As long-time Austin residents, we love the holidays in Central Texas! Families are in for a treat with all the great holiday events in Austin this year. Here’s a list of some of our favorites.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
If theater is your thing then this great new Austin holiday tradition is sure to get you and your family in the festive spirit. Every year Zach Scott Theatre puts on a fantastic show that will get Grandma up out of her seat.
This annual show is a clever adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic and features new hit songs each year. You’ll also get to enjoy a fresh take on some of your favorite carols with a musical score that covers a variety of genres, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Come and celebrate the holidays with the infamous three ghosts and the wonderful Cratchit family, and bear witness to Ebenezer Scrooge’s joyous transformation into jollyhood.
Dates: November 20th to December 29th
ZACH Theatre
Web: zachtheatre.org
MOZART’S COFFEE HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW
Prepare to be dazzled by a million lights, local music and some tasty coffee and treats! Mozart’s Coffee Roasters puts on a fantastic evening that is suitable for the whole family. Come and enjoy the music as local musicians thrill you with their performances on Mozart’s Piano – a blue Steinway Grand lit up by thousands of sparkling lights.
Make your way over to their German-themed tent where you’ll find tasty treats and warm home-baked goods. You’ll also be able to enjoy Mozart’s acclaimed coffee and hot chocolate.
This event is free of charge with no assigned seating, and runs from November 19th through January 2nd – every evening from 6:00 to 11:00pm. They’re closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Dates: November 20th to January 2nd
Venue: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX
Web : mozartscoffee.com
CHUY’S CHRISTMAS PARADE
Chuy’s Christmas Parade ensures a fantabulous spectacle of marching bands, floats, celebrities, vintage cars and giant balloons – all in the name of charity.
Operation Blue Santa will benefit from this event, so bring along one or two new packaged toys to donate to children in need this Christmas. Santa’s Helpers will be around to come and collect your toy donations, which is sure to be a hit with the kids! All gifts will be distributed in time for Christmas by the Operation Blue Santa Program.
The parade starts at 11:00am outside the Texas State Capitol, and will move south on Congress and end on Cesar Chavez, just north of the bridge.
Date: Saturday, November 30
Venue: State Capitol
Web: chuysparade.com
HOLIDAY SING-ALONG AND DOWNTOWN STROLL
Take the family on a caroling stroll with hundreds of other locals, and be there to witness the tree being lit in front of the Capitol. The Holiday Sing-along and Downtown Stroll will make its way down Congress Avenue. Prepare to soak up the holiday spirit with live music, shopping, art and so much more.
Join the crowds as they gather at 6:00pm on the south steps of the Capitol for the sing-along, and then count down to the lighting of the Capitol tree. There will be a programmed lighting show to enjoy, set to holiday songs performed by local Austin musicians. Congress Avenue is sure to be humming with holiday cheer as shops, restaurants, museums and galleries will be open late to offer you loads of activities and holiday offers.
Date: Saturday December 7, 2019
Venue: State Capitol
ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Celebrate the holidays “Austin-style” at this weird and wonderful mish-mash of arts, crafts, music and beer. Comprising of both an art fair and music festival in one, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is a great place to browse for gifts while enjoying some live music by an array of local talent.
Goods on sale include a wide selection of handmade items, stocking stuffers and collectibles. Most of the artists are local, but you’ll also find displays by a select few from around the country.
Enjoy tons of live, intimate music performances throughout the afternoon and evening by some of Austin’s emerging stars and local legends.
Dates: December 13-24
Venue: Palmer Events Center
Web: armadillobazaar.com
We know there’s a lot more going in the next few weeks, but we wanted to share a few of our favorite holiday events in Austin. Try something new and find yet another reason to love this city we call home. From Xtreme Xhibits, happy holidays!