December & January Calendar

Our Event Picks for December & January

Words by Alison Bryce

Cherrywood Art Fair

Dec. 8-9, 10am-5pm
Cherrywood Art Fair is back for its 17th year! This two-day event will allow visitors to find the perfect gifts just in time for the holidays! Shoppers will find unique, hand-crafted items made by Texas artists as well as performances and food from local vendors. Proceeds will benefit the Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST mentoring program.  3808 Maplewood Ave. | cherrywoodartfair.org 

Gingerbread Workshops

Dec. 8-24, times vary
Families are invited to come build gingerbread houses together at the Thinkery’s Gingerbread Workshops. Each kit includes gingerbread from La Mexicana Bakery, sweet treats for decorations, and icing to keep everything together. While the icing on the house dries, participants are welcome to play at Thinkery’s many exhibits or take photos at the Gingerbread Photo Booth. Each workshop is $5 for members and $12 for non-members. Gingerbread house kits range from $20-$30.
1830 Simond Ave. | thinkeryaustin.org

Intro to Alcohol Inks

Dec. 12, 6:30-8pm
Learn how to create a masterpiece with a unique medium led by Julie Pelaez. Each student will go home with two frame-ready 6”x6” panels that they create during the workshop. All tools are included with the cost of attendance. Tickets are $60 per person, and participants must be at least 21.
4704 E Cesar Chavez St. | madeatcraft.com

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Dec. 13-24, 11am-10pm
Art lovers come together at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar! Join the fun by viewing different artist showcases and listening to award-winning musicians. This community- driven event strives for a great shopping experience by allowing people to meet and buy from more than two dozen different artists. Tickets are $10 for a day pass and $50 for a season pass. Free admission for kids 12 and under, and parking is available for $8. 
900 Barton Springs Rd. | armadillobazaar.com

Eastside Holiday Market

Dec. 14, 6-10pm
Eastside Holiday Market is back for one night only! Come out to the party and enjoy a meal from a food truck while exploring the market full of local creators and small businesses. Entry is free for the whole family.
902 E 5th St. | thisisrevelry.com

Austin’s New Year

Dec. 31, 3pm
Bring the family out to celebrate the end of 2018 and welcome 2019 with a day full of food, live music, a light show, and a fireworks finale. Entrance to the festival is free, and parking is available for purchase near Palmer Auditorium. 900 W. Riverside Dr. | austinsnewyear.com

 Free Week

Jan. 1, times vary
Music fans, get ready because the first week of January is filled with multiple venues around Austin hosting talented bands—bonus: no cover charge! In recent years, this annual event has started to last longer into week two so check with your favorite Eastside venue for artists they will be hosting and when. Hotel Vegas, The Volstead Lounge, and Sahara Lounge are just a few of the places who participate annually. do512.com

New Year New You

Jan. 5, 2-4pm
Start the new year by learning the art of perfumery. This $75 beginner’s workshop is great for anyone interested in perfumery or someone who already has their own formula started. Roux Saint James’ basic kit of essential oils will be provided, and there will be additional oils available specifically for this workshop.
1023 Springdale Rd. Suite 9F | rouxstjames.com

Keep Austin Creating: New Year, New You

Jan. 5, 2-5pm
Bring the whole family to the Keep Austin Creating: New Year, New You market. Taking place in the 12,000 square foot creative hub of Motion Media Arts Center, guests can enjoy creative vendors ranging from artist pop-ups to local food and drink vendors. Live music and a free photobooth will keep the family entertained. Parking and entry is free and open to the public.
2200 Tillery St.  | keepaustincreating.org 

Print Austin

Jan. 15-Feb. 15, times vary
Celebrate the art of original printmaking at the annual Print Austin. Explore different galleries and learn about the traditions of printmaking during this 30-day show. Different galleries will be set up at Big Medium, Gallery Shoal Creek, grayDUCK, and more. Each location is featuring a different exhibit for enthusiast to come and browse.  printaustin.org

Martin Luther King March & Festival

Jan. 21, 9am-3pm
Remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with a march that will start at the MLK Statue located on the UT’s campus, stop at the south steps of the State Capitol, then end at Huston-Tillotson University. Festivities for the entire family will continue at HT’s campus until 3pm. Donations for the Central Texas Food Bank will be accepted along the march route and at the festival.
804 Chalmers Ave. | mlkcelebration.com