🎶 For the music lover | $15+

🎨 For the artist | $70+

Photo by Jane Yun, provided by Hotel Viata

🛀🏻 For the person who deserves some relaxation | $25+

☀️ For the adventurer | $139+

🍳 For the home chef | $50+

• Darden Smith: Who Said You Could Do That? | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 8 p.m. | Stateside at the Paramount, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $25 | This interview series features Gina Chavez, a Latin Grammy nominee and 13-time Austin Music Award winner.

• Christmas Caroling at Jester King Brewery | Friday, Dec. 16 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Jester King Brewery, 13187 Fitzhugh Rd., Austin | Free | Grab a beer and sing along to holiday tunes.
• “The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 16-Friday, Dec. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | $15-$125 | Ballet Austin’s 60th annual edition of this classic ballet includes elaborate sets, enchanting music, and enthralling dance performances.

• “Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” | Saturday, Dec. 17-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St., Austin | $15-$20 | The beloved characters of Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones childrens’ series come to life onstage.
• The Muttcracker (SWEET!) | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 6:30 p.m. | The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd., Austin | $15-$37 | This family-friendly performance stars rescue dogs, including two new puppies.

• The Illusionists | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 7 p.m. | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $39.50-$85 | You’ll be wowed by this all-ages magic showcase with a holiday theme.

• Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas | Monday, Dec. 19 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live at the Moody Theater, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $29-$69 | The Texas-born artist is known for hit songs like “Geronimo’s Cadillac.”

• 67º | Sunny | 2% chance of rain

• Austinites elected José Velásquez, Ryan Alter, and Zohaib “Zo” Qadri to represent city council districts 3, 5, and 9 in Tuesday’s runoff election. See the full results breakdown. 🗳

• Comedian Adam Sandler will perform a set at the Moody Center on Valentine’s Day as part of a national standup tour. Get ready, Sandler stans — tickets go on sale tomorrow, Dec. 16 at 12 p.m. 🎙

• Austin Public Health recently confirmed the first positive West Nile Virus case of the year in Travis County. Officials warn residents to avoid mosquitoes, drain standing water on their property, and monitor for symptoms of the virus. (KXAN)

• El Combo Oscuro, Taméca Jones, and The Texas Gentlemen will perform at this year’s free New Year’s Eve event at Auditorium Shores. Amy’s Ice Cream and Garbo’s Lobster will also be serving up food, alongside eight other food trucks. Fireworks start at midnight. 🎆

• Anna’s Toy Depot, a two-decade-old South Lamar Boulevard toy shop, will close permanently on Christmas Eve. All gifts are marked as 50% off until then, as a celebration of the business and farewell to the community. (KXAN)

• Flatwater Foundation, a local nonprofit to provide mental health support for people affected by cancer, is working to expand its network of mental health professionals. By the end of 2023, the organization aims to add ~80 new therapists. (KVUE)

• Homie Fries, a cheesy french fry food truck from the team behind Burro Cheese Kitchen, is now open at 75 Rainey St. The menu offers fries dripping in toppings like cheese, smoked brisket, bacon, and eggs. 🍟 (Eater Austin)

• Get into the spirit of the season with these over-the-top light displays on 37th Street. The annual light show is an Austin tradition that has run on-and-off since the 1980s. 🎄 (Austin American-Statesman)

• Got a coffee lover in your family? We can almost guarantee these two products are on their wish list — the Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle and the Fellow Pour Over Coffee Set. Both strike the perfect balance of form and function. Psst — don’t forget the matching travel mug. ☕ *