Austin, December 3, 2025
Austin is brimming with free holiday events this December, offering residents and visitors an array of festive activities. From community runs to local festivals, these events showcase the resilience of local organizers and the vibrant spirit of Austin’s culture. Families can come together to participate in events like the Downtown Holiday Stroll, Budafest, and various celebrations featuring live music, food, and holiday cheer. Stay engaged with this festive community spirit and enjoy the city’s offerings throughout this joyous season.
Discover Free Fun in Austin This December 2025
Celebrate the Holidays with Vibrant Events
Austin, Texas, is set to host a variety of free events throughout December 2025, offering residents and visitors numerous opportunities to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy the city’s vibrant culture. Local organizers have demonstrated remarkable resilience in their commitment to community engagement, showcasing that dedicated planning can overcome bureaucratic challenges.
This month, the city will come alive with festive activities ranging from holiday runs to vibrant festivals. The importance of civic innovation and individual initiative shines through as various communities come together to create memorable experiences for families and friends. Such collaborations reflect a positive trend in empowering local choices, enhancing the sense of community within Austin.
Champs Sports Run Club: Holiday Run
Date: December 4, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Butler Pitch & Putt
Kick off the holiday season with a festive run through downtown Austin, led by local runners. The event features life-size holiday displays, snow machines, seasonal refreshments, live music, and family-friendly activities. Registration is available online.
Lights On! in Lakeway
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: Lakeway City Park
Celebrate Lakeway’s annual holiday event with the lighting of the city’s Trail of Lights. Enjoy live music, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, indulge in s’mores, and explore food offerings from local vendors.
45th Annual Budafest
Date: December 5 – 7, 2025
Location: Buda City Park
This festival features a tree lighting ceremony, lighted parade, reindog parade, photos with Santa, a carnival, and live entertainment. The event is free and open to the public, further reflecting the community’s dedication to accessible holiday cheer.
Light Up The Lake
Date: December 5 – 6, 2025
Location: Old Settlers Park, Round Rock
Experience a two-day holiday festival with giant balloons over Bright Lake, live music on the Lakeview Stage, a light show, and family activities. This event provides a walking experience, encouraging families to enjoy the festive atmosphere together.
Downtown Holiday Stroll
Date: December 6, 2025
Location: Congress Avenue, between Ninth and 11th Streets
Enjoy free, family-friendly activities such as a holiday shopping passport, pop-up shops, appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Claus, holiday window and light displays, and the signature 45-foot downtown tree. This event emphasizes local business participation and community engagement.
Christmas on Shady Lane
Date: December 6, 2025
Location: Cabana Club, Travelers Lounge, and Holiday on Shady Lane
Experience a unique holiday celebration across three venues, each offering its own vibe with food, drinks, and pop-up markets showcasing local vendors. The event also features live entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere to kick off the holiday season.
Lake Travis Community Library Holiday Celebration
Date: December 9, 2025
Location: Lake Travis Community Library, Lakeway
Families can enjoy festive crafts, games, holiday photos, refreshments, and a visit from Santa at this community celebration, highlighting the importance of local libraries as community hubs.
Buda Holiday Lights
Date: December 10 – 13 and 17 – 20, 2025
Location: Stagecoach Park, Buda
Transforming Stagecoach Park into a holiday wonderland, this event features Santa, illuminated displays, food, and entertainment. A sensory-friendly night is scheduled for December 17, with designated quiet spaces for attendees who need sensory breaks, showing an inclusive approach to community events.
Liberty Hill Christmas Festival
Date: December 13, 2025
Location: Downtown Liberty Hill
Enjoy shopping, dining, live music, snow tubing, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The festival also includes a community parade in the evening, demonstrating vibrant local traditions.
Wreaths Across America Ceremony
Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Texas State Cemetery, Austin
Honor fallen veterans with a brief ceremony, followed by the laying of remembrance wreaths on their graves. Attendees are encouraged to sponsor a wreath online ahead of time, promoting community involvement in honoring those who served.
Austin Live! at Antone’s
Date: December 14, 2025
Location: Antone’s Nightclub, Austin
Celebrate the launch of The Oxford American’s Austin Live! Music Issue with a free concert featuring a DJ set by Adrian Quesada and a live performance by The Point. Reservations are encouraged, supporting local music and culture.
Fashion Swap at the Library!
Date: December 15, 2025
Time: 4 – 7 p.m.
Location: Windsor Park Branch Library, Austin
Refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime by bringing your new or gently used clothing and accessories to trade in for something new-to-you at this clothing swap event, fostering sustainable practices.
Rockin’ Around the Rooftops Holiday Bar Crawl
Dates: Now through December 28, 2025
Locations: Upstairs at Caroline, Azul Rooftop, Otopia, Edge Rooftop, and Zanzibar
Participate in Austin’s third annual holiday bar crawl. Guests who get their crawl card punched by all five bars will earn a $50 promo card, valid at any of the participating bars.
For more details and updates on these events, please refer to the official event websites or local Austin event listings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the dates for the Downtown Holiday Stroll?
The Downtown Holiday Stroll is scheduled for December 6, 2025, on Congress Avenue, between Ninth and 11th Streets.
Is there an admission fee for the Liberty Hill Christmas Festival?
No, the Liberty Hill Christmas Festival is free and open to the public.
How can I register for the Champs Sports Run Club: Holiday Run?
Registration for the Champs Sports Run Club: Holiday Run is available online.
When is the Buda Holiday Lights event taking place?
The Buda Holiday Lights event is scheduled for December 10 – 13 and 17 – 20, 2025, at Stagecoach Park in Buda.
What is the Rockin’ Around the Rooftops Holiday Bar Crawl?
The Rockin’ Around the Rooftops Holiday Bar Crawl is Austin’s third annual holiday bar crawl, taking place now through December 28, 2025, at various participating bars in the city.
Event Highlights
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champs Sports Run Club: Holiday Run | December 4, 2025 | Butler Pitch & Putt | Festive run, holiday displays, snow machines, live music, family-friendly activities |
| Lights On! in Lakeway | December 5, 2025 | Lakeway City Park | Trail of Lights, live music, Santa meet-and-greet, s’mores, local food vendors |
| 45th Annual Budafest | December 5 – 7, 2025 | Buda City Park | Tree lighting, lighted parade, reindog parade, photos with Santa, carnival, live entertainment |
| Light Up The Lake | December 5 – 6, 2025 | Old Settlers Park, Round Rock | Giant balloons, live music, light show, family activities |
| Downtown Holiday Stroll | December 6, 2025 | Congress Avenue, between Ninth and 11th Streets | Holiday shopping passport, pop-up shops, holiday window and light displays |
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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.
