Austin Holiday Bucket List 2025: 12 Magical Family Experiences You’ll Love
Every December, Austin glows with that special kind of holiday magic — the one that feels like warmth, laughter, and twinkling lights all rolled into one. Families from every corner of the city (and beyond) gather to celebrate traditions, create new memories, and fill their Austin holiday bucket list with moments that truly matter.
If you’re planning a season full of festive cheer, cozy experiences, and photo-worthy memories, this guide highlights twelve of the best Austin holiday bucket list adventures to enjoy with your loved ones — from sparkling light shows to heartfelt Santa Sessions at Zesty Orange Photography.
Zilker Holiday Tree & Trail of Lights
A true Austin classic! The Trail of Lights transforms Zilker Park into a glowing wonderland of more than two million lights. Families can sip cocoa, ride the Ferris wheel, and take that must-have spin under the 155-foot Zilker Tree.
Website: austintrailoflights.org
Address: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 974-6700
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters Light Show
Grab a warm drink, cozy up on the deck overlooking Lake Austin, and watch Mozart’s famous holiday light show dance to festive music every evening. It’s one of the most magical — and free — family traditions in town.
Website: mozartscoffee.com
Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 477-2900
Ice Skating at Whole Foods Market Downtown
Every winter, the rooftop plaza at Whole Foods Market downtown turns into an ice-skating rink that delights kids and parents alike. Skate under the stars, grab hot chocolate, and enjoy the perfect urban holiday vibe.
Website: wholefoodsmarket.com
Address: 525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 542-2200
The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria
Art meets nature at this peaceful holiday gem. Laguna Gloria’s twinkling installations and garden pathways are a dream for family strolls and winter portraits — it’s also one of the most elegant photo backdrops in Austin.
Website: thecontemporaryaustin.org
Address: 3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Phone: (512) 458-8191
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
This Austin icon mixes local art, live music, and holiday shopping in one festive indoor market. Kids love the music, parents love the artisan gifts — and everyone leaves smiling.
Website: armadillobazaar.com
Address: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 404-4500
Domain Northside Holiday Village
With twinkling lights, visits from Santa, and plenty of photo ops, Domain Northside is a favorite for families who love to combine holiday shopping with fun.
Website: domainnorthside.com
Address: 11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
Phone: (512) 758-7937
Mount Bonnell Family Hike
For families who love the outdoors, bundle up for a winter hike up Mount Bonnell. The view of the Colorado River at sunset is breathtaking — and perfect for a candid family photo moment.
Website: austintexas.gov
Address: 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd, Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (512) 974-6700
Thinkery Winter Wonderland
The Thinkery brings holiday joy to kids of all ages with hands-on STEAM activities, crafts, and festive play zones. Perfect for toddlers, big kids, and families with special needs who need accessible indoor fun.
(You can also learn more about our inclusive approach to capturing these special memories in our Special Needs Family Photography Austin.)
Website: thinkeryaustin.org
Address: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 469-6200
Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas
Drive through dazzling displays of lights at COTA’s Peppermint Parkway! Families can enjoy the twinkling tunnels, carnival rides, and festive treats — all without leaving the car.
Website: peppermintparkway.com
Address: 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
Phone: (512) 301-6600
Austin Symphony’s Christmas in the Community
This free concert series brings live holiday music to neighborhoods across Austin. It’s a wonderful, low-stress way to introduce kids to orchestral music while celebrating the season together.
Website: austinsymphony.org
Address: 1101 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 476-6064
Holiday Minis with Zesty Orange Photography
Every November and December, families across Austin mark their calendars for our Holiday Mini Sessions, the perfect way to capture cozy winter smiles and update your yearly family portraits. Whether it’s a classic red-and-green setup or a soft, neutral aesthetic, these sessions are quick, relaxed, and filled with laughter.
(They’re also perfect for blended families who want to celebrate their story with warmth and connection, see more at Blended Families in Portraits.)
Website: w.zestyorangephoto.com/holiday-public-booking-home
Address: 15550 Ranch Road 620 N, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78717
Phone: (512) 998-9445
Santa Sessions at Zesty Orange Photography
For many families, Austin holiday bucket list isn’t complete without a visit to Santa, and our Santa Sessions are designed for connection, comfort, and joy. We keep the experience calm, personal, and photo-perfect, so even shy little ones leave with magic in their eyes.
Website: zestyorangephoto.com/santa-claus-pictures-near-me
Address: 15550 Ranch Road 620 N, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78717
Phone: (512) 998-9445
Wrapping Up Your Austin Holiday Bucket List
Whether your family loves sparkling city lights or cozy indoor traditions, the Austin holiday bucket list offers endless ways to celebrate together. So, gather your loved ones, check off these experiences, and remember to capture the joy — because every smile, laugh, and twinkle deserves to be remembered.
Explore more family session ideas and inspiration in our Family Photography Resources Hub.
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Attention Austin families! Whether you’re planning your first professional portraits or updating your walls with new memories, a family photo session is more than a yearly tradition—it’s an investment in your legacy.
As your Austin-based family photographer, I specialize in capturing the laughter, connection, and love that make your family uniquely yours. These images won’t just sit on a screen—they’ll live on as cherished heirlooms, reminding you of every season of life together.
Let’s create timeless family portraits that reflect your family’s heart and story. Schedule your consultation today and experience the kind of session your future self will thank you for.
