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for Sat., Dec. 21
  • The Amazing Acro-Cats: Keep It Weird in Austin!

    The Acro-Cats tour supports Rock Cats Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Rock Cats Rescue is focused on saving cats "One Click at a Time" through cat welfare, rescue, and adoption. The Acro-Cats show promotes the importance of bonding and training cats with positive reinforcement, while also finding homes for rescued cats.
    Apr. 24-May 5  
    Long Center for the Performing Arts
  • Earth Day Jubilee with The Trail Conservancy

    Join The Trail Conservancy on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail for the 2nd Annual Earth Day Jubilee celebration! Enjoy live music by Mr. Will, Motenko, and Brother Thunder, eco-friendly activities, a market by Austin Flea, and fun for the whole family.
    Sat. Apr. 20, 10am-2pm  
    Butler Park
Recommended
  • Community

    Events

    Austin Trail of Lights

    The Austin Trail of Lights has been an Austin tradition since 1965! Holiday light displays line a 2-mile trail through the park, and there are food trucks, live entertainment, and interactive activities. General admission is free seven out of the 14 nights; ages 12 & under are always free of charge (on most weekend nights admission is $5).
    Dec. 10-23. $5 GA; premium, $20+.  
  • Community

    Events

    Blue Genie Art Bazaar

    Need something Austin-y (art, jewelry, prints, clothing, etc., whatnot, and then some) for a loved one this year? Thousands of original works from more than 200 artists and artisans will help you with your gifting conundrums.
    Through Dec. 24, 10am-10pm (open 10am-6pm on Dec. 24). Free admission.  
    Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport
  • Arts

    Theatre

    La Pastorela

    La Pastorela – a tradition since the 16th century, the annual yuletide play that's been performed all over Mexico and Latinoamerica – is adapted and directed by Teatro Vivo founder Rupert Reyes. This year, Clemencia Zapata returns as music director of the story of shepherds on a pilgrimage that pits them against angels and demons who test their strength and faith along the way.
    Through Dec. 22. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm. $6-21.  
  • Community

    Events

    A Very Scary Xmas

    Finally, a holiday party for those who prefer little horns on their Yule log. This "unholiest holiday party in Austin" will feature music, holiday horror movies, paranormal teams, live zombie actors, food, vendors, a haunted backyard, and more. Scare Texas will be collecting winter gear to hand out to those experiencing homelessness, so make sure to bring your gently used hoodies, gloves, blankets, and other winter gear.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 7pm-2am. $8; $10 (day of).  
  • Community

    Events

    Caminar (To Walk) Exhibit

    Part of Oakwood Chapel's exhibit honoring Tejanos buried in Oakwood Cemetery, the event features Danza Azteca's Blessings of the Four Corners ceremony and dance, followed by a processional walk and screening of Nohbords’ short "Solsticio."
    Sat., Dec. 21, 2pm. Free.  
    Oakwood Cemetery Chapel, 1601 Navasota
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    Events

    Frida Friday ATX Holiday Mercado and Pachanga

    All you late holiday shoppers, join Las Ofrendas for their last market of the year with over 25 rotating vendors each day, DJs, and lots of epic seasonal goodness. On Saturday, play Grandma Steven's (fam-friendly) Lotería, and more more more. Kids and furbabies welcome.
    Dec. 20-21. Friday, 6-10pm; Saturday, 11am-3pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Handmake Your Holidays

    A DIY twist on a holiday market: Craft brings in some of its teachers and favorite local artisans, and rather than purchasing their handmade wares, you make your own with their help! RSVP in advance ($10) and you'll receive a $15 credit to use at the market.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 11am-3pm. Free; $10 advance RSVP.  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Trail of Lights at EmilyAnn

    Stroll through a walking path featuring more than 100 holiday light displays created by businesses, organizations, school groups, and families, and enjoy live entertainment most evenings. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
    Nov. 30-Dec. 28. Sun.-Thu., 6-9pm; Fri. & Sat., 6-10pm. Free.  
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    Civic Events

    2020 Point in Time Count Volunteers Needed

    ECHO is looking for 800 volunteers to make its annual count of everyone experiencing homelessness in Austin and Travis County a success. The 2020 count takes place Jan. 25. Anyone 18 or older can participate; volunteers will work in teams counting folks in their assigned area. Others can collect donations for the care packages distributed during the count.
    Nov. 18-Jan. 21  
    Online
  • Community

    Events

    Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

    Nothing says holidays in Austin like scouring aisles and aisles of local art, crafts, and self-care products. But there's live music. And beer. Find the complete artist list and music lineup here.
    Dec. 13-24. Daily, 11am-10pm; Christmas Eve, 11am-8pm. $10-50; ages 12 & under, free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Art Spark Texas Holiday Art and Gift Show

    Unique artwork and gifts from Texas artists, including cards, jewelry, prints, original final art, clothing, books, ceramics, glass, and more.
    Through Dec. 23. Tuesdays-Saturdays; Mon., Dec. 23, 10am-6pm  
    AGE of Central Texas, 3707 Home Ln. #101
  • Community

    Kids

    Austin Children's Nutcracker

    Share Clara's adventures as she battles a giant Rat King and transforms her Nutcracker doll into a Prince. Together, Clara and the Prince visit the magical Land of Snow and travel to the Kingdom of Sweets in an enchanted sleigh.
    Dec. 20-22. Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 2:30 & 7:30pm; Sun., 2:30pm  
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    BarkHappy Austin: Howliday Pawty

    Goodies, holiday pet photos, door prizes, and celebrate the festive season with other dog lovers – all benefiting Emancipet.
    Sat., Dec. 21, noon-2pm. $10-12.  
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    Events

    Blood Drive at Barton Creek Square Mall

    Anyone who donates or attempts to donate at this blood drive hosted by We Are Blood will receive a free Alamo Drafthouse movie pass.
    Through Dec. 26 (see online for specific dates & times)  
  • Community

    Events

    Blood Drive at Lakeline Mall

    Anyone who donates or attempts to donate at this blood drive hosted by We Are Blood will receive a free Alamo Drafthouse movie pass.
    Through Jan. 4 (see online for specific dates & times)  
  • Community

    Kids

    Candy Chemistry Workshop

    Explore sugar at a molecular level by creating cotton candy, lollipops, and chocolate pops, then use your candy creations to decorate your very own gingerbread house.
    Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 20-24, 10:30am-1pm. $5 per person.  
  • Community

    Events

    Celtic Christmas at the Cathedral

    The Celtic Cultural Center of Texas presents this night featuring some of the city's most honored vocalists led by director Jeffrey Jones Ragona and traditional Irish and Scottish music, too.
    Fri.-Sat., Dec. 20-21, 7:30-9:30pm. Sold out.  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Christmas at the Caverns

    Try out caroling in the caverns, search for Santa's reindeer in a maze, step into a giant snow globe, and more. New this year is an ice skating rink with synthetic ice.
    Sat.-Sun., Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 21-23. $24-28.
  • Community

    Kids

    Christmas at the Farm With Santa and Live Reindeer

    Photos run on a "take a number"/first come, first served system, so get there early. Other activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, a jump pad, duck races, treasure mountain, face-painting, and more.
    Nov. 29-Dec. 22. Sat.-Sun., 9am-6pm. $16; ages 2 & under, free.  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Christmas Ball

    Kevin Fowler fills the historic dance hall with the sounds of the holiday for one last twirl around the dance floor.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 8pm
    Luckenbach
  • Community

    Kids

    Classic Gingerbread Workshop

    This tot-friendly workshop is appropriate for all ages and offers everything you'll need to build and decorate your very own gingerbread house.
    Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 20-24. Multiple times daily (see website for schedule). $5 per person.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Community Feedback on Safety & Mobility Projects

    Review and provide feedback for the draft 2020 Mobility Annual Plan, which includes sidewalks, safe routes to school, bikeways, urban trails, intersection safety, Vision Zero improvements, and more. Funded by the 2016 Mobility Bond, the final 2020 MAP is expected to be released in early March.
    Provide feedback through Feb. 2, 2020  
    Online
  • Community

    Events

    Get Lit

    Kitty Cohen's Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar includes special decorations and holiday-inspired cocktails, such as Latke Punch.
    Dec. 18-30
  • Community

    Events

    Hill Country Holiday Village

    Walk the decorated walkways and shop for gifts and goods from holiday vendors. Carolers and local dance and choir groups perform, and guests will have the chance to take photos with St. Nick at Santa's Workshop.
    Select dates through Dec. 24  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Historic Country Schools Bake Sale Benefit

    Stop in at Short Stop West (528 W. Main St.), Weinheimer & Son (14462 Hwy. 290 E.), or JPMorgan Chase Bank (150 E. Main St.) to purchase homemade baked goods to benefit the historic country schools of Gillespie County.
    Sat., Dec. 21
    Fredericksburg
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday ATX Art Market

    Get your holiday shopping done and then some with a fun afternoon of local art, shopping, brunch, and drinks at this 21+ market.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 1-6pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Light Stroll at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

    A festive display of over 3,000 twinkling lights winds through the resort’s grounds and features a 20-foot-tall LED animated Christmas tree. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the resort’s culinary team will serve specialty hot cocoa and made-to-order mini doughnuts.
    Nov. 30-Jan. 1. Free with on-site paid parking ($8-15).
    Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd., Cedar Creek
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Holiday Model Train Show

    The Austin Tinplate Trackers hobby club builds a Christmas village around the model train tracks in the Downtowner Gallery.
    Nov. 29-Jan. 4. Wed.-Sun.
    Round Rock
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Pop-up Shop at the Arboretum

    Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by 80-plus local Texas artists curated by Artus Co. in collaboration with Pump Project and Almost Real Things.
    Through Dec. 24.. Free.  
    10000 Research #118
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Shopping Party at Still Whiskey

    The Austin Flea hosts a special holiday market featuring live music, plus a raffle and drink specials to benefit SAFE. First 20 people through the doors receive "Flea Bags" with goodies.
    Sat., Dec. 21, noon-5pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Johnson City Lights Spectacular

    The county courthouse, the Pedernales Electric Co-op building, and the town are bathed in twinkling lights with parades, food courts, and special events on weekends.
    Nov. 29-Jan. 5. Free.  
    Johnson City
  • Community

    Kids

    Kids' Holiday Crafts at Pinballz

    Decorate your own ornament and then stay for the fun. $10 fee includes an ornament, decorations, and a $5 Pinballz game card.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 10am-noon. $10.  
    Original: 8940 Research; Lake Creek: 13729 Research; Kingdom: 15201 S. I-35, Buda
  • Music

  • Community

    Events

    Lala's Christmas Bash

    Don your ugliest Christmas sweater for an ugly sweater contest with prizes, plus specialty themed cocktails.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 6pm-2am. Free.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Listening Session: Cameron and Dessau Roads

    Stop by whenever to help the Austin Transportation Department better understand the safety and mobility needs for people using Cameron Road and Dessau Road (51st Street to Parmer Lane). Your input will help identify improvement projects. For those who can’t attend, see the online survey, open Nov. 21 through Dec. 22.
    Online: Nov. 21-Dec. 22  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Lost Pines Christmas

    Bastrop puts on seasonally themed light displays, a nighttime holiday parade, a snow day, and more activities for the whole family throughout the month.
    Weekends through Dec. 24. Free.
    Bastrop
  • Community

    Events

    Mozart's Light Show

    Check out the holiday lights and get you a freshly baked German treat while local musicians play tunes on the grand piano.
    Nov. 21-Jan. 5, 6pm-12mid, except Christmas Eve (closes 10pm); closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Navideño Artisan Mercado

    For that unique Christmas gift, choose from Mexican, Colombian, and African dresses, handbags, and crafts; Honduran and Texan paintings, prints, and mixed media; and locally crafted wares.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 10am-3pm: Old Bakery & Emporium, 1006 Congress. Sun., Dec. 22, 11am-3pm: HOPE Farmers Market, 412 Comal. Free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Pound 4 Pound Pet Food Drive

    Every holiday season, Tomlinson’s Feed hosts Austin’s largest pet food drive in support of local animal rescues and shelters. It's easy to give: Every bag of pet food donated through Christmas Eve will be doubled by pet food suppliers, pound for pound. (Their goal this year is 160,000 pounds of pet food.) More of an internet shopper? Just donate online.
    Through Dec. 24  
    Austin-area Tomlinson's Feed stores
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Rainey Shared Streets Pilot

    This Austin Transportation and Austin Police pilot program will test the temporary closure of Rainey Street to motor vehicle traffic Thursdays-Saturdays, 9pm-2:30am, in the model of the long-running Sixth Street shutdowns. The pilot period runs through March 8, 2020.
    Rainey Street
  • Community

    Kids

    Santa Visits Sprinkle Corner

    Pioneer Farms' 1899 town square will be decorated for photos with Santa. Plus ornament making, treats, and music. Photos $10 per child or $20 per family (up to 4 photos).
    Sat., Dec. 21, 10am-2pm. Adults, $6-8; ages 3-17, $6; ages 2 & under, free.  
  • Community

    Kids

    Seriously Sweet Structures Workshop

    Explore how to build a sturdy gingerbread house through a series of structural engineering challenges, draft plans, and build your very own gingerbread house. Recommended for ages 8 & up.
    Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 20-23, 2-4:30pm. $5 per person.  
  • Community

    Events

    SOSAFest's Bat Bazaar Holiday Gift Market & Concert

    Shop for last-minute gifts – including CBD and mushroom blends, wall art, and more – at the local artisan market (2-8pm) while enjoying a music lineup that stretches well into the night.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 2pm-2am. $12; $15 (at the door).  
  • Community

    Sports

    South Congress Hotel Presents Weekend Workout

    CorePower Yoga hosts a class combining body-weight exercises with vinyasa flow sequencing and cardio. Free, open to the public, and all levels welcome.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 10-11am. Free, but RSVP.  
  • Community

    Kids

    Sparkle & Song: Holiday Meets Galactic Heroes

    Dance to movie musical favorites and create crafts combining holly leaves and galactic motifs. Come in costume for prizes!
    Sat., Dec. 21, noon-2pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Sports

    St. Edward's University Men's Basketball

    Vs. St. Mary's.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 3pm. $4-8; ages 6 & under, free.  
  • Community

    Sports

    St. Edward's University Women's Basketball

    Vs. St. Mary's.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 1pm. $4-8; ages 6 & under, free.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Stassney Lane Improvements Feedback

    ATD wants your input on how to improve transit options along Stassney from West Gate Blvd. to South Congress, so visit the link online and share your thoughts!
    Comments will be accepted from Dec. 5, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020  
    Online
  • Community

    Events

    That Big Eighties Party

    Break out the leg warmers for a night of some of the greatest new wave, synthpop, rap, freestyle, R&B, rock, and pop music from the Eighties.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 9pm. $10.  
  • Community

    Events

    The South Pole at Geraldine's

    A holiday pop-up complete with a snow machine, igloo lounges, an artisan market, holiday-themed cocktail menu, appearance by Southern Santa, and, of course, the return of Geraldine’s annual Motown Christmas performance.
    Tue.-Sat., Dec. 17-21, 6-9pm  
  • Community

    Events

    The Wandering Vegan Market "Solstice Celebration"

    This 100% vegan pop-up brings together all the best vegan vendors in town. The market offers plant-based foods, as well as skincare products, makeup, jewelry, and more.
    Sat., Dec. 21, noon-4pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Volunteers Needed to Make a Difference During Tax Season

    United Way of Williamson County is looking for volunteers to help with free tax prep services in Georgetown, Hutto, Leander, Liberty Hill, and Taylor. Work includes tax prep, translating, and greeting. No prior experience necessary, as a free training is provided, complete with IRS certification.: The sites will be open from Jan. 28 through April 15. Bilingual folks are sorely needed. Email, call, or visit the website for more info.
    Nov. 22-Jan. 23  
    Apply online
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Walkway of Lights

    Get a jump on the holiday season with a stroll through 2 million sparkling lights in the park along the lake.
    Nov. 22-Jan. 1, 2020. Nightly, 6-10pm. Free.  
    Marble Falls
  • Community

    Events

    We Are Blood: Platelet Step-Up Campaign

    Platelet donors have the chance to receive up to six Alamo Drafthouse movie passes through the end of the month. First donation = one pass; second = two passes; and third = three passes. To schedule a platelet donation, call 512/206-1266 or visit www.weareblood.org.
    Through Dec. 31  
    Austin-area We Are Blood Donor Centers
  • Community

    Events

    Winter Solstice HAAM Jam

    The evening is hosted by the Matt Gilmour Band, and everyone is welcome to bring an instrument and jam.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 7pm. $10.  
  • Community

    Events

    Winter Solstice Lantern Parades

    Celebrate the longest night of the year at Minor Mishap’s annual parade – this year there'll be two! Attendees can enjoy a night of music, community, and creativity as hundreds of flameless lanterns come together under the night sky.
    Dec. 21-22. Mueller Lake Park (4550 Mueller Blvd.): Sat., 5:30pm. Central Library (710 W Cesar Chavez): Sun., 5:30pm. Free.
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Winter Solstice with Rudi & the Rudiments

    Rudi Harst and his merry band perform their annual holiday concert in the underground Throne Room.
    Sat., Dec. 21, 7pm
    Boerne
  • Community

    Sports

    Yoga Therapy Series for Infertility

    This five-week series geared toward those experiencing infertility utilizes the tools of yoga to help reduce stress.
    Dec. 7-Jan. 11 (except Dec. 28). Saturdays, 1:30-5pm. $180.
    Be Well Austin, 1906 W. Koenig
Ongoing
  • Community

    Sports

    Austin FC Season Membership Deposits

    Austin's Major League Soccer team, Austin FC, is officially taking deposits for 2021 season memberships. Your deposit will reserve your spot in line, which means the earlier you purchase your membership, the earlier you're eligible to select your seats for the season.
    Ongoing. $50.  

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