Entertainment

The holiday season is bringing a little extra excitement to Austin this year as Peppermint in the Park at COTALAND prepares to welcome families to Circuit of The Americas (COTA) for an extended celebration filled with Christmas lights, amusement park rides, holiday entertainment and visits with Santa Claus.

Beginning November 20, 2026, and continuing through January 3, 2027, the seasonal attraction offers Central Texas families another way to enjoy the holidays together, whether that means taking the kids to see Santa, browsing a Christmas market, enjoying seasonal treats or experiencing amusement park rides surrounded by holiday decorations.

For Austin-area residents searching for Christmas events, holiday light displays and family-friendly things to do during Thanksgiving, Christmas break and New Year's, Peppermint in the Park combines several seasonal activities in one destination.

What to Expect at Peppermint in the Park at COTALAND

Located at Circuit of The Americas in southeast Austin, COTALAND is the amusement park destination associated with the internationally recognized motorsports and entertainment venue.

While Circuit of The Americas is best known for hosting major racing events, concerts and other large-scale attractions, COTALAND is expanding the property's entertainment offerings with roller coasters, family-friendly attractions and other amusement park experiences. Construction of the broader COTALAND theme park remains underway.

Peppermint in the Park brings a holiday theme to the destination, pairing the excitement of amusement park attractions with the familiar traditions that families look forward to each December.

The celebration will feature sparkling holiday lights, festive entertainment, seasonal food and beverages, a Christmas market and opportunities to see Santa Claus.

Christmas Lights and Holiday Entertainment

Visitors can expect holiday light displays and festive entertainment throughout the seasonal celebration, creating opportunities for families to enjoy an evening outing together.

For parents looking for Christmas lights in Austin that can be enjoyed alongside other activities, Peppermint in the Park offers an alternative to traditional drive-through holiday light displays.

Guests can walk through the seasonal environment, enjoy the decorations and spend time exploring the attractions included with their selected admission pass.

COTALAND notes that photographs used to promote the event include images from previous COTA holiday celebrations, and this year's experiences may vary.

Santa Claus Visits and Family Holiday Memories

Santa Claus is among the featured attractions at Peppermint in the Park, giving families an opportunity to incorporate a familiar Christmas tradition into their visit.

For households with young children, a chance to see Santa can be a highlight of the season. Combined with the lights, entertainment and holiday atmosphere, the event offers families a setting for making memories together.

Specific Santa appearance times and any additional photography arrangements should be confirmed through COTALAND's official event information before visiting.

Christmas Market at T20 Central Park

Holiday shopping will also be part of the experience, with a Christmas market located in T20 Central Park.

The market will feature gifts and seasonal merchandise, offering visitors an opportunity to browse holiday items while enjoying the event.

For families looking to combine Christmas shopping with an evening out, the market adds another activity beyond the rides and entertainment.

Food and beverages will also be available for separate purchase, including seasonal treats and holiday refreshments.

Advertisement

Amusement Park Rides Add Something Different to the Holiday Celebration

One of the distinguishing features of Peppermint in the Park is the opportunity to enjoy amusement park attractions as part of a Christmas outing.

COTALAND features a range of ride categories, including coasters, family-friendly rides, children's attractions and thrill rides. Its attractions lineup includes experiences such as Hot Lap and Speed City, although guests should verify which rides will be operating during their selected visit.

Unlike holiday events focused primarily on decorations or shopping, Peppermint in the Park allows visitors who purchase ride-inclusive admission to combine seasonal festivities with amusement park entertainment.

That flexibility may appeal to families with children of different ages, particularly those trying to find a holiday outing that offers something for both younger children and teenagers.

Peppermint in the Park 2026 Tickets: Admission Prices and Pass Options

Families planning a visit to Peppermint in the Park have three ticket options, including a lower-priced admission pass for guests who want to enjoy the holiday festivities without riding amusement park attractions.

According to COTALAND, ticket options for the 2026 holiday season include:

• All-Day Holiday Pass, starting at $39.99: Includes access to amusement park rides, holiday lights and festive entertainment throughout the day and evening.

• Holiday Evening Pass, starting at $39.99: Provides access to rides, holiday lights and entertainment beginning at 4 p.m.

• Holiday Evening Walking Pass, starting at $19.99: Allows visitors to enjoy the holiday lights, Christmas market and seasonal entertainment beginning at 4 p.m., without access to rides.

The walking pass may be especially appealing to grandparents, parents accompanying children or visitors who simply want to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere without participating in amusement park rides.

Evening admission passes are valid only after 4 p.m. Food, beverages, gifts and merchandise are sold separately.

Visitors can select their preferred date and purchase admission through the official COTALAND ticketing website.

When and Where Is Peppermint in the Park in Austin?

Peppermint in the Park opens Friday, November 20, 2026, at 4 p.m. Central and runs through January 3, 2027, on select operating dates.

The event takes place at COTALAND, located at Circuit of The Americas in southeast Austin, making it accessible to families traveling from Austin, Bastrop, Buda, Kyle, Pflugerville, Round Rock and other Central Texas communities.

Because the event does not necessarily operate every day during its November through January run, guests should review the official Peppermint in the Park event page and park hours before making plans.

COTALAND has also indicated that additional information about Santa appearances and entertainment schedules will be announced.

A Different Way for Austin Families to Celebrate the Holidays

Central Texas has no shortage of holiday traditions, from neighborhood Christmas light displays and community tree lightings to seasonal markets and visits with Santa. Peppermint in the Park adds amusement park rides to that familiar mix.

Its extended schedule also gives families more opportunities to visit outside the busiest days leading up to Christmas. With dates stretching into early January, the event could be an option for parents looking for activities while children are out of school for winter break, or for relatives visiting Austin during the holidays.

And because visitors can choose between ride-inclusive tickets and walking admission, families have some flexibility in deciding how they want to spend their time and money.

For COTALAND, the event also introduces more visitors to a developing entertainment destination at Circuit of The Americas, where the broader theme park project remains under construction.

Whether the draw is a night beneath the Christmas lights, a cup of hot cocoa, a visit with Santa or the excitement of a favorite ride, Peppermint in the Park offers Austin-area families another opportunity to spend time together during the holiday season.

Residents interested in attending can find updated operating hours, entertainment announcements and ticket information at COTALAND's official website.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Austin-area Christmas events, holiday activities and family-friendly things to do throughout Central Texas.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.

Local business spotlight

Grow your business
where trust already lives.

Let’s introduce your business to the neighbors nearby.

Spotlight My Business →

Have a local favorite? Recommend a business