This Coming Week:
“Get Lit” at This Hanukkah Pop-Up, Through Dec. 30, various times, 2211 Webberville Road. Celebrate holiday cheer at this annual pop-up, where you can sip Hanukkah-inspired cocktails like the Latke Punch, Kitty’s Frozen Egg Nog, and Oy Fashioned. Kitty Cohen’s will also be teaming up with other bars and restaurants like Holiday and Sefra Mediterranean for special programming throughout the month. Don’t miss the Big Fat Hanukkah Party on Dec. 12, featuring Slowpoke Tattoos, a Cambodian/Jewish pop-up by Ming Da’s, and treats by Butter Days and Rockman Bakeshop. https://www.kittycohens.com/event-details/get-lit-3
A Merry Mary (Moody) Christmas Cabaret, Friday, Now – 14, 2025, Mary Moody Northen Theatre, (3001 S Congress Ave Building THAR) Celebrate the season with A Merry Mary (Moody) Christmas Cabaret, now in its third year as a Hilltop holiday tradition. The festive cabaret features Nyla Watson from Broadway’s Waitress, alongside Austin favorites Andrew Cannata, Libby Detling, Jarret Mallon, and Anna Skidis Vargas, all backed by a live band under the direction of Susan Finnigan. Enjoy holiday hits made famous by Bublé, Elvis, Frank, Dolly, and more, in an evening filled with sparkle, laughs, and cheer. Proceeds support St. Edward’s University performing arts programs, helping fund student scholarships, hands-on learning, and MMNT productions, $30
North Pole Flyer: A Vintage Holiday Train Ride (Cedar Park) Saturday, December 6 – 14, 2025 | 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Austin Steam Train Association, (401 E Whitestone Blvd C-100, Cedar Park, ) All aboard the North Pole Flyer for a magical winter adventure! Travel through the countryside on a vintage train, where you’ll be visited by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy delicious cookies and hot cocoa while singing along to festive holiday tunes. Watch as the season comes alive with sparkling holiday cheer, making this an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Starts at $55 | $10 for lap kids https://www.austinsteamtrain.org/special-events/north-pole-flyer/
61st Annual Austin Trail of Lights, 12/10/25 – 12/23/25, Zilker Park. The 61th Annual Trail of Lights is part of the essential Austin experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories and fun. Walk through this spectacular 1.25-mile trail illuminated with two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays. Don’t miss this Austin holiday tradition! https://austintrailoflights.org/
Texas Performing Arts presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Austin, December 10- 14th Bass Concert Hall (2350 Robert Dedman Dr) The enchanting and timeless Broadway musical will play a limited two-week engagement in Austin at Bass Concert Hall from Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 14. Nominated for nine Tony® Awards and winning Best Costume Design, “Beauty” remains one of the highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time. The title’s visibility and success have expanded globally with productions of the stage show and the smash Oscar®-nominated 2017 live-action film, which grossed over $1B worldwide.
Holidays at the Paramount: White Christmas, Friday, December 12, 2025. The Paramount Theatre. Doors: 6pm, Show: 7pm
MOZART’S TRIPLE FEATURE EXPERIENCE, Dec 12-20, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, Mozart’s is opening its doors to the most in-demand dates of the season and adding something special to make your visit unforgettable! When you reserve a seat for He Rules The World Show, you’re securing access to a breathtaking triple-feature holiday experience, all in one evening: The Nativity Rock Opera, The Nutcracker Reading + Christmas Carol Sing-Along, and The Fire & Water Show. All of this unfolds beneath a canopy of a million dazzling lights, surrounded by festive music, hot cocoa, seasonal treats, and the iconic atmosphere for a truly unforgettable holiday experience you’ll talk about long after Christmas.GET TICKETS
Toasty Badger Christmas White Elephant Book Swap, Friday, December 12, 2025 , 6:00pm-8:00pm, Toasty Badger (2206 S Congress Ave) Join us for a holly jolly evening of comfort food, cozy stories and community magic at Toasty Badger’s Christmas Book Swap! Enjoy a festive three-course Christmas dinner while you mix, mingle, and share favorite reads with fellow book lovers. After dinner, take part in our White Elephant Book Swap. Bring any unwrapped book you enjoy (romance, mystery, nonfiction or anything else you love) and we’ll wrap it onsite so every swap is a surprise! Got an ugly sweater that deserves its moment? Wear it proud and enter our Christmas Sweater Contest for bragging rights and festive fun Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meal options are available at no additional cost. Tickets: $40 | Beverages & Cocktails available for purchase
37th Street Lights, Dec. 12-Jan. 1; sunset to 10 p.m. 519 W. 37th St., Austin. The annual display from a group of neighbors will be on from sunset to 10 p.m. this holiday season. The neighborhood lights also feature a “Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo.” Free. https://thirtyseventhstreetlights.github.io
Spooked at Krampus, Dec. 12-14, various times, 2632 Ridgepoint Drive. If you’re looking for a seasonal event that’s more scary than merry, head to this annual holiday pop-up, which transforms House of Torment’s haunted house into a winter wonderland that has plenty of frights, mini escape games, themed photo ops, and festive treats. https://houseoftorment.com/krampus/
Holiday Movie Bingo at Koko’s Alpine Lodge, December 12, 2025 6:00 pm, Koko’s Bavarian Beer Hall (3003 S Lamar Blvd Unit F 105). Koko’s Beer Hall will bring holiday classics to the big screen this season with movie bingo nights as part of its Alpine Lodge pop-up. Guests can play along for prizes while enjoying $10 holiday cocktail specials. Screenings begin at 6 p.m. on the following dates:
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Dec. 12 — Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
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Dec. 16 — Elf
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Dec. 18 — The Santa Clause
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Dec. 23 — The Nightmare Before Christmas
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Dec. 26 — Die Hard
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Dec. 30 — National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
‘Elf’ Movie Event (Lakeway), Dec. 12, 6 p.m, 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway. At this screening of “Elf” in the Lakeway City Hall parking lot, families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy hot cocoa and write a letter to Santa. Free. www.lakeway-tx.gov/2109/christmas-movie
The Market at Zach, Saturday, December 13, Zach Theater, (202 S Lamar Blvd) Get ready for a fresh holiday shopping experience at The Market at Zach, an open-air pop-up showcasing the best local artisans and makers from Austin and Central Texas. The People’s Plaza will transform into a vibrant hub filled with unique finds from handcrafted home goods and jewelry to art, candles, clothing, and much more. With over two dozen curated artists and makers, plus a bar serving specialty holiday drinks and local food stalls, there’s something for everyone. The Market at Zach runs for five dates this holiday season, including a special Kids’ Market on December 6, featuring creations by young artists. Free https://www.zachtheater.org/zach-connect/the-market-at-zach/
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, 12/13/25 – 12/21/25. Palmer Events Center. For 45+ seasons, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been a fine art shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists alongside live music in a festive, lively atmosphere. This year, Armadillo Bazaar Outside will offer a multi-day shopping event with a festive, family-friendly fine-art scene. Experience a selection of curated artists with works to excite every art lover, collector, or first-time visitor; plus, live local music, surrounded by the sights of the city. https://armadillobazaar.com/
Merry Market Austin, Dec. 13-14, 10 a.m., 1512 S. Congress Ave. Knock out your holiday shopping at this stylish two-day pop-up at El Presidente inside Maufrais. Shop exclusive holiday gifts from 25 local makers such as Abbey Dyed, Newton Supply Co, The Glowbs, DUMBLOVE, and Slow North. The party will serve Carabuena Tequila cocktails from 12 to 4 p.m., and the first 20 guests will receive a Merry Market tote and goodie bag. Ticket proceeds benefit Tankproof. https://www.merrymarketaustin.com/
Holiday Hootenanny 2025, December 13, 2025 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Radio East (3504 Montopolis Dr.). Holiday Hootenanny returns for its second year on Dec. 13 at RADIO/EAST for a one-day holiday-themed music festival presented by Resound, Pooneh Presents, RADIO/EAST and KUTX. This year’s lineup includes Shannon and the Clams, Tune-Yards, Rubblebucket, Improvement Movement and more to be announced. In addition to live music, the event features DJs, a holiday vendor market, rides, games and seasonal activities. $35+
Blanton All Day: Holiday-A-Long, Saturday, December 13th, The Blanton Museum (The University of Texas at Austin, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) Join us for a full day of live music, tours and talks, family-friendly art activities, and more.Explore our ever-changing galleries and relax on the Moody Patio. Join us for a full day of live music, tours and talks, family-friendly art activities, and more.More information coming soon! All events and times subject to change. The galleries are open till 8:00 pm. Food & drink are available for purchase, and attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy outdoors on the museum grounds. https://blantonmuseum.org/programs/blanton-all-day/
‘Tis the Season 2025 Holiday Market, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 12919 Nutty Brown Road, Austin. Community members can shop for Christmas presents at the market, which will showcase over 30 vendors selling a variety of items made by local artists. Free (admission)
www.austincraftlounge.com/upcoming-events
Cocoa and Cuddles with Santa, Dec. 13, 4-5:30 p.m, The Hive (10542 Menchaca Road), Attendees can enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate while taking pictures with baby goats and Santa Claus in The Hive’s backyard. $14 (ages 3-16 admission); $20 (adult admission)
Hyde Park Holiday Market, December 13, 2025 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, The Baker School, (3908 Ave B) The inaugural Hyde Park Holiday Market will launch at The Press Room, an indoor and outdoor showcase of Texas artisans, artists, vintage curators and food creators. The event takes place at the restored early-1900s school owned by Tim and Karrie League, well known for their long-standing support of Austin’s creative community and dedication to historic preservation. Attendees will also receive rare access to the working letterpress shop behind the market at The Press Room. The shop houses an extensive collection of original cinema advertising printing cuts, providing guests with an opportunity to explore traditional printmaking, meet the team and learn about the preservation of this historic craft and collection.
Kinda Tropical Holiday Vintage Market, December 13, 2025 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Kinda Tropical (3501 E 7th St). Kinda Tropical will host its Holiday Vintage Market on Dec. 13, featuring more than 30 local vendors offering curated apparel, accessories and gifts. Guests can browse for holiday finds while enjoying seasonal Hot Toddys and items from the restaurant’s regular menu. The event is free and open to the public.
Blanco Holiday Market with Real Ale Brewing Company, December 13, 2025 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Real Ale Brewing Company (2250 N US Hwy 281). Real Ale Brewing Company invites locals and Hill Country visitors to its Holiday Artisan Market where guests can shop handmade, locally crafted holiday gifts from an incredible lineup of Texas makers, including gorgeous jewelry, artwork, artisan soaps, stained glass, pottery, baskets and more.
The event is open to the public and free to attend.
Bee Cave Holiday Market, December 13, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Hill Country Galleria (12700 Hill Country Blvd. Suite T-100). Additional Event Dates: December 20, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The Bee Cave Holiday Market returns to the Hill Country Galleria Central Plaza for three weekends in December, featuring a rotating lineup of local Austin makers offering handmade gifts and seasonal goods. The pop-up market, hosted by Penny V Productions and Hill Country Galleria, also includes family-friendly activities such as an ice-skating rink, photos with Santa and face painting.
UMLAUF Family Day: Winter Waltz, December 14, 2025 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum (605 Azie Morton Rd) The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum will host its monthly Family Day on Dec. 14, offering a winter-themed afternoon of performances and hands-on activities. The event will feature the Austin Children’s Choir, Diverse Space Dance Theatre, holiday craft stations and storytime with Meredith Wilson at 12 and 2 p.m. Kessho Craft Chocolate will serve hot cocoa. The event is free and open to the public.
Holidays at the Paramount:The Preacher’s Wife, Sunday, December 14, 2025, The Paramount Theatre, Doors: 2pm, Show: 3pm.
Holidays at the Paramount: It’s a Wonderful Life, Sunday, December 14, 2025, The Paramount Theatre, Doors: 6pm, Show: 7pm
Whole Earth Provision Co. Celebrates 55th Anniversary With ’70s-Themed Party, December 14, 2025 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Whole Earth Provision Co. – North Lamar (1014 N Lamar Blvd.). Whole Earth Provision Co. will mark its 55th anniversary with a ’70s-themed celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its North Lamar location. The free, family-friendly event will feature music by DJ Ed West (Boi Orbison), complimentary drinks including cold-pressed juice margaritas and beer, and zero-proof options. A costume contest at 1 p.m. will award prizes for the top ’70s looks. Hands-on activities will include tie-dye bandana printing, a giant globe piñata and an appearance by The Creature Teacher with animal encounters for all ages. Guests can also pick up limited-edition posters designed by Taylor Rushing and other exclusive 55th-birthday merchandise, with proceeds benefiting Texas State Parks.
The event will also include pop-ups and giveaways from Patagonia, Birkenstock, Sendero Provisions and more.
Ballet Afrique Presents Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite, December 15, 2025 7:00 pm, The Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave.)Ballet Afrique will present Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite” on Dec. 15 at the Paramount Theatre, reimagining the holiday classic through the music and atmosphere of the Harlem Renaissance. The production features an Austin-based cast and incorporates jazz influences, tap, live vocals and interactive elements for audiences of all ages. Tickets $52.17 – $101.57
Holidays at the Paramount: Little Women (2019), Tuesday, December 16, 2025, The Paramount Theatre, Doors: 6:30pm, Show: 7pm.
A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase and a Screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” December 16, 2025 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm. Bass Concert Hall (2350 Robert Dedman Dr, ). Join Bass Concert Hall for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and laughs to celebrate the timeless classic, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” with a special screening of the film followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chevy Chase, and his wife Jayni. Chevy and Jayni will share their behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes about the making of this beloved movie that has become a Christmas tradition. But the laughter doesn’t stop there! They will also be taking questions from the audience, giving you the chance to have your questions answered and hear firsthand from Chevy about his storied career including “SNL,” “Caddyshack” and so much more. For those looking for an extra-special experience, a limited number of VIP tickets will be available which include a personal post-show photo opportunity with Chevy Chase himself. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your picture taken with a true legend of comedy and film. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply love the holiday spirit, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all. Mark your calendars, grab your ugly Christmas sweater, and join Bass Concert Hall for a night of laughter and holiday cheer with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Chevy Chase! Tickets $59 https://texasperformingarts.evenue.net/
On Going Holiday Festivities:
The Light Park (Round Rock), Friday, December 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026,Dell Diamond, (3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock), Buckle up, turn up the volume, and prepare for a dazzling experience at The Light Park! You will immerse yourself in a mile-long light show featuring millions of stunning LED lights perfectly synchronized to high-energy holiday music presented by DJ Polar Ice.
This resident mixologist spins re-imagined holiday favorites blended with fresh beats to keep the energy high from start to finish, and you can even tune in before arrival to set the festive tone on your drive to The Light Park.
From giant illuminated tunnels to towering animated trees and dancing reindeer, every night promises an unforgettable spectacle of color and sound designed to delight all ages. Starts at $29 https://www.thelightpark.com/locations/round-rock-texas
Luminations, Dec. 5, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (4801 La Crosse Ave.). Enjoy the natural wonder of winter in our gardens and natural areas. Featuring thousands of luminarias and seasonal delights. Luminations returns this winter! Celebrate the season under a canopy of twinkling lights. Stroll glowing garden paths, enjoy nightly live music, and warm up with hot chocolate, churros, and festive photo moments
Die Hard Pop-Up at Saturn, Now open, various times, 906 Congress Ave.
Calling all Die Hard fans! Whether or not you think it’s a bona fide Christmas movie, the Bruce Willis classic inspired a new pop-up at Saturn that is debuting this week. Sip cocktails with names like Is the Building on Fire? and My Wife’s Pregnant as you soak in the fake C4 explosives hung from the ceiling and the glorious 1980s office party decor.
Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker”, 12/5/25 – 12/23/25 (select dates). Long Center for the Performing Arts. Ballet Austin will host it’s beloved holiday tradition with the 62nd annual performance of The Nutcracker. The ballet production also includes music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. https://balletaustin.org/performances/the-nutcracker/
The Ugly Sweater Holiday Pop-up Bar, November 28- Dec 24, 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Fairmont Austin (101 Red River St.) Jingle and mingle at The Ugly Sweater holiday pop-up bar in Rules and Regs on the 7th floor rooftop. Experience the best spot in the city to nibble and nog with friends while taking in skyline views and dazzling lights. Guests are encouraged to wear festive attire to fit the very merry vibes complete with an abundance of kitschy holiday cheer, lively libations and fun seasonal menu of food offerings. Enjoy a festive happy hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 11/14/25 – 12/24/25. Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday season. With in-person and virtual shopping alternatives, shoppers can browse thousands of original works ranging from serious art to fun and kitschy items. A great way to buy hassle-free holiday gifts and support local artists.
Reindeer Over Rainey, Dec. 3-28, Hotel Van Zandt (605 Davis St). Cozy up inside the downtown hotel’s poolside cabanas, which will be transformed into Elf Lounges, Santa Lounges, and Snowflake Suites. Each reservation includes a chef-curated dinner, holiday-inspired cocktails, vinyl records, board games, and desserts. https://www.hotelvanzandt.com/
Miracle on 5th Street, 11/14/25 – 12/28/25, The Eleanor. Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in the most festive and nostalgic setting in the city. Featuring wall-to-wall Christmas decor, multiple bars, cheery social experiences and a whole lot of Christmas spirits.
Jingle Jangle, Nov. 18-Jan. 4, The Dead Rabbit Austin (204 E. Sixth St.) Celebrate the holidays with flair at The Dead Rabbit’s festive pop-up. In addition to nostalgic decorations and Irish Christmas music, the bar will feature drinks like the Cookie Jar, made with Irish whiskey, coconut rum, vanilla, chai, and lemon, and the Naughty List, a hot beverage made with Irish whiskey, Scotch, chocolate, oats, and salted caramel cream. https://thedeadrabbit.com/location/austin/
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Nov. 19-Jan. 3, The Topfer at Zach. Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story of regret and redemption is coming up on 200 years, but it never goes out of style. Zach’s musical production has been going for about 10 years itself, with an adaptation by director Dave Steakley bringing a fresh perspective and pop-concert sensibility to the timeless tale. Make this one of your holiday stops this year and take note of special shows like the Champagne Opening, Pride Night, Zachademia Night, and more.
Oh What Fun! at Republic Square Park, Nov 20 – Dec 24th (Thurs – Sun) 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Republic Square (422 Guadalupe St). Austin’s Newest Holiday Market @ Republic Square. Visit Oh What Fun! at Republic Square park for the ultimate holiday shopping experience. Here you’ll find new, local retailers every weekend, a cocktail lounge with live performances and tons of fun activities! Open on Thanksgiving 11/27 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and
Christmas Eve 12/24 – 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm https://www.ohwhatfunatx.com/
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, November 21 – December 21, TexARTS New Facility. Greet the winter season with this charming Christmas classic featuring dazzling dances, lovely costumes, and plenty of yuletide cheer. tex-arts.org/events.
Peppermint Parkway, Nov 21st- Dec 28, Circuit of The Americas
Peppermint Parkway is a magical experience at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas. This year, the holiday spectacular will be transformed into a one-mile driving attraction that immerses visitors in millions of holiday lights synchronized to joyful holiday classics. https://peppermintparkway.com/
Four Seasons Ice Rodeo (Nov. 21-Jan. 4) Experience the magic of ice skating in Austin at the Ice Rodeo, Austin’s premier ice rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake. From November 21, 2025 through January 4, 2026, skate beneath the stars in a winter wonderland at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. Enjoy outdoor ice skating, cozy dining cabins, pop-up lounges, family nights, immersive holiday décor and art installations. https://www.fourseasons.com/austin/ice-rodeo/
Lake Austin Festival of Lights, Starts November 22, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Mozart’s goes all-out for this annual tradition, with displays featuring over a million twinkling lights to gawk at, live entertainment, and a holiday market to browse before taking a boat ride on the lake. mozartscoffee.com.
Edge Rooftop: Snow Much Fun, November 26– December 28.Edge Rooftop (110 E 2nd St) Pop-up holiday bar. Enjoy snowfall on the hour, every hour at Edge Rooftop during their Snow Much Fun holiday pop-up. Sip on festive cocktails, roast s’mores, and listen to live music while surrounded by twinkling lights
Coming Soon:
Festivus Dance Party! December 19 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm, The Rosette (3908 Avenue B Suite 116) Festivus! Austin’s Unique Holiday Escape
A multicultural holiday variety show—where everyone belongs. A Holiday Celebration Without the Holiday Complications. Festivus is Creative SEA’s flagship annual event—a lively, multicultural variety show led by Austin saxophonist and bandleader Paul Klemperer and his 7-piece ensemble, The Festivians.
It’s the antidote to holiday stress: a place where people come together to enjoy world-class music, playful humor, diverse performances, and the freedom to be themselves. No pressure. No commercialism. No expectations.
Just rhythm, laughter, and community.
We finish up the Festivus season with a dance party at a cool venue, The Rosette. Refreshments will be served (nonalcoholic).
Music features Motown, funk, salsa and more! Live band, plus DJ. ticket: https://creativesea.org/texas-festivus/
True Texas Tunes at HEB South Congress | Sister Golden Hair, Saturday, December 20, 2025. 11:00 AM 1:00 PM. Wrap up the year with warm harmonies and golden vibes at our holiday edition of True Texas Tunes featuring Sister Golden Hair! This all-star Austin band channels the breezy, sun-soaked sounds of ‘70s California rock, covering classics from America, Fleetwood Mac, CSN, and more.
Bee Cave Holiday Market, December 20, 2025 | 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Hill Country Galleria (12700 Hill Country Blvd. Suite T-100). The Bee Cave Holiday Market returns to the Hill Country Galleria Central Plaza for three weekends in December, featuring a rotating lineup of local Austin makers offering handmade gifts and seasonal goods. The pop-up market, hosted by Penny V Productions and Hill Country Galleria, also includes family-friendly activities such as an ice-skating rink, photos with Santa and face painting.
TubaChristmas Austin 2025 Monday, December 22, 2025 on the Texas Capitol South Steps at noon. TubaChristmas has been held in Austin since 1975. Tuba, euphonium, and baritone players of all ages gather at the Texas Capitol and perform a selection of Christmas carols, usually while dressed very festively. We are proud to host this free concert for the Austin public and hope you can join us in December! https://www.tc-austin.com/
Austin’s New Year, 12/31/25. Auditorium Shores. Join the City of Austin and Visit Austin for a free and family-friendly evening as Austin welcomes the new year at Auditorium Shores. Austin’s New Year also features a night of entertainment, food trucks and beverage vendors, and a midnight fireworks show. Austin’s New Year celebration began in 2006 as “First Night Austin” – a unique celebration of local culture, community, and arts. First Night Austin entertained and artfully delighted the Austin community showcasing more than 80 art organizations over 14 blocks of downtown and culminating with a midnight fireworks show. Since 2010, Austin’s New Year has been set at iconic Auditorium Shores where Austinites have enjoyed live music, food, and a family-friendly environment with a sense of Austin local flare. The evening and the calendar year is complete after lighting up the night sky with a spectacular display of fireworks.
The Austin’s New Year event is owned by the City of Austin and produced in partnership with Blue Norther Live. On Dec. 31, we gather at Auditorium Shores for free festivities, live music, and a fireworks display presented by Visit Austin and the City of Austin. Thank you for joining us each year and we can’t wait to celebrate with you this December – stay tuned for updates!
Event Timing:
7 PM – Gates Open. Food, Beverages, and Vendors Open.
7 PM – The Point, Tameca Jones, Chaparelle, The Head and the Heart
11:40 PM – Austin’s New Year Drone Show presented by Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
12 AM – Fireworks
https://www.austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year
January 2026
Free Week, 1/9/26 – 1/10/26, Red River Cultural District. The beginning of January might be the best time for a music fan to visit Austin. Why? Hundreds of Austin bands participate in this annual event that encompasses multiple venues all over Austin https://redriverculturaldistrict.org/free-week/
The Improvised Shakespeare Company, January 16-17, McCullough Theatre (2390 Robert Dedman Dr.) Based on one audience suggestion (a title of a show that has never been written), The Improvised Shakespeare Company® creates a brand new, fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes. Nothing has been planned out, rehearsed, or written. All of the dialogue is said for the first time, the characters are created as you watch, and if you’re ever wondering where the story is going…so are they! You’ve never seen the Bard like this before! https://texasperformingarts.evenue.net/
Austin International Half, 1/18/26. Downtown Austin. Formerly the 3M Half Marathon, the Austin International Half boasts one of the fastest half-marathon courses in the country. Enjoy a mostly downhill course that takes you past some of Austin’s finest locations and finishes downtown near the Texas State Capitol. https://www.austintexas.org/event/spurs-austin-international-half-marathon/386078/
MLK Day Festival, 1/19/26, MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus
Don’t miss this year’s MLK Day celebrations with The Austin Area Heritage Council. Enjoy a walk starting from the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on the University of Texas campus to the south steps of the Capitol for a rally and ending the march at the historic Huston-Tillotson University for activities and events. https://www.austintexas.org/event/austin-mlk-day-march-festival-and-food-drive/377820/
