The merriest season is officially underway and social calendars are abuzz thanks to several local happenings. Take a photo with Santa and schmooze with Mrs. Claus at the Long Center terrace or enjoy Christmastime classics live in concert. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this holiday weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, November 28

  

Photo courtesy of The Long Center for the Performing Arts

Take a photo with Santa on the Long Center Terrace this weekend.

UT Austin presents Longhorn Lights
Stroll off the turkey at The University of Texas at Austin’s Longhorn Lights experience. Guests can drive or walk by the display along Guadalupe Street, which features 400,000 sparkling burnt orange and white lights. The display will dance along in synchronization with iconic school songs such as “The Eyes of Texas,” “Texas Fight,” “March Grandioso,” and more. Longhorn Lights is open through January 1, 2025 and is free to attend.

Friday, November 29

Bob Schneider & the Moonlight Orchestra in concert
Austin music artist Bob Schneider and the Moonlight Orchestra bring holiday tunes to the Austin City Limits Live stage. Schneider is best known for his decades-long tenure as one of the city’s prized musicians. Fans will enjoy a variety of classic favorites in celebration of the season. Tickets are available now.

Historic Scoot Inn presents Wild Child in concert
Local pop duo Wild Child returns to Austin for a special back-to-back night of performances for the Thanksgiving weekend. Each night will feature the band performing a selection of songs from their entire discography, including Pillow Talk, The Runaround, and Expectations. They will be joined by special guests Skylar Rose Wilson, Buffalo Hunt, Motenko and Matthew Logan Vasquez. Tickets for the shows at Historic Scoot Inn are available now.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Venture through the Forbidden Forest made famous by the popular Harry Potter and Fantastic Beats series at this immersive walking trail experience. McKinney Roughs Nature Park will be transformed into the iconic site from the books and movies, complete with character appearances, spell-casting activations, and a themed village at the end of the trail. The experience is open through December 19.

Saturday, November 30

H-E-B presents Santa on the Terrace
Get in the festive spirit with the help of Santa himself on the terrace at The Long Center for the Performing Arts. Highlights include free photos with Santa, and a meet-and-greet with Mrs. Claus, and more Christmas-inspired activities. Visitors can also enjoy discounted Long Center Present shows that are available for purchase and onsite photo printing services. Admission is free and open to the public.

Vista Brewing presents Movie Under the Stars: Elf
Check out an outdoor screening of the popular holiday film Elf at Vista Brewing. Movie night will feature s'mores and hot chocolate, access to the Beer Garden, and farm-to-table dinner menu offerings. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to ensure the most comfortable viewing experience. Admission is free.

Sunday, December 1

Open Canopy
Eastside locale Canopy Austin continues its monthly open house-style event for visitors to explore. Guests can browse dozens of private art studios, shop retail, and take tours of buildings on the grounds. Food and drinks by Sa-ten cafe will be available for purchase onsite. Admission is free and open to the public.