Your Guide to Holiday Magic

As the holidays approach, Mueller magazine is your guide to the most festive ways to explore Austin this season. The city is coming alive with twinkling lights, joyful music, and unforgettable experiences. The best way to embrace the festive spirit is to get out and be part of it. From lakeside light shows to one-of-a-kind art bazaars, Austin offers something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your guide to the best holiday adventures happening around town this year.

Mozart’s Festival of Lights

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters invites families to make new memories at its annual Festival of Lights—this year’s theme is “Heaven and Nature Sing." Set against the sparkling backdrop of Lake Austin, this beloved event blends brilliant lights, live music, and unique performances into an unforgettable holiday experience.

Mozart’s lakeside location is one to remember year-round, but during the holidays it becomes especially magical. This year, Mozart’s will continue to offer nightly reservation-based shows that will have the entire family in awe. With live music, sing-alongs, and synchronized light displays on towering LED screens, there is something everyone in the family will enjoy.

New this year, visitors can choose from bleacher seating, priority tables, private igloo experiences, or even rent a doughnut boat for a one-of-a-kind view from the lake. This year’s festival also features many unique shows, including the Water Spectacular, where world-class flyboarder and America’s Got Talent alum Damone Rippy brings The Nutcracker to life, soaring above the lake in dazzling LED suits.

Guests can sip hot chocolate, enjoy decadent sweets at the Christmas Village, and stroll through floating light displays and a tunnel of lights along the water’s edge. From December 12 through 20, the celebration continues with He Rules the World, a high-energy Christmas rock concert narrated by Kevin Sorbo and featuring David Gaschen, best known for his decade-long run as The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Running nightly from November 22 through January 3 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), Mozart’s Festival of Lights continues its tradition of blending land, water, and sky into one joyful celebration of the season. Tickets: mozartscoffee.com/pages/festival-of-lights.

Austin Trail of Lights

One of the city’s longest-running holiday traditions returns to Zilker Park, and you don’t want to miss it. The Austin Trail of Lights will once again transform the park with more than two million lights, seventy displays, interactive attractions, food trucks, and live entertainment. The season kicks off early with the Trail of Lights Fun Run on December 6, and the official grand opening on December 10. Over the course of 14 nights, the Trail of Lights will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring your child to Santa’s village, go on a magical date night, or simply get into the holiday spirit by admiring Zilker Park in lights! Reservations: austintrailoflights.org/calendar.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and a chance to support local artists, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a must-visit. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, this beloved Austin tradition returns to the Palmer Events Center from December 15 through 21. Blending holiday shopping with Austin’s creative spirit, the bazaar features more than 200 artists showcasing everything from paintings and ceramics to jewelry, photography, glasswork, and woodcraft. It’s the perfect place to find inspired, handcrafted gifts that tell a story.

Guests can sip seasonal cocktails or local brews while browsing the aisles and enjoying live music from performers including GRAMMY-winner Ruthie Foster, Kelly Willis, and Madam Radar—making the experience feel more like a holiday festival than a shopping trip. Rooted in the legacy of the Armadillo World Headquarters, Austin’s iconic 1970s counterculture hub, the Bazaar continues to embody the city’s eclectic, creative soul. Tickets: armadillobazaar.com.

Holiday Magic at Full Speed

You may know Circuit of The Americas (COTA) for its high-speed races, but during the holidays, it transforms into something truly magical. Peppermint Parkway turns the famous track into a drive-through winter wonderland. Visitors can cruise along a mile-long route lined with more than six million lights, where dancing elves, festive displays, and Santa himself bring the holiday spirit to life.

After the drive, head to Peppermint Plaza, open nightly and offering rides, food, live entertainment, and a holiday market—the perfect place to stretch your legs and extend the fun. This year’s event features special themed nights, including Santa Paws Night on December 7, when four-legged family members are welcome to join the festivities, and Healthcare Worker Night on December 22, offering special discounts in appreciation of their service. Those seeking a little extra excitement can upgrade their experience with a 25-mile-per-hour lap around the world-famous Formula 1 track. Peppermint Parkway runs through December 29, with the drive open from 6 to 9 p.m. and Peppermint Plaza open from 5 to 10 p.m. Tickets: peppermintparkway.com.

The Wildflower Center, Illuminated

Each winter, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center transforms into a glowing wonderland with “Luminations,” a homegrown light show that celebrates nature, creativity, and community. Part of the display’s charm is that it changes every year. This year, it will move throughout different areas of the Main Gardens, creating fresh perspectives and surprises around every corner.

Visitors can explore the main gardens after dark, where twinkling lights, interactive installations, and hands-on activities bring the natural landscape to life in a whole new way. Enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, and seasonal treats as you wander the glowing paths. “Luminations” runs December 5 through January 3 on select evenings. Tickets are $23 for adults and $13 for youth, with free admission for children under two. Advance online reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets: www.wildflower.org/luminations.

“The Nutcracker” at Ballet Austin

A cherished Austin holiday tradition returns as Ballet Austin presents its 63rd annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Step into a world of magic, music, and wonder as young Clara embarks on an unforgettable journey from a festive family celebration to the sparkling Land of Sweets, where she encounters the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy and the courageous Nutcracker Prince.

With breathtaking choreography and ornate costumes, this timeless ballet comes to life on the stage of the Long Center’s Dell Hall, accompanied by the rich sounds of the Austin Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score live. Whether it’s your first time or a returning tradition, Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” is sure to fill your holidays with joy, elegance, and a touch of Christmas magic. Tickets: balletaustin.org.