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Community
Events
Austin Trail of Lights
Austin's beloved tradition returns for its 59th year, featuring more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels.Dec. 8-23 -
Community
Events
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
This vibrant and immersive fine art and music festival has stood the test of time as Austin’s premier destination for high-quality art, live music, and artisan gifts for the holiday season, now in its 48th year. Three dozen musical artists are scheduled to perform, and almost 200 artists will have goods on display.Dec. 15-23, 11am-9:30pm -
Community
Events
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Austin's fave shopping destination for the holidays is the place to find unique jewelry, art, home goods, and gifts with oodles of Austin flair.Nov. 17-Dec. 24. Free entry. -
Community
Events
Maywald Family Lights Display
See a stunning light display and bring a donation for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, for which the Maywalds raised over $80,000 last year. New this year: a gift shop offering hot chocolate, mugs, shirts, Christmas ornaments, and more.Nov. 23-Dec. 28, 6-10pm. Donations for Make-a-Wish encouraged.10505 Twilight Vista -
Community
Events
Adult Skate Night
Leave the rugrats at home and enjoy the roller rink with other grownups.Tuesdays, 7-11pm; Saturdays, 9pm-midnight -
Community
Civic Events
Affordable Care Act Help
Now's the time to sign up for Affordable Care Act health coverage! Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15, 2024, and the city has gathered a ton of helpful resources to help you sort out options. Go online to learn more or call 800/318-2596.Through Jan. 15, 2024 -
Community
Kids
Baby Bloomers
A special program for visitors ages 0-3 and their families, providing caregivers and early learners the chance to experience the children's museum together. Thinkery will host two storytimes and free play that support the social, emotional, and cognitive development of the earliest learners.Saturdays, 8-10am -
Community
Events
Bee Cave on Ice
Strap on your skates and hit the ice at the rink in Hill Country Galleria's Central Plaza.Nov. 10-Jan. 15. $15. -
Community
Out of Town
Boerne Bright: A Celebration of Light
Wander through a wonderland of over 200,000 lights to the strains of your favorite holiday music.Fri.-Sun., Dec. 15-17, 22-23, 6-9pm. Free.Boerne -
Community
Out of Town
Cistern Illuminated
Experience this limited-edition, site-specific art piece of light and sound in the former underground water reservoir.Sat., Nov. 25-Sun., Jan. 7Houston -
Community
Civic Events
City Council Calls for Central Health Board of Managers Applications
Austin City Council seeks applications from qualified individuals to serve on the nine-member board of Travis County's health care district, Central Health, for an unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2025. Get more details and apply at the city's Boards & Commissions page.Applications open until positions filled -
Community
Events
Donate Blood, See a Movie
We Are Blood and Alamo Drafthouse team up to reward blood donors with passes for a free movie.Dec. 15-24We Are Blood donor centers & mobile drives -
Community
Events
Festive Fireside Flicks: Rooftop Movies & S’mores
Cozy up by the fire pits and take in breathtaking skyline views on the rooftop patio, along with merry movies, s'mores, and delightful holiday cocktails.Through Dec. 23. Fri.-Sat., 6:30-8:30pm. Free. -
Community
Events
Fill a Holiday Table
Central Texas Food Bank always welcomes donations, but now is a great time to chip in because thanks to community partners Beaumont Foundation and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, every dollar donated through Dec. 31 is doubled (up to $400,000).Through Dec. 31 -
Community
Civic Events
Free Vaccine Clinics
Help limit the spread of nasty viruses as holiday travel ramps up. Find a list of free vaccine clinics and other health info on the city's site.OngoingVarious locations -
Community
Events
Fresh for Less Mobile Markets
This program from the city of Austin, run by Farmshare Austin, has opened new market locations. There are now six weekly markets around town that sell Texas-grown produce, eggs, honey, and other groceries all at reduced prices. Most major cards are accepted at these markets and if you are a SNAP customer, you can also use your Lone Star card and Double Up Food Bucks. Locations and schedules are subject to change, so check the current info online to find one near you. -
Community
Events
Geeks Who Drink Trivia
The masters of minutiae present trivia games for prizes, covering everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, science to sports, the Billboard Hot 100 to Better Call Saul. Find them at watering holes all over town each week.Ongoing -
Community
Events
Gibson Street Bar Ugly Sweater Party
Throw on your most heinous holiday sweater and feast your eyes on everyone's fugly fashions while sipping seasonal cocktails.Sat., Dec. 23, 2pm-2am. Free. -
Community
Events
GoldenGaia Vendor Market + Holistic Fair
Explore a diverse selection of vendors, including artisans, psychic readers, and holistic practitioners who can help heal mind, body, and spirit.Sat.-Sun., 11am-5pm. Free. -
Community
Out of Town
Holiday Lights on the River Walk
The famous River Walk is bathed in colorful lights from the top of the trees to shimmering waves left by the river barges.Through Jan. 7. Free.San Antonio -
Community
Events
Holiday Model Train Exhibit
Austin Tinplate Trackers will have tons of cool model trains set up at the new library, and future engineers young and old are welcome to run them.Dec. 13-30. Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm. Free.Round Rock Public Library, 200 E. Liberty Ave. -
Community
Events
Holiday Puppuccinos at Alfred Coffee
Alfred Coffee at the Line hotel has partnered with Oakland-based sustainable dog nutrition company Petaluma to raise money for the Beagle Freedom Project this holiday season. Treat your pup to a dairy-free whipped cream puppuccino topped with a Petaluma sweet potato jerky garnish, and all proceeds will benefit the nonprofit. Plus, while supplies last, your doggo will get a limited-edition bandanna.Dec. 1-31. Free.Alfred Coffee, 111 E. Cesar Chavez -
Community
Events
Ice Rodeo
Skate beneath the stars and overlooking Lady Bird Lake at an outdoor ice rink with outdoor dining cabins, pop-up lounges, immersive holiday decor, extravagant art installations, and more.Nov. 18-Jan. 7 -
Community
Out of Town
Inspired Minds Holiday Bazaar
Get your holiday shopping started from a selection of uniquely local handmade gifts.Select dates Fri., Nov. 17-Sat., Dec. 23; get details onlineBuda -
Community
Events
KMFA's 12 Days of Giveaways
The classical radio station partners with a host of local arts organizations to give lucky listeners tickets to upcoming shows, including Austin Opera's Carmen, Texas Performing Arts and Broadway in Austin's Wicked, and lots more.Dec. 13-24 -
Community
Out of Town
Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style
The holiday lights around the old courthouse are truly spectacular, but don’t miss the forest of lights at the PEC headquarters at 201 S. Avenue F.Through Jan. 7. Free.Johnson City -
Community
Events
Longhorn Lights
UT-Austin introduces a new tradition by illuminating 24 heritage oak trees with burnt orange and white lights coordinated with tunes from the Longhorn Band.Nov. 29-Jan. 1, 5-10pm. Free.The Drag (Guadalupe Street between 21st & 24th streets) -
Community
Events
Miracle on Fifth Street
It began in NYC and it continues here, there, and everywhere festive. Bring your partyingest buds and babes to this long-running Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up with wall-to-wall decor, multiple bars, and plenty of spirits – right in the tinsely heart of Downtown Austin. Best bet for whiskey lovers at the nightly holiday hullabaloo: the Snowball Old Fashioned.Through Dec. 27 -
Community
Events
Mozart's Holiday Light Show
Savor some treats with hot cocoa or coffee and take in the gorgeous lakeside light show paired with music.Through Jan. 6. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day -
Community
Sports
Night Golf
A nighttime shotgun-style nine-hole round made more fun and challenging with glow-in-the-dark balls.Thu.-Sat., 6-9:30pm. $20. -
Community
Events
North Loop Pop Up Holiday Market
Find one-of-a-kind gifts and feel good about your purchase by supporting local small businesses offering vintage clothing and decor, art, jewelry, plants, records, and more.Sat., Dec. 23, 10am-4pm -
Community
Events
Peppermint Parkway
A drive-thru holiday spectacular with a mile of holiday displays, millions of lights, dancing characters, and a plaza with food, rides, activities, and more.Through Dec. 30 -
Community
Out of Town
Santa Claus Museum
Trace the history of St. Nick in this one-of-a-kind museum filled with 5,000 Santa Clauses.Fri. & Sat. through Dec. 31. Free.Columbus -
Community
Events
Small Business Division Webinars
Do you own a small business or have entrepreneurial dreams? The city's Small Business Division is here to help! Find resources and a selection of instructional webinars on the city's site, with many free classes and some with a small fee.OngoingVirtual -
Community
Events
Snow Much Fun at Edge Rooftop
Sip festive cocktails, roast s'mores, and listen to live music while surrounded by twinkling lights and enjoying snowfall on the hour, every hour.Through Dec. 25. Free.Edge Rooftop Bar at JW Marriott, 110 E. Second -
Arts
Visual Arts
The Blanton: Weird Winter
Artist and musician Steve Parker brings a new installation to the Blanton that’ll make even the grinchiest grin, complete with brass instruments, musical snowglobes, marionette-animated trees, and carols like you’ve never heard them before.Through Jan. 7. $20. -
Community
Kids
The Lettuce Lab & Family Fourth Annual Gift Drive
Enjoy a variety of activities, including games, live music, and delicious food, and celebrate the spirit of giving.Sat., Dec. 23, 7-10pm4012 Marathon Blvd. -
Community
Out of Town
Trail of Lights
Join a holiday tradition that illuminates the historic brewery with lights, food, music, and joy.Dec. 8-9, 15-17 & 19-23. $2-8.La Grange -
Community
Events
Upstairs at Caroline's Naughty or Nice
A holiday-themed pop-up activation with festive decor and seasonal drinks.Dec. 1-31. Free. -
Community
Events
Vigil for Palestine
Join a broad spectrum of secular organizations and communities of faith, doctors, journalists, and families from the greater Austin area for a peaceful vigil to mourn the over 20,000 lives lost in the devastating bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the 1.9 million people that have been displaced. Join for prayer and song, testimony of Palestinians, and to mourn collectively with Austinites who are calling for a ceasefire.Sat., Dec. 23, 4:30-6:30pm. Free. -
Community
Events
Volunteer With CTFB
Central Texas Food Bank runs on volunteers and donations, and it's fairly easy to sign up for a shift. Virtual food drives are also a great way to help out.Ongoing -
Community
Events
Volunteer With Meals on Wheels Central Texas
The season of giving is a great time to get involved with Meals on Wheels, which makes a huge difference to the homebound older adults served by the org. Volunteers deliver more than a meal; they also bring warm smiles and much-needed safety checks. Apply online and get signed up for a Zoom training to get started.OngoingApply online -
Community
Out of Town
Walkway of Lights
In its 33rd year of bringing Christmas cheer, the more than 350 lighted displays fill Lakeside Park and lead to the ice skating rink.Through Dec. 31. Free.Marble Falls -
Community
Events
Yule at Azul
Take in the scenery from the highest rooftop bar in town and enjoy festive drinks and decor. Daily holiday happy hours (3-5pm) include $5 holiday frozens, $5 house wines, and $5 drafts.Nov. 24-Dec. 31. Free. -
Community
Civic Events
WIC Mobile Unit
Resources and info about Austin Public Health’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program for qualifying pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.Check online for current schedule. Free.Various locations
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Ongoing