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General Events for Thu., Dec. 22
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    The Mutt-Cracker (Sweet!)

    Circus Chickendog brings a talented crew of canines (Mouse, Moose, Coyote, Squirrel, and Skeeter) and circus artists to the Vortex for an incredible show, with rescue dogs doing their thing, Darren Peterson's masterful juggling and unicycling, acrobats Balyssa Ball and James Kent bending and flipping, and an original score that samples Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite. Directed by Melissa Vogt. Note: No shows on Dec. 24-26. See website for detailed schedule.
    Through Jan. 5. Sun., 4:30pm; Mon.-Wed., 4:30 & 6:30pm; Thu., 4:30pm. $15-37.  
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    Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

    Austin's homegrown holiday tradition is back with the most new artists the bazaar has ever had, plus live music from local superstars like Kelly Willis and Ray Wylie Hubbard, a mobile honky-tonk, and the ability to shop online.
    Through Dec. 23, 11am-8:30pm  
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    Austin Trail of Lights

    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.
    Through Dec. 23  
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    LBJ Library Celebrates Lady Bird's Birthday

    Born in 1912, Lady Bird Johnson was a wife and adviser to President Lyndon B. Johnson, a mother, grandmother, conservationist, philanthropist, and businesswoman. Celebrate her legacy with a day of activities and a special exhibit about our favorite first lady. Enjoy sweet treats made from Lady Bird's recipes, create a holiday ornament, explore exhibits and books from local authors, and more.
    Thu., Dec. 22, 9am-5pm. $3-13.  
    LBJ Presidential Library, 2313 Red River
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    "Texas Governors and Their Times, 1846-1946"

    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.
    Sept. 19, 2022-May 15, 2023. Free.
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    *Holiday Event Closures*

    Due to freezing weather, the Trail of Lights will be closed Thu., Dec. 22, and will possibly be closed Fri., Dec. 23. Peppermint Parkway at COTA will close Thu.-Fri., Dec. 22-23. Other closures and postponements are imminent, so check before you head out for festivities this weekend.
    Thu.-Fri., Dec. 22-23
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    2nd Street District Holiday Window Walk

    As you do your holiday shopping, take in the beautiful scenery created by Texas artists tasked with creating holiday-inspired art installations.
    Through Jan. 1  
    2nd Street District Downtown: West Second Street from Colorado to San Antonio and surrounding area
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    Austin Baptist Chapel Angel House Soup Kitchen

    The nonprofit org seeks men's clothing donations for its clients. Jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, socks, and shoes are especially needed.
    Ongoing
    908 E. Cesar Chavez
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    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.
    Through Dec. 23, 10am-10pm; Dec. 24, 10am-6pm. Free entry.  
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    Casa Marianella Seeks Assistance

    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.
    Ongoing
  • Community

    Events

    Christmas at the Pitch

    A little reindeer told us Santa’s on his way to the Pitch, Northeast Austin's newest sports, dining, and entertainment venue. There's something for the whole family leading up to Christmas:: Teddy Bear Drive & The Grinch Movie Night: Mon., Dec. 19, 6pm: Christmas for the Pups: Tue., Dec. 20, 6pm, with a dog toy and supply drive for Emancipet, swag for your pup, and A Charlie Brown Christmas on the big screen: Christmas With Santa: Wed., Dec. 21, 5pm, with face painting and free hot cocoa, Santa photos from 5 to 7pm, and carolers at 6pm: Christmas for Grownups: Thu., Dec. 22, 6pm, with a Best Elf costume contest for a $250 gift card, Elf on the big screen, boozy bevs, and free popcorn
    Dec. 19-22
  • Community

    Events

    Donate Blood, Get a Movie Ticket

    Donate at We Are Blood and treat yourself to movie night at Alamo Drafthouse.
    Dec. 15-22. Free.
    We Are Blood donation centers
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    Donate to Hands for Hope

    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.
    Ongoing  
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    Events

    Driftwood Lights: Candlelight Live Music

    Enjoy lovely tunes from singer-songwriters by candlelight at a relaxing night in the Hill Country. Donations to Hays County Food Bank are welcomed and will get you $1 off your first beer!
    Dec. 21-23. Free.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    FCC Broadband Map Challenge

    Travis County and the city of Austin are asking for the public’s help to review, verify, and improve the new National Broadband Map created by the Federal Communications Commission. Hop online, pop in your address, and make sure the info is correct to help make the most accurate map possible.
    Through Jan. 13
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    Events

    Fortlandia

    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.
    Through Jan. 29
  • Community

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    Free Beginner Two-Step Lessons

    Join Double or Nothing Two-Step for a free class followed by live music and dancing.
    Thursdays, 7pm. Donations appreciated.  
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    Free Christmas Trees

    Garden Seventeen is practicing generosity for the holidays and offering its excess supply of Fraser fir trees to the community. Stop by to pick up a free tree while they last!
    Thu., Dec. 22, 9am-6pm
    Garden Seventeen, 604 Williams
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    Events

    Get Lit Hanukkah Pop-Up Bar

    Josh Brownfield and team take over this popular Eastside 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.
    Through Dec. 30
  • Community

    Events

    Get Lit Hanukkah Pop-Up Bar

    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.
    Through Dec. 30  
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    Events

    Hill Country Galleria Ice Rink

    Find it between the Bee Cave Public Library and the Hill Country Galleria lawn.
    Through Jan. 2. $15 to skate; reservations encouraged.
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    Holiday Model Train Exhibit

    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.
    Through Dec. 31. Wed.-Sun., 2-7pm. Free.  
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    Events

    Holiday Wrapping Made Easy

    Texas Husky Rescue will take care of your gift wrapping in exchange for donations for the org. Find them on the lower level in front of Macy's.
    Thu.-Fri., Dec. 22-23, noon-9pm  
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    Events

    Ice Rodeo by Four Seasons

    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.  
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    Events

    Inspired Minds Holiday Bazaar

    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.  
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    Events

    Los Klezmeros

    Austin's longest-running klezmer band plays music from all over the world in over 12 languages, featuring music from the Jewish diaspora.
    Thu., Dec. 22, 7pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Maywald Family Lights Display

    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.
    10505 Twilight Vista
  • Community

    Events

    Mozart's Holiday Light Show

    What's already a great view on the lake becomes even better with a spectacular light show, complemented by hot cocoa and tasty treats.
    Through Jan. 6  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    New Floodplain Maps

    You may have recently received a notice from the city about its new floodplain study: They're reevaluating floodplain maps and models to better understand flood risk and keep residents safe. Find out more about the project at an upcoming meeting.
    Wed., Jan. 11, 6:30pm; Fri., Jan. 20, 11am; Sat., Jan. 21, 10am
  • Qmmunity

    Community

    Out Youth December Drop-Ins

    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.
    Multiple dates
  • Community

    Events

    Practiquemos Español

    If you know some Spanish but are seeking a low-pressure environment to fine-tune it, this is the place.
    Mondays & Thursdays, 6pm. Free.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Prepare for Extreme Weather

    The city's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management advises residents to be prepared for severely low temps this weekend, and they've got tons of advice online for prepping and staying informed. Sign up for emergency alerts at austintexas.gov/alerts.
    Thu., Dec. 22
  • Community

    Events

    Project Holiday Help

    LifeWorks, a nonprofit org dedicated to ending youth homelessness, seeks $25 Walmart, Target, and Visa gift cards.
    Through Dec. 23
    LifeWorks, 3700 S. 1st
  • Community

    Events

    Roughhouse Trail of Lights

    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.  
  • Community

    Events

    Thursday Night Football Watch Party

    Enjoy $1 wings and $2 Tecates as you take in the big game.
    Thursdays, 7-10pm
  • Community

    Events

    Tide Cleaners Gift of Warmth

    Stop by any Tide Cleaners to donate coats, blankets, and socks for ages 5-18, benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area.
    Through Jan. 2
    Austin-area Tide Cleaners
  • Community

    Events

    Volunteer Days at ACR

    Organized types will have fun volunteering to help Austin Creative Reuse sort through donated items, roll fabric, and detangle yarn. Registration required.
    Tuesdays & Thursdays  
  • Community

    Events

    Volunteer With Meals on Wheels Central Texas

    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.
    Ongoing  
    Apply online
  • Community

    Events

    Vortex Toy Drive

    Before you head to Vortex for the evening, pick up a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need.
    Through Dec. 31
  • Community

    Events

    We Are Blood Holiday Drives

    We Are Blood’s annual holiday blood drives return to six Austin-area malls: Barton Creek Square, Lakeline Mall, the Arboretum, Wolf Ranch Town Center, and Premium Outlets in both San Marcos and Round Rock. Donating blood is a great way to give back to the community as you knock out your holiday shopping.
    Through Jan. 5
  • Community

    Events

    Winter Wanderland

    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.
    Through Dec. 26  

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