Dec. & Jan. Events Calendar

12 Things We Love in December & January

Words by Alison Bryce

From holiday light shows to filmmaking classes to live game shows, there’s shortage of fun in the coming months!

A Christmas Carol
November 24 – January 2, times vary
This year, A Christmas Carol returns to The Topfer theater at ZACH! A holiday tradition full of music from all decades with a touch of whimsy and infectious spirit brings lasting memories. This unique musical adaptation of the classic Dickens’ tale is well-suited for ages 6 and up. Tickets are available starting at $25.
202 S Lamar Blvd. | zachtheatre.org

Peppermint Parkway
Nov. 26 – Dec. 26, times vary
See a mile full of immersive holiday displays, lights, and dancing elves during a visit to Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas. Choose from one of four ticket packages starting at $40. Special nights will promote Amplify Austin and give back to 20 cause categories ranging from animal care to literacy to human rights.
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd. | peppermintparkway.com

Austin Trail of Lights
Nov. 27- Dec. 31, times vary
Cruise through more than two million lights during the 57th Annual Austin Trail of Lights. Pass through trail favorites including Candy Land, Santa’s House, Santa’s Workshop, lights, tunnels, nostalgic favorites, and some new displays from the comfort of your car. General admission tickets are available starting at $35.
2100 Barton Springs Rd. | austintrailoflights.org

Community First! Village Holiday Market
Dec. 10-11, 4-9pm
Search through unique items created by Community First! Village artists and makers to find the perfect gift this holiday season. After shopping, stick around to enjoy a free showing of The Polar Express. While the market is free to attend, visitors are asked to reserve space for the night they wish to attend.
9301 Hog Eye Rd. | eventbrite.com

The Watchmaker’s Song
Dec. 16-18, times vary
Participate in a whimsically immersive Nutcracker experience at the historic Neill-Cochran House Museum during the fourth annual production of The Watchmaker’s Song. Guests will be plunged into the enchanted holiday tale full of fanciful characters showcasing diverse works in ballet, Egyptian Belly Dance, Spanish Flamenco, Argentinian Tango, American Tap Dance, and theater.
2310 San Gabriel St. | ventanaballet.com

Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
Dec. 24, 4:30-5:30pm & 6-7pm
Celebrate Christmas Eve with the telling of the Christmas story, carols, and songs for the holidays at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. The Redeemer Choir will fill the room with songs uplifting the season. The festivities are patterned after the King’s College in Cambridge, England, which has held services annually since 1918.
2111 Alexander Ave. | redeemerpres.org

Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite
Dec. 18, 6pm
Appreciate Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic holiday composition through the lens of Ballet Afrique’s joyful movement. The dance company will perform their swinging take on The Nutcracker at The Moody Amphitheater, located inside Waterloo Greenway. Enjoy the open air, a cup of hot cocoa, and the inventive modern dance Ballet Afrique is known for. Tickets start at $20.
1401 Trinity St. | balletafriqueaustin.org

Love Where You Live Day
Jan. 8, 9-11am
Gather some neighbors or friends and head to a local park to participate in Love Where You Live cleanup day. The event, which is hosted by Keep Austin Beautiful, encourages Austinites to get outside and spruce up the area, whether it’s just beyond your front yard, a nearby neighborhood, or at a local park.
keepaustinbeautiful.org

Camera Basics for Film & Video
Jan. 8-9, 10am-4pm
Equip yourself with the basic and essential skills required to operate modern cameras used for film and video production. From basic camera functions to lighting techniques and even capturing good audio, each student should leave this course prepared to use most any consumer-level video camera in the field. Registration for the in-person class is $325.
2200 Tillery St. | austinfilmschool.org/classes

Lumos in the Park
Jan. 9, 10am
Head to Meanwhile Brewing for an outdoor training class with Lumos Fitness. This donation-based workout combines strength training, bodyweight movements, and sprint and endurance elements to build well-rounded individuals ready to excel at any task thrown their way.
3901 Promontory Point Dr. | meanwhilebeer.com

YIAY LIVE! LIVE!
Jan. 15, 7pm
Gear up for a live game show at Emo’s with Jacksfilms Presents: YIAY LIVE! LIVE! Jack Douglass, better known as “jacksfilms” online, has turned his popular series YIAY (Yesterday I Asked You) into a live game show. Audience members play by submitting their answers live with their phones, then vote on their favorites until a champion is named. Tickets start at $35.
2015 E Riverside Dr. | emosaustin.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Jan. 18, 10:30 am
Celebrate Martin Luther King Day by watching a livestream of an in-car rally taking place in Austin on Facebook and YouTube. This year, the Austin Area Heritage Council is asking the public to help by making monetary donations to the Central Texas Food Bank.
Virtual | mlkcelebration.com