Ready to celebrate the holidays in style? Check out our guide to the best events and activities in Austin, Texas this season! In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in Austin during the holiday season.
From Christmas lights displays to New Year’s Eve celebrations, there is something for everyone in this lively city. So if you’re considering a trip to Austin during the holiday season, be sure to read on for our top recommendations! Get into the spirit and start planning your holiday fun today!
Where to See Holiday Lights in the Austin area?
Catch the sparkling and dazzling holiday lights and listen to the holiday music this season with your friends and family!
Austin Trail of Lights
December 8 – 23, 2022
Drive through the magic! The 58th Annual Austin Trail of Lights returns as a drive-thru event with multiple ticket options available. This Austin tradition has been around since 1965 and provides miles of its jubilant display of lights!
Bastrop River of Lights
November 25, 2022 – January 3, 2022
Enjoy the numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk! The Bastrop River of Lights will be at the Fisherman’s Park, Farm Street in Bastrop from November 25th to January 3rd! Admission is free!
Buda Trail of Lights
December 9 – 11, 2022 & December 16 – 21, 2022
Take a walk through the Historic Stagecoach Park to view twinkling lights and illuminated displays! You’ll be shuttled from Cabela’s to enjoy the array of festive scenes. Find food, fun, and holiday splendor at the annual Buda Trail of Lights!
Lakeway Trail of Lights
December 2, 2022 – January 2, 2023
Witness the glow at the Lakeway Trail of Lights! One of Lakeway’s most cherished traditions is back from December 4th to January 2nd. You can access the trail from the lower level of the parking lot at the Lakeway Activity Center or by parking behind the City Hall. The self-guided trail has handicapped and stroller access available from the City Hall following the sidewalk. Admission and parking are free!
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights
November 18 – December 31, 2022
Take in the dazzling illumination of the Walkway of Lights at Marble Falls! Open nightly from 6 pm to 10 pm, the Walkway of Lights displays 2 million lights in Lakeside Park with over 350+ lighted sculptures. Admission is free for the public!
Mozart’s Christmas Light Show
November 10, 2022 – January 6, 2023
Join Mozart’s Coffee is bringing back the Annual Christmas Lightshow this 2022 that is bigger, better, and brighter than ever! Book your tickets and reserve your seats. You can also purchase some sweet holiday treats alongside your reserved table tickets.
Peppermint Parkway
November 25, 2022 – December 30, 2022
Retuning to Circuit of the Americas this holiday season, the drive-thru holiday spectacular is back for miles of holiday displays, millions of lights, dancing characters, and a plaza full of food, rides, activities, and more!
Where to Shop Local Gifts in Austin, TX?
Support local businesses and artists! Here’s where you can shop local gifts this holiday season!
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
December 17 – 23, 2022
Palmer Events Center
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a fine art, shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists, live music, and a full bar in a festive, lively atmosphere.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
November 18 – December 24, 2022
6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Shop local holiday gifts in the Blue Genie Art Bazaar! The Bazaar features the handmade, unique work of 200 artists selling all sorts of crafts from jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and more!
German-Texan Christmas Market
December 3, 2022
German Texans Heritage Society
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the most authentic German Christmas Market in Texas. The German Free School and its gardens transform into a traditional German Christmas Market. Over 3,000 visitors attend this one day event.
Where to Celebrate 2022 New Year’s Eve in Austin
Ring in 2022 in style from live music to exclusive dinners.
2023 Austin New Year’s Eve Party – Gatsby’s House
December 31, 2022
Hilton Austin
Experience a night of luxury at the most upscale NYE party in Austin! Celebrate 2023 at the Hilton Austin Downtown Hotel. The event will feature top Austin DJs playing the hits, hours of prepaid drinks, complimentary party favors for all, and more. One spectacular night for you to experience!
Austin NYE Bar Crawl at Buck Wild
December 31, 2022
Buck Wild
Austin’s #1 NYE Bar Crawl in the last five years is back! A wristband purchase entitles you access to 4-6 Downtown Austin bars. Enjoy live music, drinks, appetizers, food specials, champagne toast, and VIP viewing of the ball drop!
1971 New Years Eve at The 04 Center
December 31, 2022
The 04 Center
Welcome 2023 with music from the year 1971 with Violet Lea, Jace of Spades, Kody Lee & Kelly Green from Madam Radar, and Paige De Chausse, Nick James & Ashlyn Shannafelt from The Reverent Few.
New Year’s Eve Pre-Fixe Dinner
December 31, 2022
Hotel Viata
Ring in the new year with a 5-course pre-fixe dinner from the imaginative and talented Executive Chef, Tommy Suddeth of Laurel Restaurant. Courses include Paella Arancini, Stripped Bass, LHA Beef Tenderloin, and delicious Morello Cherry dessert.
Ball Drop 2023 New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2022
The Belmont
The hottest New Year’s Eve Party in Austin, TX! With more than 500 guests ready to make a night to remember. The Belmont’s Ball Drop 2023 features a silent disco, photobooths, an NYE countdown with two balloon drops, face painting, full-service bars, tented/heated roof decks, and more!
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