Four Seasons Hotel Austin is reintroducing its signature holiday spectacular, Ice Rodeo. Beginning November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the lakeside retreat will transform into a glittering winter wonderland complete with festive cabanas, holiday menus, and whimsical décor that captures the spirit of the North Pole, all with Austin’s playful charm.
“There’s something truly special about seeing families, couples and friends come together year after year to make Ice Rodeo part of their holiday tradition,” Beverly Magee, regional vice president and general manager at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, said in a statement. “It’s a celebration of joy, connection and the warm holiday spirit that defines Austin.”
Ice Skating and Festive Food
The centerpiece of the Hotel’s holiday display is the 3,360-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink. Located on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, the rink is built atop the hotel pool and composed of real ice that is cooled by state-of-the-art chillers.
Following a skate session, guests can head to The Point to enjoy hot toddies and holiday market-style dishes from nearby food trucks. Surrounded by twinkling décor and firelight, the outdoor lounge provides a cozy retreat for sipping, snacking, and sharing s’mores with friends and family.
The rink is open daily with varying hours throughout the holiday season. Tickets can be purchased on the Ice Rodeo website and includes a one-hour skating session and access to the Ice Rodeo festivities.
Rink Side Cabins
For a more private experience, guests can reserve one of the rink side cabins: lodge-inspired retreats designed for up to six guests. Each cabin offers a cozy, festive setting complete with plush seating, seasonal décor, and personalized service. Available daily, these exclusive spaces provide a perfect backdrop for holiday gatherings with friends and family or an intimate evening for two. Cabins start at $450 for a two-hour rental, with curated food and beverage enhancements available, including Champagne, specialty cocktails, shareable plates, and tableside s’mores.
Holiday Décor
After an arrival beneath a blanket of thousands of twinkling lights and then gallivanting through a 120-foot tunnel of lighted stars, guests can spot elaborate Texas-themed art installations that have been cleverly tucked across property for ideal photo opportunity. Of course, no visit is complete without a twirl beside the 30-foot Christmas Tree located on the back lawn.
Gingerbread Display
Indoors, guests can have a peek at the hotel’s famous gingerbread lobby display created by Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Pallagi and team. Displays of years’ past have included replicas of the city, a life-sized Airstream trailer, and classic holiday songs built inside oversized ornaments. This year, the hotel’s pastry team invites guests aboard a Polar Express–inspired journey with a Texas twist. The hotel’s annual gingerbread display transforms the lobby into a festive railway adventure, blending classic holiday story with nods to the Lone Star State.
The Deck Pop-Up Lounge
Guests can take in a bird’s-eye view of Ice Rodeo from The Deck, the hotel’s seasonal pop-up lounge located on the outdoor balcony of Live Oak. Open daily from 1:00 p.m. to midnight, the lounge features a curated menu of specialty cocktails, Champagne, caviar and light bites. Designed with winter-inspired décor and comfortable seating, The Deck offers a refined yet relaxed setting overlooking the holiday festivities. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is open to the public.
Holiday A-Tea-X in Live Oak
The famous afternoon tea service, A-Tea-X, will return December 1, 2025, with a festive flair. Available in the hotel’s bar daily from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., this ornamented offering includes flavored hot teas, tea-inspired cocktails, and a display of holiday treats. Reservations can be made with a minimum of 24-hours advanced notice via the hotel’s OpenTable page.
Winter Spa Treatments
Guests seeking winter skincare rejuvenation and relaxation can visit The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, which will offer signature treatments throughout the season. Among the seasonal offerings is the Fire and Ice Ritual, a full-body treatment that combines warm basalt stones with cooling marble stones to promote relaxation and reduce inflammation.
Hidden Flask
This season, Four Seasons Hotel Austin reopens The Hidden Flask, a speakeasy housed within one of the hotel’s specialty suites. The intimate hideaway, which transforms into a Winter Wonderland, offers guests an evening of warmth and discovery, complete with a fireplace-lined deck, holiday inspired cocktails and a menu of festive bites designed to pair seamlessly with the season’s spirits.
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