December & January Event Calendar
Words Alison Bryce & Ashley Bowling
19 Things We Love in December & January
Mesmerize
Now Open: Wed-Fri 3-11pm, Sat-Sun 11am-11pm
Step into Austin’s newest immersive art experience, Living Dream, by Mesmerize. Created by local artists, this family-friendly adventure features 14+ interactive installations and photo-ops, from an 8-foot crystal to a rainbow stairway to projection-mapped rooms and hidden crawl spaces, all set to an original score by talented local musicians. Tickets, $20 for ages 4+, must be reserved online in advance. To keep the setting intimate, only 10 guests are permitted per hour. 820 Shelby Ln. | thisismesmerize.com
German-Texan Annual Christmas Market
December 7, 10am-5pm
Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the most authentic German Christmas Market in Texas. Over 3,000 visitors attend this one day event. Their famous German Glühwein (hot spiced wine) will be served and is an authentic Christmas Market must. This event is kid friendly with fun activities for all ages. Plus, Saint Nick himself will be walking around passing out gifts! 507 E 10th St. | germantexans.org/christmas-market
Peter Pan
December 10-15, times vary
Prepare to soar to Neverland with an all-new production of Peter Pan at Bass Concert Hall. This reimagined Broadway classic, directed by Emmy winner Lonny Price, brings a fresh twist to the timeless tale, with breathtaking flying scenes, captivating choreography, and a talented cast. Join Peter, Wendy, and the mischievous Tinker Bell on an unforgettable adventure. With timeless songs like “I’m Flying” and “Neverland,” this enchanting musical will capture imaginations of all ages and remind you to never grow up! Tickets start at $30.
2350 Robert Dedman Dr. | texasperformingarts.org
Baskerville
Now-December 22, times vary
Get ready for a whirlwind of suspense and laughter with Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Join Holmes and Watson as they race through foggy London and eerie moors, outwitting a legendary hell-hound and unearthing deadly secrets. With just five actors playing over 40 roles, Austin Playhouse delivers fast-paced, madcap adventure with thrills, chills, and non-stop humor. Perfect for sleuths aged 10 and up, this clever take on a classic is a must-see thrill ride. Tickets are $24-$46 with Pick-Your-Price Thursdays and half-price student discounts. 405 W 22nd St. | austinplayhouse.com/baskerville
Outdoor Holiday Market
December 12-13, 11am-4pm
Austin Creative Reuse is hosting its Outdoor Holiday Market, featuring unique handmade items with a focus on creative reuse materials and techniques from local artists, makers and creatives. There will also be food trucks, music, and an opportunity to mingle with local businesses. This event is free and open to the public. 2005 Wheless Ln. | austincreativereuse.org/events
Village of Lights
December 13-14, 5:30-9pm
Get into the holiday spirit at the Community First! Village of Lights. Be immersed in light displays choreographed to holiday music, a holiday market full of handcrafted gifts made by artists who live in the community, plus food and drinks. Entrance into the village is free for the whole family, with gifts and food available for purchase. 9301 Hog Eye Rd. | mlf.org
Holiday Vibe Market
December 14-15, 11am-5pm
Shop local this holiday season during the Holiday Vibe Artisan Market. This inside shopping market includes more than 115 local artists and makers, complimentary cocktails, an art gallery, guest chefs, and more. The free event is family and pet friendly. 1500 E 4th St. | vibeartisanmarkets.com
Intro to Mosaic Workshop
December 19, 6-9pm
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to learn a new skill: mosaic making. In this 2-3 hour course, attendees will start at the basics and work their way through the steps until they’ve created their own piece of art. Students may choose a design provided or create their own. The class is $75 per person and includes all the tools and materials needed to complete the mosaic; however, grout is optional and available for purchase. 729 Airport Blvd. | themosaicworkshop.org
Peppermint Parkway
Now-December 29, times vary
Experience six million lights, dancing characters, and more at this year’s Peppermint Parkway on the F1 track at Circuit of The Americas. Drive through a mile-long display of light installations before stepping out to enjoy the festive play, full of food, rides, and activities for all ages, including pictures with Santa. Admission starts at $45 for a group of four. 9201 COTA Blvd. | peppermintparkway.com
Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Now-December 24, 10am-10pm
Explore handmade, unique artwork from more than 200 artisans. Visit a variety of booths to find local gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list as well as something for yourself. This annual shopping event is free for all ages to attend and support locals. 6100 Airport Blvd. | bluegenieartbazaar.com
Reckless
Now-December 22, times vary
For some comedic relief, support a local small business, City Theatre, this season by attending Reckless by Craig Lucas. The show follows a mother on Christmas Eve as she learns that her husband has done something recklessly unexpected, forcing her into a journey of fractured fairy tales of crazed killers, insane therapists, over-the-top game show hosts, and more. Ticket prices are based on date and seat selection. 1507 Wilshire Blvd. | citytheatreaustin.org
A Christmas Carol
Now-December 29, times vary
Celebrate the season with Austin’s beloved holiday tradition! ZACH’s A Christmas Carol returns for its tenth year with new songs, unforgettable cast additions, and an extra dash of holiday magic. Tony nominee Peter Frechette stars as Scrooge, joined by fan favorites like Roderick Sanford and Kenny Williams. Get ready to sing along, cheer for redemption, and bask in the Victorian charm that makes this musical a true festive delight! 202 S Lamar Blvd. | zachtheatre.org/christmascarol
A Year in Review
December 31, 7pm & 9:30pm
Celebrate the new year by looking back at what 2024 had to offer with Esther’s Follies’ New Year’s Eve Bash – A Year in Review. Join as the cast takes the audience down memory lane through song and sketches to hilariously recall the news-makers, celebrities, events, and mayhem over the past year. There are two show times with tickets ranging from $60-$70. 525 E 6th St. | esthersfollies.com
Luminations
Now-January 5, times vary
Step into the magic of Luminations, Austin’s ever-changing immersive holiday light display at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Its illuminated trails, creative displays, projections, and other spectacles surprise and delight people of all ages. With food trucks, snacks and full-service bars for the grownups, Luminations has something for everyone. As a bonus, this year’s experience includes free after-hours access to a fully-lighted Fortlandia, the Wildflower Center’s celebrated annual fort exhibition. Tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for youth. 4801 La Crosse Ave. | www.wildflower.org/luminations
Free Week(end)
January 3-4, times vary
Get ready for a weekend of music in a two-day event full of free shows. Originally started as a way to keep venues alive during slow-business time, Free Week has now grown into an annual festival that music lovers look forward to as they can hop from venue to venue, enjoying the soundtrack of the city. Make sure to check the event’s website as they begin to add shows closer to the event. locations vary | redriverculturaldistrict.org/free-week
Music Bingo
January 4, 4-6pm
Combine music with Bingo at Wanderlust Wine Co. as Texas Red Entertainment presents Music Bingo. Bring a group for help or make new friends while listening to snippets of popular songs from the 2000s for your chance to win prizes. The game is free to play, while drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. 702 Shady Ln. | wanderlustwine.com/events
Cello Fest
January 19, 7-10pm
Enjoy the sound of a cello choir for one night only during Cello Fest by Austin Camerata. Music lovers will be entertained as cellists play tunes by Harry Styles, Queen, Mozart, and other popular artists. Tickets are available online.2403 E 16th St. | austincamerata.com
MLK Jr. March & Festival
January 20, 9am-3:30pm
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade and festival is back. Starting at the MLK statue on UT’s campus, the march navigates the streets of Austin to the steps of the State Capitol until ending at Huston-Tillotson University. The family-friendly festivities, including vendors and local musicians, will take place on HT’s campus. The event is free to attend; however, marchers and festival goers are encouraged to bring canned goods to donate to Central Texas Food Bank. 900 Chicon St. | mlkcelebration.com
Lunar New Year Festival
February 2, 11am-5pm
Join in as the year of the snake begins with the Lunar New Year Festival which will highlight Asian-owned businesses and make space for allies to support, connect with, and learn more about Asian culture. With lion dances, dragon dances, a vendor market full of original art, food, books, and more, this free festival offers a fun and educational experience for the entire family to enjoy. 1023 Springdale Rd., 6A | lunarnewyearfestival.com
