Welcome to the month Austin puts on its sparkliest outfit and pretends winter is a real season. If you’re new here, this guide will help you fake it. If you’re a local, consider this your annual reminder to book parking early and pack patience.
Your holiday season starts now.
Austin Trail of Lights
Austin’s most iconic walk-through event. Two million lights. Zero snow. A crowd ratio that feels like a small music festival. The magic is real though, especially once you accept the parking situation as a rite of passage.
Dec 10 to 23
Location: Zilker Park
More info: https://austintrailoflights.org/
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker
Dec 5 to 23
Location: The Long Center
Tickets: https://balletaustin.org/events/the-nutcracker/
There are only a few chances each year to feel fancy in Austin. This is one of them. Put on something that isn’t stretchy and enjoy two hours of peak holiday energy.
Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll
Dec 6
Location: Congress Avenue
More info: https://www.downtownaustin.com/events/holiday-stroll/
This is the night Congress Avenue feels like a movie set. You get the tree lighting, live music, and joyful people who suddenly remember their inside voices. Go for the vibes. Stay because your brain wants to believe you’re the main character.
Luminations at the Wildflower Center
Through Jan 5
Location: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Tickets and info: https://www.wildflower.org/event/luminations
If you want something calmer than downtown chaos, Luminations is your move. The trails glow, the air feels softer, and the whole place turns into this quiet little pocket of wonder. It’s the rare Austin holiday event where you can actually hear yourself think. Perfect for date night or a reset night.
Zilker Holiday Tree
All month long
Location: Zilker Park
More info: https://www.austintexas.gov/zilker-tree
A classic. The tradition. The moment. You’re not officially a local until you’ve taken the same photo here at least five years in a row.
Mozart’s Festival of Lights
Through Jan 3
Location: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Info + reservations: https://mozartscoffee.com/pages/light-show
Twinkle lights reflecting on Lake Austin. Music. Cozy energy. Hot chocolate. It’s a soft-launch setting for cuffing season, so plan your date strategy accordingly.
Peppermint Parkway at COTA
Through Dec 28
Location: Circuit of the Americas
Tickets: https://peppermintparkway.com/
Imagine holiday lights, race-track energy, and traffic that somehow feels cute instead of stressful. This is the only time of year Austin drivers behave on purpose.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Dec 15 to 23
Location: Palmer Events Center
Tickets: https://www.armadillobazaar.com/
Austin’s most stylish mix of art, gifts, and live music. If you’ve ever wished holiday shopping felt more like a casual music festival, this is your place.
Austin’s New Year Celebration
Dec 31
Location: Auditorium Shores
City info: https://www.austintexas.gov/event/austins-new-year
Fireworks over the skyline. Food trucks. Live music. And yes, CNN really does film footage here, which means your outfit matters more than usual.
Bonus move: visit a Christmas pop-up bar
List of pop-ups: https://whenwherewhatinaustin.com/austin-christmas-bars/
If you want peak holiday spirit, try drinking a seventeen-dollar cocktail out of a Santa mug while Mariah plays for the millionth time. Pop-up bars nail it every year. Your Instagram story will thank you.
Before You Go
If you’re new here, hi. I’m Amber Haley. I spend my life inside Austin’s neighborhoods, coffee shops, and odd little corners so you don’t have to guess where to go or who to trust.
I’m also your real estate connector.
If you’re buying or selling in Austin, I’ve got you.
If you’re moving somewhere else, I’ll match you with a vetted agent who fits your vibe.
If you’re an investor or builder, I help with marketing and strategy.
Think of me as the friend who actually knows what’s going on in this city and knows the right people to call when you need something done.
If you ever want help, reach out. I’ll steer you in the right direction.
I’ll see you in Austin!
Amber
amber@amberhaley.com