Austin, TX, December 25, 2025
This weekend, Austin comes alive with numerous festive activities as the year-end celebrations continue. From breathtaking light displays to captivating performances, there are endless opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the community and enjoy the spirit of the season. Highlights include the Mozart’s Festival of Lights, A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre, and the iconic Zilker Holiday Tree. Each event reflects Austin’s strong sense of community and local talent, making it a special time to celebrate together.
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Celebrate the Festive Spirit in Austin This Weekend
Austin, TX is brimming with vibrant activities and events this weekend as the holiday season continues to capture the city’s heart. From captivating light displays to enchanting performances, residents and visitors have a plethora of options to engage with the community and celebrate the year-end festivities. These events showcase the resilience of local organizers and the charm of our neighborhoods, all while emphasizing the importance of community involvement in fostering a lively atmosphere.
While reduced bureaucracy can often serve to streamline event coordination, the focus remains on celebrating local talent and initiatives that bring everyone together. Austin’s strong sense of community shines through these weekend offerings, making it a perfect time for citizens to come out and participate in what the city has to offer.
1. Mozart’s Festival of Lights
Experience a dazzling display of over a million twinkling lights synchronized to holiday music at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. The festival runs from December 27 to January 3, 6 pm to 10 pm, and is free to attend. Enjoy live entertainment, holiday treats, and a festive atmosphere along Lake Austin.
2. A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre
Witness a reimagined version of the classic tale “A Christmas Carol” at ZACH Theatre. Performances are scheduled through January 3, offering a modern twist on the beloved story while showcasing local artistic talent.
3. Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas
Drive through one of Texas’s largest holiday light displays at Circuit of The Americas. Peppermint Parkway features millions of lights and themed zones like “Candy Cane Lane” and “Enchanted Forest,” running through December 31. This family-friendly activity offers a unique way to gather together and enjoy the season’s spirit.
4. Winter Sol Rooftop Igloo Experience
Enjoy a cozy evening in a private heated igloo at the Otopia Rooftop restaurant in the Otis Hotel. Each igloo provides comfortable seating, holiday-themed bites, and curated music, making for an ideal outing amidst Austin’s bustling winter milieu.
5. The Peterson Brothers Live at The Continental Club
Experience the soulful sounds of The Peterson Brothers at The Continental Club on Saturday, December 27, at 8 pm. The sibling duo blends genres like soul, blues, R&B, roots, and funk for a unique musical experience that celebrates local music culture.
6. Zilker Holiday Tree
Visit the iconic 155-foot Zilker Holiday Tree located in Zilker Metropolitan Park. Illuminated with over 3,000 colored lights, this tree has stood as a festive symbol in Austin since 1967, drawing visitors to enjoy its majestic presence and the joy of the season.
7. HOPE Outdoor Gallery
Explore the newly relocated HOPE Outdoor Gallery, a graffiti park showcasing local artists’ work. Now situated near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 741 Dalton Lane, the gallery reopened in November 2025 and continues to promote local creativity and artistic expression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the dates for Mozart’s Festival of Lights?
The festival runs from December 27 to January 3, 6 pm to 10 pm.
Where is the Zilker Holiday Tree located?
The Zilker Holiday Tree is located in Zilker Metropolitan Park.
What is the HOPE Outdoor Gallery?
The HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a graffiti park showcasing local artists’ work, now located near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 741 Dalton Lane.
When does Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas run?
Peppermint Parkway runs through December 31.
What is the Winter Sol Rooftop Igloo Experience?
The Winter Sol Rooftop Igloo Experience offers private heated igloos at the Otopia Rooftop restaurant in the Otis Hotel, each with comfortable seating and holiday-themed bites. Limited spots are available on Eventbrite.
Where can I see The Peterson Brothers perform?
The Peterson Brothers will perform at The Continental Club on Saturday, December 27, at 8 pm.
What is the Zilker Holiday Tree?
The Zilker Holiday Tree is a 155-foot Christmas tree in Zilker Metropolitan Park, illuminated with over 3,000 colored lights.
Where is the HOPE Outdoor Gallery located?
The HOPE Outdoor Gallery is located near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at 741 Dalton Lane.
Key Features of Austin’s Weekend Events
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozart’s Festival of Lights | Dec 27 – Jan 3 | Lake Austin | Light show synchronized with music, free admission |
| A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre | Through Jan 3 | ZACH Theatre | Reimagined classic tale, various showtimes |
| Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas | Through Dec 31 | Circuit of The Americas | Holiday light display with themed zones, drive-thru format |
| Winter Sol Rooftop Igloo Experience | Dec 27 | Otopia Rooftop, Otis Hotel | Private heated igloos with holiday-themed amenities |
| The Peterson Brothers Live at The Continental Club | Dec 27 | The Continental Club | Soulful music performance at 8 pm |
| Zilker Holiday Tree | Dec 27 | Zilker Metropolitan Park | 155-foot tree illuminated with over 3,000 lights |
| HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Dec 27 | 741 Dalton Lane | Graffiti park showcasing local artists’ work |
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.


