Home Events

for Tue., Dec. 15
  • Courthouse Nights in Lockhart, Texas!

    Don't miss the return of Courthouse Nights in Lockhart! Centered around the beautiful Caldwell County Courthouse lawn, the FREE and family-friendly live music series features an all-star lineup with Dale Watson, EZ Band, Deadeye, Rattlesnake Milk, and Simons Says. Held every third Friday of the month from April to August!
    Fri. Apr. 19, 7pm-10pm  
    Lockhart, Texas
  • Affordable Art Fair Austin

    Affordable Art Fair Austin will launch in May 2024, showcasing original contemporary artworks ranging between $100 to $10,000. Welcoming a whole host of local, national and international exhibitors, their spectacular first edition is set to be unmissable!
    May 16-19  
    Palmer Events Center
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  • Community

    Events

    Luminations at LBJ Wildflower Center

    In a year that could use some sparkle, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is bringing back a beloved winter tradition. It's a strollable Hill Country experience where thousands of luminarias light the way. For the first time ever, Luminations will wind through the Texas Arboretum among glowing oaks and the light-splashed forts of Fortlandia, a collection of forts custom-designed and built by local architects, designers, and artists.
    Through Jan. 3. Members only on Mondays; closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan. 1  
  • Community

    Events

    Winter Wanderland

    Snow close, yet snow far out! Austin Motel is decked out for the holidays with a neon rainbow, and they're serving up hot chocolate (with optional peppermint schnapps), a Sugar Plum cocktail, and La Colombe coffee. Snacks include Reindeer Chow and hot pretzels.
    Through Jan. 3. Free, but RSVP.  
  • Community

    Events

    Austin Trail of Lights

    Austin's 56th annual holiday tradition returns to Zilker Park as a drive-through event this year and runs two additional weeks. As you drive through the trail illuminated by more than 2 million lights, tune in via your car radio for holiday music, highlights, and history. This year guests can choose a ticket type based on their preferred date and time, with prices ranging from $25-35 per vehicle for GA or a $60 per vehicle "Dash Pass" which includes early entry and festive refreshments.
    Through Jan. 3 (except New Year's Day). GA, $25-35 per vehicle; Dash Pass, $60 per vehicle.  
  • Arts

    Dance

    Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker

    Local luminaries enliven the stage with holiday splendor and wintery exuberance in this Nutcracker digital film, featuring Ballet Austin’s 2019 stage production by Stephen Mills, now streaming on-demand and including a plethora of bonus material, cast and crew interviews, and behind-the-scenes featurettes. Note: You can get access with a tax-deductible donation to Ballet Austin and view the kinetic wonderment until the new year dawns.
    Through Jan. 1  
  • Community

    Events

    Be a Virtual Pig Parent

    Adopting a porcine pal from Central Texas Pig Rescue is a great way to give the gift of love this season. Gifts made by Dec. 15 get a special thank-you from your pig resident, such as a Facetime or card, and VIP donors get an invite to the grand opening of CTPR's new facility.
    Ongoing  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Events

    Blue Genie Art Bazaar

    The beloved Austin holiday shopping experience returns for its 20th year with four shopping options to ensure safety in the time of COVID-19. For in-store shopping, reserve free tickets online for a "no wait" entry. Walk-ins are also welcome, but guests may have to wait outside if it's at capacity. Online shoppers can either pick up items in-store or have them shipped anywhere in the U.S. Personal shoppers and virtual shopping will also be available through the BGAB website. BGAB is a family-friendly experience where you can find one-of-a-kind, handcrafted jewelry, artwork, home goods, and gifts for everyone on your shopping list.
    Through Dec. 24, 10am-10pm daily (10am-6pm on Dec. 24)  
  • Community

    Events

    Dec. 15 Run-Off Election

    It's election day for the run-offs in City Council districts 6 and 10 as well as the Austin ISD Board of Trustees District 5 and Place 8 seats. Get more info on the candidates at austinchronicle.com/elections.
    Tue., Dec. 15, 7am-7pm  
    Citywide
  • Community

    Events

    Downtown Holiday Stroll

    This year, the hallmark event is more than just one evening; it's a month of free activities and holiday happenings. Visit the 45-foot-tall holiday tree by the Capitol, catch a movie at Paramount or the new Blue Starlite, and download or pick up a holiday passport to guide your way and collect stamps as you experience all that Downtown Austin has to offer.
    Through Dec. 31  
    Downtown Austin
  • Arts

    Books

    Jonathan Van Ness: Over the Top

    In this revelatory, raw, and rambunctious memoir, Queer Eye's Jonathan shares never-before-told secrets and reveals sides of himself that the public has never seen.
    Tue., Dec. 15, 7pm. Free.  
  • Arts

    Dance

    Metamorphosis Dance: The Nutcracker

    The Metamorphosis Dance company presents this annual and unique telling of the beloved holiday classic – coming to you virtually this year, via video of the ballet's performance at the Carver Museum.
    Through Dec. 24. $10-50.  
  • Community

    Events

    Mozart's 2020 COVID-Cautious Christmas Light Show

    Sip a delicious hot bevvie and see the beautiful light show by the lake. Reservations required.
    Through Jan. 6, 6pm-12mid. $10 per table for one-hour show.  
  • Arts

    Visual Arts

    Northern-Southern: Baton

    This is a group show by relay, begun in July of 2020 as a method of socially distancing a community in the height of the pandemic: Artists took turns alone in the space, each adding to the exhibition. Now, as it nears its close, the exhibition resembles a community in which work converses and overlaps. With Adreon Henry, Vy Ngo, Dawn Okoro, Leon Alesi, Matt Steinke, Sev Coursen, Stella Alesi, and more.
    Closing reception: Sat., July 24, 3-9pm
  • Film

    Special Screenings

    Paramount Holiday Film Series

    The series comes to a close this weekend with White Christmas, Love Actually, and It's a Wonderful Life. Get your tickets soon because the theatre is operating at very limited capacity.
    Dec. 6-20  
  • Food

    Food Events

    The Eleanor: Miracle on Fifth Street

    Yes, the beloved Christmas-themed pop-up bar returns to The Eleanor for another year of spirited celebration. Joann Spiegel, the mastermind behind the brand’s cocktail repertoire, has created a roster of delightful, holiday-inspired libations, featuring cocktails that play on classic holiday flavors. New this year: Jolly Koala (gin, vermouth, and pine-cardamom-sage cordial), On Dasher (bourbon, mezcal, sweet vermouth, spiced hibiscus, bitters, and lemon), and a Fruitcake Flip (brandy, Jamaican overproof rum, Amaretto, fruitcake, cherry bitters, and a whole egg). (Our personal fave, the Bad Santa, is likewise among the heady lineup.) Also, the full cocktail menu will be available at the main downstairs and mezzanine bars. Note: This year, all Miracle cocktails can be ordered to-go. Note: This year, all Miracle cocktails can be ordered to-go – and a portion of all to-go sales will benefit the Austin Children’s Shelter and Austin Pets Alive. God bless us, everyone!
    Daily, through Dec. 27  
  • Community

    Events

    Winter Well-Being Toolkit

    The stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic could make this winter and holiday season tougher than usual. Integral Care recently launched a Winter Well-Being Toolkit, a compilation of ideas to boost mental health, fight the winter blues, stay safely connected and celebrate the season in new ways. Topics include ideas to make gatherings special, tips for fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder, steps for improving happiness, ways to get moving and elevate your mood, and mindfulness activities. Plus, check out their YouTube channel for a winter mental health forum video.
    Ongoing  
All Events
  • Community

    Events

    #TsoGiving Holiday Initiative

    Tso Chinese Delivery has partnered with seven local organizations with the goal to provide $100,000 in meals to Austinites in need. Make a direct donation online, or add a donation to any food order placed at Tso Chinese Delivery. For every $1 raised, #TsoGiving can donate $3 worth of meals.
    Through Dec. 31  
    Remote
  • Community

    Events

    AAYHF Annual Toy Drive

    African American Youth Harvest Foundation is seeking donations of toys for youth 3 months to 17 years of age. Gift cards are also welcome.
    Through Dec. 18  
  • Film

    Special Screenings

    AFS Holiday Gift Memberships

    This holiday season, when you buy an Austin Film Society membership, you get two bonus months and a free gift of a ballcap or a T-shirt designed by local illustrator Alana Louise.
    Ongoing  
    Online via www.austinfilm.org
  • Community

    Events

    AIA Austin's Final Design Talk of 2020

    The talk, titled “Urban Triage: Resilience and Equity in the Urban Landscape,” will be presented by Daniel Woodroffe, ASLA, president and design director of studio dwg.
    Tue., Dec. 15, noon-1pm. $10-20.  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Civic Events

    AISD Teacher and Staff Mental Health Support Groups

    Austin ISD's school-based mental health partner, Vida Clinic, offers group conversations weekly. Email for more info.
    Dec. 1-22. Tuesdays, 5-6pm  
    Online
  • Arts

    Visual Arts

    AO5 Gallery: Disruption

    Hey, you! Globally aware art connoisseur! Don't miss this show of bold visuals from some of the most famous European street artists – like Banksy, Striker, Zero, and Cee Pil – now sharing wall space with works by Austin's own Jason Eatherly, Dave Lowell, and that Impossible Winterbourne.
    Through Dec. 31
  • Community

    Events

    APA! Holiday Store Now Open

    When you're shopping for the animal lovers in your life, you'll find the perfect gift and support the nonprofit at the Austin Pets Alive! online store. They've got a people & pets cookbook, ornaments, toys, and the must-have outerwear for winter: the "I Like Big Mutts and I Cannot Lie" hoodie.
    Ongoing  
  • Community

    Events

    Armadillo Art Concierge

    Sadly, we can't visit the Armadillo Art Bazaar in person this year. The next best thing is Armadillo Art Concierge, an online, curated shopping guide pointing visitors to collections by content, process, medium, or artist location. Follow them on social media @armadillobazaar to see spotlighted art each day.
    Ongoing  
  • Arts

    Visual Arts

    Art for the People: Where the Bots Begin

    Lauren Briére’s art escorts the viewer on a visual journey into outer space, the fun of sports, walks in nature, and various adventures and shenanigans, as Art for the People showcases 200-plus sketches that are the artist's penciled beginnings to creating her whimsical "Robots in Rowboats."
    Through Jan. 3
  • Music

    At 7 w/ Frederico7 & guests

    Venmo: @frederico7; PayPal.me/frederico7
    Tuesdays, 7pm  
  • Community

    Events

    Austin AMA Power Hour: Marketing in the New Normal

    A look at trends marketers should expect and how to prepare for success with social media, outreach, and more.
    Tue., Dec. 15, 5pm. AMA members, free; nonmembers, $6.24.  
    Virtual
  • Community

    Events

    Austin Creative Reuse

    ACR is such a neat place, filled to the brim with donations of reusable items, but you don't even have to be there to take advantage of their Earth-friendly stock. Shop online for gifts, holiday wrapping, craft supplies and notions, and even fun mystery packs.
    Ongoing  
    Online or in-store at 2005 Wheless
  • Qmmunity

    Community

    Austin LGBT Chamber Holiday Toy Drive

    The Austin LGBT Chamber Health and Wellness Committee is partnering with Austin Black Pride for its first-ever toy drive. Donate new and unwrapped toys, shoes, clothing, and gift cards appropriate for ages 18 & under at select drop-off sites (see here for locations). Gifts received will go to families enrolled in LifeWorks programs as well as ABP's distribution event on Sat., Dec. 19 at Givens Park (2811 E. 12th).
    Nov. 22-Dec. 17  
    Multiple drop-off locations
  • Film

    Special Screenings

    Austin Polish Film Festival

    This year, APFF has taken most of the screenings to the virtual realm, offering two months of Polish features and documentaries online, as well three films co-presented with Austin Jewish Film Festival and a few screenings at Galaxy Highland.
    Through Dec. 31  
    Online via www.austinpolishfilm.com
  • Community

    Events

    Austin Scavenger Hunt

    Explore Downtown in search of storied buildings, green spaces, and famous concert venues, all while solving riddles, trivia questions, and completing photo challenges. Now available: "Roam From Home," with family and date night scavenger hunt activities you can do without leaving the house.
    Anytime. $12.99-24.99.  
    Online and at home

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