12 Things We Love in December & January
ZACH Theatre Shows| Now- December 31
Prepare to sing along during ZACH Theatre’s two special shows this winter. Now through December 31, catch ZACH’s adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This musical is a sleigh ride through rhythm and time, great for the whole family. Next, beginning on December 8, grab a ticket for Pop!, ZACH’s newest holiday show. With a mixture of holiday, Broadway, and pop favorites, this show is structured to be fun for all ages. Tickets start at $25.
zachtheatre.org
Village of Lights | December 8-9, 5:30-9pm
See over 250,000 lights dance to music alongside a holiday market at Community First Village with a free RSVP! Browse unique and handcrafted gifts made by resident artists and makers from the community while holiday movies play at the community theater. Santa spotters can expect a visit from Chris Kringle at the village too!
mlf.org/village-of-lights | 9301 Hog Eye Rd.
Cards Against Humanity Christmas Carol | December 8-10, 8pm
This isn’t grandma’s Christmas Carol. Delightfully derailing the traditional tale, Cherrywood Coffeehouse will utilize Cards Against Humanity to improvise and improve the story with hilarious chaos. This event is free to attend, and guests can expect to hang out in a festive atmosphere while the show quickly becomes a new tradition.
1400 E 38th 1/2 St.
Holiday Vibe Market | December 9-10, 11am-5pm
Distribution Hall is bringing the festive vibes to the Eastside. Over 200 artists will be hanging out with a variety of gifts to peruse while DJ Lifted keeps the beat bouncing. Enjoy complimentary cocktails and globally-inspired snacks and photo ops with Santa! This event is free and open to the public.
1500 E 4th St.
The Mutt-Cracker | December 15-17, 4:30 & 6:30pm
For festive fun for all ages, come out to the Vortex to see Circus Chickendog’s ensemble of rescue dogs retell the holiday classic ballet, NutCracker, with juggling and acrobatics. Starting mid-December and running every weekend until the 30th, this show is a hairy-larious take on the traditional. Tickets range from $15 to $37 with discounts for military, veterans, and their families.
vortexrep.org | 2307 Manor Rd.
Coming on Christmas: A Hallmark Movie Parody | December 8-9 & 15-16, 9:30pm
Coldtowne Theater takes on the pervasive cookie-cutter winter rom-coms that are Hallmark holiday movies with their live performance parody, Coming on Christmas. For $15 to $25, follow along as they make fun of the tried-and-true formula of a big city business woman making her way to an all too charming small winter village for her career and ends up falling in love with a tinsel townie. coldtownetheater.com/live-shows | 1700 E 2nd St.
Free Week | January 5-7, times vary
Celebrating over 20 years of free shows to highlight the incredible talent Austin has for housing venues that continue the live music legacy of our city, venues across town and even all the way to Nashville breathe new life during the dead of winter with shows, drinks, and good food. Enjoy over 100 performances throughout three days across comedy clubs, music venues, parks, and event spaces for one amazing price, FREE!
redriverculturaldistrict.org/free-week | locations vary
Africa Night | January 6, 7pm
Save thousands and spend only $12 for a trip to Africa without leaving Austin. At Sahara Lounge, doors open at 7pm with Afro Jazz, surprise guest bands, and a performance from Zoumountchi with a buffet of African dishes which take your tastebuds on a trip to another continent. Make it a tradition and join in on the festivities every Wednesday in January!
saharalounge.com/africa-night | 1413 Webberville Rd.
Austin Graffiti & Street Art Tour | January 13, 10am
Tired of only catching cool street art when driving? Then get out of the car and get to walking with the Austin Graffiti and Street Art Tour. From 10am to noon, join an expert tour guide to walk the streets of the Eastside and come close to iconic works of art by a variety of talented artists for just $28 per person.
atxartwalk.com | 2215 E Cesar Chavez St.
MLK Day Poetry Open Mic | January 15, 7-9pm
Join Vortex for Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and enjoy an open mic poetry night hosted by Ebony Stewart. Ebony is one of the most decorated poets in Texas. All burgeoning poets are welcome to come out and sign up before the show. Admission is by a suggested donation.
vortexrep.org/calendar | 2307 Manor Rd.
French Legation Flea Market | January 27, 10am-3pm
Starting a new tradition for the historic site, this slice of the Republic of Texas history is transforming into a 2-acre open market. Vintage and antique vendors, alongside craft makers, can set up booths by the oldest recorded house in Austin while avid shoppers and browsers alike can support local while they thrift.
thc.texas.gov/news-events/events/french-legation-flea-market | 802 San Marcos St.
