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Winter Wonderland Ice Rodeo Returns to Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Austin’s lakeside retreat transforms into a sparkling holiday playground, featuring a real-ice rink, festive cabins, seasonal treats, and twinkling Texas magic
October 27, 2025,
Austin, U.S.A

The most wonderful time of the year takes on a distinctly Texan twinkle as Four Seasons Hotel Austin reintroduces its signature holiday spectacular, Ice Rodeo. Beginning November 21, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the lakeside retreat transforms 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,” says Beverly Magee, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. “It’s a celebration of joy, connection and the warm holiday spirit that defines Austin.”

Ice Skating and Festive Food

The shining bulb on this Hotel’s holiday tree is the 3,360 square foot (312 square metre) outdoor ice-skating rink. Skaters can glide beneath the Texas sky on the shores of Lady Bird Lake on a rink - built atop the Hotel pool - 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 the perfect backdrop for holiday gatherings with friends and family or an intimate evening for two. Cabins start at USD 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

It is easy to marvel in the magic as holiday delights are on full display across the entire property. After an arrival beneath a blanket of thousands of twinkling lights and then gallivanting through a 120-foot (37 metre) tunnel of lighted stars, guests can spot elaborate Texas-themed art installations that have been cleverly tucked across property for the perfect photo opportunity. Of course, no visit is complete without a twirl beside the 30-foot (9 metre) Christmas Tree located on the back lawn.

Gingerbread Display

The décor turns delicious as guests head indoors for 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 the magic of the 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 pm 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 stylish bar daily from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, this ornamented offering includes flavoured hot teas, tea-inspired cocktails, and an impressive 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

For those looking to experience the ultimate in winter skincare rejuvenation and relaxation, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Austin will offer signature treatments throughout the season. Seasonal treatments feature the Fire and Ice Ritual, which blends the therapeutic power of contrast, combining relaxing warm basalt stones with inflammation-reducing cool marble stones in a full-body experience.

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. Every detail celebrates the simple pleasure of slowing down, raising a glass, and savouring the season together.

For more information and reservations, please visit www.fourseasons.com/austin, call (512) 478-4500, or contact a travel professional (chain code FS).