December Curated: Austin’s Top 10 Events This Month

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
now through January 5

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 Theatre
Now through December 31

There’s very good reason that A Christmas Carol has sold out for the past several years at ZACH Theatre. 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.

Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker

Long Center
December 6 – 23

A perfect winter tradition for family and friends, the 62nd 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 7, 3-7 p.m.

Gather your friends and family for the annual Holiday Sing-Along, Tree Lighting, and Downtown Stroll. Join KUT Austin, KUTX, and the Downtown Austin Alliance at this free, family-friendly event. The stroll begins at 5 p.m., featuring a holiday market with local food and artisan vendors, interactive art, live music performances, and photos with Santa. Enjoy a Kwanzaa Tribute followed by KUT and KUTX leading the crowd in singing songs of the season, countdown to the lighting of the 45-foot holiday tree at 11th St. and Congress Ave., and enjoy performances by The Tierras.

Opening Weekend of Wet Paint

West Chelsea Contemporary
December 7

Don’t miss the grand finale of 2024 at West Chelsea Contemporary—Wet Paint, a celebration of fresh, original paintings that redefine how art transforms your space. From vibrant abstracts to iconic imagery, this dynamic exhibition showcases a powerhouse lineup of artists, including Ash Almonte, Cody Hooper, Hunt Slonem, JM Rizzi, Mila Sketch and Malene Heerup. During opening weekend you can RSVP for an exclusive artist talk with Ash Almonte.

Broadway in Austin presents: Peter Pan

Bass Concert Hall
December 10-15

Broadway in Austin presents this high-flying musical that has been thrilling audiences of all ages for almost 70 years. The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This musical features iconic and timeless songs including I’m Flying, I Gotta Crow, I Won’t Grow Up and Neverland.

Austin Trail of Lights

Zilker Park
December 10-23

One of Austin’s most cherished celebrations, the 60th 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 2024. 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. 15 – 23

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. Find a selection of gifts, plus, live local music.

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:

• Mozart’s Light Show
• Peppermint Parkway
• Longhorn Lights
• 2024 Parade of Homes
• The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus’ Winter Show
• Ice Skating Around Austin
• Merriest Bars for Seasonal Sips
• Shimmering Hill Country Light Displays
• 5 Top Holiday Markets in Austin
• Tribeza’s Holiday Gift Guide