Dec. 9-11 | 6th annual Day of Tango Festival

Presented by the Academy of Tango—Texas, the event features performances by international tango dance champions, local area tango instructors, and live music with the Julian Hasse Tango Quartet. Interactive dance workshops, a free beginner’s dance lesson and traditional Argentine milonga dances are among the cultural activities included. In the 52 years since the first Yule Log was lit, the Trail of Lights has expanded to more than 40 displays, 2 million lights and holiday activities.[/caption] 7 p.m.-midnight (Dec. 9), noon-2 a.m. (Dec. 10), noon-midnight (Dec. 11). $45 (festival), workshop tickets available. Ben Hur Shrine Auditorium, 7811 Rockwood Lane, Austin. 512-695-1024. https://dayoftango.org. [email protected]

Dec. 10-23 | Trail of Lights

The grand opening of the event is free and open to the public. Title sponsor H-E-B leads the countdown to turn on the lights. What began as a small gathering in 1965 known as the Yule Fest has grown to be a communitywide celebration of Austin’s uniqueness. In the 52 years since the first Yule Log was lit, the Trail of Lights has expanded to more than 40 displays, 2 million lights and holiday activities. Tickets are also available for a preview party Dec. 9. 7-10 p.m. (nightly). Free entry (Dec. 10-16), $3 entry (Dec. 17-23). Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road. http://austintrailoflights.org. [email protected]

Dec. 10 | Black Fret Black Ball

The annual gala includes performances by 14 nominees for artist grants coordinated through Black Fret, a nonprofit that supports local music. Nominees include Brownout, Calliope Musicals and Walker Lukens. The event begins with red carpet arrivals, and performances begin at 7 p.m. The Black Ball hauled in more than $500,000 for Austin musicians in its first two years. 5:15 p.m. (red carpet arrivals), 7 p.m. (show begins). $1,600 (new annual membership, which provides entry to the event). The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin. http://www.blackfret.org The Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis takes place Dec. 11.[/caption]

Dec. 11 | Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation’s long-running race champions arthritis research. The event features family activities, and participants are encouraged to wear a holiday-themed costume. 3 p.m. (registration and festivities), 5 p.m. (race). $20-$23 (1-mile run), $28-$30 (5K, age 12 and younger), $35-$40 (5K, age 13 and older), prices depend on date of registration. Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35th St. 512-800-4060. www.jbr.org/austin. [email protected] An event to plan for next weekend is the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, which officially begins on Wednesday, Dec. 14.[/caption]

Dec. 14-24 | Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

The bazaar is an 11-day, fine art shopping destination featuring national and local award-winning artists, with live music and two full bars in a festive, lively atmosphere. This annual tradition and cultural icon is one of Austin’s longest-running art and music festivals attracting about 40,000 shoppers each year. Attendees can find an exciting variety of fine art, handmade gifts, heirloom pieces and stocking stuffers for everyone on their list from over 160 carefully curated artists. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (daily). Free (ages 12 and younger), $8 (single-day pass), $8 (parking at the Palmer Events Center), season passes available. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road. 512-447-1605. www.armadillobazaar.com. [email protected]