bringing the magic of the holiday season, the 61st annual production of The Nutcracker remains Austin’s longest-running live production.
Location:
The Long Center
DATES:
December 2-23
During the 12th annual Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, participants will experience a delightful holiday fun run strolling, jogging, or running through an untimed course, commencing at the renowned Zilker Holiday Tree and weaving through the beloved Austin Trail of Lights!
Location:
Austin Trail of Lights
DATES:
December 2, 5:45 PM
The Muppet Christmas Carol, a retelling of the Charles Dickens classic, features Jim Henson’s beloved Muppet characters as they tell their version of Scrooge’s redemption on Christmas Eve.
Families will enjoy special effects throughout the multisensory screening, including snow!
Location:
Bullock Texas State History Museum
DATES:
December 3, 3 PM
Kids ages 4-12 will ring in the New Year with festive recipes like Party Snack Mix, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Stuffed Mushrooms, Sparkling Cranberry Jello, and Midnight Kiss Cupcakes!
Location:
Foodie Kids
DATES:
December 29, 10 AM- 1 PM
In this class, kids ages 4-12 will be divided by age groups to make Snowflake Pasta, Parmesan Alfredo, Buttery Breadsticks, Holiday Sweater Cookies, and Peppermint Ice Cream!
Location:
Foodie Kids
DATES:
December 28, 10 AM- 1 PM
This holiday camp is all about the desserts!
Kids ages 4–12 will be divided according to age to make Cathedral Cookies, Chocolate Cinnamon Babka Muffins, Gingerbread Cupcakes, Rice Krispy Trees, and Sugar Plum Fairy Ice Cream!
Location:
Foodie Kids
DATES:
December 22, 10 AM – 1 PM
Kids ages 4–12 (divided according to age) will celebrate the holiday season with some elevated twists on the favorites!
They will make sourdough and cheddar stuffing, garlic parmesan creamed corn, spiced orange cranberry pie, apple honey challah, and pineapple fluff!
Location:
Foodie Kids
DATES:
December 21, 10 AM- 1 PM
Kids of all ages will get to sip on hot chocolate while frosting and decorating a pre-constructed, fresh gingerbread house with piping bags, royal icing, marshmallows, gingerbread men, and holiday candy galore!!
Location:
Foodie Kids
DATES:
December 9, 16: 10 AM- 11 AM | December 17, 12 PM- 1 PM | December 20, 4 PM- 5 PM | December 21,22: 2 PM- 3 PM |
