December Curated: Austin’s Top Events This Month
Don't miss the dazzling light shows, seasonal sing-alongs, cherished traditions, live music & more merriment this December
Austin is aglow with holiday sparkle and merriment this December! There are plentiful events happening throughout the city to delight all ages. Choose from live music, dazzling light displays, seasonal sing-alongs, cherished holiday traditions, and much more! Here are our picks for some can’t-miss plans to add to your social calendar this month.
Luminations
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
December 5 – January 3
Stroll through nearly two miles of the Wildflower Center’s grounds to wander through pretty nature-themed light displays. In our opinion, Luminations gets better each year. It’s a great outing for the family or for a fun date night. Enjoy plenty of great food and a bar, as well. Be sure to get your tickets in advance.
“A Christmas Carol”
Zach Theater
Now through January 3
Holiday Gift Guide
There’s very good reason that “A Christmas Carol” has sold out for the past several years at Zach Theater. It’s truly one of our most favorite holiday traditions! Full of lively pop music performed by the most amazing vocalists, this show will have you bopping around your seat just trying not to sing along. Not a stuffy production in the least, this adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale is such a blast. Be sure to get your tickets soon.
A Very Merry Christmas Jazz Show
Parker Jazz Club
Fridays and Saturdays through December 21
Throughout the month of December, Parker Jazz Club presents its annual A Very Merry Christmas Show, featuring the talented Parker House Band with vocalist Jennifer Johnson as they perform jazz arrangements of holiday favorites. The Ryan Davis Trio will open each show with Vince Guaraldi’s classic music from A Charlie Brown Christmas, setting the tone for a stylish and fun evening. Choose from two set times each Friday and Saturday night.
Broadway in Austin presents: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”
Bass Concert Hall
December 2-14
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of this Broadway classic: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” This spectacular new touring production features stunning sets, dazzling costumes, and all the beloved songs from the original Tony®-nominated musical. Click here for a chance to win a 4-pack of tickets!
Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker”
Long Center
December 5 – 23
A perfect winter tradition for family and friends, the 63rd annual production of Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” is Austin’s longest-running live production. Guests can witness the timeless tale with mesmerizing choreography by dancers as they perform to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, staged live by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Hurry to reserve your seats because tickets are limited.
Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll
11th & Congress Ave.
December 6, 5-8 p.m.
Gather your friends and family for the annual Holiday Sing-Along, Tree Lighting, and Downtown Stroll. Join KUT News, KUTX 98.9 & the Downtown Austin Alliance for a celebration of holiday cheer. Visit Congress Avenue between 10th and 11th Street from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. for live music, local food, artisan vendors, the Capitol tree lighting, and free holiday fun for the whole family.
Austin Trail of Lights
Zilker Park
December 10-23
One of Austin’s most cherished celebrations, the 61st annual Austin Trail of Lights features millions of twinkling lights, live entertainment and delicious food. Starting Dec. 10, visitors can walk through Zilker Park to witness top attractions like a 155-foot multicolored tree, 89 additional trees and more than 70 artful light displays. There will also be theme nights, including a UT Night, Heroes Night, Movie Night and Pride Night. We recommend purchasing tickets sooner rather than later as they tend to sell out.
Holidays at the Paramount
Paramount and State Theatres
All month this December
Celebrate the season at The Paramount with a slate of holiday programming. Feel the magic in the historic Paramount Theatre with live holiday music, an Elf pub run, and your favorite festive films captivating stage shows, and an epic send-off to 2025. Paramount’s live holiday music concerts, classic theater shows and yuletide drag performances throughout the season. View the full list of holiday happenings.
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Palmer Events Center
Dec. 13 – 21
For 50 years, 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. Find a selection of gifts, plus, live local music.
Austin’s New Year
Auditorium Shores
December 31
Austin’s New Year is back for another year with local food and beverage vendors, live music and a spectacular firework display at midnight. The free event includes concerts from acclaimed indie-folk band The Head & the Heart along with local artists Chaparelle, Tameca Jones and The Point.
More Fun this December
Of course this is just a snippet of all the exciting events in store this month! As always, check out our curated calendar of events, and take note of these other fun happenings: