If you’re planning a trip to Austin for the holidays this season, we have compiled a list of the best holiday activities in Austin for 2024. Bring a friend, bring the family, or have a night to yourself celebrating one of the best times of the year!
Christmas Lights
Peppermint Parkway offers a drive-through Christmas experience, beginning in late November and running through the end of December at Circuit of The Americas. This holiday experience features millions of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday songs, dancing elves, and an appearance by Santa. Can’t get enough of the Christmas lights? Visit the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park to see over 2 million lights and 40 displays, running from December 10th to December 23rd.
Join in the annual Downtown Holiday Stroll on December 7th to experience live music and shopping, and witness the lighting of the tree in front of the Texas State Capitol. Make a reservation at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters any time from November to January to see the shop’s lights dance to the beat of the music while you sip on a hot cup of coffee.
Performances
Live performances of The Nutcracker, presented by Ballet Austin, will be available from December 6th through December 23rd at the Long Center, with accompaniment from the Austin Symphony Orchestra. ZACH Theater is bringing back its uplifting production of A Christmas Carol, featuring all-new music, from November 20th through December 29th. Catch special performances of Ventana Ballet‘s The Watchmaker’s Song, a new take on the traditional performance of The Nutcracker, from December 12-21st at the Neill-Cochran House Museum.
Christmas Tree Farms
Partake in one of Christmas’ oldest traditions by visiting the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm, opening November 23rd, or nearby Evergreen Farms, open for the holiday season beginning November 29th. Let your kids roam through the acres of land, breathing in the fresh pine, as your family picks out the perfect tree. Don’t want to cut your own tree? No worries – the farms offer pre-cut trees that are ready to go. Christmas tree sales begin the day after Thanksgiving at both farms.
Holiday Movies
This holiday season, kick back and let the food come to you at the Alamo Drafthouse as you watch classic holiday comedies such as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or A Christmas Story. The Paramount Theatre also offers an annual series of Christmas films in December, so be sure to check the schedule for the showtimes of these Christmas classics.
New Year’s Eve
Celebrate the birth of 2025 with Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores on New Year’s Eve. This party offers live music across multiple stages, unique Austin flavors from local food trucks, and a mesmerizing firewood show above Austin’s skyline. Bring in the New Year the Austin way, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
From dazzling light shows and classic performances to movies and concerts, Austin has festivities for just about anyone to enjoy. Explore all of what Austin has to offer, have fun, and stay safe!
