Week of December 9

Trail of Lights Grand Opening!

5:45pm - 10:00pm @ Zilker Park - FREE

Join the dazzling 60th anniversary celebration of Austin's beloved Trail of Lights! This iconic holiday event features over 2 million lights, 96 holiday trees, and 70 spectacular displays. Experience the magic as you stroll through the famous entry tunnel, enjoy local food trucks at Candy Cane Lane, snap free photos with Santa at the North Pole, roast s'mores, and catch live performances at the Zilker Stage.

Golden Girls - The Laughs Continue, through Dec 22

Multiple Showtimes. $25+

Miami's favorite sassy seniors are back in this hilarious unauthorized parody that finds Sophia out on bail, Blanche and Rose running a senior dating app, and Dorothy managing the chaos with her younger lover. This adults-only show brings fresh laughs while capturing the heart and wit of the beloved series. $25 Holiday Special!

The Mountain Goats w/ Anna Tivel (Night One)

8:00pm @ Antone's - $50

Get ready for an unforgettable night of indie folk-rock as The Mountain Goats hit Antone's legendary stage with special guest Anna Tivel. Known for their captivating storytelling and raw energy, this intimate venue offers the perfect setting to experience one of indie music's most beloved acts. The Washington Post raves about their ability to create whole worlds in four-minute songs.

Clay Tealight Holders Workshop

6:30pm - 8:30pm @ Zilker Brewing Company - $25

Combine crafting and craft beer at this unique workshop where you'll create your own clay tealight holders while enjoying Zilker Brewing's fantastic atmosphere. All materials are provided, including clay, paint, sealer, and wooden tea light holders. Expert helpers will be on hand to assist with your creative process.

Lez Be Friends: Comedy and Live Dating Show

7:00pm @ East Austin Comedy - $15-$20

Join host Arielle Isaac Norman for this uniquely interactive comedy show featuring standup sets and the "Newly uHauled" dating game. Fill out a fun questionnaire upon arrival to get matched with potential friends or romantic interests. After the show, continue the community building at Mama Dearest. It's a perfect blend of laughs, connection, and queer community building.

Austin Music Legends & Bathhouse Grand Opening Celebration

1 PM - 11 PM @ Ceremony Social Spa, FREE!

Join Ceremony Spa's grand opening celebration featuring live performances by Austin legends Jon Dee Graham, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and more. Enjoy complimentary sauna and cold plunge sessions, yoga, soundbaths, and an art exhibition benefiting Safe Alliance. Explore the newly expanded bathhouse featuring two heat saunas, cold plunges, and a hot tub while enjoying non-alcoholic elixirs, tacos, and local vendors. Music and market run 4-11 PM.

Ben Folds - Paper Airplane Request Tour

7:00 PM @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater

Join Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Ben Folds for a unique concert experience where audience members send up paper airplane song requests. With an impressive 30-year career spanning pop hits, symphony collaborations, and even podcast hosting, this powerhouse musician brings his distinctive piano rock style to Austin for one night only.

Red Young and His Hot Horns

8:00 PM @ Monks Jazz Club - All Ages, BYOB

Experience a live taping featuring jazz legend Red Young alongside an all-star lineup of brass virtuosos. Starting his musical journey at age 3, Red brings decades of experience working with Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings to this intimate jazz club setting. Featuring an impressive ensemble of horns, drums, and bass that promises an unforgettable night of jazz.

The PUPA - A Storytelling Show

7:00 PM @ Fallout Theater - $10

Step into a world of raw, unfiltered storytelling with PUPA, where performers share true personal stories in a cozy, intimate setting. Each story unfolds like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, revealing vulnerability, humor, and humanity. Don't miss this uniquely Austin take on live storytelling.

The Winter Art Spectacular

7:00 PM @ The Graeber House - Free GA/VIP options

Experience an immersive art theater event in a historic 6th Street mansion featuring Wiley Ross's exhibition and signed guitars from Austin's music scene. Enjoy special performances by Guy Forsyth, Jeska Forsyth, and others, plus an elixir/mocktail bar and interactive art experiences. Part of proceeds support mental health resources for music professionals and veterans.

Spanish Harlem Orchestra- Salsa Navidad

7:30pm @ Austin PBS - Studio A - $29-59

Get ready for a Grammy-winning performance as New York's premier salsa dura ensemble brings their holiday fiesta to Austin! Three-time Grammy winners Spanish Harlem Orchestra, led by legendary pianist Oscar Hernández, blend traditional salsa with festive holiday classics. With 13 powerhouse musicians and vocalists, they'll deliver an unforgettable night of precision musicianship and infectious rhythms.

Geekgasm Revue: Doctor Who-liday Special

8pm @ Kick Butt Coffee - Entry age: 18+

Join host Jack Rabid, renowned former Tenth Doctor cosplayer and producer of Boyz of Austin, for a night of nerdy burlesque celebrating Doctor Who! This unique showcase features Texas's top burlesque and drag performers, plus themed drinks, a photo booth, cosplay contest, and Who-themed trivia. Don't miss this timey-wimey spectacular blending sci-fi fandom with sultry entertainment.

HOLY night of SMOKE!

6:00pm - 10:00pm @ St. John Studios, $100

BBQ legend Aaron Franklin joins forces with Chef Dave Eberhardt for an epic fire-cooking extravaganza! Sip on fire-thrown hot toddies and coconut smoked old fashions by Spirit Guide Cocktail Co., enjoy Dulce Vida apple cider margaritas, and groove to live music by Georgia Parker. Early booking recommended as tickets include 2025 St. John Social Club membership with exclusive perks!

The Tailgate

7:00pm @ Distribution Hall - $50-75

Experience Texas tailgating elevated at this ultimate sports celebration! Enjoy creative game-day inspired bites from Austin's top restaurants, premium cocktails, and bid on sports memorabilia from local legends. VIP tickets include meet-and-greets with Austin's star athletes. It's where hardcore sports fans and foodies unite for an evening of competitive fun.

Horace Alexander Young and Laura Jane Jones "Nat and Natalie For Christmas"

8:00pm @ Monks Jazz Club - BYOB, $25

Experience a spellbinding tribute to Nat and Natalie Cole featuring multi-talented vocalist Horace Alexander Young, who's performed with legends like Aretha Franklin and BB King, alongside powerhouse vocalist Laura Jane Jones. With a stellar backing band including some of Austin's finest musicians, this intimate live recording session promises an unforgettable evening of classic holiday jazz.

Gary Clark Jr. Free Concert

7:00PM @ Domain Northside, FREE!

Austin's hometown guitar hero Gary Clark Jr. is performing a completely free concert to celebrate BUMPSUIT's launch. Known for his explosive blend of blues, rock and soul, Clark's free performances are rare treats. Limited capacity, so arrive early!

Comedy & Caviar

9:00PM @ Fairmont Austin - $45

Don't miss this upscale comedy experience featuring host Evan Lopez and top local comedians in the swanky Room 725. Enjoy champagne, caviar, and rare pre-embargo Cuban cigars while taking in stunning skyline views. Live music starts at 7:30PM with comedy at 9PM.

TITANIC #2

December 13-15, 6:00 PM @ The Museum of Human Achievement - $25-$35

Set sail for an absurdist reimagining of the Titanic story in this immersive theatrical experience featuring live music by Thor and Friends. This adult-oriented production00, "The Floater," blends comedy, romance, and nautical mishaps through the creative lens of performance collective Shaboom, complete with elaborate costumes, magic, and multimedia elements.

The Watchmaker's Song, through Saturday

6:30PM @ Neill-Cochran House Museum - $45-$60

A unique immersive retelling of The Nutcracker, blending dance styles from Egyptian belly dance to flamenco. This interactive performance lets you move through the historic Neill-Cochran House Museum as the story unfolds. VIP tickets include front row finale seating and pre-show reception with artists.

LUX! - A Celebration of Light

6:00PM - 8:00PM @ First Austin - $15-25

Join the SoCo Women's Chorus for an enchanting evening celebrating light through song. Experience powerful choral works like Esenvalds' "Lux Aeterna" and Whitacre's "Hebrew Love Songs" in this moving winter concert. Enjoy a post-show reception with snacks, desserts and a silent auction benefiting the chorus.

Ocean Wav Studios Artist Showcase

4:00PM - 7:00PM @ Ocean Wav Studios - $20 presale/$30 door

An intimate artist showcase featuring up-and-coming local talent performing their best 2 songs. Network with industry professionals while enjoying BYOB and chances to win free studio time. Early bird tickets include automatic raffle entry for 2 hours of studio time. This is a great opportunity to discover fresh Austin talent.

Full Moon Witches Market, through Sunday

6:00PM - 10:00PM @ Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden - Free Entry | All Ages

A mystical night market under the full moon featuring local witchy vendors, tarot readings, and magical goods. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Cosmic Coffee while browsing unique metaphysical wares and connecting with Austin's pagan community. The perfect spot to find that special spiritual gift.

The English Channels Performing The Cure + Depeche Mode

8:00PM @ The 13th Floor - $10-15

Catch the debut performance of The English Channels as they faithfully recreate the iconic sounds of The Cure and Depeche Mode. With opening support from dark rock band Weird Wolves, this promises to be an incredible night of new wave and post-punk classics brought to life.

Mike Dillon and Punkadelick Record Release Party

6:00PM @ The Far Out Lounge - $15

Don't miss the epic release party for Punkadelick's new album "Run White Boy Run," featuring Mike Dillon, Nikki Glaspie, and Brian Haas. The album drops on vibrant Waffle House yellow vinyl and features collaborations with artists from Los Lobos and The Revivalists. Get ready for a wild mix of rescue dog cumbias and heartfelt ballads.

Kaiju Cut + Sew Holiday Market and Food Drive

12:00PM - 5:00PM @ Meanwhile Brewing, FREE!

Shop local at this festive market featuring unique vendors selling jewelry, ceramics, handmade leather goods and more. Bring a food donation for the Central Texas Food Bank and get $1 off a pint! Over a dozen local vendors including Golden Eye Chocolates and Always Sonny Candle Company.

Holiday Hootenanny - A Very Special Two Day Micro-Fest

7:00PM @ Radio/East, $39.50+

An epic holiday micro-festival featuring Danny Brown, Of Montreal, HEALTH, Voxtrot and more! Beyond music, enjoy activities like mechanical reindeer rides, ornament decorating, a skate ramp, and live t-shirt screen printing. Multiple local vendors and food options available.