Have you shopped for all your LGBTQ crew yet? Well, whether you’re like me and have a box you fill up over the year with gifts or you just woke and remembered presents are a thing right now, there’s places for you to keep the season’s shopping small, local, and gay as hell. Here’s a few spots I personally think you ought to hit up:
The Little Gay Shop – a one-stop sweet spot for all sorts of queer-made items from coloring books to stickers and beyond. Plus, they sell fun holiday gift wrap!
BookWoman – longtime sapphic-owned store where you can secure any and all literary gifts in addition to having a nice time perusing novelties.
Paws on Chicon – a place to shop for pets and their persons with everything from everyday essentials to special treats like goat’s milk froyo.
Reverie Books – South Austin shop filled with books for all readers from young to middle-old to very old to those who exist beyond time.
Package Austin – the place for sensual shopping on South First, whether you’re in need of a jockstrap for Jason or a dildo for Deandra.
Sunshine Vinyl – a record store with music galore to suit even the pickiest of audio enjoyers.
This list ain’t exhaustive, so if you don’t see a place that fits who you’re shopping for, consider stopping by any of the million markets curated by queer organizers happening over the next two weeks. Austin’s queer community bursts with incredible talent both business- and creativity-wise, so there’s no doubt you’ll secure the top gifts of the season here.
The Sabel Show
Thursday 11, Rain on 4th
Returning star Sabel Scities brings her show back for Rain’s 21st anniversary. Sabel sticks around post-show to help Bobby Cook play host to the amateur male strip-off and Eriq Stylez spins the tunes. 9pm.
A Very Merry Drag Show
Thursday 11, High Noon
Round up your friends for yuletide yeehaw with host Vylette Ward and performers Nadine Hughes, Sierra Mykels, and Pam Dulce. Plus, drink specials filled with Christmas spirits. 9pm.
Benefit for Gaza
Thursday 11, the Vortex
Raise funds for MECA (Middle East Children’s Alliance) at this free benefit featuring music by folk artist David Rovics, a drag queen storytime led by Moxie, and a silent auction. 7pm.
Queer to Tell: Holiday Greetings & Gay Happy Meetings
Friday 12, Captain Quack’s Soundstage
Back in town is the NYC-originated storytelling night where queer folks tell their stories of fall and winter holiday memories. This month’s featured players include Joe Anderson Jr., Eman, James Hardin, Charlie Rodriguez, and Oraiah Ximenéz. Chitah Daniels Kennedy hosts. 7:30pm.
Sapphic Holiday Party & Market
Friday 12, Marlow
Sapphic social club Sevens ATX throws a seasonal soiree with plenty to party about: DJ Dana Scully spinning vinyl, a photo station with Karabiner giving drag Mrs. Klaus, flash tattoos done by America C. (@itsindig0), and tons of local vendors. 7:30pm.
Slick’d
Friday 12, the Austin Eagle
Slip and shine at the Eagle for this celebration of “everything that clings, shines, and shows it off.” That includes rubber, vinyl, spandex, and more, so show off your skin-tight looks to beats by DJs Boost and Zander. 10pm.
Tammie Brown’s Holiday Sparkle
Friday 12 & Saturday 13, the Vortex
Everyone’s favorite holiday queen Tammie Brown returns to Austin with her seasonal showcase featuring original music, yuletide hits, and so many stories. Cynthia Lee Fontaine guest stars. 8pm.
Holiday Dance Party
Friday 12, Marlow
Queer Vinyl Collective collabs with Austin Boogie Crew for a night of funk, fun, and festive partying. 10pm.
Butch Gardens
Friday 12, Nepantla
Curated by Beth Schindler, this free celebration of artist Teddy Sandoval and the original LA Butch Gardens centers queer lineage, Chicanx futurity, and playful subversion. Music provided by DJs Mrs. Javii and Mosaico X, and Andie Flores performs live. 8pm.
Titty’s Totally Tubular 23rd
Friday 12, Oilcan’s
Titty Androgynous throws a retro rewind for this birthday edition of featured Friday party Grrrl’s Night Out with drag, vendors, drinks, and cake. 10:30pm.
Ruby Winter Dreams
Friday 12, Speakeasy Austin
Diamond Dior Davenport hosts this edition of the Red Party by Vivent Health, which celebrates World AIDS Day with drag headlined by Blackberri and “Queen of Flips” Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige alongside a massive lineup of local icons. 9pm.
How XTRA Stole Christmas
Saturday 13, Esther’s Tex Mex
Book it to Buda for this holiday drag brunch hosted by Xtra. Supporting the seasonal fun are special guests Diamond Dior Davenport, Omari Dior Davenport, and Kiki Divine. Call for tickets, which at $50 cover bottomless mimosas, an entree, and dessert. 11am.
The Naughty List
Saturday 13, Rain on 4th
Have yourself a naughty little holiday night with performers Nadine Hughes, Ritzy Bitz, Brigitte Bandit, Lady Grackle, Cupcake, and many more at this seasonal show. Ticket purchases benefit Austin Rainbow Theatre. 8pm.
2B or Not 2B – NieR: Automata Birthday Burlesque
Saturday 13, Tiny Minotaur Tavern
Join birthday babe Stella Belle for a burlesque tribute to this robo-sexual sci-fi RPG with performances by Disco Lemonade, Foxxy Lane Lefevre, Jojo Jezebel, and Thrice Knightly. 8pm.
Holiday Market
Saturday 13, MASS Gallery
Local vendors fill this Gunter Street gallery’s lawn for a yuletide market, including Amema, Double Cradle, Elmer Gomer, Erin Miller + Friends, Gravy Chain, Leah Danze, Maggie Mitts, Sun Buddy, and Time Being Books. Refuel that shopping spirit with food truck Lynny’s special wood-fired hand pies. 12pm.
Round Rock Rugby Second Annual Drag Show
Saturday 13, Cheer Up Charlies
Join Round Rock Rage for their second-ever drag show fundraiser, where these rough and tumble rugby players suit up in fabulous drag. 7pm.
OutWellness Holiday Party
Saturday 13, RSVP for location
Fitness pros OutWellness go festive with this cookie-centric celebration featuring a cookie swap and cookie decorating as well as ornament making. RSVP via their Instagram to secure a spot. 7pm.
Coco Turns Six Pajama Party
Saturday 13, Coconut Club
That neon-colored dance club on the corner of Colorado and Fourth stays bumping six years in, so celebrate their b-day with an all-night spin cycle from DJs Orya and She23. 9pm.
Woke Cowboy
Saturday 13, ColdTowne
Have a real DEI December with this diverse stand-up showcase hosted by Chris Bryant and Evan Rabalais. This month’s featured players are Terrance Yon, Derren Schmidt, Tryk, Bahar Kasgari, Wallis Brown, and Valeria Chavez Pardo. 8pm.
Austin Pride’s Big Gay Pride Brunch
Sunday 14, the Brewtorium
Kelly Kline hosts this drag brunch presented by Austin Pride, where in addition to performances by top-tier drag talent, there’ll be tons of delicious bites by Brewtorium. Also: Kelly’s Pink Santa Toy Drive continues, so bring a donation. 12pm.
Sade Capricorn Tribute
Sunday 14, Coconut Club
Enter the Coco laser pit with host Louisianna Purchase for this tribute to “Smooth Operator” singer Sade Adu.
Market Gays x Sapphic Sundaze
Sunday 14, Highland Lounge
Before a fabo drag show hosted by Eileen Dover, shop this queer curated market by the Little Gay Shop and Austin Vendor Market. 4pm.
Flash Tat Walk-In Day
Sunday 14, Queer Audacity ATX
Get yourself an early holiday gift that’ll really spice up your family gathering via this BOGO flash tattoo sale from local artists Sunny K, Aliza, and PJ. 12pm.
Strut: Festive Feet
Monday 15, Lady Bird Lake
Join Local Queer and OutWellness in puttin’ on your most seasonally appropriate footwear for walk club – from fun socks to silly shoes. 7pm.
Biqtchin’
Tuesday 16, Elysium
Elevate your weeknight with this two-act show featuring the one and only Biqtchin’ alongside Evah Destruction, Louisianna Purchase, and special guests still yet unnamed. Plus: “Video Gaymes, Tomfoolery and all the nerdy nostalgia vibes.” 9:30pm.
Dungeons & Dragons & Drag: Holiday Heist
Wednesday 17, Tiny Minotaur Tavern
Enjoy a live-play tabletop gaming session with drag artists Anarch Kye, Fairy Petite, Tangelo, and dungeon mistress Petty Cakes. 8pm.
Homo for the Holigays
Wednesday 17, Elysium
The Boyz of Austin celebrate the season with tons of XXXmas spirit and the gender-diverse drag you’ve been begging Santa for all year. 10:30pm.
Queer Film Theory: Chosen Family
Thursday 18, the Highball
Hear queer film “professors” talk about their favorite features showcasing ragtag groups of misfits coming together in heartwarming ways. And also I’ll be there, Qmmunity Editor James, talking about Crash (1996). So why don’t you be there, too, huh? 7:30pm.
Mochi Mochi
Thursday 18, the Highball
Enjoy anime-centric drag from hosts Louisianna Purchase, Tatiana Cholula, and Leia Sakura Dior as well as special guest performers.
A Drag Queen Christmas
Thursday 18, ACL Live
Nina West hosts this Murray & Peter-presented holiday tour with live performances by drag artists like Lexi Love, Shea Coulee, Jewels Sparkles, and many more. 7:30pm.
Hard Rubber
Thursday 18, Kingdom
Get down one last time this year with the techno and trance talents of Hard Rubber. This show’s lineup includes queer Berlin underground icon DJ Tool (Joachim Palsby) and radiant resident spinner Lucía Beyond. 10pm.
In the Calendar
The Jigglewatts Present Agents of T.E.A.S.E.
Thursday 11 – Friday 12, 29th Street Ballroom
Like your glamour with a little danger? Your bump-and-grind with that air of international intrigue? Join Ruby Lamb, Jolie Goodnight, Alexander the Great, Something Blue, Selma Bawdy, and, of course, the sparkling gem Ruby Joule, for the Agents of T.E.A.S.E., a burlesque show that evokes the golden era of spy dramas. Keeping things shaken, not stirred, are special guest agents Phathoms Deep, Heaven Starr, Hibiscus Bloom, and Mandy Mezcal. Because sometimes stylish gowns and a well-tailored tux are best when sliding to the floor. – Richard Whittaker
Carol
Friday 12 – Monday 15 & Wednesday 17, Alamo Village & South Lamar
Todd Haynes’ line-toeing between melodrama and plain good drama elevates this Patricia Highsmith adaptation to the level of Christmas classic, along with Cate Blanchett’s face for the ages and cinematographer Edward Lachman’s gorgeous soft-focus jewel tones. Sparks fly during the Fifties Christmas rush when young department store employee Therese meets elegant divorcée and mother Carol, and a wintry swoonfest ensues. Wear your Santa garb to the screening if you want to hear Blanchett tell you, “I like the hat.” – Lina Fisher
Sins of the Syndicate
Saturday 13, Empire Control Room & Garage
Glaze mag signs off on their 13th release, Mea Culpa, at this packed party themed to chic but shady family business. The physical volume features pics from Glaze’s stop at NYFW as well as their signature cool-kid cultural coverage. Celebration of this new zine is then suitably hip, with spins from DJs Crvo and Slowdancexo, live tunes by Modern Form and Sex Pop, burlesque delights from Carolina Bela and Zina, and a vintage & handcrafted market. Co-presenter ATX Free Fridge offers a sweet deal for those who donate qualifying dry goods, as they’ll be blessed with a free Lone Star or well drink. – James Scott
Winter Ball
Saturday 13, Highland Lounge
A mega match-up happens this weekend with local power-House of Lepore teaming with alt-wrestling promotion Uncanny Attractions for a wintertime lineup. Feast your eyes on all the alluring competitors pinning each other down to win the wrestling-themed categories under the watchful eye of emcee Mother Natalie. For the ’rasslin’ portion, Uncanny smacks down three big matches: the Unchampionship Title tossed up in a Fatal Fourway, the tag-team tournament finale between Nixi & MacKenzie and Living in Fashion, and a surprise match featuring all special guests. – James Scott
This article appears in December 12 • 2025.