Home Events
-
Sponsored Listing
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 16-19Palmer Events Center -
Sponsored Listing
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-10pmLockhart, Texas
Recommended
-
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. -
Arts
Theatre
Xmas Unwrapped: A Holiday Cabaret
Shrewd Productions, one of Austin's most vibrant, independent theatre companies, brings back the classic holiday cabaret with a cast of performers engaging in song, dance, burlesque, aerials, and storytelling, all for your virtual viewing pleasure – and hosted by none other than Jesus Valles.Streaming through Dec. 26. $15-25. -
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 -
Arts
Classical Music
Beerthoven Goggles
Wait, what? Yes, Daniel Swayze and his Beerthoven cabal are plunging into the world of virtual reality! That is, they've made 360-degree films of more than an hour of music from two Beerthoven programs – Sacred and Profane, featuring a brass quintet performance, and those goldenthroated Tinsel Singers sharing favorite songs for the holidays, and both shows captured on the steps of the historic Neill-Cochran House – and now they're presenting this seasonal extravaganza to you with a VR headset (Pico G2 4K) delivered direct to your home for complete immersion. Bonus: Scenes from the Austin Trail of Lights. See website for details.Through Jan. 10. $30. -
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
Out of Town
Christmas Celebration
It’s happening at the zoo decorated with thousands of lights, an ice skating rink, ice sculptures, a live: nativity scene, and three new giraffe calves.Fri.-Tue., Dec. 18-23, 4-10pm. $15.Abilene -
Arts
Classical Music
Conspirare: Holiday Big Sing at Home
Join the virtual Conspirare crowd for the holidays in their community Big Sing event, belting out the classics from the safety of your own home. Usually held in person, this year's online (and free) singalong: spectacular features the Conspirare Symphonic Choir, joined by guitarist Mitch Watkins and percussionist Thomas Burritt. Craig Hella Johnson leads the singing from his piano, with a mix of cherished holiday favorites, pop songs, and the Hallelujah Chorus. Note: Lyrics will be onscreen and you can chat with the artists.Tue., Dec. 22, 5:30pm. Free. -
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. 31Downtown Austin -
Community
Events
Home for the "Howl"idays
If you're ready to make the commitment and have extra love to give this season, now's the perfect time to add a new furry friend to the family. For one week, Austin Humane Society is offering discounted adoption fees: only $20.Dec. 17-24 -
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 -
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 -
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. 31Remote -
Film
Special Screenings
AFS Discussion Club
AFS members are invited to a discussion about Ed Wood's 1953 film Glen or Glenda with Joseph Ziemba and Annie Choi of Bleeding Skull. Not a member? Now's the perfect time to join! Give yourself the gift of film.Tue., Dec. 22, 7pmOnline via www.austinfilm.org -
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.OngoingOnline via www.austinfilm.org -
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, 5-6pmOnline -
Community
Kids
All-Ages Virtual Storytime
Featuring stories, songs, finger plays, rhymes, and other extension activities. Registration required.Thu., Feb. 25, 6pm; Sat. & Tue., Feb. 27 & March 2, 10:30amVirtual -
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
-
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.OngoingOnline or in-store at 2005 Wheless -
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. 31Online 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 -
Community
Events
Blood Bazaar
Blood Over Texas' online holiday market is the spot to find all kinds of evil wares for fans of goth and horror. All the vendors are local, and include many of the sellers from past Horror for the Holidays events.Through Dec. 24
All Events
