This Coming Week:
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Now – 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/
61st Annual Austin Trail of Lights, Now – 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/
Jingle and Jammies, Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Chalmers (1700 E. Cesar Chavez St. ‘Tis the season to give back! Join Chalmers and Events on Purpose to collect toys for Friends of the Children Austin during their Jingle and Jammies party this weekend. Don Christmas PJs, onesies, or holiday sweaters as you enjoy seasonal cookies, festive cocktails, tarot card readings, massages, and even photos with Santa! Bring a new toy to enter a raffle worth $500 of prizes. https://www.instagram.com/p/DRn4j-9jES1/?hl=en
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/
Red Light Lit Austin at RichesArt, Fri, Dec 19 at 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM RichesArt Gallery (2511 E. 6th Street). Come close, babe—we’re lighting one last match before the year goes dim. Red Light Lit Austin invites you to our end-of-year celebration, a night stitched together from all the things we love most: poetry that hits like a late-night confession, burlesque that reminds you you’re still made of fire, comedy that cracks you open, and music that hums beneath your skin long after the speakers cool.
We’re also unveiling our brand-new Red Light Lit Austin merch, hot off the press and perfect for slipping into someone’s stocking (or keeping for yourself—we won’t tell). Bring your friends, your lovers, your favorite troublemaker. Dress how you feel when the moon is showing off. Let’s toast the year that was, and the one we’re dreaming into existence.
RichesArt Gallery. December 19th. 7–9 PM. Come celebrate with us—we saved you a spot right in the glow.
Historic Holiday Crafts, Friday, December 19, 2025, 1:00pm-4:00pm, French Legation State Historic Site (802 San Marcos St) $4.00 to $7.00. Journey back in time to the holiday season of the late 19th and early 20th centuries! Create your own historic holiday crafts like exciting holiday cosaques (poppers) and pin-pricked holiday cards or family keepsakes like salt dough ornaments. While you craft like you’re back in time (with modern supplies, of course!), you’ll learn how many of our modern holiday traditions began in the 19th century. Available Tuesday-Saturday afternoons, December 2nd through December 20th, inside the French Legation. Please note Historic Holiday Crafts will not be available on Saturday, December 6th during our French Legation Flea. Historic Holiday Crafts are included in French Legation State Historic Site admission.
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
Pop-Up Holiday Market: The Austin Flea, Saturday, December 20, 2025, 12:00pm & Sunday, December 21, 2025 , 12:00pm, Meanwhile Brewing Co. (3901 Promontory Point Dr.)Join us for a back to back pop-up with Austin Flea for the holidays! The Austin Flea features all local vendors of handmade wares and vintage finds – there’s always something for anyone at the Flea including: jewelry, bath/body products, original artwork, textiles, home goods, candles & more! Shop Local. Support Local. Shop the Flea! https://www.meanwhilebeer.com/events/pop-up-market-the-austin-flea-8
The Market at Zach, Saturday, December 20, 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 4pm – 8pm https://www.zachtheater.org/zach-connect/the-market-at-zach/
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.
Historic Holiday Crafts, Saturday, December 20, 2025 , 1:00pm-4:00pm French Legation State Historic Site (802 San Marcos St) $4.00 to $7.00. Journey back in time to the holiday season of the late 19th and early 20th centuries! Create your own historic holiday crafts like exciting holiday cosaques (poppers) and pin-pricked holiday cards or family keepsakes like salt dough ornaments. While you craft like you’re back in time (with modern supplies, of course!), you’ll learn how many of our modern holiday traditions began in the 19th century. Available Tuesday-Saturday afternoons, December 2nd through December 20th, inside the French Legation. Please note Historic Holiday Crafts will not be available on Saturday, December 6th during our French Legation Flea. Historic Holiday Crafts are included in French Legation State Historic Site admission.
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/
Holiday Movie Bingo at Koko’s Alpine Lodge, December 23, 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. 23 — The Nightmare Before Christmas
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Dec. 26 — Die Hard
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Dec. 30 — National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
On Going Holiday Festivities:
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
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
“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
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
