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
Ongoing Events
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 1 – December 24, 2025. 200 Bass Pro Dr, Round Rock. Cabela’s down in Buda also has the same free photos with Santa system!
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. Opens December 12, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Austin Motel’s Winter Wanderland will open Dec 4, 2025 in the courtyard. Wander among the colorful rainbow trees along South Congress!
See the Model Trains in downtown Round Rock (dates TBD).
Hill Country Galleria has free photos with Santa on Nov 29-Dec 24, 2025. Bring your own camera for the photos!
More Ongoing Events
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 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, 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.
The Lakeway Trail of Lights is free and runs nightly from 6 p.m. – midnight from December 5, 2025 through January 1, 2026. 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.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar is November 14 – December 24, 2025 at 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin
FREE Things To Do With Kids in Austin During The Holidays
November 22
Who-Holiday Event at The Domain is on Nov 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the great lawn by Apple.
November 28
On November 28, 2025 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.
Light Up The Plaza at the Hill Country Galleria is a free event on Nov 28, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. Tree lighting, live music, giveaways, and more. Even Santa will be there! Ice skating is open for an additional fee.
November 29
Free Kids DIY Workshops at Home Depot on Nov 29, 2025 (teddy bear ornament) and Dec 6, 2025 (hot cocoa mug) from 9 a.m. – noon.
Santa on the Terrace at the Long Center event is on Nov 29, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.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! RSVP online.
Jolly Holiday Party at Meanwhile Brewing 12-5 p.m.
November 30
Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Nov 30, 2025 at 6 p.m. (music starts at 5:15 p.m.) Local entertainment, food, novelties, and live music at Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road (on the south side of the park).
December 3
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. Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park.
December 4
Sights & Sounds of Christmas Hometown Holidays in San Marcos is December 4-6 and 11-13, 2025 at San Marcos Plaza Park.
December 5
Light Up The Lake in Round Rock is on December 5 & 6, 2025. 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 3-day event happening on 4-9:30 p.m. on December 5, 2025 and 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on December 6, 2025 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on December 7, 2025 in historic downtown Georgetown. Parade (on Saturday at 10 a.m.) and more. 103 W 7th St, Georgetown.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas Hometown Holidays in San Marcos is December 4-6 and 11-13, 2025 at San Marcos Plaza Park.
Budafest has live music, a craft and art market, parade, fireworks show along Main Street, and more. December 5-7, 2025 at 880 Main St, Buda.
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 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
December 6
Free Kids DIY Workshops at Home Depot on Nov 29, 2025 (teddy bear ornament) and Dec 6, 2025 (hot cocoa mug) from 9 a.m. – noon.
Light Up The Lake in Round Rock is on December 5 & 6, 2025. 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 3-day event happening on 4-9:30 p.m. on December 5, 2025 and 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on December 6, 2025 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on December 7, 2025 in historic downtown Georgetown. Parade (on Saturday at 10 a.m.) and more. 103 W 7th St, Georgetown.
Christmas on Mercer in Dripping Springs December 6, 2025 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 Nov 29 at dusk followed by a holiday movie)
Montopolis Recreation & Community Center Annual Holiday Cheer event from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Enjoy photos with Santa, crafts, and stockings for kids.
December 6
Holiday Gift-Making at Lakeshore Learning from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander is on December 6, 2025. This event includes a 5K race (Old Town Rudolph Run), parade, tree lighting, and more.
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 6, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. with the traditional Sing-Along and downtown tree lighting. 1100 Congress Ave, Austin.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas Hometown Holidays in San Marcos is December 4-6 and 11-13, 2025 at San Marcos Plaza Park.
Budafest has live music, a craft and art market, parade, fireworks show along Main Street, and more. December 5-7, 2025 at 880 Main St, Buda.
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 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
December 7
Free First Sunday at the Bullock is Dec 7, 2025 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. Explore winter celebrations from around the world with performances, activities, and crafts. Create a sheet music ornament. 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Storytime & Craft with Austin Public Library. 12 p.m. Join the Austin Philharmonic Orchestra for a free holiday concert in the Bullock Grand Lobby! This all-volunteer community orchestra will play favorite festive tunes, including a Christmas sing-a-long and Hanukkah music. 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Purchase tickets to enjoy a special multisensory screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol
Story Time with Santa at the Caswell House at 12:30 p.m.
Annual Georgetown Christmas Stroll is 3-day event happening on 4-9:30 p.m. on December 5, 2025 and 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on December 6, 2025 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on December 7, 2025 in historic downtown Georgetown. Parade (on Saturday at 10 a.m.) and more. 103 W 7th St, Georgetown.
Budafest has live music, a craft and art market, parade, fireworks show along Main Street, and more. December 5-7, 2025 at 880 Main St, Buda.
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 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
December 10
The Zilker Trail of Lights opens December 10, 2025. Free admission on Dec 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
FREE Things To Do With Kids in Austin During The Holidays
December 11
The Zilker Trail of Lights opens December 10, 2025. Free admission on Dec 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas Hometown Holidays in San Marcos is December 4-6 and 11-13, 2025 at San Marcos Plaza Park.
December 12
The Zilker Trail of Lights opens December 10, 2025. Free admission on Dec 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
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 12 & 13, 2025 from 6-9 pm. 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin.
A Jolly, Bright Lakeline Night is from 6:30-9 p.m. at Lakeline Park in Cedar Park. Blues & jazz band, pics with Santa, holiday market, etc.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas Hometown Holidays in San Marcos is December 4-6 and 11-13, 2025 at San Marcos Plaza Park.
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 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
December 13
Christmas Dreams & Snowy Things is Dec 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Chasco Family YMCA. It’s a free festival that celebrates snow! Sled down a snowy hill, make snowballs, jump around in bounce houses, drink hot chocolate, make crafts, play games, and more!
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 12 & 13, 2025 from 6-9 pm. 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin.
City of Sunset Valley’s Jingle Bell Trail at Savanna Trail 5:30-9 p.m. ? Themed Display Booths? Photos & Letters with Santa☕ Cocoa & Cookies Station? Festive Movies under the stars? Booth Decorating Contest – including Most Creative & Best Use of Lights!
Bring your family and friends for lights, music, and unforgettable holiday fun!
December 13
Brushy Creek Holiday in the Park & Craft Fair is Dec 13, 2025 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
Liberty Hill Christmas Festival December 13, 2025 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.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas Hometown Holidays in San Marcos is December 4-6 and 11-13, 2025 at San Marcos Plaza Park.
Annual Festival of Trees at Rosewood Neighborhood Park, Saturday December 13 from 5-8pm! This FREE family-friendly event will be filled with festive decorations, performances, hot chocolate, s’mores, arts & crafts, games, vendors, and prizes! Bring your friends and family. and enjoy some holiday cheer. Fun and memories await!
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 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
December 14
St Elmo Winter Fest is Dec 14, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shopping, food, bevs, activities, and special appearances by Santa and the Grinch!
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 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. Main Street Bethlehem is located two blocks east of the town square. 300 E Washington St., Burnet.
December 15
The Zilker Trail of Lights opens December 10, 2025. Free admission on Dec 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
December 16
The Zilker Trail of Lights opens December 10, 2025. Free admission on Dec 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
December 17
The Zilker Trail of Lights opens December 10, 2025. Free admission on Dec 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
December 18
The Zilker Trail of Lights opens December 10, 2025. Free admission on Dec 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18.
December 20
Free Kids DIY Workshop at Lowes on Dec 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Make a free sleigh ride!
December 22
Tuba Christmas is on December 22, 2025 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!
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. TBD
December 26
Zilker Botanical Garden Free Day is on December 26, 2026 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 2220 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Cheap Things To Do Around Austin
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights used to be free, but this year they are charging $2/person for their walkway of lights experience. You can also take free photos with Santa at the same place. Open nightly from 6-9 p.m. November 22-January 4, 2025. Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls
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 Zilker Botanical Garden for free on Dec 26, 2024.
- 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.
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