Five Years of Winter Wonder: Ice Rodeo Returns to Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Beginning November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027, hotel guests and locals alike can saddle up for the festive season as Ice Rodeo celebrates its fifth year, transforming Four Seasons Hotel Austin into a winter wonderland filled with Texas-sized surprises for all ages. For families near and far, the season offers an invitation to make Austin part of their holiday tradition, whether slowing down for a festive staycation or travelling across Texas to create new memories together.

Outdoor Ice-Skating Rink and The Point

At the heart of Ice Rodeo is the Hotel’s 3,360-square-foot (312-square-metre) outdoor ice-skating rink, where guests can glide beneath the Texas sky with Lady Bird Lake as the backdrop. Built above the Hotel pool and cooled by state-of-the-art chillers, the rink offers an authentic ice-skating experience throughout Austin’s often mild winter weather.

After taking a turn around the ice, guests can linger at The Point, an adjoining outdoor lounge offering festive cocktails and holiday market-inspired fare. Seasonal décor, comfortable seating and communal fire pits create an inviting setting for gathering over drinks, bites and freshly roasted s’mores.

The rink is open to the public daily from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased online and include a one-hour skating session as well as access to Ice Rodeo festivities.

• Skate of Hope supporting Dell Children’s Foundation

Fighting cancer – by supporting cancer research and contributing to patient care and support services – is a central focus of Four Seasons for Good and a Company-wide commitment that has grown steadily over more than four decades. Four Seasons’ commitment to fighting cancer began with our founder Isadore Sharp and his wife, Rosalie, who lost their son Christopher to cancer in 1978. Today, Four Seasons continues to honor Christopher Sharp’s legacy by supporting cancer research around the world. On November 22, 2026, all proceeds from skating tickets and cabin rentals will be donated to Dell Children’s Foundation. Additionally, skaters can elect to make a donation alongside their ticket purchase throughout the Ice Rodeo season.

Rinkside Dining Cabins

For a more intimate way to experience the festivities, guests may reserve an Ice Rodeo rinkside dining cabin. Designed for gatherings of up to six guests, the lodge-inspired retreats pair plush seating and seasonal décor with personalised service, creating a warm setting just steps from the ice.

Available daily, the cabins offer an intimate home base for an afternoon or evening at Ice Rodeo, whether gathering with family and friends or enjoying a winter escape for two.

Candy Shop

A sweet stop along the rink, the Ice Rodeo Candy Shop invites guests to discover an irresistible selection of artisanal chocolates, nostalgic sweets and house-made festive treats. Perfect for holiday gifting or a well-deserved indulgence between turns on the ice, the charming pop-up brings a playful touch to the season.

Holiday Décor

The festive spirit begins from the moment guests arrive at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the front drive, while a 120-foot (37-metre) tunnel of glowing stars leads the way into the Hotel’s holiday wonderland.

Throughout the property, playful Texas-inspired installations offer unexpected moments of discovery and picture-perfect backdrops. On the back lawn, the Hotel’s 30-foot (9-metre) Christmas tree provides a sparkling centrepiece for the season and the lakeside festivities beyond.

40th Anniversary Gingerbread Display

Indoors, the celebration takes a delicious turn with the Hotel’s annual gingerbread display, handcrafted by Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Pallagi and her team. 

This year’s creation takes on special significance as Four Seasons Hotel Austin celebrates its 40th anniversary, paying homage to four distinct decades of the Hotel and its place in the Austin community. 

Guests can become part of the tradition by sponsoring a placement and adding their name or logo to the display. All sponsorship proceeds will benefit Dell Children’s Foundation in support of cancer research. 

The Deck Pop-Up Lounge and Hidden Flask Speakeasy

Upstairs at Live Oak, The Deck offers a spirited vantage point above the festivities. Located on the bar’s outdoor balcony the winter-chic pop-up pairs seasonal décor and comfortable furnishings with views of the Hotel’s 30-foot Christmas tree.

A curated menu of martinis and specialty cocktails, Champagne, caviar and light bites — available daily from 5:00 to 9:00 pm — makes The Deck an inviting destination for an early evening toast or a leisurely night overlooking the festivities below. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tucked behind closed doors, Hidden Flask returns for another season, transforming one of the Hotel’s specialty suites into an intimate winter pop-up for Hotel guests and Austin locals alike. Inside, guests can settle in over a thoughtfully curated menu of craft cocktails and seasonal bites, while the suite’s private outdoor balcony offers a fireside retreat with glowing fire pits and sweeping views of the Austin skyline.

Equal parts hidden hideaway and festive gathering place, Hidden Flask invites guests to linger over cocktails with friends, unwind beside the fire or simply take in the city lights on a crisp winter evening. The experience is available Thursday through Saturday by online reservation via OpenTable.

Holiday A-Tea-X Afternoon Tea

The Hotel’s beloved A-Tea-X afternoon tea returns with a festive flourish for the season. Served daily from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in Live Oak, A-Tea-X pairs flavoured hot teas and tea-inspired cocktails with an artful presentation of sweet and savoury seasonal treats.

Reservations are available online with a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice.

Winter Solstice Journey at The Spa

For a restorative pause amid the bustle of the season, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Austin introduces the Winter Solstice Journey, a deeply nurturing aromatherapy massage created to calm the mind, ease muscular tension and restore a sense of balance.

The experience features a warm, grounding blend of Vata Oil with citrus and clove, complemented by a Red-Light Therapy Facial Mask to support healthy, radiant-looking skin. The journey concludes with an exfoliating foot treatment, leaving tired feet feeling smooth, refreshed and renewed.

Holiday Brunches

Seasonal celebrations continue around the table with a collection of beloved holiday brunches, bringing together abundant menus, live entertainment and the warm hospitality of Four Seasons.

• Thanksgiving Brunch

A cherished Austin tradition returns as family and friends gather in Ciclo restaurant or the Hotel’s lake-level ballroom for Thanksgiving Brunch. An abundant spread features seasonal favourites, chef-crafted brunch specialties and festive beverages, accompanied by live music. Whether continuing a longstanding family tradition or beginning a new one, the experience offers a gracious setting in which to gather, celebrate and give thanks.

• Teddy Bear Brunch | November 29 and December 13, 2026

A favourite for families, Teddy Bear Brunch returns with an elevated brunch buffet, seasonal cocktails and beverages, whimsical teddy bear décor and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The celebration also embraces the spirit of giving. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or teddy bear to help brighten the holidays for local children, with donations benefiting Dell Children’s Hospital and The SAFE Alliance.

• Christmas Brunch

Christmas Day unfolds with an elegant brunch celebration in the Hotel’s festive lake-level ballroom and Ciclo restaurant. Family and friends can gather over seasonal favourites, chef-curated brunch specialties, decadent desserts and holiday beverages, accompanied by live entertainment and festive décor. Designed for lingering around the table with those who matter most, Christmas Brunch offers a warm and memorable way to celebrate one of the season’s most cherished traditions.

Make a new holiday tradition with an overnight stay at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. From hometown staycations to festive getaways from across Texas, guests can settle in, experience all that Ice Rodeo and Austin have to offer and enjoy a little more time together this season. For more information and reservations, please visit fourseasons.com/austin, call (512) 478-4500, or contact a travel professional.