FREE Things To Do With Kids in Austin During The Holidays
It’s already time to start planning for the holidays! Here are all the FREE things to do with kids in Austin during the holidays.
FREE Things To Do With Kids in Austin During The Holidays
KIDS EAT FREE
- Kebab Shop on weekend days
- Kerbey Lane Cafe on Tuesdays
- Pluckers on Tuesdays
- Central Market North Lamar on Tuesdays after 4:30 p.m. they typically have free live music on the patio playing Friday and Saturday nights as well!
- Blue Corn Harvest on Mondays
- Modern Market on Sun & Mon from 5-close (order must be placed in store)
- Freebirds on Sundays
- Trudy’s Tex Mex on Mondays
- Dos Mary’s on Tuesdays
- Mi Lindo Michoacan Restaurant on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4-9 p.m.
FREE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS IN AUSTIN
Bass Pro in Round Rock has our favorite Santa. They have a reservation system which cuts down on wait times, and the kids love seeing the holiday decorations and toy displays while we wait. The pictures are free. November 4 – December 24, 2023. 200 Bass Pro Dr, Round Rock. Cabela’s down in Buda also has the same free photos with Santa system!
Mozart’s Coffee has free GA tickets you can reserve that let you see their famous Holiday Lights Display for free!
Music on Main in downtown Round Rock has a free live music show on Wednesdays, November 1, 8, 15, & 29. Also on December 6, 13, & 20. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy the outdoor concert. More info here.
The Thinkery has FREE Community hours every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. and Sunday from 3-5 p.m.
Sunday Makebreak is from 2-4 p.m. at all Michael’s stores. Make a craft for free!
37th Street has been displaying the weirdest lights in town since the 1980s. The community on 37th is eager to continue the tradition with quirky displays at 37th and Guadalupe, near Dominos and Groovy Lube. They open for the season on Friday, December 8, 2023.
Austin Motel’s Winter Wanderland is back and open daily in their courtyard. Wander among the colorful rainbow trees along South Congress!
Cherrywood Coffeehouse typically has free live kids music every Sunday at 10 a.m. Check their website to confirm and to see who’s playing!
Hill Country Galleria has free photos with Santa on select days!
The Zilker Trail of Lights opens Friday, December 8, 2023. Select nights are free. Check the calendar here.
FREE KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS IN AUSTIN
The Lakeway Trail of Lights is free and runs through January 1, 2024. Access the trail from the lower level of the parking lot at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) or by parking behind City Hall (1102 Lohman’s Crossing at the corner of Lohman’s and Sailmaster). There is no charge to park or to attend. Trail is self-guided. There are no vendors or attendants on site.
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights is free! You can also take free photos with Santa at the same place. Open nightly from 6-10 p.m. til December 31, 2023. Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Dr,
Marble Falls
Johnson City Lights is a light display with over a million lights. And it’s so big, NASA reported seeing it from the International Space Station! Yes, that would be the Johnson City Texas Lights Spectacular. From November 24, 2023 to January 7, 2024, you and your family can see this incredible lights display for free. Park against the courthouse or around downtown streets in areas that allow parking. 101 E Pecan Dr, Johnson City.
Free Open Gym at Austin Elite Gymnastics is every Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. – noon for kids ages walking- 6 years.
Free Tuesdays at The Blanton from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
IKEA in Round Rock typically has free craft nights for kids every Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. Check the website to register and confirm.
Free story time at Book People every Tues, Wed, and Sat at 10:30 a.m.
November 4
The first ever Domain Farmers Market is November 4 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 3220 AMY DONOVAN PLAZA, Austin.
Fall Fest at Austin Nature & Science Center Animals After Dark is Nov 4 from 6-9pm. Free event with games, a night hike, planetarium, and a chance to meet the animals.
November 5
Free First Sunday at The Bullock Museum is November 5, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Activities are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase and tell the history of artifacts from around the state. Activities: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Join Chickasaw storyteller Amy Bluemel for an interactive storytime. Create paper turtles based on a traditional Southeastern Native American story. Learn about Native American pottery traditions by making a pinch pot.
November 9
Mozart’s has one of our favorite lights displays in Austin. You can see it for free, or pay to reserve a table. No one does hot chocolate and lights like Mozart’s! See them from November 9, 2023 – January 6, 2024 at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin.
November 10
Creek Show 2023 is coming back to Waterloo Park from November 10-18 from 6-10 p.m. nightly. This free display of illuminated art created by local artists and live music is fun for the whole family. Main Entrance at Waller Creek at 700 E 9th St.
On Friday, November 10 from 5-9 p.m., there will be a free Holiday Extravaganza in Centennial Park in Round Rock. Shopping, food trucks, kids activities, live music, and more. 301 W Bagdad Ave, Round Rock
Zilker Botanical Garden Free Days is November 10 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Round Rock Veterans Day Celebration is Nov 10 from 3-9 p.m. at Old Settlers Park, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.
Rock The Park is Nov 10 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin. Free live kids music concert.
Jingle & Mingle Holiday Pop Up Market from 9 a.m. – noon at Love & Cookies in Lakeway. Free Entry! Enjoy mimosas, coffee, & dessert tastings. Treat yourself & get a jump start on your holiday shopping with our favorite local vendors.
November 11
Holiday Bazaar Arts & Crafts Show is on November 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free but please bring a canned food item or boxes of colorful Band-Aids for the Children’s hospital. Enjoy live music while you shop and stroll! Clay Madsen Rec Center, 1600 Gattis School Road, Round Rock
Second Saturdays are for Families at Laguna Gloria on Nov 11 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free admission to the museum.
Letterpress Play Story Time is November 11 at 11:30 a.m.
Texas Book Festival is free on both days, November 11th & 12th. Downtown Austin, park near the Capitol Building.
November 12
Texas Book Festival is free on both days, November 11th & 12th. Downtown Austin, park near the Capitol Building.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden Free Family Day is on Nov 12 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
November 14
Storytime, Tacos, & Coffee at Meanwhile on Nov 14 at 10 a.m.
November 16
Tiny Tails to You is at BookPeople with a petting zoo storytime at 10:30 a.m.
November 17
Blue Genie Art Bazaar is November 17 – December 24, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin
November 18
Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Make a Thanksgiving Turkey photo holder!
Grinchmas: Holiday Kick-Off Event at The Domain from 3-6:30 p.m. 11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin
November 24
On November 24, kick-off the holiday season at the annual Lighting of the Square in Georgetown, traditionally held at 5:30 p.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving. The downtown holiday lights will remain lit every evening through January 1. FREE! 103 W 7th St, Georgetown.
Johnson City Lights is a light display with over a million lights. And it’s so big, NASA reported seeing it from the International Space Station! Yes, that would be the Johnson City Texas Lights Spectacular. From November 24, 2023 to January 7, 2024, you and your family can see this incredible lights display for free. Park against the courthouse or around downtown streets in areas that allow parking. 101 E Pecan Dr, Johnson City.
November 25
Free Kids DIY Workshops at Home Depot on November 25 from 9 a.m. – noon. Make a penguin ornament!
Santa on the Terrace at the Long Center event is on November 25 at 11 a.m. Santa himself (the real one!) will be there to take free photos with you and your party, plus there will be cookies & cocoa, Mrs. Claus, a photo frame for “elfies”, and more holiday fun!
Photos With Santa at Hill Country Galleria allows families to visit Santa inside his Workshop and take their own photos for free, open on select days beginning on November 25, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave.
Bastrop River of Lights has numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk. To access this free one-half mile promenade, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine Streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fishermans Park on Farm Street. November 25, 2023 – January 2, 2024.
November 26
Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Nov 26, 2023 at 6 p.m. (music starts at 5:30). Local entertainment, food, novelties, and live music at Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road (on the south side of the park).
November 28
Storytime, Tacos, & Coffee at Meanwhile on Nov 28 at 10 a.m.
November 30
Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos is November 30, December 1, 2, 7, 8, & 9 2023. 401 E Hopkins St, San Marcos.
FREE Things To Do With Kids in Austin During The Holidays
December 1
Annual Georgetown Christmas Stroll is 5-9 p.m. on December 1, 2023 and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on December 2, 2023 in historic downtown Georgetown. Parade (on Saturday at 10 a.m.) and more. 103 W 7th St, Georgetown.
The Driskill will kick-off the holiday season with a Tree Lighting ceremony, accompanied by live music and cocktails, and Santa on December 1st, 2023 at 5 p.m. (start), 6 p.m. (lighting) in the lobby.
Light Up The Lake in Round Rock is on December 1 & 2, 2023 from 6-9:30 p.m. FREE! 2-day holiday festival around the lake and festival area. Giant balloons hovering over the lake, light show, live music, holiday displays, holiday food and refreshments, crafts, family activities, yule log, and more! Old Settlers Park, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.
December 1
Heritage Park in Cedar Park Tree Lighting Ceremony: snow hill, snow playing area, games & prizes, crafts, photos with Santa, yule fire, live music, inflatables & food concessions. Friday, December 1, 2023 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park.
Lakeway Trail of Lights is December 1, 2023 through January 1, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. One of Lakeway’s most cherished traditions is the Trail of Lights! Access the trail from the lower level of the parking lot at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) or by parking behind City Hall (1102 Lohman’s Crossing at the corner of Lohman’s and Sailmaster). FREE!
Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet This Christmas, visit Bethlehem in Burnet Texas as the ancient city of Christ’s birth comes alive again. No tickets required. December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
Budafest has live music, a craft and art market, parade, fireworks show along Main Street, and more. December 1-3, 2023 at 880 Main St, Buda.
December 2
Free Kids DIY Workshops at Home Depot on December 2 from 9 a.m. – noon. Make a gingerbread house!
Brushy Creek Holiday in the Park & Craft Fair is Dec 2 from noon-3 p.m. at Cat Hollow Park. Children can meet Santa, Ride the Train, Jump on Inflatables, and participate in holiday activities while you shop for gifts from local artisans! 8600 O’Connor Dr, Round Rock
Light Up The Lake in Round Rock is on December 1 & 2, 2023 from 6-9:30 p.m. FREE! 2-day holiday festival around the lake and festival area. Giant balloons hovering over the lake, light show, live music, holiday displays, holiday food and refreshments, crafts, family activities, yule log, and more! Old Settlers Park, 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.
Annual Georgetown Christmas Stroll is 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on December 2, 2023 in historic downtown Georgetown. Parade (on Saturday at 10 a.m.) and more. 103 W 7th St, Georgetown.
Downtown Holiday Stroll and Capitol Tree Lighting- Celebrate the holidays downtown Austin with live music, carol singing, and much more—including the downtown tree lighting. This year’s Holiday Stroll in Austin will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 5-9 p.m. with the traditional Sing-Along and downtown tree lighting. 1100 Congress Ave, Austin.
December 2
The Pfestival of Lights and Christmas Parade returns on December 2, 2023 with a 6:30 p.m. parade, tree lighting and Santa!
Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet This Christmas, visit Bethlehem in Burnet Texas as the ancient city of Christ’s birth comes alive again. No tickets required. December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
Budafest has live music, a craft and art market, parade, fireworks show along Main Street, and more. December 1-3, 2023 at 880 Main St, Buda.
Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander is on December 2, 2023. This event includes a 5K race (Old Town Rudolph Run), parade, tree lighting, and more.
Christmas on Mercer in Dripping Springs December 2, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in downtown Dripping Springs. Shopping our arts and crafts, to visits with Santa, to music and fun, to the tree lighting at dusk. 511 Mercer St, Dripping Springs. (Tree lighting is Dec 1 at dusk followed by a holiday movie)
December 3
Free First Sunday at the Bullock is Dec 3, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy FREE exhibition admission all day during H-E-B Free First Sundays, held the first Sunday of every month. Activities are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can explore the Story of Texas through three floors of exhibitions that showcase and tell the history of artifacts from around the state. Learn all about life underwater at our special sharks-themed holiday celebration. Explore the Sharks exhibition, join Austin Public Library for storytime, make a shark holiday ornament, purchase tickets to enjoy a special multisensory screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol, and more!
Mini Market is Dec 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Guests can browse over 50 women-owned businesses including baby and kid clothing and accessories, women clothing and accessories, beauty, home goods and more. Mini Market is always family friendly, free to attend and open to the public. Garage parking across the street or free street parking. 1500 East 4th Street, Austin
Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet This Christmas, visit Bethlehem in Burnet Texas as the ancient city of Christ’s birth comes alive again. No tickets required. December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
Budafest has live music, a craft and art market, parade, fireworks show along Main Street, and more. December 1-3, 2023 at 880 Main St, Buda.
December 8
Holly Jolly Jamboree & Toy Drive at the Hancock Recreation Center from 4-6 p.m. 811 E 41st St, Austin Celebrate the holiday season with Hancock Recreation Center at the Holly Jolly Jamboree and Toy Drive on December 8 from 4pm-6pm! We’ll have face painting, balloon animals, games, crafts, and refreshments. Get in the holiday spirit by donating a new toy anytime between now and the day of the event. We’ll see you there!
South Austin Rec Center Gingerbread Workshop 6-8 p.m. 1100 Cumberland Rd, Austin Come and decorate gingerbread people, create ornaments and Christmas cards, indulge in hot cocoa and popcorn, and watch a special showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This is a completely FREE event. Hope to see everybody come join in on the Holiday Spirit!
Luminary Festival at Wells Branch is a tranquil and unique community tradition for the entire family. The trails around Katherine Fleischer Park are lined with over 1500 traditional paper luminarias. Both Friday and Saturday evenings the park come alive and the trails twinkle. Luminary Festival will be at Katherine Fleischer Park on December 8, 2023 from 6-9 pm. 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin.
Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet This Christmas, visit Bethlehem in Burnet Texas as the ancient city of Christ’s birth comes alive again. No tickets required. December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
The Zilker Trail of Lights is FREE on select nights! December 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 19, 2023 are all free nights for General Admission tickets. Other nights are only $8 and kids 11 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult! Click here to read what it’s like and for all my tips.
December 9
Breakfast With Santa at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center from 10 a.m. – noon. Celebrate the holiday season with Gus Garcia Recreation Center at our Breakfast with Santa event on December 9th from 10am-12pm! We will be providing a free breakfast, games, activities and prizes for all ages! We hope to see you there! 1201 E. Rundberg Lane, Austin
Santa at Back Porch Social in Round Rock from 1-2 p.m. 309 W Liberty Ave, Round Rock
Santa at 12 Fox Beer (12/9&12/10) Photos 1-4 (Sat.+Sun.) Christmas Market 12-5 4700 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs
Santa Saturdays at Music Lane from noon-3 p.m. Get a photo with Santa, enter giveaway, shopping, and more. 1011 S Congress Ave, Austin
Luminary Festival at Wells Branch is a tranquil and unique community tradition for the entire family. The trails around Katherine Fleischer Park are lined with over 1500 traditional paper luminarias. Both Friday and Saturday evenings the park come alive and the trails twinkle. Luminary Festival will be at Katherine Fleischer Park on December 9, 2023 from 6-9 pm. 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin.
Free movie night at Vista Brewing: A Christmas Story from 5-9 p.m. 13551 Farm to Market Road 150 West Driftwood
December 9
Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet This Christmas, visit Bethlehem in Burnet Texas as the ancient city of Christ’s birth comes alive again. No tickets required. December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
Liberty Hill Christmas Festival December 9, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in downtown Liberty Hill. Parade (6 p.m. on Main Street), shopping, snow, ice skating, visit with Santa, and more.
Second Saturdays are for Families at Laguna Gloria on Dec 9- free admission from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Christmas Market + Santa Photos at 12 Fox Beer on Dec 9 from 12-5 p.m. COUNTRY COWBOY SANTA will be available for photos from 1-4pm with his arrival at 12:50. So dress up your little ones and make your way out to shop small businesses and support local breweries while getting holiday photos.
Doc’s Drive-In Christmas Market is Dec 9 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 1540 Satterwhite Rd, Buda. Shop local vendors, free pictures with Santa, food/drink special, music, and more!
December 10
See Santa at Fitzhugh Brewing on Sunday, Dec 10! Photos with Santa: Meet Santa indoors from 1 PM to 3 PM! Capture this special moment with a free printed photo, courtesy of our jolly guest from the North Pole
Santa at 12 Fox Beer (12/9&12/10) Photos 1-4 (Sat.+Sun.) Christmas Market 12-5 4700 W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs
The Zilker Trail of Lights is FREE on select nights! December 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 19, 2023 are all free nights for General Admission tickets. Other nights are only $8 and kids 11 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult!
Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet This Christmas, visit Bethlehem in Burnet Texas as the ancient city of Christ’s birth comes alive again. No tickets required. December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden Free Family Day on Dec 10 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
December 12
The Zilker Trail of Lights is FREE on select nights! December 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 19, 2023 are all free nights for General Admission tickets. Other nights are only $8 and kids 11 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult!
December 13
Free Toddler Yoga at Pease Park with ATX Yoga Girl at 10 a.m. 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin
The Zilker Trail of Lights is FREE on select nights! December 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 19, 2023 are all free nights for General Admission tickets. Other nights are only $8 and kids 11 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult!
December 14
The Zilker Trail of Lights is FREE on select nights! December 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 19, 2023 are all free nights for General Admission tickets. Other nights are only $8 and kids 11 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult!
December 15
The Zilker Trail of Lights is FREE on select nights! December 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 19, 2023 are all free nights for General Admission tickets. Other nights are only $8 and kids 11 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult!
December 16
Santa Saturdays at Music Lane from noon-3 p.m. Get a photo with Santa, enter giveaway, shopping, and more. 1011 S Congress Ave, Austin
Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes on Dec 16 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Make a free holiday delivery truck!
December 19
The Zilker Trail of Lights is FREE on select nights! December 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, & 19, 2023 are all free nights for General Admission tickets. Other nights are only $8 and kids 11 and younger get in free with a ticketed adult!
December 20
Vista Brewing Presents “Driftwood Lights”: Four evenings of family fun in the Hill Country! Enjoy candlelight holiday tunes, fire pits, delicious food, smores, and hot drinks! 5-9 p.m. 13551 Farm to Market Road 150 West Driftwood. Reserve free tickets here.
December 21
Vista Brewing Presents “Driftwood Lights”: Four evenings of family fun in the Hill Country! Enjoy candlelight holiday tunes, fire pits, delicious food, smores, and hot drinks! 5-9 p.m. 13551 Farm to Market Road 150 West Driftwood. Reserve free tickets here.
December 22
Vista Brewing Presents “Driftwood Lights”: Four evenings of family fun in the Hill Country! Enjoy candlelight holiday tunes, fire pits, delicious food, smores, and hot drinks! 5-9 p.m. 13551 Farm to Market Road 150 West Driftwood. Reserve free tickets here.
Tuba Christmas is on December 22, 2023 at noon. 200 Tuba, Euphonium, and Baritone players performing traditional Christmas music on the south steps of the Texas Capitol Building in Austin, Texas. FREE!
December 23
Vista Brewing Presents “Driftwood Lights”: Four evenings of family fun in the Hill Country! Enjoy candlelight holiday tunes, fire pits, delicious food, smores, and hot drinks! 5-9 p.m. 13551 Farm to Market Road 150 West Driftwood. Reserve free tickets here.
December 26
Zilker Botanical Garden Free Days is December 26 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
MORE FREE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN AUSTIN THIS WINTER
- Visit the Central Austin Public Library to see their giant Christmas tree on display.
- Visit the peacocks at Mayfield Park, visit the outdoor art museum at Laguna Gloria (free on Thursdays), and climb Mt Bonnell.
- Austin Nature & Science Center is hours of free entertainment (dig for dino bones, see fossils, visit the animals).
- Walk along the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail.
- Most hikes are free, here’s a list of the best kid-friendly hiking trails in Austin.
- Play at one of these unique playgrounds in Austin.
- Take a free tour of the Capitol.
- Blanton Art Museum and Laguna Gloria are free every Thursday!
- Watch the sunset from the top of Mt. Bonnell