Austin's beloved tradition returns for its 58th year, featuring more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels.
This exhibit showcases materials from the State Archives documenting the official work and daily business of the state’s chief executive spanning 100 years. Can't visit in person? It's available to explore online.
Enjoy a holiday dance party fit for Queen TayTay herself, with Taylor Swift bops & deep cuts spinning all night, a costume contest, lip sync battle, themed photo wall, and more.
Bring your curiosity, desire, fear, vulnerability, courage, questions, doubts, hopes, and dreams to a rich program of tantric workshops, ecstatic dances, talks, sacred ceremonies, and more.
The nonprofit providing shelter and resources to asylum seekers needs volunteers for all kinds of tasks, including driving, sorting donations, and translating, and accepts donations daily 8am-6pm; see wish list for items needed.
Donate now to help nonprofit El Buen Samaritano meet its $450,000 goal, which goes toward holiday meal kits, a food pantry, baby formula, services, and other assistance for Central Texans in need.
Listen to curated playlists as you peruse the stunning display of 28,000 lights at the wildflower center. While supplies last, 100 complimentary headsets will be available.
Through March 31. Fri.-Sun., 6-8:30pm. $41 and up.
The Wildflower Center's annual exhibition of explorable secret hideouts designed by local artists will transport you to imaginary worlds and spark an appreciation for art and nature.
Josh Brownfield and team take over the bar with lively decorations and a special menu with Hanukkah-inspired cocktails, including Latke Punch, a play on the traditional dish made with potato vodka, apple cider, ginger liqueur, and lemon. Bonus: chef Amanda Rockman collabs for the eight days of Hanukkah (Dec. 18-26) with special treats, including rugelach with walnut, currant, and cinnamon sugar – and Jewboy Burgers pops up on Mon., Dec. 19, to serve sliders and latkes.
Hill Country Galleria transforms the Central Plaza into a holiday market with artisan vendors, seasonal cheer, holiday performances, glittering lights, and family fun.
Fri.-Sat., 11am-6pm, through Dec. 24. Free admission & parking.
Austin Tinplate Trackers have tons of model trains set up near the roller coaster at Kalahari's Tom Foolery Adventure Park & Arcade. Kids will love operating Thomas, Percy, the Polar Express, and the Batman train.
The luxury hotel offers an ice skating rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake, chic "cabins" to gather in and enjoy s'mores or a glass of vino, and stunning holiday art installations and decor.
Through Jan. 8. $35/hour to skate; $300 and up for cabins.
The gallery will be filled floor to ceiling with handmade fine arts and crafts from local artists, artisans, crafters, and makers. Plus, paint a ceramic holiday ornament on Saturdays, 1-4pm, ready for pickup in one to two weeks ($10).
Through Dec. 23. Mon.-Fri., 1-6pm; Sat., noon-5pm. Free.
Blue Owl Brewing is accepting donations for Street Youth Ministry, specifically lightly worn or new hats, coats, gloves, and other warm clothing. In exchange, donors get a Blue Owl trinket and will be entered in a raffle for a tasting experience at the brewery.
The ABC Great Christmas Light Fight winners of 2019 are at it once again and this year it’s even bigger and brighter. As a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish, the Maywalds have raised over $200,000 and granted over 30 wishes.
Through Dec. 28, 6-10pm nightly. Donations for Make-a-Wish encouraged.
Out Youth offers a blizzard of winter activities for LGBTQ youths ages 9-12, 13-17, and 18-25 to help make this season merry and bright. Check them out online to find dates and locations.
The ranch will set up an entertaining walking loop illuminated with creative light displays, and offers a gingerbread man cutout for photos, hot cocoa, s'mores, and craft beers.
Through Dec. 31. Thu.-Sat., 5-9pm; Sun., 5-8pm. Free.
Pumpkins are the fave fall food for the residents of Central Texas Pig Rescue. If you've got a hoard of gourds, check CTPR's website for a list of places to donate and guidelines for what is pleasing to the pigs' palates. They could also use some extra hands to transport all the donations.
The season of giving is a great time to get involved with Meals on Wheels, and donating just an hour a week 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.
The Austin Motel becomes a neon rainbow experience for the holidays, with Hunky Santa on Thursdays, weekly film screenings Fridays, carols with a drag Mrs. Claus Saturdays, and pop-up shops Sundays.