Mozart's Holiday Light Show. Credit Carlos Hernandez.
Austin LOVES the holidays, y'all! I mean, we're literally home to a bar that's Christmas-themed all year round. Iconic. Because there are so many great things to do around the Austin area during the holiday season, we put together a go-to guide for where to celebrate: solo, date nights, family activities, or friends' night out! Explore the list, make some plans, and let your personal assistant handle everything else.
Luminations at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Through January 3 | 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
A sensory reset in the best way possible. Stroll through illuminated gardens filled with native plants, art installations, and nightly live music. Warm up with hot chocolate and churros!
Mozart’s Holiday Light Show
Through January 3 | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
An Austin classic, especially if you grab a coffee and people-watch by the water. Book a reserved table or show up spontaneously. The light show doesn't disappoint!
Trail of Lights (Weeknight Visits Recommended)
Through December 23 | 2100 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78746
Located in Zilker Park, make sure to go early in the week to skip the crowds and take it slow. Grab a bite, take a longer-than-usual walk, and enjoy another ATX staple.
Trail of Lights
Miracle on 5th Street
Through December 28 | 307 W 5th St Austin, TX 78701
The 9th annual holiday pop-up bar. Expect decked-out decor, an interactive experience, themed cocktails, and no shortage of photo ops.
Dinner at Mattie’s or Lenoir
901 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704 / 1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Beautiful, candlelit, and perfectly Austin. Both feature seasonal menus and that quiet luxury feel that makes for a memorable night.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Through December 24 | 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Part shopping, part social hour. Here you can find handmade gifts, incredible local Austin art, bites & drinks all under one roof. It's a must-visit market!
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
December 13–21 | 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Austin's original and longest-running holiday art market! Here you'll find handmade gifts, art from nearly 200 artists, and live music. A true Austin tradition.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Credit Jennifer M. Ramos.
Austin Steam Train’s North Pole Flyer
Select Dates | 170 S. Gabriel St., Bertram, TX 78605
2.5-hour excursion: Cookies, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, and Santa and Mrs. Claus on board for photo ops give you that Polar Express Christmas feel!
Downtown Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting
December 6 | Congress Ave between 8th and 11th street.
Hosted by Downtown Austin Alliance, a free family-friendly city tradition that’s festive and local. Featuring vendors, food trucks, and photos with Santa!
Thinkery Winter Wonderland Gingerbread Workshop
Various dates in December | 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 787823
A hands-on workshop designed for families with children of all ages (best suited for kids 2+), a 60-minute session of creativity and engineering. Plus a candy bar buffet that your kiddos will undoubtedly never forget!
Thinkery Gingerbread Workshop
Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City
Through December 27 | 1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
A tiki-style holiday takeover. Loud, ridiculous, and exactly the energy you need after a long week. First come first serve but table reservations are available for groups of 6+.
Spa + Dinner Combo: Viva Day Spa + Aba
Several ATX Locations / 1011 S Congress Ave
Start with facials or massages, then head to Aba’s heated patio for mezze, martinis, and memories.
Candle-Making at Slow North
$70-$110/per person / 5555 North Lamar Boulevard E-109 Austin, TX
A slower, more intentional night out. A 1.5-hour workshop where you'll pour your own 13-oz soy candle, creating your own custom scent in a glass tumbler of your choice. A unique and memorable way to spend time with friends!
Lala’s Little Nugget
Open year-round | 2207 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757
It’s Christmas here every day, but something about Lala’s in December hits differently. Retro decor, strong drinks, and the coziest nostalgia in town. Fun fact: Lala's has been featured on Best Bars in America!
Lala's Little Nugget
Austin does the holidays differently. There’s room for every kind of celebration here: the loud, the quiet, the full-house kind, and the recharge-alone kind. The key is remembering that you don’t have to do it all to enjoy it.
Whether that means saying yes to a last-minute girls’ night, skipping the dishes to see the Trail of Lights, or finally delegating the details you’ve been carrying, make it easy on yourself.
Queen of To Do Tip: This season, we’ll handle the behind-the-scenes chaos so you can actually enjoy what you’ve planned. From booking reservations and sourcing gifts to tackling errands and family prep, our team makes the holidays lighter and a lot more fun.
At Queen of To Do, we believe your time is the best gift you can give yourself. However you celebrate, let it feel easy.