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for Fri., Dec. 1
  • Earth Day Jubilee with The Trail Conservancy

    Join The Trail Conservancy on the Butler Hike and Bike Trail for the 2nd Annual Earth Day Jubilee celebration! Enjoy live music by Mr. Will, Motenko, and Brother Thunder, eco-friendly activities, a market by Austin Flea, and fun for the whole family.
    Sat. Apr. 20, 10am-2pm  
    Butler Park
  • 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  
    Long Center for the Performing Arts
Recommended
  • 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.
    Nov. 17-Dec. 24. Free entry.  
  • Community

    Events

    Maywald Family Lights Display

    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.  
    10505 Twilight Vista
  • Community

    Events

    Community First! Village of Lights

    With more than 250,000 Christmas lights choreographed to holiday music, the village is sure to get you in the spirit. They'll have a holiday market with unique, handcrafted gifts created by village artists and makers, and your purchases support its formerly homeless residents. Plus, there'll be holiday movies screening, mini train rides, a life-size snow globe, visits from Santa, and more fun in store.
    Fri.-Sat., Dec. 1-2 & 8-9, 5:30-9pm. Free.
All Events
  • Community

    Events

    2023 Austin Trail of Lights Preview Party

    Kick off the holiday season in style at an exclusive VIP experience with gourmet bites, festive drinks, carousel and Ferris wheel rides, and a sneak peek of the Trail of Lights before the grand opening.
    Fri., Dec. 1, 6-10pm. $100.  
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Affordable Care Act Help

    Now's the time to sign up for Affordable Care Act health coverage! Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15, 2024, and 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.
    Through Jan. 15, 2024  
  • Community

    Kids

    Art in Cahoots

    Pre-K kids and their adults will have fun with sensory, multidisciplinary, process-based arts activities.
    Fri., Dec. 1, 10am  
  • Community

    Events

    Austin International Folk Dancers

    Join AIFD for an evening of dances from around the world with no experience or partner required.
    Fridays, 7-9:45pm. $5 (under 18, free).
  • Community

    Events

    Bee Cave Artisan Market

    Over 45 local artists and gourmet food vendors offer unique holiday gifts, which you can shop for in between ice skating, face painting, and visiting Santa.
    Fri., Dec. 1, 4-9pm. Free.
  • Community

    Events

    Bee Cave on Ice

    Strap on your skates and hit the ice at the rink in Hill Country Galleria's Central Plaza.
    Nov. 10-Jan. 15. $15.  
  • Community

    Events

    Call for Creatives: BookSpring Originals

    Nonprofit BookSpring seeks submissions of open-access digital books to share with families and nurture early literacy. Learn more and submit your work online.
    Ongoing. Free.  
  • Community

    Events

    Chuy's Children Giving to Children Toy Drive

    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.
    Through Dec. 10  
    Austin-area Chuy's restaurants and Zilker Park
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Cistern Illuminated

    Experience this limited-edition, site-specific art piece of light and sound in the former underground water reservoir.
    Sat., Nov. 25-Sun., Jan. 7
    Houston
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Dickens of a Christmas Festival

    Come early for breakfast with Santa, don’t miss the bed races, and stay for the Christmas lights in Badu Park.
    Fri.-Sun., Dec. 1-3
    Llano
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Dickens on the Strand

    The 50th anniversary street party entertains visitors to the island city with music, costumes, dancing, and fun.
    Fri.-Sun., Dec. 1-3
    Galveston
  • Community

    Events

    Donate Blood, Get a Free We Are Blood Shirt

    Get a special "Nice List Only" long-sleeve shirt when you donate blood or platelets.
    Dec. 1-14
    We Are Blood donor centers & mobile drives
  • Community

    Events

    Fill a Holiday Table

    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).
    Through Dec. 31
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Free Vaccine Clinics

    Help limit the spread of nasty viruses as holiday travel ramps up. Find a list of free vaccine clinics and other health info on the city's site.
    Ongoing
    Various locations
  • Community

    Events

    Fresh for Less Mobile Markets

    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.
  • Community

    Events

    Geeks Who Drink Trivia

    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.
    Ongoing
  • Community

    Events

    Holiday Puppuccinos at Alfred Coffee

    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.
    Dec. 1-31. Free.  
    Alfred Coffee, 111 E. Cesar Chavez
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Homestead Fair

    Visit the farm north of Waco to learn about agriculture, shop the handmade goods, and enjoy the food and music.
    Fri.-Sun., Nov. 24-26; Fri.-Sat., Dec. 1-2 & 8-9. $15, Free on Dec. 1, 8.
    Waco
  • Community

    Events

    Ice Rodeo

    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.
    Nov. 18-Jan. 7  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Inspired Minds Holiday Bazaar

    Get your holiday shopping started from a selection of uniquely local handmade gifts.
    Select dates Fri., Nov. 17-Sat., Dec. 23; get details online
    Buda
  • Community

    Events

    Kindness Exchange Clothing Drive

    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.
    Dec. 1-17. Free.
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Land Development Code Updates

    The city is considering changes to the Land Development Code, which could affect how your property or properties near you may be developed or used in the future. Learn more and provide feedback online or at a City Council meeting Thu., Dec. 7, 10am.
    Ongoing
  • Community

    Events

    Longhorn Lights

    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)
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Main Street Bethlehem

    Wander the narrow streets of ancient Bethlehem looking for the child in a manger.
    Dec. 1-3 & 8-10, 6-9pm. Free; donations accepted.
    Burnet
  • Community

    Events

    Merry & Bright Street Fair and Control Tower Lighting Ceremony

    Merriments include a street fair with live music from the Minor Mishap Marching Band and the McCallum Fine Arts Academy orchestra, a performance from the Northeast Early College High School band, holiday photo ops, movies on an outdoor screen, sweet treats, and lots more.
    Fri., Dec. 1, 6pm. Free.  
    Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Blvd.
  • Community

    Events

    Miracle on Fifth Street

    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 holiday hullabaloo: the Snowball Old Fashioned.
    Through Dec. 27  
  • Community

    Events

    Moxy Astrology Cocktail Series: Sagittarius’ Ring of Fire

    Sagittarians, celebrate yourselves with a special fiery cocktail blending rum, bitters, vanilla, and cinnamon, and take home an affirmation card.
    Through Dec. 21. Free.
    Bar Moxy, 2552 Guadalupe
  • Community

    Events

    Mozart's Holiday Light Show

    Savor some treats with hot cocoa or coffee and take in the gorgeous lakeside light show paired with music.
    Through Jan. 6. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day  
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Nativity Exhibit

    See hundreds of family heirloom Nativity scenes from around the world, some of them rescued from thrift stores and estate sales and others donated by the families specifically for this show.
    Fri., Nov. 24-Sun., Dec. 10. Free.
    Port Lavaca
  • Community

    Sports

    Night Golf

    A nighttime shotgun-style nine-hole round made more fun and challenging with glow-in-the-dark balls.
    Thu.-Sat., 6-9:30pm. $20.  
  • Community

    Events

    Peppermint Parkway

    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.
    Through Dec. 30
  • Community

    Events

    Public Safety Diversity Career Fair

    Austin Police Department recruiters will be on hand to talk to anyone interested in a law enforcement career. APD is currently offering a $15,000 signing bonus to eligible applicants, as well as competitive pay and paid training.
    Fri., Dec. 1, 10am-3pm  
    Holiday Inn, 6000 Middle Fiskville
  • Community

    Events

    Small Business Division Webinars

    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.
    Ongoing  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Events

    Snow Much Fun at Edge Rooftop

    Sip festive cocktails, roast s'mores, and listen to live music while surrounded by twinkling lights and enjoying snowfall on the hour, every hour.
    Through Dec. 25. Free.  
    Edge Rooftop Bar at JW Marriott, 110 E. Second
  • Community

    Out of Town

    Texas Furniture Makers Show

    The annual statewide competition features the functional art of the finest custom furniture makers in Texas.
    Nov. 2-Dec. 15
    Kerrville
  • Arts

    Theatre

    The Smartest Girl In The World

    Miriam Gonzales' new play takes a look at the bonds of family and the key to facing life’s challenges together. Directed by Roxanne Schroeder-Arce.
    Nov. 30-Dec. 3, times vary. $10-15.  
  • Community

    Events

    Upstairs at Caroline's Naughty or Nice

    A holiday-themed pop-up activation with festive decor and seasonal drinks.
    Dec. 1-31. Free.  
  • Community

    Sports

    UT Volleyball

    UT hosts the NCAA Championships for rounds 1 and 2, with Texas State and SMU facing off Thursday at 4pm, followed by the Horns vs. Texas A&M, 6pm. The winners play Friday, 7pm. Regionals start Dec. 7.
    Thu., Nov. 30  
  • Community

    Events

    Volunteer Builders Welcome at Habitat for Humanity

    Austin Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers age 18 and up in their construction program to assist in building six new homes in Northeast Austin, with shifts Saturdays and weekdays through December.
    Ongoing
  • Community

    Events

    Volunteer With CTFB

    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.
  • Community

    Events

    Volunteer With Meals on Wheels Central Texas

    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.
    Ongoing  
    Apply online
  • Community

    Civic Events

    Wood Reclamation

    The city's Parks & Rec Department offers reclaimed log pickup for community members wanting large logs for art projects or milling.
    Fri., Dec. 1, 9am-2pm  
    John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park, 9501 FM 969
  • Community

    Events

    World AIDS Day Testing

    Unite in the fight to end HIV/AIDS by honoring those who fought before us and continuing their legacy. Join the Red Ribbon HIV Testing & Outreach team for a testing blitz at three locations with results in only two minutes. Find them at 2800 Webberville Road, 9am-4pm (appointment only); Capital Plaza (back parking lot facing Cameron Road), 5365 N. I-35, 2-7:40pm (drop-in);: Festival Beach Pavilion (Chicon & Nash Hernandez St.), noon-6:40pm (drop-in).
    Fri., Dec. 1
  • Community

    Events

    Yule at Azul

    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.
    Nov. 24-Dec. 31. Free.  
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.  
    Various locations

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