December, 2025
By Anahi Balderas, Angel Flores, and Yuneisy Pagoaga
The bright and colorful parkway slices through the Circuit of the Americas with the big Circuit Breaker rollercoaster as one of its many attractions. The nostalgic scenes, like taking pictures with Santa Clause or the Gingerbread man, add to the experiences of memories but also traditional holiday treats nearby. Where speed meets design and inclusivity, the parkway itself and a holiday tradition that lights up Austin with joy and wonder!
For many visitors, the Parkway isn’t just about the dazzling lights of festive music but about the memories made while sharing rides with friends and family. From laughter echoing through car windows to snapshots that capture the magic of the season, Peppermint Parkway transforms into a shared experience that lingers after the drive and walk itself. To say, Anahi, Yuneisy, and Angel each walked away from their own unique impressions; Anahi was fascinated by the interactive experiences, meanwhile Yuneisy was attracted to the rides, and Angel was captivated by the gingerbread man. Their perspectives highlight why this holiday event continues to shine as one of Austin’s ongoing traditions.
Anahi Balderas’ Review:
Anahi described her first steps into Peppermint Parkway as nothing short of magical. From the moment she arrived, the friendly staff set the tone with warm greetings that made the experience feel inviting and personal. As she walked through the entrance, the glow of holiday lights and the sound of cheerful music surrounded her, creating an atmosphere that felt alive with excitement. “Every corner was offering multiple hands-on activities for both children and adults. From ornament making, to mini golf, go karting, ziplining, carousel, and the famous drive around the Circuit of the Americas track. Every corner had something for everyone. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with staff members engaging with guests and helping them make the most of each experience. Children and adults were seen laughing and trying new things together. The variety of activities ensured there was never a dull moment.” She took time to explore the activities offered: interactive displays, festive characters, and small touches that made the Parkway feel like more than just a drive‑through light show. While she noticed the rides in passing, she left the deeper details of those thrills to Yuneisy, choosing instead to emphasize how the overall environment captured the spirit of the holidays. For Anahi, the Parkway was about connection, joy, and the simple delight of being welcomed into a world of seasonal wonder.
Yuneisy Pagoaga’s Perspective:
Yuneisy’s attention was immediately drawn to the rides, which added an extra layer of excitement to the experience. From the towering circuit creaker rollercoaster to the family-friendly attractions, she appreciated how the event balanced dazzling lights with opportunities for thrill seekers. “What I enjoyed most about Peppermint Parkway was the fun rides they had. As someone who loves rollercoasters, it was really cool to have a chance to be able to ride a brand new rollercoaster at Peppermint Parkway for only $20. It was more of an amusement being there while having fun and everlasting memories with friends.” As parents snapped photos of their kids in front of holiday characters, the entire space felt designed to keep everyone engaged; her final impression was clear that the peppermint parkway wasn’t just about holiday lights but a place where families could create lasting memories. “There was also a chance to get on a zipline for 2 people, which was fun as well. So if you’re like me and like rollercoasters and rides and Christmas, then you should definitely check out Peppermint Parkway.”
Angel Flores’ Insight:
Angel’s favorite moment came when he encountered the Gingerbread Man, a whimsical character that embodied the Parkway’s playful spirit. For him, the photo opportunities and character interactions gave the event a sense of community, as if everyone was part of one big holiday celebration. Compared to Anahi’s focus on the welcoming staff and activities, and Yuneisy’s excitement over the rides, Angel’s perspective highlighted the tradition and nostalgia woven into the Parkway. “I really enjoyed seeing traditional holiday characters like the Gingerbread Man and santaclause right next to each other. Nobody has to run across a whole park or wait in a long line to take a simple picture for an everlasting memory,” and then there were the penguins. Angel couldn’t help but laugh as they waddled in rhythm in their aesthetically pleasing wooden box, flapping their little wings, dancing to holiday music. The parkway felt alive with personality as families gathered in awe and kids giggled; these moments weren’t just as simple as posing with Santa but sentimental reminders that holiday joy often comes in the simplest shared experiences. At the end of the walk, being greeted by a gingerbread house crafted entirely by lights made it stand out, offering families and loved ones a convenient backdrop for memorable photos. Unlike holiday activities where you are required to interact, the illuminated house provides a simple and accessible way to capture the magic, not just for children but for anyone seeking a moment of joy and connection.
Together, their impressions show the variety of ways visitors connect with the event, all of which strongly encourage everyone to visit Peppermint Parkway this holiday season. In the end, Peppermint Parkway stands out not only as a dazzling light show but as one of Austin’s most enduring holiday traditions, bringing people together year after year to celebrate the season in unforgettable ways.
The Cardinal Post 