As a mom, trying to make the holidays magical for my kids can be overwhelming. And expensive. We have so many options for holiday events and activities here in Austin, but sometimes that adds to the pressure to do ALL the things in order to create a memorable holiday season.
It’s always a struggle during the holidays to remind myself that my kids don’t actually need to do ALL the things for it to feel special. One of our favorite traditions is just driving around in our car with hot chocolate looking at lights in different neighborhoods—totally free, simple, and magical.
RELATED READING :: 2024 Ultimate Guide to Holiday Events in Austin
There are many other free holiday events in Austin and central Texas that will create joy-filled holiday memories without breaking the bank. Check out the list below for all the free, festive fun happening in Austin this holiday season.
LIGHTS AND HOLIDAY TREES
Johnson City Lights Spectacular – Enjoy the historic downtown and 2 million lights in the “Twinkliest Town in Texas!” (Johnson City, Nov. 29-Jan. 5)
Bastrop River of Lights – Numerous displays on the half-mile promenade at the June Hill Pape Riverwalk Trail in Fisherman’s Park. (Bastrop, Nov. 29-Jan. 6)
EmilyAnn Trail of Lights – Eight acres of lighted exhibits, live entertainment, yule log, complimentary marshmallows and hot chocolate, Santa visits, and special additions on certain nights like llamas and a train. (Wimberley, Nov. 30-Dec. 26)
Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting – A tradition since 1967, watch the tree come to life and enjoy local entertainment, food, and live music. (Central Austin, Dec. 1)
Holiday Decor at Downtown Hotels – The annual lighting of the 16-foot Douglas fir in the beautiful lobby of the historic Driskill Hotel is open to the public. You can also check out the holiday decor at the Four Seasons—thousands of lights, 120-foot tunnel of stars, Texas-themed art installations, and a 30-foot tree. (Downtown Austin; Driskill tree lighting on Dec. 6)
Lakeway Trail of Lights – Take a self-guided tour of thousands of holiday lights on the walking trail next to Lakeway City Hall. (Lakeway, Dec. 6-Jan. 1)
Austin Trail of Lights – Walk through over 2 million lights at this beloved tradition celebrating its 60th year. (Central Austin; free nights are Dec. 10-18)
Buda Holiday of Lights – Historic Stagecoach Park transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and displays. (Buda, Dec. 12-14, 18-21)
37th Street Lights – An all-volunteer group of neighbors puts together this quirky, quintessentially Austin lights display on their street. Walking is the best way to see all the cool details. (Central Austin, Dec. 13-31)
Diagon Alley Austin – A home in the Vintage Place neighborhood of Circle C transforms every year into an incredible Harry Potter-themed world. (Southwest Austin)
HOLIDAY CRAFTS AND CULTURE
Home Depot Kids Workshops – Free craft workshops one morning a month, while supplies last, Dec. 7
Bullock Museum Free First Sunday – Learn about the winter celebrations of Kwanzaa and Las Posadas through music, storytelling, and crafts, and try winter-themed STEM demos and activities.
Austin Public Library Events – Library branches all over the city are hosting an array of free holiday events for kids. Some highlights include:
- Shrinky Dink Gifts, Windsor Park Branch, Dec. 5
- Winter Cheer Craft Fest, Ruiz Branch, Dec. 7
- Kwanzaa Celebration, University Hills Branch, Dec. 7
- Mason Jar Lanterns, Menchaca Road Branch, Dec. 12
- Mini Horses and Cocoa, Westbank Library, Dec. 14 (not an APL branch)
- Winter Cheer Celebration, Little Walnut Creek Branch, Dec. 14
- Craft Your Own Hanukkah Menorah, Westbank Library, Dec. 15 (not an APL branch)
- Elf Cooking Class, Cepeda Branch, Dec. 20
- Winter Cheer Holiday Gift Making, Windsor Park Branch, Dec. 21
For the full calendar of events, visit library.austintexas.gov/events.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops – Free 4×6 photo; reserve your spot online in advance. (Buda and Round Rock, through Dec. 24)
Santa on the Terrace at the Long Center – Free photo with Santa in his sleigh and iconic skyline background. (Central Austin, Nov. 30)
Hill Country Galleria – Visit Santa in his workshop and take photos with your own camera. (Bee Cave, Nov. 30-Dec. 24)
Fitzhugh Brewing Photos with Santa Party – Also includes craft stations and live music. (Dripping Springs, Dec. 14)
Photos with Santa at Renaissance Austin – Don’t miss this magical opportunity to make the holidays extra special for your little ones and give back to the community. (December 1st to December 12th)
HOLIDAY MOVIES
Vista Brewing Movie Night – Free screenings of Elf and Home Alone on the Beer Garden stage. (Driftwood, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7)
Movie in the Park – Austin Parks Foundation presents The Grinch at Balcones District Park. Pre-show activities include an art activity, adoptable puppies on site, and holiday photos. 100 free bags of popcorn will be available. (North Austin, Dec. 5)
Austin Parks and Recreation Free Friday Movies – Outdoor screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Metz Park. One free popcorn and drink per person. (East Austin, Dec. 6)
Community First! Village of Lights – Four nights of classic Christmas movies at the Community Cinema (A Christmas Story, The Santa Clause, Elf, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Come early for other activities like a light show set to music, electric mini train, inflatable axe throwing, and Santa visits. (East Austin, Dec. 6-7, 13-14)
Movie in the Park at Lake Kyle – Outdoor showing of Elf. (Kyle, Dec. 13)
Holiday Classics at Meanwhile Brewing – Movie series featuring Frozen, A Christmas Story, and Home Alone. Blankets and camp chairs welcome. (Southeast Austin, Dec. 24)
FESTIVALS
Domain Northside Grinchmas Holiday Kick-Off – Meet the Grinch and Max the Dog, face painting, bracelet bar, balloon twisting, and tree lighting. (Domain, Nov. 23)
Cedar Park Tree Lighting Ceremony – 50,000 lights on the largest oak tree in Cedar Park, live music, holiday movie showing, and Santa’s arrival to his sleigh. (Cedar Park, Dec. 6)
Light Up the Lake – Two nights of festivities featuring giant balloons over the lake, crafts, family activities, yule log, and more. (Round Rock, Dec. 6-7)
Downtown Holiday Sing-a-Long and Stroll – The 30th anniversary of this event fetures photos with Santa, a dog costume contest, artisan vendors, and the tree lighting. (Downtown Austin, Dec. 7)
Pfestival of Lights and Parade – Family activities, parade, tree lighting, and photos with Santa. (Pflugerville, Dec. 7)
Holiday in the Park and Craft Fair – At Cat Hollow Park in Brushy Creek, kids can meet Santa, ride the train, jump on inflatables, and more. (Round Rock, Dec. 7)
Old Town Christmas Festival – Rides, games, petting zoo, musical and dance performances, and holiday parade. (Leander, Dec. 7)
Christmas on Mercer – Kids’ activities, arts and crafts vendors, live music. (Dripping Springs, Dec. 7)
Grinch on the Green – Free photos with the Grinch, chalk graffiti, carnival games, Grinch movie screenings, and more. (Kyle, Dec. 7)
Budafest – Nighttime lighted parade, free pictures with Santa, “reindog” parade, snow play area, ornament and craft making, live performances, and carnival. (Buda, Dec. 7-8)
Christmas Stroll – Three-day event in downtown Georgetown with tons of kids’ activities and Saturday morning parade. (Georgetown, Dec. 7-8)
Luminary Festival – Stroll through Katherine Fleischer Park where more than 1500 luminarias are lit along the trail. Other free activities include haybale ride, crafts, and a chance to meet Santa. (Wells Branch, Dec. 13-14)
Free Photos with Santa at Renaissance Austin
Date: December 8th
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Renaissance Austin
Celebrate the holiday season with free photos with Santa at the Renaissance Austin Hotel! As part of their 12 Days of Giving Toy Drive (happening from December 1st to December 12th), Renaissance Austin invites families to join the festivities.
Bring a qualifying gift for the toy drive and receive a special discount along with goodies from the hotel. Don’t miss this magical opportunity to make the holidays extra special for your little ones and give back to the community.
Click here for a sneak peek at Ren’s Holiday Décor!
