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General Events for Thu., Dec. 29
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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.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Holiday Tree Recycling

    For city of Austin curbside customers, recycling a holiday tree is as easy as setting it at the curb by 5:30am on the regularly scheduled compost collection day. Trees that are 6 feet or taller must be cut in half. Everyone is welcome to drop off their trees at Zilker on one of three collection days: Sat., Dec. 31; Sat., Jan. 7; or Sun., Jan. 8, 10am-2pm. Volunteers are also needed for those days, if you're still in the giving spirit! Trees collected at Zilker will be turned into mulch and available for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Jan. 12, 9am. Get more deets online.
    Dec. 26-Jan. 8
    Curbside or at Zilker Park Polo Fields, 2225 Andrew Zilker Rd.
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    Events

    Kwanzaa Ujamaa Marketplace & Celebration

    Ujamaa, meaning "cooperative economics," is celebrated on the fourth day of Kwanzaa, so the Carver hosts an outdoor market featuring Black vendors (noon-4pm), followed by Nigerian appetizer samples from Tailat Kitchen and a fun, educational program with Elizabeth Kahura leading activities at the Boyd Vance Theatre (6:30pm).
    Thu., Dec. 29, noon-8:30pm. Free.  
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    Peppermint Parkway

    A mile-long drive-through display of lights as well as a plaza full of music, food, and magic. New this year, attendees can pick up a Christmas tree during their visit with the addition of Wonder Woods. Circuit of the Americas gets in the holiday spirit by giving away free trees to families in need and offering low-cost trees to others. Also new, a Holiday Market with homemade sweet treats, gifts, and holiday swag for the kids.
    Through Dec. 30  
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    Events

    The Karaoke Underground: Sad Songs Only

    Bring tears for your beers and sing some total downers by your fave punk and indie rock sad sacks. Find the song list online, which includes everything from the Smiths to Elliott Smith.
    Thu., Dec. 29, 9pm. Free.  
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    Events

    "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.
  • Community

    Events

    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
  • Community

    Events

    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
  • Community

    Events

    Austin Ghost Tours

    Tickets sell out fast for these popular tours of the haunted historic farm.
    Thu.-Fri., Dec. 29-30. Tours at 7pm, doors at 6pm  
  • Community

    Events

    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

    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  
  • 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
  • Community

    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

    Events

    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.  
  • Community

    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  
  • Community

    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.
  • Community

    Events

    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.  
  • Community

    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.  
  • 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
  • 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

    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

    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

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