Holiday Break in Austin: Festive Ways to Celebrate With Family and Friends Before and After Christmas
The stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is a special time in Austin. With schools out and visiting relatives in town, many families find this to be the perfect week for making new memories — without the rush of holiday prep.
Whether you’re enjoying a staycation in the city or playing tour guide to guests, Austin offers countless ways to celebrate the season before ringing in 2026. From glowing light displays and festive performances to outdoor adventures and relaxed local traditions, here’s a roundup of fun, family-friendly things to do after Christmas in Austin.
Stroll Through Austin’s Most Magical Holiday Lights
Some of Austin’s most iconic light displays remain open and glowing after December 25, offering families a peaceful way to wrap up the season.
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Mozart’s Coffee Roasters Festival of Lights runs nightly through January 3, 2026 (closed on Christmas Day). Located along Lake Austin, this immersive experience features synchronized lights, live performances, themed decorations, and festive treats. The event blends holiday magic with lakeside charm and is a favorite for all ages. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
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Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas continues through January 4, 2026, offering a dazzling holiday light experience that includes a drive‑thru display, carnival rides, a walking village, and festive photo opportunities.
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While the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park concludes for the season on December 23, the beloved Zilker Holiday Tree — a 155‑foot display of more than 3,300 lights — remains lit through January 1, 2026, allowing families to continue enjoying this classic Austin tradition even after Christmas.
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37th Street Lights, a grassroots neighborhood display near Guadalupe Street, remains one of Austin’s quirkiest and most beloved holiday light‑viewing spots through early January.
Enjoy a Seasonal Show or Cultural Performance
December and early January are packed with theatrical and musical options perfect for family outings or a special night downtown.
Zach Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” continues its run through December 28, offering a fresh, energetic take on the classic holiday story with a local twist, alongside "Charlie Brown Christmas" that also runs through December 28, portraying the holiday story of Charlie Brown as he searches for the meaning of Christmas.
The Long Center for the Performing Arts and Paramount Theatre continue to host holiday films, concerts, and seasonal programming like "The Nutcracker" presented by Ballet Austin, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, and Shen Yun during the holiday break, giving families a variety of festive entertainment options in iconic Austin venues.
Local attractions such as Blue Genie Art Bazaar (open through December 24) offer more than just shopping — they serve as cultural gathering spots filled with local art, music, and holiday spirit, making them ideal for visitors and longtime Austinites alike.
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Get Outdoors for a Classic Austin Adventure
Austin’s mild winter weather is a major bonus this time of year. With pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, post‑Christmas is a great time to explore local trails, parks, and outdoor spaces.
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Take in the views from Mount Bonnell, enjoy a scenic walk around Lady Bird Lake, or explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt — all popular with locals and visitors alike.
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Families with younger children can enjoy hands‑on exhibits and nature trails at the Austin Nature & Science Center, which is open most days throughout the holiday break, excluding major holidays.
Ring in 2026 with New Year’s Events for Every Age
Austin’s New Year’s Eve celebrations offer something for everyone — whether you're out late or celebrating earlier in the day.
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The City of Austin’s Official New Year’s Eve Celebration will take place on December 31, 2025 at Auditorium Shores, featuring live music, food vendors, family activities, and a free fireworks show welcoming 2026. The event is open to the public and designed to be family‑friendly.
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Families with young children often seek out “Noon Year’s Eve” celebrations hosted by local attractions, allowing kids to enjoy the excitement of a countdown without staying up late. Check out the "Noon Year's Eve" event happening at Terrazas Branch Library, complete with a balloon drop!
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Adults looking for a night out can choose from live music, special dinners, and ticketed events across downtown Austin.
Embrace the Spirit of the Season, the Austin Way
Of course, not every holiday memory needs a ticket. Many Austin families cherish the slower pace of the holiday break — walking through neighborhoods to admire lights, enjoying breakfast tacos with visiting relatives, or watching the sunset together at a favorite overlook.
Local bakeries like Upper Crust and Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery add festive touches to everyday moments, while neighborhood coffee shops provide cozy places to reconnect before the new year begins.
Whether you’re starting a new tradition or savoring old ones, Austin’s creativity, warmth, and community spirit make it a meaningful place to close out the holiday season.
A Joyful Close to the Holidays
The days between Christmas and New Year’s offer a rare opportunity to slow down and reconnect. Whether it’s a walk under the lights at Mozart’s, a holiday performance downtown, or a quiet afternoon outdoors, these moments often become the memories that linger longest.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News Austin for more guides to family‑friendly events, seasonal activities, and local happenings throughout Austin and the surrounding communities.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.