Ready to explore and experience all of the holiday spirit that Austin has to offer? Grab your hot egg-nog and get ready to see some amazing holiday light displays and holiday events. We’ve put together a list of the 8 must-do’s this holiday season in Austin, Texas.
1. Zilker Holiday Tree
The Zilker Holiday Tree is one of our favorite Austin classic holiday traditions. The Zilker Holiday Tree is 155 feet tall, has over 3,000 lights, and is constructed around one of Austin’s 14 historic moonlight towers.
Join hands with a loved one and spin under the tree while looking up – the helix patterned lights create a festive animated effect. The tree is located across Barton Springs Road from the Tail of Lights.
You can go to the trail of lights and the Zilker Tree in one trip, or break them up into separate trips. Both attractions are located in Zilker Park.
Date: November 27th – January 1, Daily 6 PM – 10 PM | Drive-Up Nights (green): November 28 – Dec 2,4-7,19, and 24-January 1. Free parking on site near the tree. | ALL other nights are during Trail of Lights event nights. Road closures and pre-paid parking only as thousands attend the nightly Trail of Lights.
Location: Zilker | Zilker Park | 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
For more info visit the Zilker Holiday Tree Website
2. Trail of Lights
The Trail of Lights is an Austin holiday tradition dating back to 1965. The event has grown to a community-wide celebration with more than 65 displays, 2 million lights, and holiday activities that create countless memories.
Located at Zilker Park in the heart of Austin this holiday event is highly recommended. You can go to the trail of lights and the Zilker Tree in one trip, or break them up into separate trips. Both attractions are located in Zilker Park.
Date: Daily thru December 23rd, 2022
Location: Zilker | Zilker Park | 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704
Purchase tickets ahead of time.
3. Mozart’s Holiday Light Show
Every year Motzart’s Coffee decorates their deck with over 1 million LED lights and set up an amazing show to holiday music favorites. Grab a homemade pastry and house-roasted drink and enjoy the light show with friends and family.
Date: Daily thru January 6th, 2022
Location: Tarry Town | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Reserve a table on Mozart’s website.
4. Gibson Wonderland
Gibson is taken over with holiday spirit each December. The halls are decked, mistletoe is hung and festive cocktails are being served. Grab some friends and head over to Gibson for a great time and some amazing photo ops under the twinkling lights.
Rock around the Christmas Tree, then Sleigh All Day while sippin’ on our Festive Cocktails & snappin’ your holiday photo in our very own Gibson Sleigh!
Date: Daily thru the holidays.
Location: South Lamar | 1109 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
For more info visit the Gibson Wonderland Website
5. Miracle on 5th Street
The Miracle on 5th Street is a festive pop-up full of holiday cheer and skilled bartenders. Classic cocktails and holiday specialty drinks can be ordered at one of the two bars. While Snowball Old Fashioneds, Miracle Shots, beer and wine, single-spirit mixed drinks, and full-sized Shot Skis can be ordered at The Shot Ski Lodge.
Date: thru December 27h, 2PM – 2 AM most days
Location: Warehouse District | The Eleanor | 307 W 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Get a Dasher Pass to skip the line.
For more info visit the Miracle on 5th Website
6. Field of Light at The Wildflower Center
Illuminating 16 acres in the Texas Arboretum at the Wildflower Center, Field of Light is a stunning display of 28,000 vibrant solar-powered, fiber-optic light pods that showcase the intersection of art, technology, and nature. The installation unites with the outdoors, celebrating the natural topography of the landscape and creating an immersive and emotional experience for guests.
Date: Daily thru December 31, 2022
Location: Circle C Ranch | 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
For more info visit the Field of Light Website
7. Strolling Carolers at the Domain
Enjoy the holiday spirit and knock out some holiday shopping. Each Saturday from 6-8 PM, carolers stroll the sidewalks of the Domain between Macy’s and Neiman Marcus and spread holiday cheer by singing out loud for all to hear.
Date: Saturdays thru December 23rd, 6 PM-8 PM.
Location: The Domain | 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758
For more info visit the Domain Holiday Happenings Website
8. Holiday Light Show at Fairmont Austin
Après-Ski inspired 7th floor, complete with a dazzling light show. General admission offers bar access, but reservations are required for luxe igloos, fire pits, cozy cabanas.
Fairmont Austin Holiday Light Show
Date: Fridays & Saturdays thru December 31st, 6 -10 PM.
Reserve Passes to Fairmont Austin Holiday Light Show
