Not everyone wants to spend Christmas Eve at home. If you’re one of those people looking to get out of the house and have some fun, here are some ideas of things to do in and around Austin.
What To Do on Christmas Eve in Austin
Mozart’s Coffee Christmas Lights Show
Enjoy live music at ATX’s most famous holiday tradition, now in its fourth decade at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Get details on everything you need to know here.
Holiday Tree Light Show
The tree light show at Domain NORTHSIDE will hapen every hour on the hour from 12 to 6 p.m. on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! And, if you’ve really waited until the last minute to mail your letter to Santa, you can do that at Domain NORTHSIDE too.
The Walkway of Lights (Marble Falls)
The Walkway of Lights, hosted by The Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce, is open nightly through December 31. The display features two million lights in Lakeside Park and over 350+ lighted sculptures. It is FREE to the public, and is entirely funded by donations.
Nature in Lights (Fort Hood)
Open to all, Fort Hood’s Holiday Drive-thru Tradition will be open through December 31, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There’s also a Santa’s Village with vendor booths, crafts, concessions, and photos with Santa. Hours and pricing here.
Peppermint Parkway
COTA’s drive-thru experience with millions of lights, dazzling scenes and dancing elves will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Bastrop River of Lights
Take in the River of Lights, numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk. To access this one-half mile promenade, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine Streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman’s Park on Farm Street. The River of Lights happens every night until January 2 from dusk until 10 p.m.
Visit The Zilker Tree
The tree may be pretty crowded on Christmas Eve but if you haven’t been, it’s a great time to go twirl under the Moontower tree!
A Christmas Carol
Join the 10th anniversary of A CHRISTMAS CAROL at ZACH Theatre – a unique musical journey through Dickens’ timeless tale, re-imagined with fresh songs and festive enchantment!
Lakeway Trail of Lights
One of Lakeway’s most cherished traditions is the Trail of Lights! Trail of Lights will be open each night from 6 p.m. until Midnight through January 1, 2024.
37th Street Lights
From sunset through 10 p.m. nightly, meander through the lights of 37th Street. To find it, use 507 W. 37th Street on your GPS.
Burnet Trail of Lights
Thousands of lights create holiday sculptures, including a picture-perfect lighted tunnel, ready made for selfies and group photos. While it’s possible to walk the Burnet Trail of Lights, you might want to consider driving to each location and parking. You can park in the Square, take in the courthouse, and then walk to Hamilton Creek Park before or after visiting Wallace Riddell Park.
Christmas Eve On the Square
Join at the historic Williamson County Courthouse on December 24 at 5:30 pm for a special Christmas Eve service on the East side of the Georgetown Square. Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy the service with your family on the courthouse lawn under the beautiful lights on the square.
Santa’s Ranch
Each year, the family at Santa’s Ranch transforms their backyard creations into dazzling one-of-a-kind displays creating a magical Hill Country Wonderland for all to enjoy. Open every day through January 4, 2025.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 2024
Step into a world of enchantment this holiday season with the all-new Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, the perfect fusion of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies. Don’t miss your chance to experience the wonder and excitement of Cirque in Cedar Park. Buy tickets here.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Bazaar features the handmade, unique work of over 200 artists, selected from a talented pool of more than 400 applicants each year.
Featured photo via iStock.com user .shock
