December Events and Happenings

Through 12/31/22
Field of Light
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Debuting at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center this fall, Bruce Munro’s Field of Light is an immersive exhibition that explores the intersection of art, technology and nature.
wildflower.org/field-of-light

Through 1/6/23
Mozart’s Light Show
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
At Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, sip on a steaming cup of hot chocolate while watching the shop’s dazzling lights display choreographed to lively music nightly from November through January.
​mozartscoffee.com

Through 12/24/22
​Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a fixture of the Austin holiday season. With in-person and virtual shopping alternatives, shoppers can browse thousands of original works ranging from serious art to fun and kitschy items. A great way to buy hassle-free holiday gifts and support local artists.
bluegenieartbazaar.com

Through 12/27/22
Miracle on 5th Street
The Eleanor
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in the most festive and nostalgic setting in the city. Featuring wall-to-wall Christmas decor, multiple bars, cheery social experiences and a whole lot of Christmas spirits.
miracleon5thst.com

Through 12/30/22
Peppermint Parkway
Circuit of The Americas
Peppermint Parkway is a magical experience at Austin's Circuit of The Americas. This year, the holiday spectacular will be transformed into a one-mile driving attraction that immerses visitors in millions of holiday lights synchronized to joyful holiday classics.
peppermintparkway.com

12/1/22
Driskill Grand Lobby Tree Lighting
The Driskill Hotel
Gather at The Driskill hotel and watch as the Grand Lobby tree is lit, accompanied by holiday music and caroling. The historic Driskill hosts holiday events throughout the season, including Victorian holiday teas.
driskillhotel.com

12/3/22
Downtown Holiday Stroll
Congress Avenue, between Ninth Street & 11th Street
The stroll returns this December with free, family-friendly activities to celebrate the season. Visit downtown Austin for holiday festivities like the holiday shopping passport, pop-ups, appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Claus, holiday window and light displays and the signature 45-foot downtown tree.
downtownholidaystroll.com

12/3/22
German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market
German Free School of Austin
The German-Texan Heritage Society's annual market offers shoppers handmade, imported crafts, decorations, ornaments and more. Browse the market, listen to traditional German Christmas music and take home Christmas Stollen made by the New World Bakery and German cookies from Silke’s German Gourmet Cookies.
germantexans.org

12/3/22 - 12/23/22
Ballet Austin's "The Nutcracker"
Long Center for the Performing Arts
Ballet Austin will again host its beloved holiday tradition with the 60th annual performance of "The Nutcracker". The ballet production also includes music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
balletaustin.org

12/8/22 - 12/17/22
Ventana Ballet's "The Watchmaker's Song"
Neill-Cochran House Museum
An Austin holiday favorite returns. The Watchmaker’s Song is a jazzy and interactive re-imagination of the classic story of The Nutcracker. This is a Nutcracker for everyone. The Watchmaker’s Song is an immersive dance-theatre production based on the beloved ballet, The Nutcracker, performed by Ventana Ballet at the historic Neill-Cochran House Museum.
ventanaballet.com/watchmaker

12/8/22 - 12/23/22
Austin Trail of Lights
Zilker Park
The 58th Annual Trail of Lights is part of the essential Austin experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories, and fun. This year, the spectacular trail will return as a drive-thru event. Arrive early with a Dash Pass, or cruise through the night with General Admission.
austintrailoflights.org

12/17/22 - 12/23/22
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Palmer Events Center
For 45+ seasons, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been a fine art shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists alongside live music in a festive, lively atmosphere. This year, Armadillo Bazaar Outside will offer a three-day in-person event to create a safe, family-friendly fine-art scene. Experience a selection of curated artists with works to excite every art lover, collector, or first-time visitor; plus, live local music, surrounded by the sights of the city.
armadillobazaar.com

12/31/22
Austin's New Year
Auditorium Shores
This alcohol-free, family-friendly event celebrates the diversity and creativity of the city with visual art installations, jugglers, storytellers, fire dancers, and other festive performances.
austintexas.gov

Austin Music Video Festival
Various Locations
The Austin Music Video Fest (AMVF) celebrates Austin's longstanding music video heritage with screenings, awards, parties, panels, and workshops around town and in a virtual setting.
amvfest.com

Capital City Black Film Festival (CCBFF)
CCBFF exists to provide burgeoning Black filmmakers from across the nation an opportunity to showcase their works in one of the top cities in the United States for independent filmmakers, Austin. CCBFF delivers a best-in-class experience with thought-provoking programming, virtual networking opportunities, and films and music videos presented by talented filmmakers from across the globe.
capcitybff.com

Kwanzaa Ujamaa Marketplace
George Washington Carver Museum
Visit the Carver Museum's annual Kwanzaa Ujuamaa celebration to shop local artists, craftspeople, small business owners, and other vendors. In past years, the event has also included educational and family-friendly activities. More details to be announced soon.
austintexas.gov

Ice Skating On The Plaza at Whole Foods
Whole Foods Lamar
Spend an afternoon on the rink at the Whole Foods flagship store on North Lamar. Then head inside for a cup of cocoa or cider and live, local music on the weekends! Daily: 10 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
wholefoodsmarket.com