Home Events Community

for Sat., Dec. 9
  • Pop!

    Turn up the festive vibes at ZACH's new holiday sing-along party, POP! This pop-up party is a wild mix of holiday classics and the hottest hits of Taylor Swift, NSYNC, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Wham!, The Beatles, and more! Toast with date-night cocktails at a cabaret table for two, or reserve a whole row for your crew. POP!'s musical hosts will guide you through the show, making each night a unique, make-it-your-own of fun.
    Dec. 8-31  
    ZACH Theatre
Recommended
  • 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

    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

    Community First! Village of Lights

    With more than 250,000 Christmas lights choreographed to holiday music, the village is sure to get you in the spirit. They'll have a holiday market with unique, handcrafted gifts created by village artists and makers, and your purchases support its formerly homeless residents. Plus, there'll be holiday movies screening, mini train rides, a life-size snow globe, visits from Santa, and more fun in store.
    Fri.-Sat., Dec. 1-2 & 8-9, 5:30-9pm. Free.
  • 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

    Sports

    Texas Stars

    Vs. Chicago Wolves.
    Fri.-Sat., Dec. 8-9, 7pm  
  • 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.
    Dec. 9-Jan. 7. $20.  
All Events
  • Community

    Events

    150th Anniversary Celebration of Memorial United Methodist Church

    Celebrate with a festival Saturday, 1-5pm, and an intercultural worship service Sunday, 11am. Festival day includes community partners with performances, games, food, and more, plus bouncy houses outside and exhibitions about the church's history. The intercultural service brings together three other churches for songs, music, and prayers.
    Sat., Dec. 9. Free.
    Memorial United Methodist Church, 6100 Berkman
  • 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, 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.
    Through Jan. 15, 2024  
  • Community

    Events

    Ani's Day & Night Holiday Market

    The Ani's house will be decorated for the holidays and they've curated a day of shopping and food trucks, all paired with roaring fire pits, festive cocktails, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and more.
    Sat., Dec. 9 & 16, noon-5pm. Free.
  • Community

    Events

    Anytime Austin Market Presented by Personal Vintage

    Find vintage, handmade goods, and wares from local artisans at a biweekly market stocked by small and local businesses.
    Sat., Aug. 5, then second & fourth Saturdays, 10am-5pm. Free.
    Lively Middle School, 201 E. Mary
  • Community

    Events

    Austin Schnell Fest

    A Porsche Club of America High Performance Driver Education event sponsored by Hill Country, Lone Star and Maverick regions, but not just for Porsche or BMW drivers: Drivers of every make are invited to participate, and membership in PCA is not necessary.
    Sat.-Sun., Dec. 9-10  
  • Community

    Events

    Austin Tantra Festival

    A full weekend of inspiring and life-changing workshops in tantra, shamanism, yoga, and conscious movement.
    Fri.-Sun., Dec. 8-10. $399.
    Wilco Workspaces & Events, 1615 Scottsdale Dr. Ste. 200-A, Cedar Park
  • 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

    Baby Goats & Cuddles

    Hang with Santa, the Grinch, and adorable baby goats decked out in holiday sweaters.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 1-2:30pm. $10.  
  • 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.  
  • Arts

    Theatre

    Beto, Beto el Abeto

    The Zilker Botanical Garden and Teatro de la Tierra present Beto, Beto el Abeto, a play – adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s The Fir Tree – that blends languages, cultures, genres, and biological kingdoms in an inventive, unorthodox approach to Christmas amidst a world that is changing rapidly.
    Dec. 7-17. Thu.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 2:30pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Black Austin History Tours at the Oakwood Chapel

    Angela Thornton will lead tours to talk about the Historic Colored Grounds and the burials that were segregated by race and class in the 1800s. There are many individuals buried in this section that represent Black excellence and are inspirations today. Thornton can also offer history about the chapel and online resources to learn more.
    Through Dec. 16. Saturdays, 12:30pm. Free.  
    Oakwood Chapel, 1601 Navasota
  • Community

    Events

    Chuy's Children Giving to Children Toy Drive

    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.
    Through Dec. 10  
    Austin-area Chuy's restaurants and Zilker Park
  • 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. 7
    Houston
  • Community

    Events

    Donate Blood, Get a Free We Are Blood Shirt

    Get a special "Nice List Only" long-sleeve shirt when you donate blood or platelets.
    Dec. 1-14
    We Are Blood donor centers & mobile drives
  • Community

    Events

    Evergreen Winter Warm-up

    Enjoy a botanical celebration of seasonal flavors, crafts, music, and activities for the whole family along with stunning views, hiking, and a campfire. Beerburg Brewing brings wildcraft beers to pair with chef Addie's locally sourced venison meatballs and seasonal veggies, and the Latin Dukes bring the live music.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 11am-3pm. $12; free for youth (under 18).  
    Campsite at Shield Ranch; 10417 Crumley Ranch Rd.
  • Community

    Events

    Feats of Clay Pottery Classes

    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.
  • Community

    Events

    Festival of Lessons & Carols

    First introduced in 1918 at King's College Chapel in Cambridge, this traditional service includes gorgeous sacred music and readings.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 7pm. Free.  
    St. Stephen's, 6500 St. Stephen's Dr.
  • 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.
    Ongoing
    Various 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

    Frost Bank Cookies With Santa

    Bring a camera to snap pics of the big guy and pick up some holiday cheer and cookies.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 10am-noon. Free.
    Frost Bank Lake Travis, Stassney, and Tarrytown locations
  • 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

    Goat Cuddles & Coffee With Santa Claus

    Cuddle with goats wearing holiday sweaters and say hi to Santa if you can tear yourself away from the cuteness.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 5-6:30pm. $10.  
  • 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., 10am-4pm. Free.
  • Community

    Sports

    Grounded Dance Cardio

    Pump up the jams and get moving with a dance fit cardio series blending freestyle, choreography, and toning grooves.
    Saturdays, 10am. Free, but RSVP.  
  • 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

    Out of Town

    Homestead Fair

    Visit the farm north of Waco to learn about agriculture, shop the handmade goods, and enjoy the food and music.
    Fri.-Sun., Nov. 24-26; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 1-2 & 8-9. $15, Free on Dec. 1, 8.
    Waco
  • 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 online
    Buda
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Island of Nighttime Kites

    You won’t want to miss the local kite flying club’s holiday display of lighted kites in the night sky over the beach.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 6-10pm. Free.
    Surfside Beach
  • Community

    Events

    Keep Austin Beautiful

    Join Keep Austin Beautiful to help out at Lady Bird Lake for the org’s monthly cleanup Sat., Dec. 9, or check out one of the many other neighborhood projects scheduled.
    Sat., Dec. 9
  • Community

    Events

    Kinda Tropical Vintage Market

    Shop, eat, drink, and vibe at a market presented by Decades in Retro.
    Sat., Dec. 9, noon-6pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Kindness Exchange Clothing Drive

    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.
    Dec. 1-17. Free.
  • 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

    Out of Town

    Lost Pines Christmas Festival

    Downtown comes alive with holiday fun, a lighted Christmas parade, and the beautiful River of Lights.
    Sat., Dec. 9. Free.  
    Downtown Bastrop
  • Community

    Events

    Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Christmas Parade

    More than 130 entries include fanciful floats, fire trucks, unicycles, vintage cars, dancing bears, Santa, and lots more. Parade begins at dusk and heads south down Main Street.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 6pm. Free.  
    Downtown Bastrop
  • Community

    Events

    Love Where You Live Day

    Keep Austin Beautiful developed this event to invite Austinites to beautify the areas around their homes and neighborhoods. Pick up some litter, weed a garden bed, or rake some leaves; it’s up to you! Check out the website for details on cleanup kit registration and social media giveaways.
    Second Saturdays, 9-11am  
    Citywide
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Main Street Bethlehem

    Wander the narrow streets of ancient Bethlehem looking for the child in a manger.
    Dec. 1-3 & 8-10, 6-9pm. Free; donations accepted.
    Burnet
  • 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 yuletide hullaballoo: the Snowball Old Fashioned.
    Through Dec. 27  
  • Community

    Events

    Moxy Astrology Cocktail Series: Sagittarius’ Ring of Fire

    Sagittarians, celebrate yourselves with a special fiery cocktail blending rum, bitters, vanilla, and cinnamon, and take home an affirmation card.
    Through Dec. 21. Free.
    Bar Moxy, 2552 Guadalupe
  • 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

    Out of Town

    Nativity Exhibit

    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.
    Fri., Nov. 24-Sun., Dec. 10. Free.
    Port Lavaca
  • 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

    Ornament Workshops at Feats of Clay Pottery

    Students of all ages are welcome to join a workshop to craft up to five ornaments. Materials and glazing fee included.
    Sun., Nov. 26, Dec. 10 & 17, 2:30pm; Sat., Dec. 9, 4:30pm. $60.
  • Community

    Events

    Passport to the World Festival

    Enjoy an afternoon of free programming exploring Austin's rich international community through live performances, interactive games and crafts, and more celebrating our sister cities. Volunteers are needed if you'd like to contribute.
    Sat., Dec. 9, noon-3pm. Free.  
  • 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.
    Nov. 24-Dec. 30
  • Qmmunity

    Community

    POP! Holidaze Market

    Enjoy music, makers, and more at this festive market co-hosted by Eastside Pop-Up and the Little Gay Shop. Plus: live screen printing by FKA Merch and a DJ set by Queer Vinyl Co.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 11am-3pm
    Top Drawer Thrift, 5213 Airport Blvd.
  • Community

    Events

    Ready, Set, Plant!

    Join TreeFolks to plant some trees before the weather gets too frightful.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 9am
    Onion Creek Metro Park, 5601 Katydid Ln.
  • 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

    Second Saturday

    Keep the holidays weird at the opening of Steve Parker's interactive installation Weird Winter, complete with musical snow globes and marionette-animated trees. Plus live music by Superfónicos, art tours, an artist talk with Parker himself, free hot chocolate, and cookie decorating.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 3-8pm. $20, adults; $10, ages 6-17; free for members and ages 5 & under.
  • Community

    Events

    Shoreline Stewardship

    Help the Trail Conservancy with some restoration planting.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 10am
  • 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.
    Ongoing  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Snow Day

    A thousand pounds of ice and snow becomes a sledding hill in the park filled with Christmas lights after dark.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 2-6pm
    Llano
  • 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
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Texas Furniture Makers Show

    The annual statewide competition features the functional art of the finest custom furniture makers in Texas.
    Nov. 2-Dec. 15
    Kerrville
  • 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

    Kids

    Una Noche Buena

    A fun new holiday sing-along story about a 10-year-old boy on the last night of Las Posadas entering a new family with big personalities and blended traditions.
    Sat., Dec. 9 & 16, 11am. $19.  
  • 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

    Sports

    UT Men's Basketball

    Vs. Houston Christian.
    Sat., Dec. 9, 2pm  
  • Community

    Sports

    Virtual & In-Person Zumba

    Join It's Time Texas for a dynamic and exciting dance workout set to Latin and international music.
    Saturdays, 10-11am (no class Nov. 25). Free, but RSVP.
  • Community

    Sports

    Virtual Fitness Classes With It's Time Texas

    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.
    Free.
    Virtual
  • 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.
  • 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.
    Ongoing  
    Apply online
  • Community

    Sports

    Yoga at Republic Square Park

    Welcome the weekend with a balancing and renewing yoga class surrounded by the beautiful views of Downtown. Come early or stay late to explore the SFC market.
    Saturdays, 11am. Free.  
  • 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.  
Ongoing
  • 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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