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Holiday Events in Austin 2024

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There are so many fun holiday events in Austin. Here’s a roundup of what’s going on so you can start making plans to do all the things!

Ongoing Events

Winter Wonderland at the Pitch has all the holiday magic! Ice skating, hot cocoa, a North Pole experience, Santa visits, and a holiday market!

Winter Wanderland at the Austin Motel runs Dec 5-23, 2024. So much fun to wander through the brightly decorated trees. Plus, it’s free!

Check out Santa’s Jingle House in Round Rock for a bunch of different holiday events like our favorite Elf Scavenger Hunts.

See the mini holiday trains for free at the Round Rock Public Library.

November 30

Make a cocoa ornament for free at all Home Depot stores from 9 a.m. – noon for their free kids DIY workshop.

December 1

Free admission to the Bullock Museum from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Explore winter celebrations from around the world with performances, activities, and crafts.

December 6

Annual Georgetown Christmas Stroll is at the Georgetown Square from 4-10 p.m. Kick off the festivities with a super start – groovin’ with the Grinch!! Explore a wonderland of food and product vendors. Enjoy live music on the Main Stage and be enchanted by live Christmas carolers. Kids can unleash their superpowers in the Kids Zone while meeting their favorite Greater Austin Comic Con characters. Don’t miss story time, and fun activities, games and arts and crafts. 

December 7

Annual Georgetown Christmas Stroll is at the Georgetown Square from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Rise and shine for the Superhero (theme) Christmas Stroll Parade at 10am on Austin Ave! After the parade, head to the west side of the Courthouse for Whoo Hair, face painters, and Santa’s Village. Enjoy live music and dance performances on the Jingle Bell Stage, while the Silver Bell Stage will feature live music throughout the day. Don’t miss the Christmas in the Park hosted by Sweet Lemon Kitchen and City Post Chophouse. Kids can join games in the Kids Zone hosted by the YMCA and meet Greater Austin Comic Con characters. Story time will also be hosting kids’ activities and games throughout the day.

Make a holiday snow globe for free at all Home Depot stores from 9 a.m. – noon at their free kids DIY workshop.

Holiday in the Park and Craft Fair at Cat Hollow Park from noon-3 p.m. Children can meet Santa, ride the train, jump on inflatables, and participate in holiday activities while you shop for gifts from local artisans! Free, all ages welcome.

Holiday Sing Along & Stroll is from 3-8 p.m. downtown Austin on Congress Avenue between 8th and 11th streets. Featuring artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa and more, the Holiday Stroll is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.

Grinch on the Green is from 5:30-9 p.m. at La Verde Park in Kyle, TX. This Whobilation GRINCHY celebration is a free family-friendly event with something fun for everyone. Enjoy sweet treats, market vendors, live music, free photos with the one and only Grinch, a chalk graffiti station, carnival games, Grinch movie screenings, and more!

December 8

Annual Georgetown Christmas Stroll is at the Georgetown Square from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Check out the classic car show! Wrap up the Stroll with a focus on local businesses, live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, and Christmas-themed contests within local shops. Shop to your heart’s content, enjoy festive performances, and participate in fun activities designed for heroes of all ages.

Family Day at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden is from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission, puppet show, choir performance, and more. Celebrate the season at Snow Place Like Umlauf! Spend a day exploring the frosty beauty of our sculpture garden, creating winter-inspired art, and enjoying family-friendly activities. Cozy up with hot cocoa and make unforgettable memories in our winter wonderland!

December 14

Make a spinning snowflake at all Lowes stores for free from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the free kids DIY workshop.

December 15

Goat Shenanigans: Santa & Baby Goats is at Vista Brewing from 11 a.m. – noon. and 1-2:30 p.m. This event is 1 1/2 hours. You can come and go while grabbing food and drinks from Vista (purchased separately). Great for all ages, children must be supervised. $10-16

Christmas Photos With the Burros at Berry Springs Park in Georgetown. Get your photo taken with the burros, explore the park, and help us raise funds for donkey care and park improvements!

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Free Holiday Events In Austin

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Austin Fun For Kids

austinfunforkids

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🙋🏼‍♀️ A guide for exploring Austin with kids 🛝 parks, hikes, restaurants, day trips, etc!

🎄 ZILKER HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

📅 Sunday, December 1, 2024

⏰ 5:15pm: Austin Civic Wind Ensemble

6pm: Tree Lighting Ceremony plus local entertainment, food, and live music.

📍 Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road (on the south side of the park)

🚗 Free parking on site first-come first-served. Entry suggested via eastbound Barton Springs Road.

👀 check their Facebook page for weather updates

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🎄 ZILKER HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY 📅 Sunday, December 1, 2024 ⏰ 5:15pm: Austin Civic Wind Ensemble 6pm: Tree Lighting Ceremony plus local entertainment, food, and live music. 📍 Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road (on the south side of the park) 🚗 Free parking on site first-come first-served. Entry suggested via eastbound Barton Springs Road. 👀 check their Facebook page for weather updates
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✨ @diagonalleyatx ✨

📍 Circle C Neighborhood (Slaughter Lane & Bungalow)

👉What you should know:

🏠 This is a house in a neighborhood! Please be respectful, careful, and aware. Drive slowly, park and walk up, and stand on the sidewalk (don’t go into their yard)!
🚗The exact address isn’t given out, but it’s very easy to find. They are right across the street from a park in the Vintage Place area.
💰 It’s free to see the lights/decorations, but consider donating to their Venmo (@diagonalleyatx). All proceeds go to local charities.
🧙They have been decorating their house to look like Hogwarts for Halloween for years and they leave everything up and switch it over to look like the Yule Ball for Christmas. They took a break last year but this is usually an annual tradition.
⏰ The lights will be on hopefully shortly after Thanksgiving (check their Instagram page @diagonalleyatx or their Facebook page for updates. The lights will be on 6-8pm weekdays and 6-9pm weekends. The lights are timed with music during certain times. The light show schedule will be announced soon but will most likely begin at dusk and go every half hour until 8pm (weekdays) or 9pm (weekends).

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✨ @diagonalleyatx ✨ 📍 Circle C Neighborhood (Slaughter Lane & Bungalow) 👉What you should know: 🏠 This is a house in a neighborhood! Please be respectful, careful, and aware. Drive slowly, park and walk up, and stand on the sidewalk (don’t go into their yard)! 🚗The exact address isn’t given out, but it’s very easy to find. They are right across the street from a park in the Vintage Place area. 💰 It’s free to see the lights/decorations, but consider donating to their Venmo (@diagonalleyatx). All proceeds go to local charities. 🧙They have been decorating their house to look like Hogwarts for Halloween for years and they leave everything up and switch it over to look like the Yule Ball for Christmas. They took a break last year but this is usually an annual tradition. ⏰ The lights will be on hopefully shortly after Thanksgiving (check their Instagram page @diagonalleyatx or their Facebook page for updates. The lights will be on 6-8pm weekdays and 6-9pm weekends. The lights are timed with music during certain times. The light show schedule will be announced soon but will most likely begin at dusk and go every half hour until 8pm (weekdays) or 9pm (weekends).
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🚗 PEPPERMINT PARKWAY at @cota_official opens today! 🤗

@peppermintparkway
📍 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX

🚗 Drive the Parkway through millions of twinkling lights, animated characters, and my favorite: the inflatable Santas! 😂

🏎️Drive the REAL RACETRACK at COTA!

🎟️ $45-99

Then check out the Plaza for more holiday fun:
🎅🏻 Photos with Santa
🎡 Rides
✉️ Letters to Santa
🍪 Cookie decorating
🐐 Petting Zoo
☕️ Hot cocoa and treats
🏎️ Go karts
⛳️ Mini golf
And more!

📅 Nov 22-Dec 29

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🚗 PEPPERMINT PARKWAY at @cota_official opens today! 🤗 @peppermintparkway 📍 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 🚗 Drive the Parkway through millions of twinkling lights, animated characters, and my favorite: the inflatable Santas! 😂 🏎️Drive the REAL RACETRACK at COTA! 🎟️ $45-99 Then check out the Plaza for more holiday fun: 🎅🏻 Photos with Santa 🎡 Rides ✉️ Letters to Santa 🍪 Cookie decorating 🐐 Petting Zoo ☕️ Hot cocoa and treats 🏎️ Go karts ⛳️ Mini golf And more! 📅 Nov 22-Dec 29
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11/22
🍂Autumn Carnival @austincityparks at Virginia L Brown Rec Center 4:30-6:30pm
🎅🏻 Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s (free photo with Santa)
🎨 Arty Party at Laguna Gloria @contemporaryatx 10-11am Free!
🦖 Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm
⛺️ Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm
🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience
⛸️Winter Wonderland at @thepitchaustin ice skating and activities for the whole family! North Pole Play area, meet Santa on the weekends!
🎥Finding Nemo at @skishores 7pm
🌟Luminations at @wildflowercenter opening night!
🎥 E.T. at Metz Park @austincityparks at sunset. Bring blankets & chairs! Free!
🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm
🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm
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11/23
👧Playdate in the Park at Metz Park 10am-noon
🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s (free photo with Santa)
🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm
⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm
🎄Grinchmas at @domainnorthside 3-6pm followed by the tree lighting
🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience
🎨 Fall Art Pop Up For kids at @slackersbrew 11am-noon
📚 Story Time at @bookpeople at 10:30am
📖 Free Story Time at @paperbarkbirchbooks at 11am
😂 @excusedabsencecomedy kid-friendly improv show at 11am $5 at @coldtownetheater
🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm
🎉 Anniversary Party at @waysouthatx 2-6pm
😂 @csz_austin Comedy Sportz at @pinballz_lakecreek at 7:30pm
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11/24
🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s (free photo with Santa)
🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm
⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm
🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience
👧Kids Festival at @dreamlanddstx 12-7pm petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, bounce house & more
🎶Free live kids music at @cherrywood_coffeehouse 10am
🦖Free 4th Sunday at @texas.science.museum 1-5pm
😂Family-friendly improv show at @hideouttheatre 4pm $5
🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-10pm

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11/22 🍂Autumn Carnival @austincityparks at Virginia L Brown Rec Center 4:30-6:30pm 🎅🏻 Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s (free photo with Santa) 🎨 Arty Party at Laguna Gloria @contemporaryatx 10-11am Free! 🦖 Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm ⛺️ Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm 🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience ⛸️Winter Wonderland at @thepitchaustin ice skating and activities for the whole family! North Pole Play area, meet Santa on the weekends! 🎥Finding Nemo at @skishores 7pm 🌟Luminations at @wildflowercenter opening night! 🎥 E.T. at Metz Park @austincityparks at sunset. Bring blankets & chairs! Free! 🎶 Free live music on the patio at @central_market North Lamar 6-8:30pm 🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm ‌ 11/23 👧Playdate in the Park at Metz Park 10am-noon 🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s (free photo with Santa) 🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm ⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm 🎄Grinchmas at @domainnorthside 3-6pm followed by the tree lighting 🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience 🎨 Fall Art Pop Up For kids at @slackersbrew 11am-noon 📚 Story Time at @bookpeople at 10:30am 📖 Free Story Time at @paperbarkbirchbooks at 11am 😂 @excusedabsencecomedy kid-friendly improv show at 11am $5 at @coldtownetheater 🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-11pm 🎉 Anniversary Party at @waysouthatx 2-6pm 😂 @csz_austin Comedy Sportz at @pinballz_lakecreek at 7:30pm ‌ 11/24 🎅🏻Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s (free photo with Santa) 🦖Jurassic Jamboree Dino Fest at @sweeteatsfruitfarm 9am-6pm ⛺️Fortlandia at @wildflowercenter 9am-4pm 🧙 @hpforbiddenforestexperience 👧Kids Festival at @dreamlanddstx 12-7pm petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, bounce house & more 🎶Free live kids music at @cherrywood_coffeehouse 10am 🦖Free 4th Sunday at @texas.science.museum 1-5pm 😂Family-friendly improv show at @hideouttheatre 4pm $5 🎅🏻 @santasranch 6-10pm
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🧗‍♀️ @cruxccpflugerville @cruxcc CHECK OUT THE NEW PFLUGERVILLE LOCATION! 🤩

📍 18817 N Heatherwilde Blvd Bldg 3, Pflugerville, TX

🎟️ Kids 5 & under are $12

There’s so much for kids to do here! An entire kids section that has bouldering, a slide, a warped wall, ropes climbing/belay, and more!

I also love how welcoming they are towards kids in the adult section. My kids wanted to try some more challenging stuff out in the big area and they were encouraged to try it! There’s a helpful code system that has cute little animal faces to show the difficulty level. For example, my kids mostly stuck to the “Sloth” belays (the easiest ones).

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🧗‍♀️ @cruxccpflugerville @cruxcc CHECK OUT THE NEW PFLUGERVILLE LOCATION! 🤩 📍 18817 N Heatherwilde Blvd Bldg 3, Pflugerville, TX 🎟️ Kids 5 & under are $12 There’s so much for kids to do here! An entire kids section that has bouldering, a slide, a warped wall, ropes climbing/belay, and more! I also love how welcoming they are towards kids in the adult section. My kids wanted to try some more challenging stuff out in the big area and they were encouraged to try it! There’s a helpful code system that has cute little animal faces to show the difficulty level. For example, my kids mostly stuck to the “Sloth” belays (the easiest ones).
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🐠 Simar Seafood & Steak 🥩

📍 9503 Research Blvd Unit 400, Austin

@simar_atx is such an ideal place to eat out for families in Austin! Here’s why we love it:

🧸 Indoor/outdoor play area. Is it indoors? Is it outdoors? It’s both! 👏 Such a genius concept and I’ve never seen anything else like it. Perfect for patio season (right now!!!) but also hot weather or cold weather. It’s covered and indoors but also right off the patio so it’s sort of outside too? Whatever you call it, I think it’s perfect!! There’s so much to play with and it’s a large play area so even if it’s crowded there’s still plenty of room and lots to do!
🌮 Everything was delicious but my favorite hands down was the mini starter tacos 🤤
🪑 They have a gorgeous patio that’s covered so you can enjoy it almost year round.
🤩It’s a big place and would be a great spot for a large group/family gathering!
🎹 They even have a piano in the front!
🍔 Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult meal!
🙌 Use code: TIDE10 for 10% off your total bill!!

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🐠 Simar Seafood & Steak 🥩 📍 9503 Research Blvd Unit 400, Austin @simar_atx is such an ideal place to eat out for families in Austin! Here’s why we love it: 🧸 Indoor/outdoor play area. Is it indoors? Is it outdoors? It’s both! 👏 Such a genius concept and I’ve never seen anything else like it. Perfect for patio season (right now!!!) but also hot weather or cold weather. It’s covered and indoors but also right off the patio so it’s sort of outside too? Whatever you call it, I think it’s perfect!! There’s so much to play with and it’s a large play area so even if it’s crowded there’s still plenty of room and lots to do! 🌮 Everything was delicious but my favorite hands down was the mini starter tacos 🤤 🪑 They have a gorgeous patio that’s covered so you can enjoy it almost year round. 🤩It’s a big place and would be a great spot for a large group/family gathering! 🎹 They even have a piano in the front! 🍔 Kids eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an adult meal! 🙌 Use code: TIDE10 for 10% off your total bill!!
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🩰 Opening weekend for @balletaustin The Nutcracker at @longcenter is Dec 6-8!

For one weekend only, guests will a free magical experience before the show! Professional holiday photos, Clara’s Dreamland and photos with Clara, a coloring station, magician, character parade, and more!

👀 Purchase tickets to see @balletaustin at the link in my bio!

These special events take place before the show on opening weekend only!

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🩰 Opening weekend for @balletaustin The Nutcracker at @longcenter is Dec 6-8! For one weekend only, guests will a free magical experience before the show! Professional holiday photos, Clara’s Dreamland and photos with Clara, a coloring station, magician, character parade, and more! 👀 Purchase tickets to see @balletaustin at the link in my bio! These special events take place before the show on opening weekend only!
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🚀 @stargazerbar has landed in East Austin! 🙌

📍 979 Springdale, Suite 130 Austin, TX 78702 (formerly Austin Eastciders)

☕️ Coffee, cocktails, mocktails, lite bites, kolaches from @batchatx , gluten free treats from @maaribuatx , @lickicecreams and 2 food trucks: @dippingspringstenderco and Santo Patio

🍕 You can even order and pick up pizza from @bambinoatx (with a discount!)

🚀They have a gorgeous tree covered patio with a space ship playground for kids! Such a fun spot to meet for a playdate! 🤗

⏰ Open daily from 7am-late

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🚀 @stargazerbar has landed in East Austin! 🙌 📍 979 Springdale, Suite 130 Austin, TX 78702 (formerly Austin Eastciders) ☕️ Coffee, cocktails, mocktails, lite bites, kolaches from @batchatx , gluten free treats from @maaribuatx , @lickicecreams and 2 food trucks: @dippingspringstenderco and Santo Patio 🍕 You can even order and pick up pizza from @bambinoatx (with a discount!) 🚀They have a gorgeous tree covered patio with a space ship playground for kids! Such a fun spot to meet for a playdate! 🤗 ⏰ Open daily from 7am-late
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