December 6, 2023
Art, Entertainment, culture, Guides, Events,
Our list of the 11 best events in Austin will warm up your December.
The Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince from The Nutcracker at the Texas Ballet Theater. PHOTO BY STEVEN VISNEAU
Throughout Dec
The Driskill Tree Lighting
Start your holiday season at the infamous Driskill Tree Lighting ceremony. Enjoy a Texan Christmas ambiance in the luxurious hotel lobby with live music, Champagne and Santa before the signature 16-foot Christmas Tree begins dazzling. Come back to The Driskill anytime through December to relive the memories. 604 Brazos St., driskillhotel.com
12/1-28
Miracle on 5th Street
If your Yuletide season involves a drink or two, then experience the holiday magic at Miracle on 5th Street. This Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar features wall-to-wall decorations and a menu filled with cozy and creative drinks. Spend the night sampling the offerings with friends—or get there before 7 p.m. and bring the family with you. 307 W. 5th St., miracleon5thst.com
12/1-24
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Featuring handmade, high-quality work from over 200 artists and artisans, there’s sure to be something for everyone to admire at this Austin shopping staple. Feeling overwhelmed by your holiday shopping list? The bazaar has a personal shopping service that will help you take care of your presents stress-free. 6100 Airport Blvd., bluegenieartbazaar.com
12/2-23
The Nutcracker
Ballet Austin is bringing Texas’ longest-running seasonal classic back to the city. Featuring a cast made up of the younger students of Ballet Austin Academy with the principal cast, The Nutcracker is a beloved ballet that will bring holiday joy to audiences of all ages. 701 W. Riverside Drive, balletaustin.org
12/5-10
My Fair Lady
After winning several Tony awards, the 2018 Broadway classic My Fair Lady revival is officially coming to Austin. Following the story of flower girl Eliza Doolittle as she gets a high-class education from Professor Henry Higgins, audiences will surely fall in love with My Fair Lady like they’ve been doing since 1965. 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, bassconcerthalltx.com
12/7-16
The Watchmaker’s Song
If the classic rendition of The Nutcracker isn’t your style, then the Ventana Ballet’s The Watchmaker’s Song is the perfect fit for you. This longtime Austin favorite reimagines the original ballet through many dance styles, set to a jazz-inspired score. With interactive matinee shows for families, The Watchmaker’s Song is a holiday spectacular for everyone. 2310 San Gabriel St., ventanaballet.com
12/8-23
Austin Trail of Lights
The longest-running Austin holiday tradition is back for another spectacular year. The Austin Trail of Lights features over two million lights illuminating the iconic Zilker Park. With an elaborate variety of holiday displays and thousands of visitors each year, the Trail of Lights is one of the most magical ways to soak up the season. 2100 Barton Springs Road, austintrailoflights.org
12/13
The Moth
In a world run by all things digital, take some time to unplug and enjoy a night at The Moth. The literary event is focused on the beauty of storytelling and the power of an in-person connection. Featuring both everyday people and celebrities alike, every story is sure to captivate. 713 Congress Ave., themoth.org
Il Divo is heading to Bass Concert Hall. PHOTO BY MARIO SCHMOLKA
12/15
A New Day Holiday Tour
Known for their heartthrob status and gorgeous operatic voices, Il Divo is making a much-anticipated stop in Austin on their A New Day Holiday Tour. After getting their start on the United Kingdom’s The X-Factor, Il Divo has taken the world by storm as they’ve performed to millions around the world. Time to sit back, relax and enjoy a night of stunning opera. 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, bassconcerthalltx.com
12/24
Cirque Musica
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a night full of stunning music and jaw-dropping entertainment at Cirque Musica. Enjoy your favorite holiday classics played by a full orchestra as acrobats, dancers, aerialists and jugglers dazzle you with their unique talents. With a fantastic show packed with holiday cheer and abundant talent, Cirque Musica is the perfect way to spend a December night. 2100 Ave. of the Stars, hebcenter.com
12/31
Gary Clark Jr.
Ring in the new year with four-time Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr. at Austin City Limits. Known for his status as modern rock ‘n’ roll royalty and genre-bending music, Clark Jr. is the perfect guide to bring you into 2024. Spend the night enjoying his critically acclaimed discography at one of the most iconic venues in Texas. 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., acllive.com
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