The Austin area has 11 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Luminations in Austin on November 20 to Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting in Austin, which runs through January 1. Every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Texas, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 11 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Austin for 2026, in Austin and Cedar Park
- First: Luminations, Austin, November 20. Runs latest: Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting, Austin, through January 1
- Every event here charges admission or a ticket; check each host
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Texas Christmas train rides page.
Austin Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 11 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Austin and Cedar Park
- Season
- November 20, 2026 to January 1, 2027
- Free events
- 0
- Kinds of events
- holiday story time, holiday crafts, holiday lights and tree lighting
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Austin Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Luminations in Austin on November 20; the last runs to January 1. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- LuminationsAustin · Nov 20 to Dec 31
- Zilker Holiday Tree LightingAustin · Nov 29 to Jan 1
- All Ages Storytime: Appreciation & Toy SwapAustin · Dec 2
- Tree LightingCedar Park · Dec 2
- Austin Trail of LightsAustin · Dec 4 to Dec 23
- The NutcrackerAustin · Dec 4 to Dec 23
- Kids Create: Holiday OrnamentsAustin · Dec 5
- Art After School: Gingerbread OrnamentsAustin · Dec 7
- Sew Fun: Holiday OrnamentAustin · Dec 21
- All Ages Storytime: HolidayAustin · Dec 23
- Spanish-English Storytime: HolidayAustin · Dec 23
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Austin? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
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25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in Austin
10 confirmed events for kids in Austin, soonest first.
Austin: Luminations
Holiday lightsLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center · Austin
- Host
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, TX 78739
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (Fridays to Sundays and select weekdays; closed Dec 24 and 25), 5:45 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Ticketed, advance purchase required
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Luminations returns to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center from November 20 through December 31, 2026, on Fridays through Sundays and select weekdays. The center is closed December 24 and 25. Entry runs from 5:45 to 7:45 pm, and the exhibit closes at 9 pm.
This year brings new light installations across the Central Gardens and immersive projections. Fortlandia, the center's hideout themed play area in the family garden, is also lit for the evening, which gives kids a place to explore. Food and drink are available to buy. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The Wildflower Center is at 4801 La Crosse Avenue in southwest Austin. A special UT Night edition is also listed on December 3.
Parent tip: Buy tickets ahead and arrive within the 5:45 to 7:45 pm entry window. The center is closed Dec 24 and 25.
See dates and details from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (opens in a new tab)Austin: Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting
Tree lightingAustin Parks and Recreation · Austin
- Host
- Austin Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
- When
- Sun November 29 and Sun November 29 (5:15 pm), 2026
- Cost
- No admission listed; free parking
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Austin Parks and Recreation lights the Zilker Holiday Tree on Sunday, November 29, 2026, on the south side of Zilker Park. Pre-event music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble starts at 5:15 pm, and the lighting ceremony begins at 6 pm with local entertainment, food, and live music.
The tree's 2026 season runs from November 29 through January 1, so families who miss the ceremony can still visit later in the month. Parking is free, and the city encourages carpooling or taking Cap Metro to the event. The holiday tree is a long standing Austin landmark at Zilker Park, at 2100 Barton Springs Road, and the ceremony is a relaxed way to start the season before the Trail of Lights opens in December.
Parent tip: Arrive for the 5:15 pm music to get a good spot before the 6 pm lighting. Parking is free, but carpooling or Cap Metro is encouraged.
See dates and details from Austin Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Austin: All Ages Storytime: Appreciation & Toy Swap
Holiday story timeAustin Public Library · Austin
- Host
- Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln., Austin, TX 78758
- When
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Babies, toddlers and preschoolers (0 to 5)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Austin Public Library's Little Walnut Creek Branch hosts an All Ages Storytime with an appreciation theme on Wednesday, December 2, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The program is aimed at babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, and the story time is followed by a toy swap.
The toy swap makes this a practical early December stop for families looking to refresh the toy shelf before the holidays. A bilingual Spanish and English story time runs at the same branch just before, from 9:30 to 10:30 am, if your family would like to stay for both. The Little Walnut Creek Branch is at 835 West Rundberg Lane in north Austin. The same branch holds holiday themed story times later in the month, so this is a good way to get to know the space.
Parent tip: Bring a gently used toy or two to trade at the swap.
See dates and details from Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)Austin: Austin Trail of Lights
Holiday lightsCity of Austin and Austin Trail of Lights · Austin
- Host
- City of Austin and Austin Trail of Lights (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (nightly), 6 to 10 pm
- Cost
- Some nights free, others ticketed; see official site
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Trail of Lights returns to Zilker Metropolitan Park for its 62nd year, running from December 4 through December 23, 2026, from 6 to 10 pm. The trail winds through the park with holiday light displays and is one of Austin's best known family traditions for the season.
The city's event page describes public viewing as open to the public, while some parts of the event, such as the athletic component, charge a fee. Night by night admission, parking, and street closure details are handled through the Trail of Lights website, so check there for which nights are free and how to get in. Zilker Park is at 2100 Barton Springs Road, just southwest of downtown, and the trail is a short drive from most of central Austin.
Parent tip: Check austintrailoflights.org for free nights, parking and shuttle options before you go.
See dates and details from City of Austin and Austin Trail of Lights (opens in a new tab)Austin: The Nutcracker
Holiday showBallet Austin · Austin
- Host
- Ballet Austin (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Long Center, Dell Hall, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704
- When
- Fri December 4 (7:30 pm), Sat December 5 (2 to 7:30 pm), Sun December 6 (2 pm), Fri December 11 (7:30 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 7:30 pm), Sun December 13 (2 pm), Thu December 17 (7:30 pm), Fri December 18 (2 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7:30 pm), Sun December 20 (2 pm), Tue December 22 (2 to 7:30 pm) and Wed December 23 (2 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Ticketed; Clara's Corner free with ticket
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker at the Long Center's Dell Hall from December 4 through December 23, with 16 performances at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. The show runs about two hours, with two 50 minute acts and a 20 minute intermission.
Ballet Austin adds extras for young audiences. Clara's Corner, a free pre-show space in the Kodosky Lounge, lets kids play, create, and move before the curtain. Meet and greets with Clara run throughout the season, and selfie stations are set up around the venue. On opening weekend, December 4 to 6, Tea, Mouse, Soldier, and Bon-Bon make cameo appearances in the lobbies and complimentary holiday photos are offered.
Parent tip: Come early to use Clara's Corner before the show. Opening weekend (Dec 4 to 6) adds character cameos and free holiday photos. The page also carries a past season notice, so confirm dates when buying tickets.
See dates and details from Ballet Austin (opens in a new tab)Austin: Kids Create: Holiday Ornaments
Holiday craftsAustin Public Library · Austin
- Host
- Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Milwood Branch, 12500 Amherst Dr., Austin, TX 78727
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:30 am to noon
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Preschoolers (3 to 5) and kids (6 to 10)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Milwood Branch of Austin Public Library hosts Kids Create: Holiday Ornaments on Saturday, December 5, from 10:30 am to noon. The session is planned for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and kids ages 6 to 10, who will make their own holiday ornaments to take home.
The 90 minute window on a Saturday morning gives families room to drop in, finish a project, and still have the rest of the day free. It is a simple way to add a homemade ornament to the tree this year. The Milwood Branch is at 12500 Amherst Drive in north Austin. The library's winter calendar also lists more holiday craft programs at other branches through December, so families can make it a series.
Parent tip: Younger preschoolers may need a grown-up's help with cutting and gluing.
See dates and details from Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)Austin: Art After School: Gingerbread Ornaments
Holiday craftsAustin Public Library · Austin
- Host
- Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln., Austin, TX 78758
- When
- Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Kids (6 to 10) and tweens (9 to 12)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Austin Public Library's Little Walnut Creek Branch hosts Art After School: Gingerbread Ornaments on Monday, December 7, from 4 to 6 pm. The session is designed for kids ages 6 to 10 and tweens ages 9 to 12, who will make gingerbread themed ornaments.
The program is listed in both English and Spanish as an afternoon of arts and crafts, and the two hour window makes it easy to stop by after school. It pairs well with the branch's other December craft and story time programs. The branch is at 835 West Rundberg Lane in north Austin. A clay candle holder craft for ages 3 and up also runs at the branch on Wednesday, December 2, from 4 to 6 pm, if your kids enjoy making things.
Parent tip: Drop in right after school; the session runs a full two hours.
See dates and details from Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)Austin: Sew Fun: Holiday Ornament
Holiday craftsAustin Public Library · Austin
- Host
- Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln., Austin, TX 78758
- When
- Monday, December 21, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- Kids (6 to 10), tweens (9 to 12) and teens (13 to 18)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Sew Fun: Holiday Ornament takes place at the Little Walnut Creek Branch of Austin Public Library on Monday, December 21, from 4 to 6 pm. Kids ages 6 to 10, tweens, and teens are invited to sew a holiday ornament, a hands-on project that goes a step beyond paper crafts.
The program is listed in English and Spanish as Coser Divertido. Falling just a few days before Christmas, it is a good winter break activity for older kids and a chance to finish a handmade ornament or gift in time for the holiday. The branch is at 835 West Rundberg Lane in north Austin and also hosts holiday story times on Wednesday, December 23, for families with younger children.
Parent tip: Good for school age kids on winter break; younger children may find sewing tricky.
See dates and details from Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)Austin: All Ages Storytime: Holiday
Holiday story timeAustin Public Library · Austin
- Host
- Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Lane, Austin, TX 78758
- When
- Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
- Cost
- Check the host's page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Austin Public Library's Little Walnut Creek Branch holds a holiday edition of its All Ages Storytime on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Library storytimes mix picture books, rhymes, songs and other activities matched to young children's attention spans.
It lands during school winter break, which makes it an easy morning outing with siblings of different ages. The same branch runs a Spanish-English holiday storytime an hour earlier, so a bilingual family could stay for both.
Parent tip: Programs are presented mostly in English. The Spanish-English holiday storytime is at 9:30 am the same morning.
See dates and details from Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)Austin: Spanish-English Storytime: Holiday
Holiday story timeAustin Public Library · Austin
- Host
- Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Lane, Austin, TX 78758
- When
- Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 9:30 to 10:30 am
- Cost
- Check the host's page
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Little Walnut Creek Branch of Austin Public Library holds a holiday Spanish-English Storytime, hora de cuentos en dos idiomas, on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Stories, rhymes and songs move between the two languages.
It is a good pick for bilingual households and for kids learning either language. The branch follows it with an all-ages holiday storytime at 10:30 am, so you can stay for a second round of stories in the same room.
Parent tip: Followed by the All Ages holiday storytime at 10:30 am at the same branch.
See dates and details from Austin Public Library (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Cedar Park
1 confirmed event for kids in Cedar Park, soonest first.
Cedar Park: Tree Lighting
Tree lightingCity of Cedar Park · Cedar Park
- Host
- City of Cedar Park (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Heritage (per city calendar), Cedar Park, TX 78613 (near Austin)
- When
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
- Cost
- Cost not listed
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Cedar Park's official calendar lists its Tree Lighting for Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The location is given on the calendar as Heritage in Cedar Park, ZIP code 78613.
The city's listing is brief and does not yet describe the program, cost, or whether Santa will appear, so check the city's calendar or special events pages closer to the date for the full lineup and parking details. As an early weeknight event, it is a convenient way for Cedar Park and northwest Austin families to start the season without a long drive. Cedar Park sits about 20 miles northwest of downtown Austin.
Parent tip: Details were limited at the time of checking; look at the city calendar the week before for the program and parking.
See dates and details from City of Cedar Park (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our Texas Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonAustin Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Austin in 2026?
We confirmed 11 Christmas events for kids in Austin for 2026 on each host’s own page: Luminations in Austin (November 20), Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting in Austin (November 29), All Ages Storytime: Appreciation & Toy Swap in Austin (December 2), Tree Lighting in Cedar Park (December 2), Austin Trail of Lights in Austin (December 4), The Nutcracker in Austin (December 4), Kids Create: Holiday Ornaments in Austin (December 5), Art After School: Gingerbread Ornaments in Austin (December 7), Sew Fun: Holiday Ornament in Austin (December 21), All Ages Storytime: Holiday in Austin (December 23) and Spanish-English Storytime: Holiday in Austin (December 23). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Austin, Texas?
For families in and around Austin, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Luminations (Fri to Sun and select weekdays, Nov 20 to Dec 31, 5:45 to 9 pm, ticketed, advance purchase required); Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting (Lighting Sun, Nov 29, 6 pm; tree up through Jan 1, no admission listed; free parking); All Ages Storytime: Appreciation & Toy Swap (Wed, Dec 2, 10:30 to 11:30 am, no fee listed); Austin Trail of Lights (Nightly, Dec 4 to Dec 23, 6 to 10 pm, some nights free, others ticketed; see official site); The Nutcracker (Dec 4 to Dec 23, 16 performances, 2 pm and 7:30 pm, ticketed; clara's corner free with ticket); Kids Create: Holiday Ornaments (Sat, Dec 5, 10:30 am to 12 pm, no fee listed); Art After School: Gingerbread Ornaments (Mon, Dec 7, 4 to 6 pm, no fee listed); Sew Fun: Holiday Ornament (Mon, Dec 21, 4 to 6 pm, no fee listed); All Ages Storytime: Holiday (Wed, Dec 23, 10:30 to 11:30 am, see the host for cost); Spanish-English Storytime: Holiday (Wed, Dec 23, 9:30 to 10:30 am, see the host for cost). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Austin section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Cedar Park, Texas?
For families in and around Cedar Park, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Tree Lighting (Wed, Dec 2, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, cost not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Cedar Park section of this page.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Austin?
Holiday story times on this page: All Ages Storytime: Appreciation & Toy Swap in Austin, All Ages Storytime: Holiday in Austin and Spanish-English Storytime: Holiday in Austin. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.
Which Austin Christmas events are best for toddlers?
These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: All Ages Storytime: Appreciation & Toy Swap in Austin (Babies, toddlers and preschoolers (0 to 5)) and Kids Create: Holiday Ornaments in Austin (Preschoolers (3 to 5) and kids (6 to 10)).
Are there kids' Christmas events in Austin on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Luminations in Austin (through December 31) and Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting in Austin (through January 1).
How much is Luminations in Austin?
Ticketed, advance purchase required. Luminations is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 (Fridays to Sundays and select weekdays; closed Dec 24 and 25), 5:45 to 9 pm at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting in Austin?
No admission listed; free parking. Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting is on Sun November 29 and Sun November 29 (5:15 pm), 2026 at Zilker Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is All Ages Storytime: Appreciation & Toy Swap in Austin?
No fee listed. All Ages Storytime: Appreciation & Toy Swap is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Little Walnut Creek Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Tree Lighting in Cedar Park?
Cost not listed. Tree Lighting is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Heritage (per city calendar). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Austin Trail of Lights in Austin?
Some nights free, others ticketed; see official site. Austin Trail of Lights is on Friday, December 4, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (nightly), 6 to 10 pm at Zilker Metropolitan Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is The Nutcracker in Austin?
Ticketed; Clara's Corner free with ticket. The Nutcracker is on Fri December 4 (7:30 pm), Sat December 5 (2 to 7:30 pm), Sun December 6 (2 pm), Fri December 11 (7:30 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 7:30 pm), Sun December 13 (2 pm), Thu December 17 (7:30 pm), Fri December 18 (2 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7:30 pm), Sun December 20 (2 pm), Tue December 22 (2 to 7:30 pm) and Wed December 23 (2 pm), 2026 at Long Center, Dell Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Kids Create: Holiday Ornaments in Austin?
No fee listed. Kids Create: Holiday Ornaments is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10:30 am to noon at Milwood Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Art After School: Gingerbread Ornaments in Austin?
No fee listed. Art After School: Gingerbread Ornaments is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Little Walnut Creek Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Sew Fun: Holiday Ornament in Austin?
No fee listed. Sew Fun: Holiday Ornament is on Monday, December 21, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Little Walnut Creek Branch. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
When is All Ages Storytime: Holiday in Austin in 2026?
Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am, at Little Walnut Creek Branch. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.
When is Spanish-English Storytime: Holiday in Austin in 2026?
Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 9:30 to 10:30 am, at Little Walnut Creek Branch. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Austin?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Austin Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
