Austin in December: 10 Festive Events to Experience
November 15, 2024
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December in Austin is a festive time of year. Everyone and every business is in the holiday spirit, which means you can expect plenty of holiday markets, Christmas-themed cocktail bars, and unique light shows.
We put together some of our favorite holiday events worth adding to your calendar if you’re planning a trip to Austin in December.
Austin Events in December
Here’s an overview of events happening in Austin this December:
- Blue Genie Art Bazaar
- Miracle on 5th Street
- Luminations
- Peppermint Parkway
- Mozart’s Festival of Lights
- Lights Spectacular
- Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker”
- Austin Trail of Lights
- Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
- Austin’s New Year
1. Blue Genie Art Bazaar
If you want to do some holiday shopping, stop by Blue Genie Art Bazaar. The holiday pop-up features art and handmade goods from over 200 Austin makers and businesses, making it one of the best ways to shop from local artists under one roof. You’ll find original art, ceramic goods, candles, jewelry, clothing, and more. The retail experience is open from November 15-December 24 from 10am-10pm.
2. Miracle on 5th Street
One of Austin’s favorite holiday pop-up bars, Miracle on 5th Street is a can’t-miss event. The Christmas-themed bar takes place at The Eleanor, an elevated cocktail bar downtown that transforms into a festive and cheery space with wall-to-wall Christmas decor, plenty of photo opportunities, and a full menu of Christmas spirits. The pop-up takes place November 15-28 and is located on W. 5th Street — a little under two miles away from the Heywood.
3. Luminations
There’s no shortage of light shows in Austin in December, and Luminations is one of the most unique. The holiday experience takes place at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center where visitors can stroll through the gardens that are beautifully illuminated for the season. If you’re looking for a holiday light show that leans into artistry and nature, add this one to your itinerary. The show runs from November 22-January 5.
4. Peppermint Parkway
If you’ve ever attended Formula 1 at Circuit of the Americas, you’ve probably wondered what it’d be like to drive on the track yourself. Well, by going to Peppermint Parkway this December, you can. Peppermint Parkway features a drive-through experience with over six million lights spanning over a mile, as well as rides, treats, and a holiday market. The festivities take place from November 22-December 29 and tickets start at $45 per car.
5. Mozart’s Lake Austin Festival of Lights
For locals, Mozart’s annual light show is one of the official markers of Austin’s holiday season. The festive light show takes over Mozart Coffee’s expansive patio deck which overlooks Lake Austin. With over one million lights, festive food and drinks, and plenty of photo opps, Mozart’s Festival of Lights is a fantastic way to spend a December evening in Austin. The show takes place from November 29-January 4.
6. Lights Spectacular
Lights Spectacular may take place outside of Austin, but the massive light display is worth the drive. Located in Johnson City, otherwise known as “The Twinkliest Town in Texas,” Lights Spectacular is a free Christmas lights event that takes over the historic town square. Along with over two million lights on display, visitors can enjoy local food, drinks, and festivities in the nearby downtown area. The show runs November 29-January 5.
7. Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker
If you’re hoping to enjoy a classic holiday show, Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” is a can’t-miss event. This year celebrates the 62nd annual presentation of The Nutcracker, making it the longest-running production of the show in the state of Texas. The Nutcracker takes place at The Long Center — two miles away from the Heywood Hotel — from December 6-23.
8. Austin Trail of Lights
A local tradition, Austin Trail of Lights is back and celebrating 60 years in Zilker Park this December. Each year, festive light installations take over the iconic park. Visitors can stroll through while enjoying food and drinks from local vendors. The show runs from December 10-23.
9. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been an Austin holiday tradition since 1976. The 10-day art and music event takes place December 14-23 at Palmer Events Center, just two miles from the Heywood Hotel. Visitors can shop fine art and handmade goods from over 200 artists while enjoying live music from 30 bands. One-day tickets are $12 per person.
10. Austin’s New Year
If you want to ring in 2025 with live music, food, fireworks, and a potential TV appearance, head to Auditorium Shores for Austin’s New Year. The free event includes a midnight countdown that will appear on CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.” Auditorium Shores is a short eight-minute drive from the Heywood Hotel.