Holiday Events in Austin for 2026

Austin is a great place to spend the winter holidays, with a wide range of events and activities to enjoy. From festive markets to outdoor ice skating, there's something for everyone to get into the holiday spirit with these austin winter holidays events.

Introduction to Austin Winter Holidays

Here are some popular events to check out:

Ice skating at the Whole Foods Market rooftop
Taking a stroll through the Trail of Lights
Visiting the Bullock Texas State History Museum for holiday exhibits
Checking out the festive lights on 37th Street
Shopping at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar for unique gifts

Holiday Markets in Austin

Austin has a variety of holiday markets to explore, including:

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, featuring local artists and makers
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar, with over 200 vendors selling handmade goods
The Hope Farmers Market Holiday Market, offering fresh produce and gifts
The Renegade Craft Fair, showcasing indie crafts and design
The Austin Holiday Market, with a wide range of vendors and activities

Outdoor Events for Austin Winter Holidays

Get outside and enjoy the holiday season with these events:

The Trail of Lights, a 1.25-mile walking path through Zilker Park
The Austin Ice Rink, an outdoor ice skating rink in the heart of the city
The Holiday Sing-Along and Tree Lighting, a festive event with music and cheer
The Santa's Workshop and Train Ride, a fun activity for kids of all ages
The New Year's Eve Celebration, with live music and fireworks

Family-Friendly Activities for Austin Winter Holidays

There are plenty of activities for families to enjoy together, including:

The Thinkery's Holiday Party, with hands-on activities and games
The Austin Zoo's Lights of Love, a festive light display
The Mount Bonnell Christmas Lights, a beautiful display of lights and decorations
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's Holiday Exhibit, featuring beautiful flowers and plants
The Austin Children's Museum's Holiday Workshop, with crafts and activities for kids

Food and Drink Events for Austin Winter Holidays

Indulge in the holiday spirit with these food and drink events:

The Austin Food + Wine Festival's Holiday Edition, featuring local food and drink
The Holiday Wine and Cheese Tasting, with samples of wine and cheese
The Gingerbread House Workshop, where you can make your own gingerbread house
The Hot Chocolate Festival, with samples of hot chocolate from local vendors
The New Year's Eve Champagne Toast, with live music and champagne

Volunteer Opportunities for Austin Winter Holidays

Give back to the community with these volunteer opportunities:

The Central Texas Food Bank's Holiday Food Drive, collecting food for those in need
The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program, providing gifts for children
The Austin Animal Shelter's Holiday Donation Drive, collecting supplies for animals
The Capital Area Food Bank's Holiday Volunteer Day, with opportunities to volunteer and give back
The Habitat for Humanity's Holiday Build, building homes for those in need

Want to meet people doing these things? Join New To Austin for free at newtoaustin.ai to connect with others and get the most out of your austin winter holidays experience. By joining, you'll be able to meet new people, find new events, and get involved in the community, making your holiday season even more enjoyable.