Best Free Fun in Austin Events Happening in December 2025

December is filled with all kinds of free fun in Austin! Here are the best free events happening this month in Austin and beyond.

Best Free Fun in Austin Events – December 2025

Champs Sports Run Club

Celebrate the season with a special holiday themed run! On Thursday, December 4 kick off the evening with a scenic run through downtown Austin led by local  runners. Then stick around for a full night of festive fun, family-friendly activities and holiday surprises for all!
 


What to expect:

🎄 A special Champs Sports holiday run powered by Nike

🎅🏻 Life-size holiday buildouts and giant photo ops

❄️ Snow machines for a winter wonderland moment

🥂 Seasonal refreshments and festive food options

🔔 Live DJ, good vibes and community fun

🎁 Giveaways, games and prizes for FLX members

☃️ Fun for all ages

What: Champs Run Club Austin: Holiday Run

When: December 4 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Butler Pitch & Putt 
Register here.

Lights On! in Lakeway

Lakeway’s annual holiday celebration will kick off with lighting of the city’s Trail of Lights on Friday, December 5 from 6 to 9 p.m..The evening will include chances to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, who will listen to holiday wishes and pose for photos. There will also be live music, s’mores, food from local vendors and activities.

45th annual Budafest

The festival will feature a tree lighting, a lighted parade, a reindog parade, pictures with Santa, a carnival, food and craft vendors and live entertainment. The free event is happening December 5 through 7. You can find more info here.

Light Up The Lake

Round Rock’s annual Light Up the Lake is a two-day holiday festival at Old Settlers Park, taking place December 5 and 6. The event will feature giant balloons over Bright Lake, live music on the new Lakeview Stage, a light show and family activities. This is a walking event and pathways will include both sidewalks and grass terrain.

​Downtown Holiday Stroll

The stroll returns this December with free, family-friendly activities to celebrate the season. Visit downtown Austin for holiday festivities like the holiday shopping passport, pop-ups, appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Claus, holiday window and light displays and the signature 45-foot downtown tree. Happening on Saturday, December 6 on Congress Avenue, between Ninth Street and 11th Street. More details here.

Christmas on Shady Lane 

Experience a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration across three of Austin’s favorite venues — Cabana Club, Travelers Lounge, and Holiday, all located along Shady Lane! Each location will feature its own unique vibe with food, drinks, and pop-up markets showcasing local vendors in categories such as arts & crafts, wellness, apparel, accessories, and more! From creative makers, to holiday cocktails and delicious bites, the event will also feature live entertainment at each location, creating a festive, high-energy atmosphere to kick off the holiday season! Happening on Saturday, December 6, get more info here.

Lake Travis Community Library Holiday Celebration

Lake Travis Community Library in Lakeway will host a holiday celebration for families on December 9. Make festive crafts, play games, take holiday photos, enjoy refreshments and get a visit from Santa.

Toddler Yoga with ATX Yoga Girl

Stretch, breathe, move, dance, relax, create and have FUN! These classes will include age-appropriate yoga and movement, including breathing, poses, games, stories, music, relaxation, meditation and more. Your family will get to practice fine and gross motor skills, social and group skills and begin to learn mindfulness and breathing/calming tools. Free and open to the public! All ages are welcome but these classes are geared toward toddlers and their grown ups. Happening on the Great Lawn at Pease Park on December 10 and December 17 at 10 a.m. Register here.

Buda Holiday Lights

The holiday light experience will transform Stagecoach Park into a holiday wonderland with Santa, illuminated displays, food and entertainment. Sensory-friendly night will take place December 17 with designated quiet spaces for attendees who need sensory breaks. Light display happens December 10 through 13 and 17 through 20. All details can be found here.

A Jolly, Bright Lakeline Night

Create new memories on the jolliest night in Cedar Park. This joyful celebration features twinkling lights, family-friendly activities, and timeless holiday cheer. Magic is everywhere, from holiday music to warm treats and Santa’s arrival. So, bundle up, bring your holiday cheer, and join us for a night that’s merry, bright and full of delight. A Jolly, Bright Lakeline Night is happening on Friday, December 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Lakeline Park.

Liberty Hill Christmas Festival

Community members can visit downtown Liberty Hill to enjoy shopping, eating and live music. Activities include snow tubing and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The festival will also include a community parade in the evening on December 13.

Stories on the Go with Austin Bat Cave: Songwriting Workshop and Book Drive

Pease Park Conservancy is excited to partner with Austin Bat Cave for the Stories on the Go series! During this iteration, participants will be able to collect and swap books, visit the Bat Bus, and experience a unique performance. Happening Saturday, December 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Pease Park. Register here.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony

A brief ceremony honoring fallen veterans is happening at 11 a.m. on December 13, after which community members are invited to lay remembrance wreaths on their graves. Attendees are encouraged to sponsor a wreath online ahead of time.

Austin Live! at Antone’s, feat. The Point. & Adrian Quesada (DJ Set)

The Oxford American is excited to announce a FREE concert celebrating the launch of its Austin Live! Music Issue + Vinyl LP on Sunday, December 14, at the legendary Antone’s Nightclub. Featuring a DJ Set by Adrian Quesada and a live performance by The Point, this event is free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. Reserve your spot here.

Fashion Swap at the Library!

Looking to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime? Join for a Clothing Swap at the Windsor Park Branch! Bring your new or gently used clothing and accessories and trade them in for something new-to-you. It’s happening Monday, December 15 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Rockin’ Around the Rooftops Holiday Bar Crawl

Five local bars are collaborating to throw Austin’s third annual Rockin’ Around the Rooftops Holiday Bar Crawl. Participants can start the crawl at Upstairs at Caroline, Azul Rooftop, Otopia, Edge Rooftop or Zanzibar. Guests who get their crawl card punched by all five bars will earn a $50 promo card, valid at any of the participating bars. It’s happening now through December 28.