Austin, November 27, 2025
Austin, Texas, is set to brighten up the 2025 holiday season with a plethora of events, including impressive light displays, live performances, and unique shopping experiences. Events like the Trail of Lights and the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar highlight the community spirit and resilience of local organizers as residents and visitors come together to celebrate. From festive markets to ballet performances, there are countless ways to engage with the rich culture and vibrant community during this joyful season.
Austin’s 2025 Holiday Event Guide: Light Shows, Performances, Shopping, and More
Embrace the Magic of the Season with Local Events
Austin, Texas, is embracing the holiday season with a variety of festive events, including dazzling light displays, live performances, and unique shopping experiences. As the city prepares to welcome residents and visitors alike, support for local initiatives is more important than ever. In an environment where community effort shines through, activities like these highlight the resilience of organizers and the capacity of individuals to come together for joy and celebration.
The 2025 holiday season showcases how reduced bureaucracy can pave the way for easier collaboration among local businesses, artists, and civic bodies, ultimately enhancing the cultural fabric of Austin. These events are a testament to personal initiative, encouraging civic engagement and providing opportunities to foster connections within the community.
Trail of Lights
December 8–23, 2025
Zilker Park transforms into a winter wonderland with over 2 million lights, 90 illuminated holiday trees, and more than 70 festive displays. Visitors can enjoy a 1.25-mile walking trail, food vendors, and photo opportunities with Santa. General admission is free on select nights, with tickets starting at $5 on premium nights. Parking must be reserved in advance or accessed via shuttle service.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
December 13–21, 2025
Held at the Palmer Events Center, this annual event features over 200 artists and craftspeople showcasing their work, alongside live music performances and a festive atmosphere. This event serves as a perfect spot for unique holiday gifts while supporting local artisans.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
November 14–December 24, 2025
Located at 6100 Airport Boulevard, this family-friendly event offers thousands of handmade items from over 200 regional artists. Admission and parking are free, with accessibility via CapMetro bus and MetroRail, providing a convenient option for those wishing to explore local craftsmanship.
Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas
November 22, 2025–January 3, 2026
Experience a mile-long drive-thru light display featuring millions of lights, live dancing elves, and a festive Christmas village. Tickets start at $45 per car, making it an exciting family outing and an opportunity to partake in holiday cheer.
Holiday Performances
Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker”
December 5–23, 2025
Enjoy the 62nd annual performance of this classic holiday ballet at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, accompanied by live music from the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Zach Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol”
November 19, 2025–January 3, 2026
Experience a fresh take on this timeless holiday tale with new music and performances at the Zach Theatre, reflecting the commitment to innovative community cultural experiences.
Additional Holiday Attractions
- Mozart’s Festival of Lights
November 22, 2025–January 3, 2026
Sip hot chocolate while enjoying a dazzling light display choreographed to lively music at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. - Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor
November 13–December 28, 2025
A holiday pop-up bar featuring seasonal drinks and festive décor, creating a cozy gathering space for locals and visitors alike. - A Christmas Affair
November 19–23, 2025
A shopping event with over 200 vendors from across the country, hosted by the Junior League of Austin at the Palmer Events Center, promoting community involvement through charity and local business support.
For the most current information and additional events, please refer to official event websites and local listings to keep your holiday planning on track.
FAQ
What is the Trail of Lights?
The Trail of Lights is an annual event in Zilker Park featuring over 2 million lights, 90 illuminated holiday trees, and more than 70 festive displays along a 1.25-mile walking trail. Visitors can enjoy food vendors and photo opportunities with Santa. General admission is free on select nights, with tickets starting at $5 on premium nights. Parking must be reserved in advance or accessed via shuttle service.
When is the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar?
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is scheduled from December 13 to December 21, 2025, at the Palmer Events Center. This annual event features over 200 artists and craftspeople showcasing their work, live music performances, and a festive atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for unique holiday gifts and supporting local artisans.
Where is the Blue Genie Art Bazaar held?
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is located at 6100 Airport Boulevard. This family-friendly event offers thousands of handmade items from over 200 regional artists. Admission and parking are free, and the venue is accessible via CapMetro bus and MetroRail.
What is Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas?
Peppermint Parkway is a mile-long drive-thru light display at Circuit of The Americas, featuring millions of lights, live dancing elves, and a festive Christmas village. Tickets start at $45 per car.
When is Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” performance?
Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” is scheduled from December 5 to December 23, 2025, at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Enjoy the 62nd annual performance of this classic holiday ballet, accompanied by live music from the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Event Highlights
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trail of Lights | December 8–23, 2025 | Zilker Park | Over 2 million lights, 90 illuminated holiday trees, and more than 70 festive displays along a 1.25-mile walking trail. General admission is free on select nights, with tickets starting at $5 on premium nights. Parking must be reserved in advance or accessed via shuttle service. |
| Armadillo Christmas Bazaar | December 13–21, 2025 | Palmer Events Center | Over 200 artists and craftspeople showcasing their work, live music performances, and a festive atmosphere. A perfect spot for unique holiday gifts and supporting local artisans. |
| Blue Genie Art Bazaar | November 14–December 24, 2025 | 6100 Airport Boulevard | Thousands of handmade items from over 200 regional artists. Admission and parking are free, and the venue is accessible via CapMetro bus and MetroRail. |
| Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas | November 22, 2025–January 3, 2026 | Circuit of The Americas | A mile-long drive-thru light display featuring millions of lights, live dancing elves, and a festive Christmas village. Tickets start at $45 per car. |
| Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” | December 5–23, 2025 | Long Center for the Performing Arts | The 62nd annual performance of this classic holiday ballet, accompanied by live music from the Austin Symphony Orchestra. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shop Local: Celebrate 25 Years of the Blue Genie Art Bazaar in Austin
Austin Students Brighten Homes at Community First! Village Ahead of Thanksgiving
Nationwide Thanksgiving Travel Faces Disruptions Amid Weather Challenges
Austin Police Department Issues Holiday Safety Tips to Residents
Tragic Collision in Georgetown Claims Life of Utility Worker
Austin Braces for Cold Front and Fire Weather Warnings
President Trump Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys Gobble and Waddle
Record Number of Texans Hit the Road for Thanksgiving Travel
U.S. Retail Sales Signal Cautious Consumer Behavior
New Organizing Business Opens in Buda, TX
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.
