December 2021 events in Austin, TX

boat in water

It’s on our list to view Mozart’s holiday light show from the water. | Photo by @austinrentalboat

December, is that you? With the holidays in full swing, we want to make sure you take advantage of all the fun events happening in the Austin area.

From a Charlie Brown Christmas show to a twisted holiday bar crawl where Krampus costumes are welcome, there’s something for everyone.

Grab your calendar and get ready to plan ahead for these local events taking place throughout the month.

Holiday Light Show by Boat | Now-Thurs., Jan. 6 | Times Vary | Walsh Boat Landing, 1600 Scenic Dr. | $60+ | Enjoy this holiday light show presented by Mozart’s Coffee Roasters from the water.

Pinkmas at the Museum of Ice Cream | Thurs., Dec. 2- Sun., Jan. 9 | Times vary | Museum of Ice Cream | $39+ | This interactive exhibit includes 12 rosy new installations.

Downtown Holiday Stroll | Sat., Dec. 4-Fri., Dec.24 | Any time | Downtown Austin | Free | Download a Holiday Passport containing discounts and+ activity guides +and get it stamped at more than 30+ participating local businesses — more stamps, more prizes. 🎁

Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” | Sat., Dec.4-Thurs., Dec. 23 | Times vary | The Long Center | $35+ | It’s Ballet Austin’s 59th annual production of the Christmas classic. 🩰

Holiday Tree Lighting at Hotel Granduca | Sun., Dec. 5 | 6 p.m. | Hotel Granduca | Free | Come for the tree, stay for the choir, treats, and sweets.

Hamilton | Tues., Dec. 7-Sun., Dec. 19 | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall | $49+ | The hit musical about America’s founding fathers is in Austin for 16 nights.

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical | Fri., Dec. 10 | 6 p.m. | H-E-B Center at Cedar Park | $29.95+ | Children will love this musical about the elves that serve as scouts for Santa.

A Charlie Brown Christmas | Sun., Dec. 12 | Times vary | Stateside at the Paramount Theatre | $22 | It’s not such a bad little tree, after all — Listen to music from the beloved Christmas classic live at this event. 🎄

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar | Fri., Dec. 17-Sun., Dec. 19 | 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Palmer Events Center | $10 | Kids under 12 have free entry to this shopping and live music event.

10 Year Anniversary Toy Drive | Sat. Dec. 18 | 9 a.m. | Zilker Park Disc Golf Course | Come out for a good cause at this toy drive — toys will be donated to the S.A.F.E. organization.

Krampus Krawl | Sat., Dec. 18 | 5-10 p.m. | Various locations | $10 | Get in the spirit of the season at this twisted holiday bar crawl — Krampus costumes are welcome.

The 8th Annual DJs Who Stole Christmas Food Drive | Sun., Dec. 19 | 1-11 p.m. | 15630 Vision Dr., Pflugerville | Free | Turn your Sunday Funday into a day of giving — including DJs playing music to raise donations + money for The Central Texas Food Bank.

AGSDR’s 14th Annual Holiday Gift Wrap | Wed., Dec. 22 | 4-8 p.m. | Nordstrom Barton Creek Square | Free | Join the Austin German Shepherd Rescue for this holiday gift wrap fundraising event.

TubaChristmas | Mon., Dec. 20 | 9:30 a.m. | Texas State Capitol | $10 registration | Local Tubists, Euphomonists, and baritone horn players are invited to rehearse on the south steps of the Capitol — the main concert starts at noon.

Gospel Brunch | Sun., Dec. 26 | 11:30 a.m. | EL Mercado Restaurant South | Donations accepted | Pass the tip jar during this Sunday brunch, which will include music + food with community members.

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