Things to do with Family in Austin for the Holidays

Day trip to Treaty Oak Distilling

We love driving out the Hill Country and soaking up this winter sunshine at Treaty Oak Distilling. With amazing whiskey and gin cocktails and delicious food from Alice’s Restaurant, it’s a place the whole family can enjoy. Plus the kiddos have plenty of space to run while you sip your beverage. Open through Dec. 23 | Treaty Oak Distilling

Holiday Hangs at the Buzzmill

The Buzzmill, now with two locations in East Austin, is a fantastic spot to take the family for a yummy coffee, fancy cocktail, or some good grub from one of their many food trucks. Even better, their Riverside location is open 24/7 all week long, even through the holidays. | Buzzmill

Over-the-top Cocktails at the W Austin

Feeling swanky? Swing by the Secret Bar at W Austin and show off the glamorous side of Austin while trying one of their many festive holiday cocktails. These drinks have everything - smoke, dry ice, candy - oh my! Afterwards you can cozy up in their record room or grab a bite at Trace. | W Austin

Photo by Four Seasons

Gingerbread Houses at Four Seasons

The North Pole has landed at the Four Seasons! The Gingerbread Village features 11 edible houses from Santa’s Workshop, and the display is up through December 28. | Four Seasons

Christmas Show at Parker Jazz Club

There’s something truly special about Parker Jazz Club’s Christmas Show this year. It’s an intimate setting with AMAZING acoustics, and their performers are some of the talented musicians in town. Shows run through December 23 and pickup again on December 28. | Parker Jazz Club

Cruise the Trail of Lights

An Austin tradition, the Trail of Lights is booked up to Christmas Day but will reopen on December 26 through December 31. | Info

Five Festive Events in Austin this Weekend

Barks & Booze

Grab your pup for a holiday-themed bash featuring local vendors, photos with Santa, Neobites treats, and complimentary drinks by Still Austin Whiskey. December 18 | Hotel Vegas

The Ballroom Block Party

This party as it all - DJs, tattoos, vendors, fancy drinks and it’s free to attend! Bring a new toy to donate to kids in need. December 18 | Spider House Ballroom

Winter Wanderland

Stop by Austin Motel this season for the most incredible, colorful tree display out there. Stay for the festive events like Film Floats on Thursday, photos with Hunky Santa on Fridays, or carols with Drag Mrs. Claus on Saturdays. Bring a donation for Council for At Risk Youth for brownie points with Santa. Now through December 26 | Austin Motel 

Holidays at the Paramount Theatre

It’s a sparkly, joyful time of year to visit the Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin. Holiday shows include film screenings of The Nightmare Before Christmas and White Christmas, Michael Martin Murphy’s Cowboy Christmas, and more. Did we mention they’ll have snow?! December | Paramount Theatre

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

An Austin classic with live music while you shop! This year it’s hosted outside so there will be lots of space and room for friends. Musical acts include Shinyribs, Jackie Venson, and Gina Chavez (to name a few). December 17-19 | Palmer Events Center

Bonus mention: Ho Ho Home for the Pawlidays

Now through December 26th, when you adopt a dog or cat from Austin Pets Alive! you can name your own adoption fee and bring home a new friend in time for the holidays. | Info

Festive Events in Austin this Weekend

The Front Market

With the folks behind Future Front Texas leading this event, you know it’ll be a good one. Each weekend has a special theme and features a rotating brunch menu, DJ, and incredible makers. Weekends through December 12 | Ani’s Day & Night

Photo by Good Party

Volunteer Day

You’re invited to join Volunteer Untapped and give back this holiday season. Help others by setting up the Angel Tree warehouse for Salvation Army, followed by social hour at St. Elmo Brewing just down the road. December 11 | Info

Winter Wanderland

Stop by Austin Motel this season for the most incredible, colorful tree display out there. Stay for the festive events like Film Floats on Thursday, photos with Hunky Santa on Fridays, or carols with Drag Mrs. Claus on Saturdays. Bring a donation for Council for At Risk Youth for brownie points with Santa. Now through December 26 | Austin Motel

Springer Holiday Market

Grab your pups for this disco-themed holiday market featuring dog tarot readings by Lucky Dog Tarot that benefit Austin Pets Alive!, ornament making station, free cider and puppucinos, photobooth and more. December 12 | Greater Goods Coffee

Photo by Good Party

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Ah, an Austin classic. Find some of the best Austin-themed gifts at Blue Genie Art Bazaar, and you can shop in person or virtually thanks to their savvy setup. Now through December 24 | Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Holiday Market

The fine folks at Community First Village have incredible handmade goods to sell, so come check it out! Nightly screenings of Polar Express will follow. December 11 & 12 | Community First Village

Spider-Man 2 Music and Movie Party

Need some superhero action in your life? Join Torpedo Productions for a screening of Spiderman 2, with Austin band Afterthoughts playing hits from the soundtrack, a “selfies with Spidey” station, and more. December 11 | Bat City Comics

Photos with Santa

Twisted X Brewing has holiday fun all weekend long, including a candy cane hunt, ugly sweater contest, and photos with Santa! Bring by toiletries or clothing donations for Helping Hands of Dripping Springs. December 11 & 12 | Twisted X Brewing

Peppermint Parkway

Get ready to glow as you drive through the magic that is Peppermint Parkway! They have dancing elves, magical creatures, and millions of lights! (Probably? That sounds right!) Check out their charity nights with I Live Here I Give Here that give back to our community. Now through December 26 | Circuit of the Americas

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

An Austin classic with live music while you shop! December 17-19 | Palmer Events Center

Austin Holiday Markets

The Front Market

With the folks behind Future Front Texas leading this event, you know it’ll be a good one. Each weekend has a special theme, like cozy season, and features a rotating brunch menu, DJ, and incredible makers. Weekends through December 12 | Ani’s Day & Night

Courtesy of the Front Market

Holiday Puppypalooza

You had us at puppies! This market features a canine twist, with a dog costume contest and treats from Paws on Chicon. Plus shop from the curated market by Frida Friday ATX, enjoy fabulous cocktails, get creative in the holiday cookie-making class, and maybe adopt a new friend from SoulFULL is PAWSible. December 4 | Fierce Whiskers Distillery

Night Bloom Fest

This art and music festival in south Austin has everything you need to have a stellar weekend, Austin style. December 4 | Far Out Lounge & Stage

Market Days

Head outside of Austin city limits to Driftwood and grab a cold beer while you build your own gift basket made from locally sourced goods. December 4 | Vista Brewing

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Ah, an Austin classic. Find some of the best Austin-themed gifts at Blue Genie Art Bazaar, and you can shop in person or virtually thanks to their savvy setup. Now through December 24 | Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Holigay Market

Come sleigh the holidays with Eastside Pop Up’s fabulous vendors, a special visit from drag Santa, and over 50 vendors from the LGBTQ+ community. December 5 | The Little Gay Shop

Austin Mini Market

There’s nothing small about Austin Mini Market. You’ll enjoy shopping from over 65 vendors, complimentary beverages (aka booze!), and free swag bags full of goodies. Benefiting Central Texas Food Bank. December 5 | Distribution Hall

Outdoor Holiday Market

Lovely shopping at a great local coffee shop with pottery, jewelry, handmade soaps, art, and more. Family-friendly! December 5 | Brentwood Social House

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

An Austin classic with live music while you shop! December 17-19 | Palmer Events Center

Things to do in Austin this Weekend

Eastside Event Series

Every Saturday in November, head to Green Gate Farms for art, farm-fresh food, music, and thoughtful event programming with Black Women in Business. Saturdays | Green Gate Farms

Woofsgiving Happy Hour

Join Paws on Chicon for a dog-friendly happy hour, or YAPPY HOUR as we call it in the dog world (IYKYK) and bring donations for Austin Animal Center. Supplies needed include dog and cat beds, blankets, toys, and food. Friday | Hotel Vegas

The Front Market

Future Front Texas (formerly known as Boss Babes ATX) has curated over 30 vendors from the LGBTQ+ community to create an incredible holiday shopping market - plus they have cocktails! November 20 through December 12 (weekends) | Ani’s Day & Night

Freddy for a Day

Calling all Queen fans! Rock out to Queen cover band MAGNIFICO at Freddy for a Day and help raise funds for Vivent Health (formerly Aids Services of Austin). Saturday | The ABGB

Justine’s Parisian Flea Market

A unique chance to score brunch at Justine’s and shop for their fabulous, French-inspired vendors. Saturday | Justine’s

atxGALS EAST After Party

You know atxGALS, the women’s art collective known for their parties, never disappoints! Join them for art, music, and drinks to close out East Austin Studio Tour. Saturday | The Cathedral

Coming Up: Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot

An Austin tradition… running a few miles dressed as a turkey before stuffing your face on Thanksgiving Day. Good times! Benefiting Caritas of Austin. November 25 | Long Center

Save the Date: Home Cookin’ for the Holidays

An incredible live stream concert featuring Carolyn Wonderland, Bob Schneider, Band of Heathens and more, all while supporting HOME’s mission to help senior musicians find affordable housing. Tune in and rock out. December 1 | Online