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for Tue., Dec. 20

  • BookSpring Fest: A Read Aloud Celebration

    Join BookSpring for an enchanting celebration of reading at BookSpring Fest: A Read Aloud Celebration! Enjoy inspiring stories read aloud from pillars of the community, carnival games, a petting zoo, face painters, balloon makers, books, and refreshments (ALL FREE).
    Sat. May 4, 12pm-6pm  
    More Info
    BookSpring

  • The Amazing Acro-Cats: Keep It Weird in Austin!

    The Acro-Cats tour supports Rock Cats Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Rock Cats Rescue is focused on saving cats "One Click at a Time" through cat welfare, rescue, and adoption. The Acro-Cats show promotes the importance of bonding and training cats with positive reinforcement, while also finding homes for rescued cats.
    Apr. 24-May 5  
    get tickets
    Long Center for the Performing Arts
Recommended

  • Community

    Events

    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.  
    Click Here for Tickets
    The Vortex

  • Community

    Events

    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  
    get tickets
    Palmer Events Center

  • Community

    Events

    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  
    get tickets
    Zilker Park

  • Community

    Sports

    Texas Stars

    Vs. Rockford Icehogs.
    Tue.-Wed., Dec. 20-21, 7pm  
    get tickets
    H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
All Events

  • Community

    Out of Town

    "Tangible/Nothing"

    In the first reinstallation of the collection galleries since it opened in 2019, Ruby City will present an exhibit of artwork from the Linda Pace collection by national and international artists.
    Through July 30, 2023  
    more info
    Ruby City, San Antonio

  • Community

    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.
    Texas State Library & Archives

  • 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  
    more info
    2nd Street District Downtown: West Second Street from Colorado to San Antonio and surrounding area

  • Community

    Events

    Adult Skate Night

    Leave the rugrats at home and enjoy the roller rink with other grownups.
    Tuesdays, 7-11pm; Saturdays, 9pm-midnight  
    info
    Playland Skate Center

  • Community

    Kids

    Anime Art Camp

    In this daylong art camp, kids will draw My Hero Academia-inspired self-portraits, paint ceramic pandas, and use watercolor and inking pens to create Haku from Spirited Away.
    Tue., Dec. 20, 10am. $85.  
    get tickets
    Art Garage Oak Hill

  • 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

    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.  
    info
    Blue Genie Art Bazaar

  • Community

    Events

    Breast Wellness Support Group

    Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a long-term survivor of breast cancer, join in to learn about healthy lifestyle choices and symptom management in an emotionally supportive environment. Call 512/509-2142 to register and get the Zoom link.
    Third Tuesdays, noon. Free.
    Virtual

  • 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
    Casa Marianella

  • Community

    Events

    Chabad of Round Rock Community Chanukah Celebration

    All are welcome for music, crafts, latkes and donuts, chocolate coins, a grand menorah lighting, and more.
    Tue., Dec. 20, 5:30-7pm  
    info & RSVP
    Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad, Round Rock

  • 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
    The Pitch

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Cistern Illuminated

    The latest art installation fills the former drinking water reservoir with colored lights. Timed tickets required.
    Through Jan. 8. $10.
    Houston

  • Community

    Sports

    Community Fitness Classes

    For the fitness-curious and those on a budget, Castle Hill offers a wide selection of discounted classes throughout the week – just look for the "Community" name in the title.
    Ongoing. $15 for one class, $100 for 10.  
    register
    Castle Hill Fitness

  • 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

  • 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  
    donate now
    El Buen Samaritano

  • Community

    Kids

    Drawing & Painting Classes for Kids

    Calling all mini Monets! Registration is now open for afterschool and weekend art classes with professional artist and educator Amanda Jones, teaching students ages 8-18. Professional illustrator Carly Dennis also offers a special weekly class for younger artists.
    Ongoing. $122.50-160 monthly.  
    get tickets
    607 W. St Johns #10

  • 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
    Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

  • Community

    Events

    Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night

    Join a quiz covering everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot 100 to Better Call Saul.
    Tuesdays, 7:30pm. Free.
    Dave & Buster's

  • 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
    Kitty Cohen's

  • 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  
    instagram
    Kitty Cohen's

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Ground Zero 360 Remembrance Exhibit

    More than 70 artists, painters, and sculptors contributed to this powerful exhibit remembering the terrorist attack on 9/11 including photographs taken from the streets of New York City.
    Sept. 12, 2022-Jan. 31, 2023
    Houston

  • 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.
    Hill Country Galleria

  • 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.  
    info
    Four Seasons Hotel

  • Community

    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.  
    info
    Inspired Minds Art Center

  • Community

    Kids

    Kids' Art Camps at Art Garage

    Kids can choose from a variety of themed daylong art camps, including Penguins, Foxes, Candyland, Santa, and more.
    Ongoing. $85.  
    register
    Art Garage, 11190 Circle Dr. #202-4

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Lightscape

    A 1-mile trail winds through the San Antonio Botanical Gardens decorated with dazzling illuminated displays, plus holiday food and drink opportunities.
    Through Jan. 8, 5:30-9pm. Closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 2-5
    San Antonio

  • 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  
    get tickets
    Mozart's Coffee Roasters

  • Community

    Events

    Nerd Nite Austin

    The long-running lecture series is back with an engaging set of talks at a new venue.
    Third Tuesdays, 7:30pm. Free.  
    info
    Vigilante Gastropub & Games

  • 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
    Out Youth

  • 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

    Out of Town

    Starry, Starry Nights

    Go to Badu Park to see the light displays reflect off the Llano River and sip hot chocolate.
    Through Dec. 31
    Llano

  • Community

    Sports

    Texas State Women's Basketball

    Vs. Houston Christian.
    Tue., Dec. 20, 5pm  
    info & schedule
    Strahan Arena at the University Events Center, 106 Charles Austin Dr., San Marcos

  • 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

    Out of Town

    Trail of Lights

    New light displays have been added to the traditional historical activities, refreshments, entertainment, and visits from Santa.
    Fri.-Sat., Dec. 9-10; Fri.-Sun., Dec. 16-18. Lights only: Mon.-Fri., Dec. 19-23
    Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill, La Grange

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Trains at NorthPark

    Presented by Bank of Texas, this 35-year holiday family tradition has become a favorite for generations of Dallasites and includes 1,600 feet of track rolling from coast to coast on a whimsical rail journey across America. All ticket proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
    Nov. 12-Jan. 6. Mon.-Sat., 10am-8pm; Sun., noon-6pm; hours vary for holidays. $5-10.  
    get tickets
    NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas

  • Community

    Civic Events

    Travis County Commissioners Court Voting Session

    See agenda for details, and watch the meeting live on TCTV.
    Tuesdays, 9am  
    more info
    Commissioners Court, 700 Lavaca

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Trout Fishing on the Guadalupe River

    Camp Huaco Springs on the Guadalupe River is open to anglers wishing to try their luck catching their daily bag limit of 5 of the more than 20,000 rainbow trout stocked by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department through late February. Anglers 17 years old and older will need a valid state fishing license.
    Through March 4  
    more info
    New Braunfels

  • 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  
    sign up
    Austin Creative Reuse

  • 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  
    sign up now
    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
    Butterfly Bar at the Vortex

  • Community

    Out of Town

    Walkway of Lights

    It’s a holiday tradition that has grown to more than 2 million lights and 350 lighted sculptures on the shores of the lake.
    Through Dec. 31, 6-10pm
    Marble Falls

  • 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  
    info
    Austin Motel
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.  
    facebook
    Various locations
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