The 9th Annual Horror For The Holidays brings horror celebrities and more to this year's dark holiday market. Actors from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Candyman join over 90 dark vendors, as well as an Evil Santa and a killer Krampus Parade, for a weekend of holiday fear. The event is for all ages, with children 12 & under earning free admission. Get more info and buy tickets now using the link below. Your shopping will be legendary!
It’s back! After more than a decade the Wheatsville Arts Festival is returning, and admission is completely free. Join Wheatsille Co-Op for a complete takeover of their 4001 South Lamar parking lot. Shop from over 70 vendors offering one of a kind, handmade creations. They will also have a kid's area from 12pm-4pm sponsored by Austin Creative Reuse.
Saxophonist Gil Del Bosque hosts an opportunity for middle and high school-age jazz students to sit in with some of Austin's finest jazz musicians. Preregistration not required. It's free and fun, so bring friends and family and come on down!
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.
Now's the time to sign up for Affordable Care Act health coverage! Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15, 2024, but if you want coverage starting Jan. 1, you must enroll by Dec. 15. 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.
Good old-fashioned holiday fun, including real snow on the lawn, treats, hot cocoa, and caroling, with the tree lighting at 5:30pm. Volunteers are sought as well; sign up online.
Support dozens of Austin artists and small businesses with gifts ranging from fine art prints to jewelry, home decor, and much more. Musical guests start at 1pm.
A great selection of local farmers bringing fabulous pastured meats, eggs, dairy, vegetables, and fruits, plus prepared-food vendors, artisans, bakers, and of course, live music.
Nonprofit BookSpring seeks submissions of open-access digital books to share with families and nurture early literacy. Learn more and submit your work online.
The courtyard transforms into a winter wonderland with a majestic illuminated Christmas tree, snowfall, Santa, treats, and live carols from the Madrigal Choir. Plus, craft ornaments at the decoration stations and visit the silent auction benefiting Community First! Village.
Chuy's offers several ways to easily contribute to the Austin Police Operation Blue Santa: Bring new, unwrapped toys to any Chuy's location or to the Trail of Lights Fun Run at Zilker (Dec. 2), donate funds online, or select something from their Amazon wish list. Donations for children ages 11-14 are most needed.
Thinkery provides admission by donation as part of its Open Door Initiative, created to give every child a chance to explore STEAM concepts and develop a lifelong love of learning, regardless of means.
Ever dream of getting your hands into some clay and spinning that wheel? Feats of Clay has a variety of classes that let you live those dreams. Check the schedule and sign up for one of their six-week courses to learn a new skill and bring home some pottery to brighten your space or give as a gift.
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).
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.
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.
Weekly guided breathwork sessions incorporate lunar and solar cycles, card readings, Kundalini, journaling, and more, and are led by Margaret, who has studied around the world and is a trained midwife, birth & postpartum doula, Reiki master, registered yoga teacher, and kinesiologist.
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.
Find Earth-friendly gifts this year at Austin Creative Reuse's market offering sustainable arts & crafts, home goods, and more from a variety of makers.
Belmont Village partners with the National Charity League to gather donations of backpacks filled with comfort items and essentials for kids transitioning into foster homes. Find the shopping list online if you'd like to donate a bag.
The horror holiday market brings in special guests from 1974's Texas Chain Saw Massacre and 2021's Candyman so you can get photos and autographs from horror icons as you shop over 90 vendors offering gothic and dark merchandise. You'll also find children's activities, performers, a Krampus parade, a silent auction benefiting SAFE Alliance, and more.
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.
Blue Owl Brewing is hosting a clothing drive to collect donations for the SAFE Alliance, and will offer prizes in exchange for your donations. Bring hats, coats, gloves, and other warm clothing then spin the Almighty Wheel for your prize.
The city is considering changes to the Land Development Code, which could affect how your property or properties near you may be developed or used in the future. Learn more and provide feedback online or at a City Council meeting Thu., Dec. 7, 10am.
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)
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 yuletide hullaballoo: the Snowball Old Fashioned.
See hundreds of family heirloom Nativity scenes from around the world, some of them rescued from thrift stores and estate sales and others donated by the families specifically for this show.
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.
Join fellow plant nerds for a swap, then check out the pop-up shop by Secondhand Scraps offering reclaimed wood products such as plant propagation stations for your new babies.
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.
No matter where you are, ITT has you covered with free virtual classes from cardio and kickboxing to yoga and Zumba. Check out the calendar online for the full range of options and make a date for fitness.
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.
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.
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.
Nature-based activities and festive family fun, including the Austin Camerata String Quartet performing holiday classics. Pack a picnic and grab hot holiday beverages on-site.
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.