Austin blues artists join together to support Sarah Barlow, an Antone’s performer who experienced a serious injury resulting in a severed left index finger and bone crush fracture after saving her dog Lucky from a dog attack in October. Proceeds go toward her recovery and the musicians.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A great selection of local farmers bringing fabulous pastured meats, eggs, dairy, vegetables, and fruits, plus prepared-food vendors, artisans, bakers, and of course, live music.
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.
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.
The third annual event features 15+ vendors and makers selling ceramics, vintage, jewelry, kid gifts, books, zines, and more, plus pics with Santa, free drinks, treats, tattoos, and DJ Saint Nick Fong bringing the holiday cheer. Free to attend and family-friendly.
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).
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.
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.
Weekly guided breathwork sessions incorporate lunar and solar cycles, card readings, Kundalini, journaling, and more, and are led by Margaret, who has studied around the world and is a trained midwife, birth & postpartum doula, Reiki master, registered yoga teacher, and kinesiologist.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Manifest a magical 2024 with Lucky Dog Tarot readings for pets noon 'til 2pm, which benefit Austin Pets Alive!, then shop from local vendors, enjoy sips from Summer House, and listen to live music from Texas Sun Music.
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.
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.
Meet Instagram-famous pets the Dumptruck Pups (@princessbuttercupdumptruck) and their feline friend Calvin (@catnamedcalvin) and help raise funds for Ay Chihuahua Rescue and Austin Humane Society. 20% of total photo package sales will be donated. Stay for a complimentary dog tarot reading by Lucky Dog Tarot after meeting Santa. Find them near the AMC entrance.
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.
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.
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.
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.