Here are eight holiday events in Austin coming up in December to get into the holiday spirit.

Peppermint Parkway

The drive-thru event is adorned with millions of lights and holiday scenes to help visitors get into the spirit of the season. After the drive-thru, guests are invited to walk through Peppermint Plaza decorated with more holiday lights and featuring a mistletoe kissing booth and Santa Claus for photos, a 30-foot-tall holiday tree, a Ferris wheel, and a range of amusement park rides including a light-up slide, a marketplace to purchase gifts, sweet treats and warm drinks. This year, officials have added a petting zoo with pony rides, baby goats, bunnies and more.
  • Through Dec. 30, 6-9 p.m. (parkway), 5-10 p.m. (Peppermint Plaza)
  • $40-$99 (admission, per vehicle)
  • 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin
  • www.peppermintparkway.com
'A Christmas Carol' by Zach Theatre

Nonprofit Zach Theatre will present its adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic holiday story featuring the Cratchit family and Ebenezer Scrooge. This rendition of “A Christmas Carol” runs about two hours and 20 minutes with one intermission and is family-friendly.
  • Through Dec. 31, times vary
  • $25 and up
  • The Topfer at Zach Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin
  • www.zachtheatre.org
'There’s Something About Merry' by The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus

The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus will present a winter concert featuring classic holiday songs—both comedic and traditional—as well as songs from various cultures throughout the world. One hour before each performance, there will be a preshow reception where those attending can snack and drink with one another. The show Dec. 1 will be interpreted in American Sign Language.
  • Dec. 1-2, 8 p.m.; Dec. 3, 4 p.m.
  • $20-$60, free (volunteers)
  • First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity St., Austin
  • www.agmcsings.org
Home for the Holidays


Hosted by The Arboretum, the holiday event will feature holiday caroling, a holiday market on the lawn, sweet treats, gift card giveaways, visiting with Santa Claus, music and more. While the event is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP prior to the event.'The Nutcracker' by Ballet Austin

Ballet Austin will present its 61st production of “The Nutcracker” with live accompaniment by Austin Symphony Orchestra. Opening weekend will offer extras such as free holiday family photos by a professional photographer, Nutcracker-themed selfie stations, a sweets package and more. Each performance runs two hours, with a 20-minute intermission between acts 1 and 2.Caring Santa

Santa Claus will be available for a private photo session exclusively for children with special needs. Reservations are required and can be made online for 15-minute sessions. There are three packages available that include various options for photo prints, a holiday postcard, a phone call from Santa Claus and access to digital photos.Austin Trail of Lights

A holiday tradition for many, Austin’s Trail of Lights event features more than 2 million lights, 96 holiday trees, and over 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels illuminating Zilker Park. Visitors will have the chance to meet Santa Claus, roast s’mores along the trail, see live entertainment on the Zilker stage, purchase snacks and drinks from local vendors, and more.Illumaverse: An Immersive Holiday Experience


The family-friendly art experience offers a blend of immersive light, sound, art and technology throughout 6,000 square feet. Interactive exhibits, landscapes and more help to reimagine holiday traditions. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and snacks will be available for purchase.