‘Tis the season for family fun in Austin! Every year, the city of Austin lights up with twinkling lights and decorations, making it the perfect place to kick off the Christmas season. From Santa sightings to community light displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. From children to adults alike, Austin’s merry events will bring smiles. So grab the family and join us for some festive fun! We’ll help you plan your ultimate guide to Christmas in the city, featuring all the best lights, decorations, and Santa sightings Austin offers.
37th Street Lights
519 W 37th St
Austin, TX 78705
Come and experience the spectacular sights of twinkling lights this holiday season, starting December 8 till the new year! Located on 37th Street between Guadalupe and Home in Austin, Texas, these festive displays will surely bring out the holiday cheer in the whole family. With easy access via GPS, just enter 519 W 37th St, Austin, TX 78705, or La Tazza Fresca into your system for simple directions. However, the best spot for viewing all the lights is on the corner of 35th Street and Cedar. To enjoy this experience, why not take a short walk down the block instead of driving through? You won’t want to miss out on the Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo and other wonderful decorations that can only be seen on foot! facebook.com/37thstreetlights
Bee Cave on Ice
12700 Hill Country Blvd
Bee Cave, TX 78738
Bundle up the family and join us at the Hill Country Galleria for Bee Cave on Ice this holiday season! Take a magical journey to a winter wonderland and enjoy an ice skating experience that won’t be forgotten. Skate beneath the stars and let the twinkle of Christmas lights set the mood and make this night extra special. Your ticket includes an hour of fun on the ice rink and a skate rental. For only $15 per person, your family can skate together side by side and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to reserve ahead of time-space is limited. Walk-up tickets may also be available each day, depending on availability. Come out to Bee Cave on Ice and spread some holiday cheer! hillcountrygalleria.com/event/bee-cave-on-ice
Christmas on Mercer
511 Mercer St
Dripping Springs, TX
The whole family is invited to join the holiday fun as Dripping Springs’ 15th Annual Christmas on Mercer Street kicks off on Saturday, December 2nd! From 10am to 5pm, downtown Dripping Springs will be transformed into a winter wonderland as shoppers of all ages enjoy festive decorations, holiday music, unique shopping opportunities, and more! Whether you’re a kid or a grown-up, experience Christmas’s magic on Mercer Street. cityofdrippingsprings.com/christmasonmercer
Grinch Movie
105 Cross Creek
Lakeway, TX 78734
Calling all Dr. Seuss fans and hot chocolate lovers! Join us at the City of Lakeway’s Grinch Movie Event this Friday, December 8th, at 6 PM in the Lakeway Activity Center Parking lot. Bring your whole family and experience a special movie night with everyone’s favorite holiday classic, The Grinch, on the big screen. In addition to the movie, we will have games for everyone to enjoy, vendors selling delicious treats, and even the Grinch himself as our special guest! So come out for an evening of fun and festivities as we enter the Christmas spirit. See you there! lakeway-tx.gov/2109/Grinch-Movie
Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll
Congress Avenue, between 9th & 11th Streets
Gather your family for a magical night around the Christmas tree on Congress Avenue! Join KUT, KUTX, and the Downtown Austin Alliance for our 29th Annual Tree Lighting Sing-Along and Stroll, where you can celebrate the holiday season with artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more. This wonderful, free event is perfect for children and adults alike, so bring the whole family down – it’s sure to be a night you’ll never forget! https://downtownaustin.com/holiday-stroll/
Ice Rodeo
98 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
Experience winter in Austin like never before with Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Hotel Austin! Running now to January 7, 2024, Ice Rodeo is the perfect way for your family to celebrate the season. Glide across our outdoor ice rink while overlooking Lady Bird Lake, or take a break from skating and enjoy amenities like outdoor dining cabins and pop-up lounges. You can create lasting memories with your loved ones with plenty of festive holiday decor, extravagant art installations, and signature Five-Star service from Four Seasons. Everyone will love Ice Rodeo – it’s guaranteed fun for all ages! fourseasons.com/austin/landing-pages/property/ice-rodeo/
Longhorn Lights
Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78705
The University of Texas at Austin invites the entire Longhorn Nation and the Austin community to experience Longhorn Lights – a one-of-a-kind holiday light show sure to bring cheer to all! Synchronized burnt orange and white lights dance along 24 Heritage Oak Trees in the heart of The Drag, creating a magical atmosphere for all. Longhorn Lights will be open and free to the public until January 1st, from 5pm to 10pm, so make sure you bring friends and family along for this joyous experience. Hook ’em Horns! utexas.edu/longhornlights
Luminary Festival Night One
2106 Klattenhoff Dr
Austin, TX 78728
Come and experience the wondrous glow of KF Park at the start of the Luminary Festival! As the sun sets, you can wander along the path illuminated by over a thousand luminarias. After admiring the lights, there are plenty of other exciting activities for all ages. Hop aboard the haybale ride and tour the neighborhood, singing carols as you pass your neighbors’ captivatingly decorated homes. For those looking for a break from the chill in the air, head to the Community Center, where free kids’ activities and crafts will be available. Grab yourself a cup of hot cocoa and a sugar cookie, then journey to the homestead where Santa eagerly awaits your heartwarming holiday wishes! This jubilant two-night event surely has something special to offer everyone! http://wellsbranchmud.com/parks-a-recreation/events/2564
North Pole Flyer
170 S. Gabriel St
Bertram, TX 78605
Saturdays & Sundays November 25 – December 17
All aboard the North Pole Flyer! It’s time for a magical 2-hour journey through the winter wonderland of the historic 1912 Bertram Depot. Hop on board and get ready to meet none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus! Enjoy all-you-can-drink hot cocoa with a delicious, locally baked holiday cookie while festive decorations surround you in each car. Gather ’round as our professional Santa reads The North Pole Flyer Book – Our Railroad’s Own Christmas Story! And to make the experience extra special, each child will receive a special gift from Santa. So be part of the fun and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime! austinsteamtrain.org/special-events/north-pole-flyer/
Austin is truly a magical place with so much to do and explore during the Christmas season. From visiting Santa at his workshop to attending holiday shows and events or enjoying outdoor ice skating with friends and family, there’s something for everyone here. So don’t keep yourself cooped up at home this winter — come out and enjoy all that Austin offers! And remember: the most important thing isn’t what you do or how much money you spend–– it’s who you spend it with. So gather your loved ones, take in all the sights and sounds of this special time of year, and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
