December events in Austin recommended by the Heywood Hotel

Austin in December: 30 Festive Events and Shows

November 30, 2025 | by Heywood Hotel
Austin Events, Heywood Picks

December in Austin is a festive time of year. Everyone and every business is in the holiday spirit, which means you can expect plenty of holiday markets, Christmas-themed cocktail bars, and unique light shows.

We put together some of our favorite holiday events worth adding to your calendar if you’re planning a trip to Austin in December.

Austin Events in December

Miracle on 5th Street, November 13-December 28: One of Austin’s favorite holiday pop-up bars, Miracle on 5th Street is a can’t-miss event. The Christmas-themed bar takes place at The Eleanor, an elevated cocktail bar downtown that transforms into a festive and cheery space with wall-to-wall Christmas decor, plenty of photo opportunities, and a full menu of Christmas spirits. The pop-up is located on W. 5th Street — a little under two miles away from the Heywood.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar, November 15-December 24: If you want to do some holiday shopping, stop by Blue Genie Art Bazaar. The holiday pop-up features art and handmade goods from over 200 Austin makers and businesses, making it one of the best ways to shop from local artists under one roof. You’ll find original art, ceramic goods, candles, jewelry, clothing, and more. 

Peppermint Parkway, November 21-December 28: If you’ve ever attended Formula 1 at Circuit of the Americas, you’ve probably wondered what it’d be like to drive on the track yourself. Well, by going to Peppermint Parkway this December, you can. Peppermint Parkway features a drive-through experience with over six million lights spanning over a mile, as well as rides, treats, and a holiday market. New for 2025, you can also ride COTA’s brand new roller coaster. The festivities take place on select nights throughout November and December and ticket packages range from $8-$40 depending on which experiences you want to attend. 

Mozart’s Festival of Lights, November 22-January 3: For locals, Mozart’s annual light show is one of the official markers of Austin’s holiday season. The festive light show takes over Mozart Coffee’s expansive patio deck which overlooks Lake Austin. With over one million lights, festive food and drinks, and plenty of photo opps, Mozart’s Festival of Lights is a fantastic way to spend a December evening in Austin.

Lights Spectacular, November 28-January 4: Lights Spectacular may take place outside of Austin, but the massive light display is worth the drive. Located in Johnson City, otherwise known as “The Twinkliest Town in Texas,” Lights Spectacular is a free Christmas lights event that takes over the historic town square. Along with over two million lights on display, visitors can enjoy local food, drinks, and festivities in the nearby downtown area.

Lights Spectacular in Johnson City, just an hour outside of Austin and Heywood Hotel.
Image courtesy of Lights Spectacular

Luminations, December 5-January 3: There’s no shortage of light shows in Austin in December, and Luminations is one of the most unique. The holiday experience takes place at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center where visitors can stroll through the gardens that are beautifully illuminated for the season. If you’re looking for a holiday light show that leans into artistry and nature, add this one to your itinerary. 

Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker”, December 5-December 23: If you’re hoping to enjoy a classic holiday show, Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” is a can’t-miss event. This year celebrates the 63rd annual presentation of The Nutcracker, making it the longest-running production of the show in the state of Texas. The Nutcracker takes place at The Long Center, just two miles away from the Heywood Hotel.

​Austin Trail of Lights, December 10-December 23: Now in its 61st year, Austin Trail of Lights is an iconic Austin holiday tradition loved by locals and visitors alike. Each year, over two million festive light installations take over the iconic Zilker Park. Visitors can stroll through while enjoying food and drinks from local vendors, live music, rides, and plenty of photo opps. 

37th Street Lights, December 12-January 1: One of Austin’s most homegrown holiday traditions, 37th Street Lights is a must-see. Stroll through the residential area around 37th Street and Guadalupe Street to see unique, non-traditional light displays and decorations put together by locals. The neighborhood display has been a tradition since the 80s, making it one of Austin’s longest-running holiday traditions. 

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, December 13-December 21: One of our favorite holiday markets, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been an Austin holiday tradition since 1976. The 10-day art and music event takes place at Palmer Events Center, just two miles from the Heywood Hotel. Visitors can shop fine art and handmade goods from over 200 artists while enjoying live music from 30 bands. One-day tickets are $12 per person. Heywood Hotels guests can enjoy free admission with purchase of the Austin Winter Bundle package!

December Concerts in Austin

NYE Events in Austin

Austin’s New Year: If you want to ring in 2025 with live music, food, fireworks, and a potential TV appearance, head to Auditorium Shores for Austin’s New Year. The free event includes a midnight countdown that will appear on CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.” Auditorium Shores is a short eight-minute drive from the Heywood Hotel.

Roaring ‘20s NYE Party at The Roosevelt Room: Get ready to step back into the Jazz Age at The Roosevelt Room’s Roaring ‘20s New Year’s Eve Party, where stylish cocktails and vintage vibes set the tone for a glamorous end-of-year celebration. Tickets start at $100 and each ticket includes a glass of champagne upon entry. 

Speakeasy’s New Year’s Eve Bash: Ring in 2026 at Speakeasy’s iconic New Year’s Eve Bash — a downtown Austin tradition since the late ’90s. The celebrations take place across several rooms, each with high-energy live music from several performers including The Spazmatics, DJs, and Felix & Fingers dueling pianos. With reserved seating, VIP options, a complimentary midnight champagne toast, and party favors, the party delivers non-stop entertainment. Tickets start at $45 per person. 

New Year’s Eve at Launderette: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a classic dinner at Launderette, one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants. The three-course holiday menu features their signature steak frites along with other seasonal highlights including dressed oysters, bread and butter with whipped brown butter, and dessert options like a pear tart or mocha hazelnut semifreddo. Dinner is $90 per person and reservations can be made online. 

Juniper’s NYE Prix Fixe Dinner: Located just a few blocks from the Heywood Hotel, Juniper is hosting a six-course New Year’s Eve dinner that focuses on Northern Italian cuisine. The menu features elegant dishes such as salmon tartare crousstillant, hamachi rosette, and a wagyu tenderloin. The dinner menu is $160 per person and reservations are required. 

Uchi New Year’s Eve Dinner: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at one of Austin’s most highly-rated sushi restaurants. The New Year’s Dinner features a chef-curated omakase featuring market-inspired selections, vibrant tastings, and a decadent finish. The omakase menu is $350 for two people and includes a complimentary champagne toast at midnight for reservations seated after 9pm. Reservations can be made online.

NYE Concerts:

Feature image courtesy of Miracle on 5th Street

 

If you’re visiting Austin for the holidays this December, our boutique, seven-room hotel is ready to be your home base during your stay. Book a Winter Bundle to experience all that Austin has to offer this time of year!