Looking for the best Christmas events & holiday things to do in Austin in 2023? With all there is to do in Austin, there’s no doubt you’ll find some amount of Christmas spirit this year.
Plus, save this blog post for next year when we update it for Christmas 2024!
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Find Festive Food & Drinks
Mozart’s Holiday Light Show (Nov. 9 – Jan 6, 2024)
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters is beautiful year-round and the perfect place for enjoying a warm cup of coffee right on the lake.
This year, Mozart’s is hosting its 14th annual Christmas Light Show. You can register to attend on their website. Standing groups are free, or you can reserve 4-person tables for $40 and 6-person tables for $60. Don’t miss out on their hot cocoa bombs and other signature Christmas drinks! 6pm to 11pm.
Mozart’s will also celebrate a Celtic Christmas Dec. 15 – 17, 2023 at 7:30pm, featuring an Irish band and themed goodies like spiked Irish coffee! Get your tickets here, starting at $59.
@mycurlyadventures The most magical coffee shop #texas ♬ Santa Tell Me – Christmas Hits & Christmas Songs
Wonder Bar (Nov. 10 – Dec. 2023)
Wonder Bar is like Austin’s own slice of holiday heaven, decking the halls to the max for the holiday season. This spot is where Instagram-worthy meets holiday spirit, with every corner turned into an over-the-top photo opportunity.
The whole bar becomes a playful, colorful tribute to all things merry and bright. The menu also features an array of sweet and savory treats, perfect for complementing your festive beverages.
Miracle on 5th Street (Nov. 16 – Dec. 27, 2023)
Every year, the Miracle Bar pops up around the US, including in our beloved Austin! Miracle on 5th St is a Christmas-themed, pop-up cocktail bar that serves Christmas themed cocktails in the cutest cups. You can even purchase their glassware or take their cocktails to-go!
The Eleanor will be decorated in wall-to-wall Christmas decor, with multiple bars and festive photo ops! Tickets can be purchased online.
The Sippin’ Santa Pop-up (Nov. 20 – Dec. 27, 2023)
With the way bars in Austin go all out with their Christmas events and holiday decorations, Happy Hour just got a whole lot merrier! Nickel City is a Central East Austin favorite that transforms for the holidays. They decorate what becomes the Sippin’ Santa, a tiki spin-off of the Austin pop-up, “Miracle on 5th Street.” The pop-up will be open daily during the holiday season from 12pm to 2am.
Otopia Rooftop Bar: Wintersol (Nov. 20 – Dec. 2023)
For a high-up holiday escape in Austin, make your way to Otopia Rooftop Bar. Their Wintersol event is all about giving you those cool, winter feels with a twist. It’s not just any bar; it’s a winter-themed wonderland perched above the city.
Think cozy vibes with a view, complete with a menu of drinks that’ll warm you right up. And for something extra special, you can even rent a private igloo. Yes, you heard that right—your own little snow dome where you can laugh and cheer the night away.
It’s a fun, frosty experience without the freezing temperatures, perfect for those looking to add a little ice to their holiday season.
Fairmont Hotel: The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar (Nov. 24 – Dec. 31, 2023)
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Bar is a festive pop-up event taking place at the Fairmont Austin Hotel’s on-site bar, Rules & Regs. It’s located on the 7th floor of the hotel, offering stunning skyline views to complement the holiday cheer. This unique bar is an annual tradition that runs from November 24 to December 31, making it a perfect spot to celebrate the season of giving!
The bar features an array of holiday bites like chocolate fondue and baked brie, specialty cocktails in novelty mugs, and a happy hour offering of 50% off from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily. You’re encouraged to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater.
The atmosphere is lively and merry, with dazzling lights synced to music, wrapped presents hanging from the ceiling, a digital Christmas tree, and even the infamous lamp from A Christmas Story!
It has proved to be a popular venue so make sure to make your reservation ASAP!
Gibson’s Street Bar Wonderland (Nov. 24 – Dec. 31, 2023)
Wander into a boozy winter paradise at Gibson Street Bar’s Wonderland, a must-visit pop-up bar in the heart of Austin this holiday season. The exterior of this Austin bar and its iconic Gibson sleigh will be the perfect festive addition to your Instagram feed. You can also grab a bite at Jewboy Sliders, which shares the property with Gibson’s.
As you step inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a merry and bright atmosphere where every inch is dripping with festive decor. The bar transforms into a jolly playground for adults, complete with twinkling lights and ornaments hanging from every surface. It’s the ideal spot for those looking to unwind with friends and toast to the joy of the season.
Happy’s at Wax Myrtle (Nov. 24 – Dec. 24 2023)
Add some sparkle to your festive outings with a visit to Happy’s Holiday Pop-Up at Wax Myrtle’s. It’s like a Christmas party where the cool kids hang out, all decked out in sparkling lights and decked halls.
Grab a comfy spot and settle in with one of their special holiday drinks that’ll have you feeling merry in no time. Plus, their cocktails are not just tasty—they’re pretty enough to be the backdrop of your next selfie. So whether you’re looking to chill after a long day of gift hunting or just want to get your festive night started, swing by Happy’s.
Edge Rooftop: Snow Much Fun (Nov. 24 – Dec. 25, 2023)
Edge Rooftop, a swanky bar located atop the JW Marriott Austin, is hosting a delightful holiday pop-up experience called “Snow Much Fun”. This place is not your average rooftop bar; it’s a seasonal escape that brings the chill of the North Pole to the heart of Texas.
Imagine sipping on frosty-themed cocktails surrounded by a flurry of faux snow and twinkling lights that give off major winter vibes. Whether you’re looking for the perfect selfie spot with snowfall in the background or just want to clink glasses under the stars, Edge Rooftop is where it’s at for unforgettable festive nights out in Austin.
Lucille Patio Lounge (Nov. 26 – Dec. 2023)
Lucille Patio Lounge invites merry-makers to step into its holiday pop-up that’s all about spreading the cheer. Tucked away in the heart of Austin’s bustling Rainey Street, this laid-back bar dresses up in its holiday best, with festive lights and garlands that create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
They mix up some really creative holiday drinks that’ll definitely get you in the spirit. At Lucille’s, you can lounge on the comfy patio, wrapped in the soft glow of string lights, and raise a toast to the holiday season with friends. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a laid-back Austin twist.
Sunny’s Backyard (Nov. 27 – Dec. 2023)
If you’re looking for a laid-back holiday hangout in Austin, head over to Sunny’s Backyard. This holiday season, it’s not just a bar—it’s a Christmas chill zone with a fun Austin vibe. The interior is adorned with twinkling string lights, rustic wooden décor, and a magnificent Christmas tree that radiates with a kaleidoscope of colors.
You can enjoy live music, and the entire atmosphere has a warm and relaxed vibe, as if you’re just casually hanging out in a friend’s backyard. It’s the spot to kick back, relax, and have a good time without any of the holiday fuss.
Museum of Ice Cream (Nov. 27 – Jan. 15, 2024)
If you’ve ever dreamt of a winter wonderland with a sweet twist, then you can’t miss the Museum of Ice Cream. Think of it as Santa’s workshop, but for ice cream lovers. You’ll walk through brightly colored rooms that feel like stepping inside a giant holiday dessert. Adults can even indulge in unique ice cream cocktails that perfectly blend holiday tradition with a cheeky splash of fun.
Whether you’re licking a cone or sipping a spirited shake, the Museum of Ice Cream’s “Pinkmas” celebration is the cherry on top of your holiday festivities. Ticket prices range from $21 on weekdays to $24 on weekends. Tickets are available online.
Marlow Bar: Merry Merry Marlow (Nov. 27 – Dec. 27, 2023)
Marlow Bar in Austin doesn’t just celebrate the season; it immerses you in it. This holiday, it morphs into a pop-up bar where the Christmas spirit is in full swing. From the moment you walk in, you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket of holiday joy. The decor is a tasteful nod to winter’s charm, with a touch of sparkle here and there to catch your eye.
It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of holiday hustle or to start your evening with a toast to good health and happiness.
Donn’s Depot (Starts Dec. 1, 2023)
This holiday season, Donn’s Depot is the place to be if you’re looking to mix a little old Austin charm with your Christmas cheer. This festive tradition has been delighting locals and visitors for years, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for celebrating the holidays.
You’ll feel like you’ve hopped on a time machine the moment you step through the doors, with train car interiors and an authentic, rustic feel. The holiday cocktails are a mix of timeless recipes and new twists, served up with the kind of hospitality that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
Lefty’s Brick Bar: Rudolph’s Road House (Dec. 1 – 31, 2023)
Visit Rudolph’s Road House for a pop-up bar experience that’s as festive as it is funky. This interactive pop-up takes over Lefty’s Brick Bar and the adjoining Gin Bar, offering a tinsel-tastic time with festive cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and themed events all month long.
With a nod to everyone’s favorite reindeer, this spot lights up the season with a warm, rustic ambiance decked out in boughs of holly and a dash of southern charm. It’s a great spot to have a laugh with friends and make some merry memories.
Kitty Cohen’s Hanukkah Pop-Up Bar (Dec. 1 – 30, 2023)
Kitty Cohen’s is bringing some Hanukkah fun to the bar scene in Austin. Imagine walking into your best friend’s backyard party, but with a cool Hanukkah vibe. They’ve got everything from menorahs to strings of blue and white lights, plus a bunch of dreidels that are just waiting to go for a spin.
The drinks are a playful nod to the holiday, with clever twists on classics. It’s the kind of place where everyone fits in, whether you’re there for the whole Hanukkah shebang or just looking for a cozy nook to chill out with pals.
Stay in an Igloo (Dec. 1 – 31, 2023)
Not overnight! Just long enough to grab some delicious food and cocktails. The Geraldine at Hotel Van Zandt 4th floor pool deck turns into the South Pole for Christmas, complete with games, holiday tunes, and comfortable, heated igloos.
In addition to their normal seating, they have igloos that you can book out for up to 6 people! This is another holiday activity that sells out fast so be sure to reserve ahead of time!
Reservations are $100 per igloo, plus a $200 food and beverage minimum (+ tax and gratuity) for two hours of service. Tickets are available online.
You can also find dinnertime igloos at the Austin Line Hotel, featuring an exquisite meal by Chef Kristin Kish of the hotel’s restaurant, Arlo Grey. Time slots can be reserved online. Dec. 6, 2023 – Feb. 25, 2023.
Enjoy Holiday Tea (Dec. 2 & 3, 2023)
Start a holiday tradition with a fancy multi-course Christmas afternoon tea, including three courses of French pastries, champagne, and, of course, tea, accompanied by live piano. This event at the Driskill Hotel tends to sell out fast, so you’ll want to make your online reservations early in December, if not in November. Tickets start at $85. 3pm to 5pm.
There will also be a Princess Tea Party on Dec. 10, with visiting costume character princesses posing for photos, dancing, singing, and telling stories. Adult tickets include champagne along with a tea service. Children under 12 cost $85, while adult tickets are $145.
