The Ultimate Guide To The Holidays in Austin 2022
It’s time to celebrate the holidays! If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to all the holiday events, look no further. We cover pictures with Santa, holiday events, lights displays, performances, shopping, volunteering, day trips, and even where you can cut down your own Christmas tree. This is the Ultimate Guide to the Holidays in Austin 2022!
The Ultimate Guide To The Holidays in Austin 2022
Holidays Events and Lights Displays
November 5
The grand opening of Hill Country Galleria Bee Cave on Ice includes a performance of ice skaters.
November 10
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 10, 2022 – January 6, 2023 at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin.
November 11
On Friday, November 11 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.
November 17
Museum of Ice Creamโs annual Pinkmas celebration kicks off Thursday, November 17, 2022 and runs through Monday, January 9, 2023. Visitors will add a little sprinkle of joy to their holiday as they embark on a magical journey across 12 multi-sensory installations filled with delicious treats, festive crafts, a larger-than-life snow globe, and much more! The Pinkmas experience will be filled with interactive moments and limited-time activations as guests sprinkle all the way through MOICโs Pinkmas tree forest, build a take-home paper gingerbread house, and sample all the flavors that celebrate the spirit of the season.
November 19
Ice Rodeo at the Four Seasons is Nov 19, 2022 – Jan 8, 2023. Skate under the stars and overlooking Lady Bird Lake at the Four Seasons outdoor skating rink. Fire pits, s’mores, and cabins available as well. 4-10 p.m. daily. Admission + skate rental is $35/person.
November 24
Hogwarts is in South Austin! The display should be up and running by Thanksgiving 2022 and theme is the Yule Ball, with floating stars and crystal icicles. The light show begins at dusk and continue every half hour until 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 on Saturday and Sunday. Slaughter Lane and Bungalow in South Austin.
November 25
Peppermint Parkway at COTA November 25 – December 30, 2022. Drive-thru lights display at the Circuit of the Americas. The inflatable Santas always make us laugh! 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin.
On November 25, 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.
November 26
Santa on the Terrace at the Long Center from 12-4 p.m. Free family photos with Santa in his signature sleigh, with iconic skyline background (pets welcome!), a holiday vendor market, kidsโ reading circle with Mrs. Claus, Kiddie Express Train rides, live music, giveaways, food trucks, and a life-sized photo frame for โelfies,โ. 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin
November 27
Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Nov 27, 2022 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).
Santa’s Jingle House has so many cute and fun events for kids during the holidays. One of our favorites is the Holiday Bingo, Elf Scavenger Hunt & S’mores or just the plain Elf Scavenger Hunt. Get some treats and hunt for elves! We have done this several times over the years, and my kids have a blast each time. Even my 12 year old loved it last year, and said he wants to go back this year! Tickets required. 8 Chisholm Trail, Round Rock.
December 1
The Driskill will kick-off the holiday season with a Tree Lighting ceremony, accompanied by live music and cocktails, on December 1st, 2022 at 6 p.m. in the lobby.
Austin Motel will have a free Winter Wanderland experience where you can wander through their uniquely decorated trees. All ages, no fee. December 1-26, 2022.
December 2
Light Up The Lake in Round Rock is on December 2 & 3, 2022 at 6 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 5-9 p.m. on December 2, 2022 and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on December 3, 2022 in historic downtown Georgetown. Parade (on Saturday at 10 a.m.), shopping, Bethlehem Village (live manger), Santa photos, dessert with the Grinch, and more! 103 W 7th St, Georgetown.
Lakeway Trail of Lights is December 2, 2022 through January 2, 2023 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!
December 3
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshop Build and decorate a gingerbread house or gingerbread people. Donโt forget that you will need to purchase both a Gingerbread Kit AND Gingerbread Workshop Tickets for everyone attending, as well as reserve General Admission Tickets, to build and decorate at Thinkeryโs Candy Wonderland. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin
Downtown Holiday Stroll and Capitol Tree Lighting- Celebrate the holidays downtown Austin with live music, carol singing, and much moreโincluding the downtown tree lighting. This yearโs Holiday Stroll in Austin will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2022 with the traditional Sing-Along and downtown tree lighting. 1100 Congress Ave, Austin.
The Pfestival of Lights and Christmas Parade returns on December 3, 2022 with a 4 p.m. parade, tree lighting and Santa!
Santa’s Jingle House in Round Rock has a Breakfast With Santa starting on December 3, 2022. At the breakfast, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet, get pictures with Santa, have story time with Mrs. Claus, an elf scavenger hunt, and more. There are 6 different breakfasts on December 3, 10, and 23, 2022. Tickets are required and cost $28. 8 Chisholm Trail, Round Rock.
December 3
Santa’s Jingle House in Round Rock also has a Santa VIP Event with a dessert buffet, a photo session with Santa, ornament and cookie decorating, Bingo, letters to Santa, elf scavenger hunt, and more! There are 10 VIP events starting on December 3 and ending on December 23, 2022. Tickets required and cost $40. 8 Chisholm Trail, Round Rock.
Foodie Kids is holding festive gingerbread house holiday workshops where they provide the houses, frostings, candies, edible glitter, and everything else needed to decorate the house of your dreams! The cost is $45 a house and includes hot chocolate- no more than two decorators/watching family members per house. Dates are Dec 3, 10, 17, 22 and 23, 2022. 3818 Far W Blvd #107, Austin.
Light Up The Lake in Round Rock is on December 2 & 3, 2022 at 6 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.
Breakfast With Santa and Bottomless Mimosas at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, and 24, 2022 at 9am. Tickets required.
December 4
Breakfast With Santa and Bottomless Mimosas at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, and 24, 2022 at 9am. Tickets required.
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshop Build and decorate a gingerbread house or gingerbread people. Donโt forget that you will need to purchase both a Gingerbread Kit AND Gingerbread Workshop Tickets for everyone attending, as well as reserve General Admission Tickets, to build and decorate at Thinkeryโs Candy Wonderland. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin
December 8
Austin Trail of Lights is an Austin institution and a must-do (at least once)! We’re so excited that you can walk through it again this year! See the lights, meet Santa, and ride the ferris wheel! The 58th annual Austin Trail of Lights is returning to Zilker Park on December 8-23, 2022. Tickets here. 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin.
December 9
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 and 10, 2022 from 6-9 pm. 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin.
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.
Community First Village of Lights with Mobile Loaves & Fishes is Dec 9 & 10 from 5:30-9 p.m.
December 10
Southern Lights Winter Solstice Celebration at Pease Park from 2-8 p.m. Free festival including real snow, tubing, arts & crafts, a squirrel elf, and more. You can also purchase a ticket for the Gingerbread Terrace for $100 which will get you a gingerbread house kit, 4 drink tickets, and snacks.
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshop Build and decorate a gingerbread house or gingerbread people. Donโt forget that you will need to purchase both a Gingerbread Kit AND Gingerbread Workshop Tickets for everyone attending, as well as reserve General Admission Tickets, to build and decorate at Thinkeryโs Candy Wonderland. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin
Teddy Bear Brunch at Four Seasons on December 10 and 17, each brunch will feature a lavish spread of festive food and drink, visits with Santa and whimsical teddy bear decor that will delight the imaginations of kids of all ages. Guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear or childrenโs toy as a donation to a local non-profit. For reservations, please call +1 (512) 478-4500. USD 85 per adult and USD 50 per child.
Breakfast With Santa and Bottomless Mimosas at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, and 24, 2022 at 9am. Tickets required.
December 11
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshop Build and decorate a gingerbread house or gingerbread people. Donโt forget that you will need to purchase both a Gingerbread Kit AND Gingerbread Workshop Tickets for everyone attending, as well as reserve General Admission Tickets, to build and decorate at Thinkeryโs Candy Wonderland. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin
Santa’s Jingle House in Round Rock has a Family Fun With Santa event that includes story time with Mrs Claus, ornament and cookie decorating, a picture with Santa, and letters to Santa. Tickets required and cost $20. 8 Chisholm Trail, Round Rock.
Breakfast With Santa and Bottomless Mimosas at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, and 24, 2022 at 9am. Tickets required.
December 17
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshop Build and decorate a gingerbread house or gingerbread people. Donโt forget that you will need to purchase both a Gingerbread Kit AND Gingerbread Workshop Tickets for everyone attending, as well as reserve General Admission Tickets, to build and decorate at Thinkeryโs Candy Wonderland. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin
Santa’s Pajama Party at The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel includes story time with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Santaโs Elf. Sip only the best house-made hot chocolate, delectable bottomless mimosas, and enjoy delicious brunch while decorating your holiday cookies. Lastly, donโt forget to bring a gift for the toy drop off benefitting Toys for Tots Austin and wear your holiday pj’s. December 17, 2022 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 701 Congress Avenue Austin
Teddy Bear Brunch at Four Seasons on December 10 and 17, each brunch will feature a lavish spread of festive food and drink, visits with Santa and whimsical teddy bear decor that will delight the imaginations of kids of all ages. Guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear or childrenโs toy as a donation to a local non-profit. For reservations, please call +1 (512) 478-4500. USD 85 per adult and USD 50 per child.
Breakfast With Santa and Bottomless Mimosas at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, and 24, 2022 at 9am. Tickets required.
Holiday at the Hive from 2-7 p.m. Live Muisc with Strawbitty Yops, Hot Cocoa Bar, Specialty Drinks, Crafts, Face Painting. They will be collecting toys for Operation Blue Santa so please bring a new, unwrapped toy to share the spirit with those in need this year!
December 18
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshop Build and decorate a gingerbread house or gingerbread people. Donโt forget that you will need to purchase both a Gingerbread Kit AND Gingerbread Workshop Tickets for everyone attending, as well as reserve General Admission Tickets, to build and decorate at Thinkeryโs Candy Wonderland. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin
Breakfast With Santa and Bottomless Mimosas at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, and 24, 2022 at 9am. Tickets required.
December 19
Christmas at The Pitch is December 19-22, 2022. ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ & ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ต ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ฒ ๐ก๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ is ๐ฟ๐๐. ๐ญ๐ต๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐ฒ๐ฅ๐ข 
Teddy Bear Drive 
The Grinch on the big screen with Free Popcorn 
Free Holiday Cookies for the first 50 guests. ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐๐ฝ๐ | ๐ฟ๐๐. ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐ฒ๐ฅ๐ข 
Dog toy + supply drive A Charlie Brown Christmas on the big screen with Free Popcorn 
Dog Swag for your pup. ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฎ | ๐ฟ๐๐. ๐ฎ๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ ๐ฑ๐ฅ๐ข 
Santa Photo Op from 5 to 7pm 
Free Christmas Facepainting 
Christmas Carolers at 6pm 
Free Hot Cocoa
December 22
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshop Build and decorate a gingerbread house or gingerbread people. Donโt forget that you will need to purchase both a Gingerbread Kit AND Gingerbread Workshop Tickets for everyone attending, as well as reserve General Admission Tickets, to build and decorate at Thinkeryโs Candy Wonderland. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin
December 23
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshop Build and decorate a gingerbread house or gingerbread people. Donโt forget that you will need to purchase both a Gingerbread Kit AND Gingerbread Workshop Tickets for everyone attending, as well as reserve General Admission Tickets, to build and decorate at Thinkeryโs Candy Wonderland. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin
December 24
Breakfast With Santa and Bottomless Mimosas at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm is December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, and 24, 2022 at 9am. Tickets required.
The Ultimate Guide To The Holidays in Austin 2022
Where to Take Pictures With Santa
November 5
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. We also love to go bowling at Uncle Buck’s after the pictures are done. November 5 – December 24, 2022. 200 Bass Pro Dr, Round Rock.
November 11
Santa will be there for pictures at Lakeline Mall beginning November 11 (times vary). Make reservations here. 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr, Cedar Park.
November 17
Santa will be there for pictures at the Domain beginning on November 17 (times vary). Make reservations here. 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin.
November 25
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm has Santa on the weekends and live reindeer every day! Santa and his real live reindeer are coming to Sweet Eats Adventure Farm! Santa will be there every weekend beginning on Black Friday (11/25/22) from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and his reindeer are there every single day from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.! You can take your own photos with Santa just by having a General Admission ticket which also grants you full access to over 30 different activities that are included. Apple Cannons, Pig races, pony rides, giant petting zoo, hay maze, jump pads, treasure mountain, pipe races, and so much more! There are so many photo ops as well, including a giant walk-thru Gingerbread House and more. November 26- December 31, 2021. 14400 E. State Highway 29 Georgetown.
Santa will be there for pictures at the Round Rock Outlets beginning on November 25, 2022 (times vary). Make reservations here. 4401 N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock.
Selfies 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- November 25-December 24, 2022. 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave.
December 1
See Santa at Pikopye’s Town! They sell out quickly every year, so reserve your spots quickly! If you don’t get a time slot you want, they may be adding more dates, so keep checking back. Make reservations here. 2919 Menchaca Rd Suite 205, Austin.
December 2
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 2, 2022. Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park.
December 3
Santa’s Jingle House has 3 different ways for you to get pictures with Santa: Santa VIP Event, Breakfast With Santa, and Family Fun With Santa. Events start on December 3rd- advance reservations required. NEW LOCATION: 8 Chisholm Trail, Round Rock.
December 4
Santa will be at Dreamland Dripping Springs on Sundays in December (4, 11, 18) from 4-6 p.m. 2770 US-290, Dripping Springs
December 11
Santa will be at Mt Playmore from 2-4 p.m. 13609 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin
Santa will be at Indigo Play from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Take photos with Santa (free with admission). 13530 Research Blvd, Austin
Santa will be at Dreamland Dripping Springs on Sundays in December (4, 11, 18) from 4-6 p.m. 2770 US-290, Dripping Springs
December 16
On December 16, 2022 from 3-9 p.m. you can skate with Santa at Playland! 8822 McCann Dr, Austin.
Photos With Santa at Catch Air is December 16, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. Free with paid admission.
December 17
Breakfast with Santa at San Gabriel Park is December 17, 2022 from 7:30-11 a.m. 445 E Morrow St, Georgetown.
December 18
Santa will be at Dreamland Dripping Springs on Sundays in December (4, 11, 18) from 4-6 p.m. 2770 US-290, Dripping Springs
The Ultimate Guide To The Holidays in Austin 2022
Holiday Plays and Performances
November 16
ZACHโs singular adaptation of Dickensโ A Christmas Carol is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras. This family-friendly spectacular creates an infectious spirit that has everyone dancing in the aisles. Celebrate the season with the loving Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts as they take Ebenezer Scrooge on a joyride to rediscover his heart and love for human kindness. November 16-December 31, 2022. 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.
November 18
The Georgetown Palace Theater in Georgetown is showing Holiday Inn on November 18-December 30, 2022. They also have A Tuna Christmas showing on December 2-30, 2022. 810 S Austin Ave, Georgetown.
December 3
Join the Austin Chamber Music Center for a live concert of all of your favorite tunes from the holiday classic! Celebrate the season with the original Charlie Brown music of Vince Guaraldi. December 3, 2022 at 12 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theater, 713 Congress Ave, Austin.
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker is on December 3-23, 2022. The Long Center, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin
December 23
Tuba Christmas is on December 23, 2022 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 24
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is showing at the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park on December 24, 2022 at 2 p.m. 2100 Ave of the Stars, Cedar Park
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree
November 17
The Little Longhorn is opening up for trees! This isn’t a cut-your-own experience, but they will have some fun experiences lined up for a magical tree picking time!
November 25
When you arrive at Elgin Christmas Tree Farm, you will be given a tag (once you cut and find your perfect tree) you will cut it then tag it (keep the other part). A nice hayride will take you out to the cutting fields so you can begin your search. Someone will pick your tree up once you cut it, your tree will be shaken and baled and ready for its ride home. Trees cost $15 a foot (min price is $30). November 25-December 9, 2022. 120 Natures Way, Elgin.
At Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm, you take a wagon ride out to the field where you can cut your own Texas-grown Christmas tree or pick a precut Noble fir or Fraser fir. Trees are available November 25, 2022 until they sell out. 242 Monkey Rd, Elgin.
Holiday Craft Fairs and Bazaars
November 12
Holiday Bazaar at Clay Madsen Recreation Center in Round Rock has a Holiday Bazaar Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1600 Gattis School Road, Round Rock.
November 16
A Christmas Affair is a five-day holiday market benefiting The Junior League of Austinโs signature programs and community non-profit partners. November 16-20, 2022. A Christmas Affair is returning to the Palmer Events Center located at 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin.
November 18
Blue Genie Art Bazaar is November 18 – December 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. โ 10 p.m. (10 a.m. โ 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve). 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin
December 3
Downtown Austin Alliance Holiday Stroll is Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 5-10 p.m. Free, family-friendly y’alliday cheer. There will be a festival, market, local food and more to enjoy while the giant tree get lit on the edge of the Capitol Grounds. Take a sneak peek at the Holiday Passport and shop local for your gifts this season to win prizes.
December 4
Brentwood Social House Holiday Market is December 4, 2022 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Outdoor Holiday Market in the parking lot and backyard. There will be over 15 local artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs selling their wares. Find one-of-a-kind gifts including textiles, pottery, jewelry, food, clothing, flowers, soaps, paper goods, candles, and art. Plus there will be a Santa sighting! Bring your camera or cell phone to take your photo with Santa from 2-4 p.m. (Photography will not be provided.)
December 17
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is an art fair, music festival, and shopping experience all wrapped up in a pretty little bow! December 17-23, 2022 from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. outside the Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.
Volunteering & Giving Back
Austin Allies
The Austin Allies Annual Holiday Helpers Party is just around the corner! This is a perfect way to volunteer as a family during the holidays! It’s a morning full of wrapping gifts , creating Holiday cards , sipping hot cocoa , decorating cookies , photos with Santa , live portraits with Gigglebox , raffle items (score those last-minute gifts you still need!) and much more! Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cookies For Caring
In 1969 volunteers organized a bake sale to save the hotel from demolition, and because of their efforts, the hotel is still standing today. Cookies for Caring continues the tradition of The Driskillโs beloved baked sales, and raises funds for the Austin American-Statesmanโs Season for Caring. The pickup event will be held on Wednesday, December 14th, from 3-6 p.m. Cookies tins will be available for purchase here beginning November 14th, 2022. All profits will go to Austin American-Statesman Season for Caring families.
Blue Santa
The mission of the Austin Police Operation Blue Santa is to provide toys and food for families in need during the holiday season. You can help by dropping off toys, donating, adopting a family, volunteering your time, and more.
Brown Santa
Williamson Countyโs Brown Santa program provides assistance to Williamson County families in need during the Holiday season.
Sponsor a SAFE Holidays Wish List
SAFE serves more than 1,000 youth, adults, and families during the Holiday season. In order to grant thousands of wishes, they need your help! Sign up for a wish list here.
Generation Serve
One of the few places in town that allows children to volunteer. Families with children as young as 3 years old volunteer together at family service activities. Register on their website and check their calendar for volunteering opportunities.
Coats For Kids
The Junior League of Austin (JLA) will hold the 35th annual Coats for Kids Distribution December 1โ10, 2022. The Junior League of Austin aims to provide warm winter coats to Central Texas children in need. Donate gently used coats to any Jack Brown Cleaners, or donate $20 to purchase a new coat. If you’d prefer to volunteer your time, go here.
Day Trips
November 11
Santa’s Wonderland is November 11 – December 30, 2022. Visit the largest outdoor Christmas attraction in the South! Located in College Station, TX, spend an unforgettable evening outdoors celebrating the holidays Texas-style with REAL snow, ice skating & more.18898 Hwy 6, College Station.
Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels lets you drive-thru over 1 million lights and 100 displays! November 11, 2022 โ January 1, 2023 at 9561, I-35 North, New Braunfels.
November 18
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights is November 18 – December 31, 2022. Open nightly from 6-10 p.m. till January 1st, The Walkway of Lights displays 2 million lights in Lakeside Park and over 350+ lighted sculptures. FREE! 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls.
November 25
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 25, 2022 to January 8, 2023, 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.
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, 2022 – January 3, 2022.
November 26
North Pole Flyer is on weekends November 26 โ December 18, 2022. Tickets are $45-65 and you can get them here. Kids 3 and under can sit on a lap for free. Hot chocolate, a story performance, and meet Santa! This ride is 2 hours and departs from Bertam, 100 W State Hwy 29, Bertram.
December 1
Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos is December 1-3, 2022, and again December 8-10, 2022. 401 E Hopkins St, San Marcos.
December 2
Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet This Christmas, visit Bethlehem in Burnet Texas as the ancient city of Christโs birth comes alive again. No tickets required. December 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 2022 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 2-4, 2022 at 880 Main St, Buda.
December 3
Old Town Christmas Festival in Leander December 3, 2022 at This event includes a 5K race (Old Town Rudolph Run), parade, movie, s’mores, shopping, live music, tree lighting, Santa sighting (no up close pictures), and more.
Liberty Hill Christmas Festival December 3, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in downtown Liberty Hill. Parade, shopping, snow, ice skating, visit with Santa, and more.
Christmas on Mercer in Dripping Springs December 3, 2022 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.
For days that are too cold to play outside:
Experience Gifts For Kids in Austin:
FREE Things To Do With Kids in Austin During The Holidays - Austin Fun for Kids
November 7, 2022 @ 6:58 am
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