Your Austin Holiday Guide 2025: Shows, Lights, and Festive Fun
The holiday season is officially here, and Austin is lighting up with festive cheer! From heartwarming performances to dazzling light displays, the city offers countless ways to celebrate with friends, family, or a special someone.
Holiday Shows & Performances
Austin’s theaters are serving up unforgettable seasonal shows this year:
A Charlie Brown Christmas — Follow Charlie Brown’s journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas at The Kleberg at ZACH Theatre (Nov 7 – Dec 28). zachtheatre.org
A Christmas Carol — Enjoy a lively musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic at The Topfer at ZACH Theatre (Nov 19 – Jan 3). zachtheatre.org
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker — A timeless performance with enchanting sets and magical choreography at The Long Center (Dec 5 – 23). balletaustin.org
Trans-Siberian Orchestra — Experience a powerful blend of rock, classical, and holiday music with spectacular staging at the Moody Center (Dec 18). trans-siberian.com
Light Shows & Installations
Austin’s lights are shining brighter than ever with these festive experiences:
Peppermint Parkway — A dazzling drive-through trail filled with lights, characters, rides, and surprises at Circuit of the Americas (Nov 21 – Dec 28). peppermintparkway.com
Austin Ice Rodeo — Glide under twinkling lights at Four Seasons Hotel Austin (Nov 21 – Jan 4). bit.ly/3Tul9RL
Mozart’s Annual Light Show — A choreographed light and music spectacle along Lake Austin (Nov 22 – Jan 3). mozartscoffee.com
Trail of Lights at the Emily Ann Theatre — Walk through festive lights, food, and entertainment in Wimberley (Nov 29 – Dec 26). emilyann.org
Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony — Celebrate a cherished Austin tradition with the iconic 155-foot holiday tree at Zilker Park (Nov 30). bit.ly/45OrSfk
Trail of Lights in Lakeway — A glowing path of holiday installations perfect for families at Lakeway Activity Center (Dec 5 – Jan 1). bit.ly/3DQEF5h
Lake Travis Lighted Boat Parade — A magical boat parade lighting up the waters of Lake Travis at Crosswater Yacht Club (Dec 6). bit.ly/4hTT8Rn
Austin Trail of Lights — A beloved tradition with lights, vendors, rides, and festive fun at Zilker Park (Dec 10 – 23). austintrailoflights.org
Austin has no shortage of ways to make this holiday season unforgettable. From classic shows to sparkling light displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
