Last updated: November 11, 2024
Embark on a holiday adventure in San Marcos! Discover all the top festive events with our guide. Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, our guide showcases the best of San Marcos's holidays.
One of the most enchanting experiences you can explore is the Zilker Trail of Lights, where dazzling light displays illuminate the picturesque landscape. Featuring local artisans and an array of unique gifts, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar provides a perfect opportunity for holiday shopping. And definitely don't forget the Peppermint Parkway, which transforms the streets into a whimsical wonderland filled with seasonal cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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San Marcos Holiday Light Displays
Zilker Trail of Lights
- What to Expect
- Community-wide celebration with extensive holiday lighting and displays.
- Description
- The Austin Trail of Lights is a 60-year-old holiday tradition in Zilker Park, featuring over 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other displays and tunnels.
- Where
- Austin | More Info : Zilker Trail of Lights
Luminations
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations in a natural outdoor setting.
- Description
- Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center features all-new light installations spanning the Central Gardens, allowing guests to explore Fortlandia at night. Food and drink options are available for purchase, creating a festive atmosphere with thousands of glowing luminarias.
- Where
- Austin | More Info : Luminations
Peppermint Parkway
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday displays with millions of lights and interactive experiences.
- Description
- Peppermint Parkway is a drive-thru holiday spectacle featuring over six million lights, dancing characters, and a festive holiday plaza with rides, treats, and activities.
- Where
- Austin | More Info : Peppermint Parkway
San Marcos Holiday Markets and Shopping
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
- What to Expect
- Immersive holiday shopping and live music experience.
- Description
- The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a vibrant fine art and music festival featuring over 200 local and national artists showcasing unique creations and live music performances.
- Where
- Austin | More Info : Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
A Christmas Affair
- What to Expect
- Empowering women through community fundraising.
- Description
- A Christmas Affair is a 49th annual holiday market featuring over 200 vendors from across the country, benefiting The Junior League of Austin's signature programs and nonprofit community partners. The event attracts more than 25,000 patrons each year and offers various activities including children's events, raffles, auctions, and Santa photos.
- Where
- Austin | More Info : A Christmas Affair
Pearl Holiday Night Market
- What to Expect
- Local vendors and live music create a lively shopping atmosphere.
- Description
- The Pearl Holiday Night Market features over 60 local vendors offering festive goodies, live music, and a Santa Express Mailbox for children to drop off their wish lists.
- Where
- San Antonio | More Info : Pearl Holiday Night Market
San Marcos Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Tuba Christmas
- What to Expect
- Large-scale ensemble performance of holiday classics by low brass instruments.
- Description
- Tuba Christmas is a festive holiday event featuring hundreds of tuba and euphonium players performing traditional Christmas carols in a joyful celebration of music and community.
- Where
- Austin | More Info : Tuba Christmas
A Christmas Carol
- What to Expect
- Musical adaptation of Dickens' classic tale with a diverse score.
- Description
- ZACH Theatre's adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol is a musical journey through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score spanning all genres and eras. This family-friendly production features the loving Cratchit family and three soulful ghosts as they take Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey to rediscover his heart and love for human kindness.
- Where
- Austin | More Info : A Christmas Carol
San Marcos Other Holiday Activities
Sights & Sounds of Christmas
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly carnival with petting zoo and live nativity.
- Description
- Sights & Sounds of Christmas is a family-friendly festival featuring carnival rides, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and a Town of Bethlehem re-enactment. Enjoy delicious food, meet Santa, and explore community performances.
- Where
- San Marcos | More Info : Sights & Sounds of Christmas