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for Fri., Dec. 15
  • Horror For The Holidays

    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!
    Dec. 2-3  
    Palmer Events Center
  • Wheatsville Arts Festival

    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.
    Sat. Dec. 2, 10am-5pm  
    Wheatsville Food Co-op
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    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

    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

    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
  • 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

    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

    Austin International Folk Dancers

    Join AIFD for an evening of dances from around the world with no experience or partner required.
    Fridays, 7-9:45pm. $5 (under 18, free).
  • Community

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    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

    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

    Civic Events

    Community Ambassador and Mini-Grant Applications Open for Preservation Plan

    The city's Planning Department announced two paid opportunities for community members and organizations to participate in the upcoming release of the Equity-Based Preservation Plan, which will replace Austin’s 1981 historic preservation plan with an inclusive, community-oriented process and outcome. Get more info and apply online.
    Deadline: Fri., Dec. 15
  • 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.
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    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

    With flu season ramping up, it's time to think about vaccines again. 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

    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
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    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 online
    Buda
  • 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)
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    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  
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    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
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    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

    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
  • 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

    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

    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

    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

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    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

    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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