2025 Holiday Guide — 30 Events & Outings Around Austin and Central Texas
- kristinallan13
- 19 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Grab your cocoa, bundle up, and get ready to explore the magic of Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Austin, and San Antonio this holiday season! Whether you’re looking for family fun, a romantic date night, or hidden local gems, December 2025 is packed with lights, markets, ice skating, and festive charm.
🌟 Spotlight Events — Don’t Miss These
EmilyAnn Trail of Lights — Wimberley, TX
📅 Nov 29 – Dec 26, 2025
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM (most nights); 6:00–10:00 PM Fridays & Saturdays
🎄 What to expect: Walk 8 acres of magical holiday lights, enjoy free hot cocoa and marshmallows, visit Santa, and catch live performances.
💖 Best for: Families, date nights, or anyone who loves a small-town magical stroll.
Buda Holiday Lights — Stagecoach Park, Buda, TX
📅 Dec 10–13 & Dec 17–20, 2025
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
🎄 What to expect: Historic Stagecoach Park transforms into a glowing wonderland. Shuttle buses available from Cabela’s, festive music, and food vendors.
💖 Best for: Quick, family-friendly outings close to Kyle/Buda.
Illuminate — San Antonio Botanical Garden
📅 Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026
🎄 What to expect: Walk through glowing gardens with hundreds of lanterns, sculptures, and creative light displays. Timed-entry tickets recommended.
💖 Best for: Romantic evenings or families seeking a calm, artistic holiday experience.
Pearl Ice Skating Rink — San Antonio, TX
📅 Black Friday 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
🎟️ Tickets include skate rental; hours vary daily
🎄 What to expect: Outdoor skating, holiday music, Santa visits, storytime, and seasonal treats.
💖 Best for: Families, teens, or a playful date night.
🎄 Central Texas Holiday Events & Activities (Austin + Hill Country)
🎁 30 Fun Holiday Events & Experiences
🎄 Central Texas Holiday & Winter Fun Guide — 2025
# | Event / Place | City / Town | Date / Time | What to Expect | Link |
1 | Austin Trail of Lights | Austin | Dec 8–23 | Two-million+ lights, festive displays, Santa photos, vendors | |
2 | Armadillo Christmas Bazaar | Austin | Dec 13–24 | Holiday art & handmade gifts, live music, national & local artisans | |
3 | Miracle on 5th Street | Austin | Nov 21–Dec 28 | Adult-friendly pop-up with cocktails, décor, holiday vibe | |
4 | Peppermint Parkway | Austin area | Nov–Dec | Light displays, festive rides, holiday decorations | |
5 | Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker | Austin | Dec 2025 | Classic holiday ballet, magical family-friendly show | Link |
6 | A Not-So Silent Night: Fierce, Fabulous & Full of Light | Austin | Dec 5–7 | Holiday concert/performance with flair | |
7 | Blue Genie Art Bazaar (Holiday Edition) | Austin | Nov 14–Dec 24 | Local art, handmade gifts, unique shopping | |
8 | Kyle Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting | Kyle | Dec 1 | Downtown tree lighting, festive kickoff, Santa photos | |
9 | Budafest Holiday Festival | Buda | Dec 5–7 | Parade, carnival rides, craft vendors, Santa visits, lighted parade | |
10 | Buda Holiday Lights | Buda | Dec 10–13 & Dec 17–20 | Walk-through light displays, local shopping, festive community vibe | |
11 | EmilyAnn Trail of Lights | Wimberley | Nov 29–Dec 26 | 8-acre walking light exhibit, Santa visits, hot cocoa, live entertainment | |
12 | Wishes for Wimberley Lighted Parade & Tree Lighting | Wimberley | Nov 29 | Lighted parade, tree lighting, Santa, family fun | |
13 | Christmas on Mercer | Dripping Springs | Dec 6 | Downtown holiday festival, vendors, pony rides, live music, Santa | |
14 | Dripping Springs Tree Lighting | Dripping Springs | Nov 29 | Tree lighting ceremony, holiday celebration, community gathering | |
15 | Holiday Shopping & Art Markets | Austin & Suburbs | Late Nov–Dec | Local crafts, unique gifts, small-business support | |
16 | Holiday Pop-Up Bars & Experiences | Austin | Dec | Festive cocktails, themed décor, adult-friendly holiday fun | |
17 | Family Shows / Holiday Performances | Austin | Dec | Holiday musicals, family-friendly concerts & performances | |
18 | Neighborhood Holiday Light Walks | Austin & Suburbs | Early Dec–Early Jan | Walkable displays, festive decorations, Santa visits | |
19 | Kyle Grinch on the Green | Kyle | Dec 13 | Live music, vendors, kids’ activities, Grinch photos, festive treats | |
20 | Christmas Coffee & Cars | Kyle | Dec 7 | Holiday-themed car show + toy drive, local vendors, live music | |
21 | Movie in the Park – The Santa Clause | Kyle | Dec 12 | Outdoor movie under lights, snacks/vendors, family-friendly | |
22 | Bee Cave On Ice | Bee Cave / West Austin | Nov 14–Jan 19 | Outdoor seasonal ice rink, fun for families or dates | |
23 | Dripping Springs Ranch Park – Western Wonderland | Dripping Springs | Nov 28–Jan 4 | Outdoor/covered ice rink, holiday lights, winter fun for all ages | |
24 | Ice & Field – Public Skating | Cedar Park / North Austin | Dec | Indoor NHL-size ice rink, public skate sessions, rentals available | |
25 | Mix & Match Day Trips | Central TX | Dec | Combine lights, markets, skating, parades — flexible holiday plans | Based on events above |
26 | Holiday Hootenanny | Austin | Dec | Artsy, alternative holiday event with indie music, vendors, cookie decorating | |
27 | Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (holiday musical) | Bass Concert Hall, Austin | Dec 2–14 | Broadway-style Disney musical, festive, perfect for families or date night | |
28 | Holiday Pop-Up Entertainment | Austin | Dec | Cocktail-themed pop-ups, interactive décor, fun for adults | |
29 | Oh What Fun! Austin Holiday Market | Austin | Through Dec 24 | Holiday shopping with local vendors, live music, food trucks, seasonal cocktails | |
30 | Choose Your Own Adventure Holiday | Central TX | Dec | Flexible plan: pick lights, skating, shows, markets — enjoy the season your way | Based on all events above |
🎅 Why December 2025 is Perfect for Holiday Adventures
Mix it up: Big-city events or small-town charm.
Kid-friendly & romantic options: From Santa visits to intimate garden lantern walks.
Support local: Shop markets, craft fairs, and small-town vendors.
Flexibility: 30+ ways to plan an evening, weekend, or full-day outing.
✨ Don’t wait — some of the timed-entry events sell out early. Make a plan, grab your tickets, and get ready to light up your December in Central Texas!