Week of December 23rd

Festivus Dance Party

6:30pm - 10pm @ The Highball, Donation

Get into the festive spirit with this eclectic dance party celebrating Festivus! Moving to a mix of Swing, Salsa, and Motown beats, this special event supported by the City of Austin Economic Development Department promises a night of pure dancing joy.

The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!)

Multiple showtimes Dec 23 - Jan 4 @ The VORTEX, $30-$35

Experience Austin's most unique holiday spectacular featuring talented rescue dogs, masterful juggling, and a whimsical twist on The Nutcracker. This family-friendly show combines circus arts, live music, and heartwarming performances from new canine stars Firefly and Dragonfly, all directed by Melissa McKnight with original score by Tyler Mabry

Holiday Industry Night

6pm - 10pm @ St. Elmo Brewing, FREE!

Industry folks, this one's for you! Enjoy special drink pricing including $2 Carls all day, festive Candy Cane Stout, and Christmas Ale. Belt out your favorite tunes at Christmas Karaoke hosted by Macy, while enjoying bites from Spicy Boys and Pueblo Viejo food trucks. Don your ugliest Christmas sweater for extra fun!

God is a Woman The Musical

8:30pm @ ColdTowne Theater, $15+

Join London-based comedian Luisa for a unique musical about Mary Magdalene that explores love, community, and social commentary. This LGBTQ-friendly show, described as "empowering and raw" by The Scotsman, promises sing-alongs and plenty of laughs in an intimate basement theatre setting.

Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland

2:00 PM @ H-E-B Center at Cedar Park - Adult $59.50, Child $44.50

Celebrate the 15th anniversary of this spectacular holiday show blending circus magic with seasonal music! Experience breathtaking acrobatics, aerial artistry, and live musical performances that will transport you to a winter wonderland. New for 2024: Limited VIP experience tickets available for a behind-the-scenes peek and meet-the-cast opportunity.

Holiday Service with Buddhist Prayers for Peace

5:00 PM - 6:15 PM @ Casa De Luz, By Donation

Find inner peace this holiday season through this unique service led by Resident Teacher Noreen Flack. The evening includes a brief talk, guided meditation, and soothing Buddhist prayers to Arya Tara. All are welcome to join this mindful celebration.

Jon Blondell & the Jazz Orphans

9:00PM @ The Elephant Room

Join "Jolly Jon" Blondell for his legendary Christmas Eve jazz performance! This special holiday show features Matt Berger on guitar, Rob Kazenel on drums, and special guest Dr. John Mills filling in for Dr. Jim Rose. Experience an eclectic mix of musical styles delivered with Blondell's signature jazz flair.

Feast of the Seven Fishes

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM, various times @ It's Italian Cucina - $115 per person

Indulge in this traditional Italian-American Christmas Eve celebration featuring seven exquisite seafood courses. From Truffled White Anchovy Bruschetta to Pan Sautéed Branzino, each course is thoughtfully paired with fine wines. Optional wine pairing available for an additional $35.

YAD Mazel Ball 2024

8pm - 11pm @ Kitty Cohen's, $20

Ring in the season at Austin's biggest Jewish young adult holiday party! Join 200+ young Jews for a festive evening featuring a DJ, photo booth, complimentary drink, and prize drawings, all in the retro-chic atmosphere of Kitty Cohen's.

A Very Merry Christmas Eve Cookie Exchange

5pm - 10pm @ The Tigress, FREE!

Join The Tigress for a cozy Christmas Eve celebration featuring a festive cookie exchange, bottomless hot chocolate, and special to-go boozy eggnog. Bring your favorite holiday cookies to share and take home a delicious variety from fellow bakers. Special deals include take-home eggnog perfect for your Christmas dinner festivities.

Dale Watson's Annual Christmas Show & Dance

10pm @ The Continental Club, $15

Don't miss this honky tonk legend and Austin Music Hall of Famer live on Christmas night! As music critic Michael Corcoran says, "It's Dale Watson's club (the Continental). We just two-step in it." Catch this Texas treasure delivering authentic country and outlaw music alongside fellow icons like Willie Nelson and George Strait. No advanced purchase, entry at door.

Christmas Day Austin History & Geology Walk with Live Music

12 - 1pm @ 1601 Spyglass Dr, FREE!

Winner of Austin's Best of 2024 Awards, this unique Christmas Day experience combines live acoustic music with a guided nature walk. Join Austin Music Award winner Will Taylor for an intimate journey through stunning neighborhoods while learning about local history, geology, and plant life. Perfect for escaping the holiday bustle and connecting with nature.

Community Chanukah Celebration

4:30PM @ Chabad of Austin

Join this epic Festival of Lights celebration featuring menorah lighting, the Tamim Choir, and traditional treats like latkes and donuts. The night gets even more magical with giant dancing robots and an exciting mega gelt drop! This free, family-friendly event brings the community together for an unforgettable holiday celebration.

The Thin Man

6PM @ AFS Cinema - $15.50

Catch this delightful holiday classic set in bustling Christmas-time New York, starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. This witty adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's novel perfectly blends romance and mystery as our charming protagonists investigate a puzzling murder case. The first and best of the series!

Christmas at Serenade

Various Times Available @ Serenade American Brasserie - $105 per person

Experience a special 3-course Christmas dinner that beautifully blends French elegance with Texas warmth. This one-of-a-kind culinary journey features playful flavors and creative dishes that showcase both regional influences and refined techniques, perfect for an intimate holiday celebration.

Uncle Lucius with Sir Woman

8:00pm @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater - $30-$42

Fresh off their new live album recorded in Austin, Uncle Lucius brings their signature blend of roots rock and country soul to ACL Live. With new members adding fresh energy and their hit "Keep the Wolves Away" recently going platinum, this promises to be an unforgettable night of Texas music at its finest.

Light Up South Austin - Chanukah Celebration

5:00pm @ South Austin Recreation Center, FREE!

Join the community for a spectacular Chanukah celebration featuring the incredible GRAND CHOCOLATE GELT DROP by the Austin Fire Department! Every child receives a special light-up gift, plus enjoy traditional latkes, donuts, dreidels, and festive music. Free admission with RSVP required.

Reindeer Room at Tiger Lilly

6:30pm - 12:30am @ Tiger Lilly, $15

Step into a nostalgic winter wonderland reminiscent of your grandparents' cozy basement, complete with retro Christmas décor and twinkling lights. Enjoy photo-worthy cocktails and try the classic shotski for group celebrations. This festive pop-up creates the perfect blend of kitsch and holiday charm.

Koe Wetzel - Wetzel's Wonderland Live w/ Morgan Wade & Stephen Wilson Jr.

8pm @ Moody Center - $29+

Get ready for an epic country music night as Koe Wetzel brings his Wetzel's Wonderland Live to the Moody Center. This high-energy show features special guests Morgan Wade and Stephen Wilson Jr., combining classic Texas country with modern country pop vibes for an unforgettable performance.

Lobstermania

6:30-9pm @ Central Market Austin North Lamar - $105

A unique culinary event perfect for seafood lovers. This hands-on experience at Central Market promises an evening of lobster-focused dining and education.

Chris Lake — The New Era Weekender

9pm - 2am @ The Concourse Project, $85+

A massive night of electronic music as RealMusic Events presents Chris Lake, joined by Wh0 and Andrew Parsons. This promises to be an epic dance event in one of Austin's premier electronic music venues.

GRIMEFEST AUSTIN ft. HE$H & VKTM

8PM @ The Courtyard ATX, $25+

An explosive night of bass music featuring HE$H, VKTM, and killer B2B sets from MONGREL & JOUST, plus KIRU & ANUBIS. This high-energy event promises to be a highlight for electronic music fans.

Crux South Celebration Of Life

6pm - 10pm @ Crux Climbing Center, membership required

Join the climbing community in bidding farewell to Crux South with this unique closing celebration. Features include a potluck, free beer, climbing hold sale, flash tattoos, DJ, and a silent auction. Wear black or magenta to honor this beloved climbing spot's final gathering.

Alejandro Escovedo at Saxon Pub

10pm - 11:30pm @ Saxon Pub - $35-$50

Don't miss this intimate performance celebrating Escovedo's new album "Echo Dancing" - a unique reimagining of his past works. The legendary Austin musician brings fresh interpretations to his classics, recorded in Italy with international collaborators. An extraordinary chance to experience this pivotal figure in Austin's music scene in an intimate setting.

Leonard Cohen Songs and Stories | The Secret Chord

8pm - 10pm @ ATX Unplugged - $20-$30

A mesmerizing tribute featuring Stephen Zirkel, who toured with Leonard Cohen in the '80s. Experience Cohen's songs in a candlelit setting with piano, cello, violin, and special guest vocalists. This unique format begins and ends in darkness, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for experiencing these timeless songs.

Africa Night!! with Free Buffet

7pm - 2am @ Sahara Lounge

Immerse yourself in African culture with live performances from Afro Jazz (7:30pm), The Point (9pm), and Zoumountchi (11pm). The night kicks off with a complimentary African buffet at 7pm. A unique cultural experience combining music, food, and community celebration.

Stoned vs Drunk vs Sober: DECEMBER BASH!

9pm - 10:30pm @ The Ballroom @ Spiderhouse, $20

A hilarious comedy competition where three teams of comics perform while either stoned, drunk, or sober. Rated one of the "9 most unique comedy shows in the nation" by Laugh Button. First 100 guests receive a free gift! Early bird tickets available online.

Rebirth Brass Band

6PM @ 3TEN, $33+

Grammy-winning legends Rebirth Brass Band bring their signature New Orleans sound to Austin. Since 1983, they've evolved from French Quarter street performers to global festival favorites, blending traditional brass band sounds with funky hip-hop grooves. Fresh off their latest album "Move Your Body," this is your chance to experience their infectious "heavy funk" live.

Vixens Of Volstead Drag Brunch: the Best of 2024

12pm (DOORS) @ Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge, FREE!

Say goodbye to 2024 in style at Austin's hottest drag brunch! Hosted by May Magdalene, Mars, and Veronica Valentine, with special guest Monica Monáe Davenport. Enjoy delicious brunch from El Borracho Tacos and sip crafted cocktails from the Bloody Mary Bar. Show kicks off at 1 PM.

Speakeasy's Renowned B.A.R.E.N.Y.E. Party

9pm @ Speakeasy - FREE!

Join the ultimate pre-New Year's celebration at this special industry night (anyone is welcome)! The iconic Warehouse District venue transforms into a festive wonderland complete with hats, horns, balloons, and a disco ball. Features live music, DJ sets, midnight countdown, champagne toast, and exciting giveaways.