Tree lightings and Santa photos: 8 Christmas events to add to your calendar

Community members can enjoy winter lights across the center’s Central Gardens as well as immersive projections, holiday-themed cocktails and more.

• Dec. 5-Jan. 3, 5:45-7:45 p.m. (entry times)
• Free (ages 2 and under); $13-$20 (ages 3-12); $23-$30 (ages 13 and up)
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin
• www.wildflower.org/luminations

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

The church will celebrate the Christmas holiday with an over 20-vendor market, food trucks, cookies, hot cocoa, a visit from Santa Claus, a bounce house and crafts.

• Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Southwest Christian Church, 10500 Old Manchaca Road, Austin
• Eventbrite: Christmas Bazaar & Festival

The museum will bring together the community with wagon rides, photos with Santa Claus, food vendors, games, crafts, live music, a petting zoo and unique gift vendors.

• Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• $5 (9 years and younger advance tickets); $10 (10 years and older advance tickets); $6 (9 years and younger at-the-door tickets); $12 (10 years and older at-the-door tickets)
• The Pound House, 419-B Founders Park Road, Dripping Springs
• www.phfmuseum.org/christmas-at-the-pound-house-2025

Community members can shop for Christmas presents at the market, which will showcase over 30 vendors selling a variety of items made by local artists.

• Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 12919 Nutty Brown Road, Austin
• www.austincraftlounge.com/upcoming-events

Attendees can enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate while taking pictures with baby goats and Santa Claus in The Hive’s backyard.

• Dec. 13, 4-5:30 p.m.
• $14 (ages 3-16 admission); $20 (adult admission)
• The Hive, 10542 Menchaca Road, Austin
• www.goatshenanigans.com/event-details/cocoa-and-cuddles-with-santa-austin-2