Relax, we have your weekend plans covered. Austin Moms is your one-stop shop for all the best Weekend Events in Austin, Texas! Let us handle the planning while you enjoy your family.
Weekend Events in Austin, Texas
A Christmas Carol | Now– December 31 | The ZACH Theatre
Sold out four years in a row, Austin’s hottest holiday tradition returns with new music and surprises to ring in the season. ZACH’s adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras.
Vintage Market Days of Greater Austin | December 1 – 3
Join us as we host interior designers, decorators, and over 100 dealers with unique vintage & antique goods, handmade treasures, clothing & jewelry, LIVE plants, and so much more!
Hungry?! Enjoy a great mix of food options including custom and vegan menus! Snag anything from a delicious wood-fired pizza to a delectable deep fried treat! Caramel apples, gourmet fudge and chocolates, delicious treats, and it doesn’t stop there!
Participate in one-of-a-kind shopping, giveaways, and so much more! Children 12 and under admitted free of charge!
The market is indoors, so weather is not a factor! Come shop in comfort the most unique, one-of-a-kind shopping experience!
FUNBOX | ALL WEEKEND | Barton Creek Square
The world’s biggest bounce park is OFFICIALLY OPEN! With 25,000 sq. ft. of continuous jumping zones connecting 10 different play areas. This play area was designed with a kid-first, social media -second approach. Its fun for adults too, with tons of photos ops! Visit their instagram @REALFUNBOX to see what your visit will include.
Fortlandia at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center- Reserve tickets in advance. An annual exhibition of secret hideouts, kicks off this fall in the Family Garden. Don’t forget to grab your free PassForts with mini maps!
Santa at The Domain | Now – December 24th | Century Oaks Terrace
Santa Photo Experience. The ultimate holiday tradition awaits! Santa will be under the tree in front of Macy’s on Century Oaks Terrace. Secure your spot today.
Santa’s Ranch NOW OPEN | New Braunfels
Kicking of the Holiday season! They are EVERY single night starting FRIDAY, including ALL holidays, even if it’s raining!
Mozart’s 2023 Christmas Light Show | NOW – January 6 | Mozart’s
Swifties, this year is for you. Mozart’s Light show will have Taylor Swift’s actual Era’s Tour dance floor! It will be front and center all season long, available for photo ops and shaking-it-off every night. Not to mention the nautical excursions, table service, hot chocolate, cocoa bombs, holiday t-shirts, & dog-friendly treats which are a longtime favorite!
Mozart’s 14th Annual Holiday Light Show returns nightly starting November 9th, lasting until January 6th. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Bee Cave on Ice | NOW – January 15 | Hill Country Galleria
Hill Country Galleria and the City of Bee Cave present Bee Cave on Ice! Come out and enjoy this year’s coolest holiday attraction from Friday, November 10th – Monday, January 15th. The $15 ticket includes a skate rental and a 60-minute skate session. Reservations are highly encouraged, but a number of walk-ups will be available. Skate times each day vary
Walkway of Lights | Now– December 31 | Marble Falls
The trail runs most days in December and is a walking trail through approximately 8 acres of lighted exhibits. Most nights feature live entertainment on the stage next to our yule log where guests can enjoy complimentary marshmallows and hot chocolate. Santa Claus flies in most nights from the North Pole and will be in his house to greet everyone!
Ice Rodeo | Now – January 7 | Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Blue Genie Art Bazaar | Now – December 24
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is an annual holiday art show held in Nov/Dec. FREE admission! Shop for gifts from 200+ talented artists. The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday shopping season. Open from late November to Christmas Eve. The Bazaar features unique work from over 200 local & regional artists. Parking & admission are always FREE of charge.
Luminations | Now– January 6
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin presents a glowing celebration of winter’s natural beauty with all-new light installations. Inspired by the four elements — earth, air, fire and water — this year’s exhibition spans nearly two miles of our Texas Arboretum, inviting you to immerse yourself in the season. Tickets on sale now!
Peppermint Parkway | Now -December 30th | COTA
Ready, Set, Glow! Peppermint Parkway returns to Circuit of the Americas November 25th through December 30th! Experience a drive-thru holiday spectacular with a mile of holiday displays, millions of lights, dancing characters and a holiday plaza full of food, rides, activities and more.
2023 Santa and His Reindeer at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm | Now- December 24
A Christmas Carol | Now – December 30 | Georgetown Palace
Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island), breathe fantastic new life into the classic tale of A Christmas Carol.
Bastrop River of Lights | Now – January 2
Take in the River of Lights, numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk. To access this one-half mile promenade, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine Streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman’s Park on Farm Street. The River of Lights opens November 25 and continues every night until January 2 from dusk until 10pm.
Photos with Santa | Now – December 24
Photos with Santa is back this holiday season at Hill Country Galleria! Enjoy a magical experience that allows families to visit Santa inside his winter workshop cabin and take their own photos for FREE. There will be no professional photographer on site, but families are welcome to use their own cameras to capture this magical moment. Open select days from November 25th through December 24th, Santa’s Workshop will be located indoors, next door to Buenos Aires Café.
A Christmas Carol Now – December 16 | Hill Country Arts Foundation
A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.
Holiday Bingo, Elf Hunt & S’mores | Now – December 22 | Santa’s Jingle House
This event starts off with an exciting Elf Scavenger Hunt (60 elves are hiding in Santa’s Jingle House). After the hunt we have complementary drinks, cookies and a fabulous s’mores table. We will play several rounds of Holiday Bingo. You can win some great prizes!
Friday
Merry & Bright on Aldrich Street | December 1
This free event will offer something for the whole family, including live music, a holiday photo opportunity with a live alpaca, cotton candy, lighting displays and more. Come enjoy holiday specials at some of your favorite Aldrich Street local businesses and retailers.
Light Up The Lake 2023 | December 1 & 2 | Old Settlers Park
BIG & GLOWING holiday cheer is coming back to Round Rock for 2 amazing nights in December! Join us for the annual Light Up the Lake, a 2-day holiday festival around the lake and festival area at Old Settlers Park on Fri, December 1st, and Sat, December 2nd.
The event will feature SPECTACULAR giant balloons hovering over Bright Lake, amazing light show, LIVE music, holiday displays, holiday food and refreshments, crafts, family activities, yule log and more!
Saturday
Strolling Carolers | Every Saturday in December | The Domain
The sounds of the season will drift through The Domain each Saturday night as strolling carolers roam the sidewalks! Saturdays from 6PM-8PM.
Holiday Afternoon Tea | December 2
Served on the grand Mezzanine Ballroom foyer of the Driskill Hotel, this sublime experience is available for two afternoons only. Enjoy the very best of The Driskill afternoon tea experience elevated with a distinct selection of holiday fare and fine teas – set to the tunes of our live pianist.
Lake Travis Lighted Boat Parade | December 2
Mark your calendars…The date is set for the 2023 Lake Travis Lighted Holiday Boat Parade!There are a few public places to watch the parade go by including Lakeway Resort and Spa on the south shore.
42nd Annual Christmas Stroll | December 2
Pfestival of Lights and Christmas Parade | December 2
Main Street comes alive with the enchantment of the holiday season during the annual Pfestival of Lights. As dusk descends, the street transforms into a dazzling spectacle of color and light.
The air is filled with the joyful sounds of carolers and the laughter of families enjoying the festivities. The highlight is the Christmas parade that winds its way down Main Street with floats adorned with glittering lights and festive decorations.
Old Town Christmas Festival | December 2
The best way to kick off the holiday season is by shopping, dancing, singing, playing, eating and meeting Santa at the Old Town Christmas Festival! Start your stocking stuffing and present shopping while enjoying the most fun of the season!
The parade is done in partnership with the The City of Leander and The Leander Chamber of Commerce. The Leander Parks and Recreation department hosts and coordinates the parade.
North Pole Flyer | Saturdays & Sundays Thru December 17
The classic North Pole Flyer departs from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot. The special 2-hour excursion on a real train features a visit (and hugs!) from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, and a locally baked holiday cookie. Each car is decorated for the season where passengers enjoy a live reading of the North Pole Flyer book-our railroad’s own Christmas Story! Our professional Santa will spend time in each car to “check your list twice” and pose for photographs before handing out a gift to each child to remember this special ride. Come be a part of the magic!
Santa on theTrail | December 2
Santa’s sleigh will land at International Shores(1820 S Lakeshore Blvd) along the Butler Trail, officially kicking off the holiday season! Stop by to make sure you have made the Nice List this year!
- Complimentary Photos
- Live Music by Austin’s Cool Yule Orchestra feat. Patrick Buchta, Collin Shook, Sam Pankey and Jeff Olson
- Holiday Market with Austin Flea
- Toy drop-off location for Austin Tejano Music Coalition Toy Drive
Jingle Bell Jamboree | December 2
Families can enjoy live music, take part in holiday craft activities, balloon twisting, a holiday photo opportunity and more! Saturday, December 2nd from 3pm – 5pm located on Century Oaks in The Domain
Sunday
Community Hours | 3-5pm | Thinkery
Each week, Thinkery opens our doors for children and families to explore our exhibits for Admission by Donation.
Holiday Afternoon Tea | December 3
Served on the grand Mezzanine Ballroom foyer of the Driskill Hotel, this sublime experience is available for two afternoons only. Enjoy the very best of The Driskill afternoon tea experience elevated with a distinct selection of holiday fare and fine teas – set to the tunes of our live pianist.
Austin Holiday Mini Market | December 3
Join us for Holiday Mini Market on Sunday, December 3rd from 10am to 4pm at Distribution Hall. Guests can browse over 60 women-owned businesses including baby and kid clothing and accessories, women clothing and accessories, beauty, home goods and more. Gifts for everyone on your list!
Featured Image Credit :: Noelle Westcott Photography