Here are eight events to explore in the Austin area Dec. 5-7.
Family-friendly events include the Light Up The Lake holiday festival in Round Rock, the 45th annual Budafest and performances of The Nutcracker at Ballet Austin.
This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change.
Light Up The Lake
Round Rock’s annual Light Up the Lake is a two-day holiday festival at Old Settlers Park. The event will feature giant balloons over Bright Lake, live music on the new Lakeview Stage, a light show and family activities. This is a walking event and pathways will include both sidewalks and grass terrain.
Family-friendly events include the Light Up The Lake holiday festival in Round Rock, the 45th annual Budafest and performances of The Nutcracker at Ballet Austin.
This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change.
Light Up The Lake
Round Rock’s annual Light Up the Lake is a two-day holiday festival at Old Settlers Park. The event will feature giant balloons over Bright Lake, live music on the new Lakeview Stage, a light show and family activities. This is a walking event and pathways will include both sidewalks and grass terrain.
- Dec. 5-6, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
- www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/lightupthelake
24th annual Holiday Home Tour
Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Sun City Georgetown, the tour includes five homes that are decorated for the holiday season. Proceeds from the event support children in Williamson County with literacy, scholarships and trade school education. Tickets are available online, at the Georgetown Visitors Center and at First Texas Bank.
Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Sun City Georgetown, the tour includes five homes that are decorated for the holiday season. Proceeds from the event support children in Williamson County with literacy, scholarships and trade school education. Tickets are available online, at the Georgetown Visitors Center and at First Texas Bank.
- Dec. 5, 3-6 p.m.; Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 7, noon-4 p.m.
- $15 (in advance), $20 (at the door)
- Locations vary
- www.sctexas.org
45th annual Budafest
The festival will feature a tree lighting, a lighted parade, a reindog parade, pictures with Santa, a carnival, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment.
The festival will feature a tree lighting, a lighted parade, a reindog parade, pictures with Santa, a carnival, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment.
- Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m.; Dec. 6, noon-9 p.m.; Dec. 7, noon-5 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- 303 Main St., Buda
- www.budafest.org
Bastrop’s Rockin’ Holiday Revue
Live holiday music and an emcee will fill the historic Bastrop Opera House with holiday cheer. Attendees are encouraged to wear festive attire.
Live holiday music and an emcee will fill the historic Bastrop Opera House with holiday cheer. Attendees are encouraged to wear festive attire.
- Dec. 5-21, times vary
- $30 (admission)
- 711 Spring St., Bastrop
- www.bastropoperahouse.org
‘The Nutcracker’
Ballet Austin’s 63rd annual production of the show will return to the Long Center for the Performing Arts with 15 performances this December. This year marks the 25th anniversary of artistic director Stephen Mills’ version of the holiday classic.
Ballet Austin’s 63rd annual production of the show will return to the Long Center for the Performing Arts with 15 performances this December. This year marks the 25th anniversary of artistic director Stephen Mills’ version of the holiday classic.
- Dec. 5-23, times vary
- $25-$135
- 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin
- www.balletaustin.org
Christmas on Mercer
The 21st annual event will include arts and crafts, business booths, photo ops, and more.
The 21st annual event will include arts and crafts, business booths, photo ops, and more.
- Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- Downtown Dripping Springs
- www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/christmasonmercer
Rockin’ Holidaze
Ice & Field at The Crossover will host an ice show spectacular featuring performances from over 150 skaters of all ages and skill levels. Attendees will see performances from 2024 U.S. Silver Medalist Josephine Lee and pro skater Hannah Hinojosa.
Ice & Field at The Crossover will host an ice show spectacular featuring performances from over 150 skaters of all ages and skill levels. Attendees will see performances from 2024 U.S. Silver Medalist Josephine Lee and pro skater Hannah Hinojosa.
- Dec. 6-7, 4 p.m.
- $30 (general admission), $35 (reserved center seating)
- 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Leander
- www.iceandfield.com
Lakeway Sings! 25th anniversary Family Christmas Show
The performance of “Swinging’ with Santa” at the Lakeway Activity Center combines old music, new arrangements and Christmas songs. Admission benefits Lake Travis Labor of Love’s Green Santa Program.
The performance of “Swinging’ with Santa” at the Lakeway Activity Center combines old music, new arrangements and Christmas songs. Admission benefits Lake Travis Labor of Love’s Green Santa Program.
- Dec. 7, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Cost of admission is one unwrapped gift
- 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway
- www.lakewaysings.com
