Week of December 16th

Boostagram Ball Live

9pm @ Antone's - $10

Join Emmy Award-winning drag queen Delta Work for a groundbreaking live podcast and concert featuring Austin's top talent. This innovative event showcases new lightning-enabled technology where fans can send money directly to artists with no middleman. The night features 30-minute sets from SOB and the Dangs, FM Rodeo, Ainsley Costello, and funk dynamo Henry Invisible.

Good Tidings To You!

6:30PM - 7:30PM @ Austin Public Library Central Library, FREE!

Experience the magic of the season with the Austin Brass Band's special holiday performance. This vibrant ensemble brings British-style brass band tradition to life, performing beloved Christmas classics with a unique twist. Fresh off their acclaimed performance at the Texas Brass Fest, this 20-year veteran group promises an unforgettable evening of festive music.

A Drag Queen Christmas

6:30PM (DOORS) @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater, $55+

A dazzling holiday spectacular featuring beloved contestants from VH1's hit show. This magical and hilarious evening of seasonal performances brings together some of drag's brightest stars. Note: While all ages are welcome, show contains adult content.

Creative Nights

6:45-10:30pm @ 1310 Salina St

An intimate late-night creative session in a hidden East Austin gem. With atmospheric lighting, inspiring music, and refreshments provided, this workshop creates the perfect environment for artistic exploration and connection with fellow night-owl creatives.

The Nightmare Before Christmas with Austin Symphony Orchestra

7:30PM @ Long Center for the Performing Arts - $69+

Experience Tim Burton's beloved classic in a whole new way as the Austin Symphony Orchestra performs Danny Elfman's haunting score live while the film plays on a giant screen. Watch Jack Skellington's holiday hijinks unfold as professional musicians bring the soundtrack to life in this unique fusion of film and live orchestral performance.

True Blood Trivia: Blood Will Spill

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, FREE!

Calling all True Blood fans! Join host BabyBacon for a night of vampire-themed trivia on the Hotel Patio. Win amazing prizes including a LIMITED EDITION Sookie Stackhouse bust, Volstead gift cards, and show tickets. Quiz starts at 8 PM sharp - arrive early to secure your spot!

Holiday Cheer & Connections: Networking Austin Christmas Mixer

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM @ The Headliners Club - $65

Network with Austin's finest professionals while enjoying stunning city views from The Headliners Club. This upscale holiday mixer features live music by Dan Murrow, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and invaluable networking opportunities. Cocktail attire required.

Winter Sip Series: Scotch Tasting at The Backspace

6:00 PM @ The Backspace Anderson Lane, $35

Join The Backspace for an intimate evening of scotch exploration, featuring a one-hour educational course paired with carefully curated scotch tastings, craft cocktails, and grazing antipasti. Special deal: dinner reservations available before or after the class. Limited spaces available, 21+ only.

The Naughty List Ball & Roast of Santa

7pm - 11pm @ The Ballroom at Spiderhouse - $20

Break away from holiday tradition with this irreverent celebration featuring live rock music from Boski & Phauna, plus a comedy roast of Santa and his frenemies performed by Austin's top comics. After the show, unleash your wild side with games like twister, beer pong, and more festive mischief.

Robert Earl Keen's Lights, Camera, Christmas!

8PM @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater - $49-$69

The beloved "Merry Christmas From The Family" show returns with a cinematic twist! This year's theme "Lights, Camera, Christmas!" celebrates favorite holiday movies with both traditional carols and unexpected tunes that capture the spirit of classic seasonal films.

Death Cafe: Conversations on Change, Loss, and Renewal

7pm - 10pm @ SquareRüt Kava Bar , FREE!

An intimate evening for open dialogue about life's profound transitions, hosted by Trauma-Informed Reiki Master Lauren and musician Hayden. Share thoughts on change, loss and renewal in a supportive alcohol-free environment. Refreshments and cake available for donation.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Art Show

7PM @ Yellow Jacket Social Club, FREE!

Join this unique Peanuts-themed charity art show where local artists showcase and auction their creative interpretations of Charles Schulz's beloved characters. All proceeds benefit Hope Food Pantry, making this the third annual event of its kind. Artists can submit one piece each, with submissions accepted through December 17th - framed pieces recommended. Bidding closes at 10pm night of show.

MIDLAND The Get Lucky Tour

7:30pm @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater - $39-$52

Double Grammy nominees Midland bring their neo-traditional country sound to Austin's premier venue. These Dripping Springs natives are celebrating their latest album "The Last Resort: Greetings From" with rich harmonies and plenty of steel guitar vibes. Known for their platinum hit "Drinkin' Problem" and appearances everywhere from the Houston Rodeo to Hollywood's legendary Palomino Club.

Ballet Afrique – Duke Ellington's The Nutcracker Suite

7:30pm @ Bass Concert Hall - $49+

Experience a jazzy twist on the classic holiday ballet, set to the vibrant beats of Harlem! This unique production features standout talent from Austin's Black community, including Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison as Mother Ginger. Blending ballet, contemporary, and African dance against the backdrop of Duke Ellington's iconic interpretation.

Make The Yuletide Gay w/ Flamy Grant

7:00pm (DOORS) @ The 04 Center - $25 GA/$45 VIP

Join intersectionality icon Crys Matthews and the fabulous "Bible Belt Baby" Flamy Grant for this unique holiday celebration. With special guests Jennifer Knapp, Heather Mae, and Spencer LaJoy, this LGBTQ+ focused show promises to deliver festive cheer with a powerful message.

Crime of Fashion: A Burlesque Who-Done-It

7:00PM (DOORS) @ The Ballroom at Spiderhouse - $30+

The Jigglewatts Burlesque Revue presents a holiday mystery set in a glitzy shopping mall. Watch as perfume ladies harbor dark secrets and mall walkers know more than they let on in this comedic burlesque show featuring performers Jolie Goodnight, Ruby Joule, and special guest Monica Monaé Davenport.

Holiday Extravaganza 2024

6pm - Late @ Hotel Vegas & Volstead, FREE!

Ring in the holiday season with Austin's most spirited celebration featuring Minor Mishap Marching Band, Vixens of Volstead Holiday Revue, and live DJs. Enjoy happy hour Christmas cocktails (6-8pm), feast on holiday treats from Crumpet Bottom and El Borracho Tacos, shop the Yuletide Market, snap pics with drunk Santa, and belt out your favorite carols at Christmas karaoke. A festive night of music, markets, and merriment you won't want to miss!

The Watchmaker's Song (through Sunday)

6:30PM/8:30PM @ Neill-Cochran House Museum - $45+

Step into an enchanting immersive retelling of The Nutcracker, where jazz meets classical ballet in the historic Neill-Cochran House. This unique production blends Egyptian belly dance, Spanish flamenco, Argentinian tango, and American tap dance into a magical holiday experience that breaks traditional ballet boundaries.

Winter Solstice: Cacao, Dance, & Celebration

7pm @ 7412 Albert Rd - $16.50+

Embrace the longest night of the year with this soul-nourishing celebration featuring ceremonial cacao, intuitive dance, sound healing, and community connection. The evening includes sauna access, local vendors, and an elixir bar, culminating in a meditative sound bath.

Nightmare Before Christmas Ball

7:00PM @ RichesArt Gallery - $20+

Transform your holiday season with this adults-only Tim Burton-themed extravaganza. The evening features cosplayers bringing Halloween Town to life, themed cocktails, live performances, and a curated comic art exhibit. Guests are encouraged to come in costume for this uniquely spooky holiday celebration.

Celtic Christmas Celebration at Mozart's (through Sunday)

7:30PM @ Mozart's Coffee Roasters, $76

Experience an enchanting Irish Christmas celebration featuring live traditional music, Riverdance-style performances, and storytelling by the Here & Now ensemble. Your evening includes specialty Irish-inspired treats like Bailey's hot chocolate, deep-fried potato pancakes, and Irish cream cake in Mozart's stunning indoor loft space.

Bidi Bidi Banda Farewell Show

7:30PM @ Mohawk Austin, $20

Don't miss the epic farewell performance of Austin's beloved Selena tribute band. This outdoor show at Mohawk promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music and community. A perfect send-off for one of Austin's most cherished acts.

Winter Solstice ACOTAR Paint Night

5:00pm @ The Art Garage Oak Hill - $15+, Ages 16+

Step into the world of Court of Thorns and Roses at this magical Winter Solstice painting event. Enjoy complimentary drinks while creating pottery pieces inspired by the series - from cauldrons to star lanterns. Perfect for ACOTAR fans looking for a creative night out.

Tickets

The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes

7pm @ The Paramount Theatre - $35

Join beloved actor Cary Elwes for an unforgettable evening featuring a screening of The Princess Bride followed by a behind-the-scenes discussion of this classic film. Don't miss exclusive VIP packages that include premium seating, a meet-and-greet with Westley himself, and a signed copy of his bestselling book. Members can enjoy a special pre-show cocktail hour starting at 6pm.

HOLIDAZED with Chino Chase + Friends

6PM - 10PM @ Feels So Good - $10 or $5 with toy donation

A unique holiday hip-hop celebration featuring Chino Chase, comedy from E.S.G, and a special DJ set from legendary Talib Kweli. FREE DRINKS all night with admission! Bring a toy donation to save on entry and spread some holiday cheer.

A SKYLIT DRIVE: Celebrating 15 Years of 'Adelphia'

7pm @ Come and Take It Live - $20

Join the epic 15th anniversary celebration of 'Adelphia' with A Skylit Drive! This special show features an incredible lineup including Vampires Everywhere, Ovtlier, Imaginary Me, and Ndgo. Don't miss this milestone event in metalcore history.

Your Old Fashioned Die Hard Holiday Radiocast5

5pm & 8pm @ Driskill Hotel & Bar, $25

A brilliantly creative twist on the holiday classic, this Prairie Home Companion-style live radio adaptation of Die Hard features voice actors, live sound effects, and explosive audio antics. Perfect for ages 14+ who love both Christmas cheer and action-packed entertainment.

Hoppy Holidays with the Tinsel Singers

7PM @ Neill-Cochran House Museum - $25-30

Join this unique holiday concert featuring Grammy-winning vocalists performing fresh arrangements of holiday favorites on the steps of one of Austin's oldest buildings. Includes complimentary craft beer from Easy Tiger and Lazarus Brewing, hot cocoa, and warm pastries.

Holiday Ho Ho Ho Down

8PM @ Hole in the Wall - $10

Ring in the holiday season with an eclectic music showcase featuring Mutts, The Let Down (in their debut performance), and The Naps. This 21+ event offers a perfect blend of indie rock and holiday spirit in one of Austin's most iconic venues.