19 Thanksgiving, Christmas events to check out in Lake Travis, Westlake 

The performance of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” will include holiday music featuring classic songs, romance, costumes and dance numbers.

• Nov. 21-Dec. 21, Thursday-Sunday, times vary
• Tickets start at $45
• 1110 RM 620 S., Lakeway
• www.tex-arts.org

In addition to lighting its Christmas tree, Hotel Viata’s holiday event will include a Christmas marketplace, a chance to meet and write letters to Santa, a live choir performance, a fundraiser, ornament decorating, and more.

• Nov. 23, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Free
• 320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin
• www.hotelviata.com

Benefiting the Lake Travis Education Foundation, the Thanksgiving event allows participants to run, jog or walk on The Hills Country Club Signature Golf Course. The event is stroller-friendly and allows leashed dogs.

• Nov. 27, 8 a.m.
• $35-$40 (adults), $25-$30 (youth), free (ages 5 and under)
• 26 Club Estates Parkway, Austin
• www.lteducationfoundation.org

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa will host a Thanksgiving feast at Blind Salamander with a seafood bar, carving stations, hot and cold stations, a la carte options, and desserts. Reservations are required.

• Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• $135 per adult, $45 per child (ages 6-12)
• 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin
• www.omnihotels.com

A tree lighting ceremony will be held in the Hill Country Galleria featuring live music, ice skating, an appearance from Santa, face painting, refreshments, giveaways and more.

• Nov. 28, 5-8 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave
• www.hillcountrygalleria.com

Santa’s Workshop will be set up in the Hill Country Galleria on select days in November and December, next to Buenos Aires Café. Visitors will be able to visit Santa inside his workshop and take their own photos.

• Nov. 29-Dec. 24, times vary
• Free
• 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave
• www.hillcountrygalleria.com

The holiday tree in Zilker Park is 155 feet tall, with a circumference of 380 feet and a total of 3,309 lights. The lighting event will feature local entertainment, food and live music, including pre-event music from Austin Civic Wind Ensemble.

• Nov. 30, 5:15 p.m. (music performances begin), 6 p.m. (tree lighting)
• Free
• 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
• www.austintexas.gov/zilkerholidaytree

Hearts of the Holiday 2025

The annual community celebration from The Kind Hart Foundation and Covert Bee Cave brings families and neighbors together for a night of giving, in support of Lake Travis Crisis Ministries. The event will include photos with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, a giving tree, writing letters to Santa, and more.

• Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Free
• Covert Cadillac Bee Cave, 16501 Sweetwater Village Drive, Bldg. 2, Austin
• www.betterunite.com/holiday2025

The seasonal market features local artists and food vendors offering holiday products and gifts in the Hill Country Galleria. There will be live music every day, face painting on Saturdays and scheduled times with Santa.

• Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20; Friday hours are 4-9 p.m., Saturday hours 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 2700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave
• www.pennyvproductions.com

Lakeway’s annual holiday celebration will kick off with lighting of the city’s Trail of Lights. The evening will include chances to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, who will listen to holiday wishes and pose for photos. There will also be live music, s’mores, food from local vendors and activities.

• Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m.
• Free
• Lakeway City Hall parking lot, 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway
• www.lakeway-tx.gov/1427/lights-on

The city of Lakeway’s Trail of Lights will include a lit trail, accessible from the lower parking lot of the Lakeway Activity Center or the Lakeway City Hall Parking lot.

• Dec. 5-Jan. 1, nightly from 6 p.m.-midnight
• Free
• 105 Cross Creek, Lakeway; 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway
• www.lakeway-tx.gov/721/trail-of-lights

The Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce will host a holiday 5K featuring a live DJ, dance performances, food and drinks, and more. The event will benefit several nonprofits across Central Texas.

• Dec. 6, 7-10 a.m.
• $17.85 (Jingle Bell Kids Dash), $28.52 (Jingle Bell 5K)
• 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave
• Eventbrite: Jingle Bell 5K 2025

The carnival and holiday market hosted by the Westlake Chamber of Commerce will include a petting zoo, train rides, photos with Santa, live music, games, pony rides, face painting and more.

• Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• Westlake High School Chaparral Stadium, 4100 Westbank Drive Austin, Texas
• www.westlakechamber.com

The performance of “Swinging’ with Santa” at the Lakeway Activity Center combines old music, new arrangements and Christmas songs as the Elves of Christmas Town search for a missing Santa. The price for admission is one unwrapped gift, benefiting 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

Lake Travis Community Library in Lakeway will host a holiday celebration for families to make festive crafts, play games, take holiday photos, enjoy refreshments and get a visit from Santa.

• Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.
• Free
• 1938 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway
• www.laketravislibrary.org

At this screening of “Elf” in the Lakeway City Hall parking lot, families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy hot cocoa and write a letter to Santa.

• Dec. 12, 6 p.m.
• Free
• 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway
• www.lakeway-tx.gov/2109/christmas-movie

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church will host a Christmas Eve festival with a nativity petting zoo, hot cocoa, a photo booth and carolers.

• Dec. 24, 2-4 p.m.
• Free
• 3525 Bee Caves Road, Austin
• www.shephills.org

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa will offer a festive brunch at Blind Salamander on Christmas, open to both the public and resort guests. Reservations are required.

• Dec. 25, 11-a.m.-7 p.m.
• $135 per adult, $45 per child (ages 6-12)
• 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin
• www.omnihotels.com