The Dougherty Arts Center is showcasing two exhibits featuring “Austin Backyard” by Hannah Zeeb and “Ixhua” by Luis Coss. The Dougherty Arts Center is Austin’s oldest community arts venues, according to the city, and features theater, music and dance performances, art exhibits, events, and arts programs for youth and adults. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Mon.-Thu.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri.). Free. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road, Austin. 512-974-4000. www.austintexas.gov
Through Feb. 5: Experience El Nacimiento
The Mexic-Arte Museum is showcasing a Mexican nativity scene. With over 400 unique pieces, the nativity is the largest museum display in Texas, according to the museum. Free (Sun.), $7 (Mon.-Fri.); student, senior and veteran discounts available. 419 Congress Ave., Austin. 512-480-9373. www.mexic-artemuseum.org
Dec. 26 through Jan. 8: Set out the Christmas tree
City of Austin curbside customers can dispose of their holiday trees on the curb starting Dec. 26. Curbside customers must check www.austintexas.gov/myschedule to see when they can place trees on the curb. Austinites who are not curbside customers can drop their trees off for recycling at Zilker Park on Dec. 31 and Jan. 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trees must be natural and free from decorations. Free. www.austintexas.gov/treerecycling28
Dec. 28: Experience the magic
A Magical Cirque Christmas will showcase live music, illusions and acrobatics at The Moody Theater. Lucy Darling hosts this Christmas event that is suitable for the entire family. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show). $35+. Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin. www.magicalcirquechristmas.com
Dec. 29: Catch a show
The Far Out Lounge & Stage Austin will feature Tanner Userey at the venue. Userey is a country singer and songwriter from Prosper. Parking is limited; ride-hailing services are encouraged. 7 p.m. $10 (advanced purchase), $15 (at the door). The Far Out Lounge Austin, 8504 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 512-351-9909. www.thefaroutaustin.com
Dec. 30 through Jan. 31: See the trucks
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Monster Trucks and Thrill Show will come to Dripping Springs. The event includes racing, a freestyle competition and dirt bikes. 7 p.m. (Dec. 30). 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Dec. 31). $12+ (general admission ages 3-12), $22 (general admission over age 12). Dripping Springs Ranch Arena, 1042 Events Center Drive, Dripping Springs. www.tickets.nolimitsmonstertrucks.com/Dripping-springs
Dec. 31: Do NYE Gatsby-style
The Hilton Austin Hotel will offer its annual NYE Party by Gatsby’s House this New Year’s Eve. There will be Austin DJs, multiple bars and complimentary party favors. Games offered will include craps, roulette and blackjack in the casino. Roaring ’20s attire is encouraged. A VIP lounge is also available with premium prepaid drinks, a private DJ and open seating. 9 p.m. $135+. Hilton Austin, 500 E. Fourth St., Austin. www.eventbrite.com
Dec. 31: Count down to 2023
Count down the new year at The Belmont with its New Year’s Eve party. A live house DJ will begin at 8 p.m. From 10 p.m.-2 a.m., participants will put on wireless headsets to stream one of three DJs playing different genres of music for the New Year’s Eve Silent Disco experience. $50+. 305 W. Sixth St., Austin. 512-476-2100. www.thebelmontaustin.com
Dec. 31: Ring in the new year
Austin will put on an annual New Year’s Eve party at Auditorium Shores. It is an alcohol-free family event with musical entertainment by local and regional bands across three different stages, food trucks, kids activities, multiple art installations and a light show. 6 p.m.-midnight. Free. Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-974-6797. www.austinparks.org
Dec. 31: Sing along at Pete's
Pete’s Piano Bar will host New Year’s Eve events with party favors, singing and a bottle of champagne for table reservations. Doors open at 6 p.m. Four piano players will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. All guests must arrive by 9 p.m. $20 (general admission), $200 (reserved table of four). Pete’s Piano Bar, 421 E. Sixth St., Austin. 512-472-7383. www.petesduelingpianobar.com
Dec. 31: Ring in the New Year at Zaza
Hotel Zaza will offer a New Year's Eve bash, featuring live music and a champagne toast at midnight. Cocktail attire is encouraged. 10 p.m. $125+. Hotel Zaza, 400 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-542-9292. www.hotelzaza.com
Dec. 31: Celebrate with Bob Schneider
Bob Schneider’s Great Big Spectacular New Year’s Eve Party with special guests Primo the Alien and Big Skinny will be at The Paramount Theatre. 8 p.m. (doors open), 9 p.m. (show). $35+. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin. 512-474-1221. www.tickets.austintheatre.org
Dec. 31-Jan. 8: Recycle your Christmas tree
Austinites can drop off natural, unflocked trees for recycling at Zilker Park. Mulch from those trees will be available Jan. 12. Drop-off is between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Dec. 31, Jan. 7 and Jan. 8. Free. Zilker Park, 2207 Lou Neff Road, Austin. www.austintexas.gov/treerecycling
Jan. 4: Return to class
Dripping Springs ISD students will return to classes after winter break Jan. 4. 512-858-3000. www.dsisdtx.us
Jan. 5: See a band
The Jesse Stratton Band will perform at the Armadillo Den in Austin. Born and raised in the Texas Hill Country, Stratton has deep roots in Texas country and Americana. 7 p.m. Free. 10106 Menchaca Road, Austin. 512-993-2998. www.armadillodenaustin.com
Jan. 7: Watch a play
Ground Floor Theatre will present “Macduff,” the story of a man trying to exist and find his place in a post-COVID-19 world. 7:30-9 p.m. $10 (general admission or streaming). Ground Floor Theatre, 979 Springdale Road, Ste. 122, Austin. 512-840-1804. www.events.humanitix.com/macduff-2022
Jan. 10: Head back to school
Austin ISD students will head back to school from winter break Jan. 10. 512-414-1700. www.austinisd.org
Jan. 16: Celebrate MLK Day
The annual Community March and Festival celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multiculturalism in Austin. All businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals are invited to march and celebrate King. The march kicks off at 9 a.m. at the MLK statue on The University of Texas at Austin campus and will head toward the south steps of the Capitol for a rally. Then it will head to the historic Huston-Tillotson University campus, where daylong activities are planned. Free. Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St., Austin. www.mlkcelebration.com
Jan. 17-22: Attend a musical
Jerry Mitchell’s “Pretty Woman: The Musical”—based off the movie—will head to Austin. Brought to the stage by lead producer Paula Wagner, the show features an original score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance,and a book by the movie’s director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. 8 p.m. (Tues.-Fri.), 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Sat.), 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Sun.). $35+. Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. 512-471-2787. www.texasperformingarts.org
Jan. 20: Celebrate Dolly Parton
The Empire Control Room and Garage will host a Dolly Parton disco dance party for all ages. The Chicks, Whitney Houston, Kacey Musgraves and other music from country singers will be played. 7:30 p.m. Free. 606 E. Seventh St., Austin. www.austintexas.org/events
Jan. 27: Hear two bands
Sam’s Town Point will present two shows Jan. 27, beginning with bluesy Americana musician Nate Fredrick and the Wholesome Boys at 8 p.m. and finishing with Watters at 10 p.m. Free. 115 Allred Drive, Austin. 512-965-6028. www.samstownpointatx.com
Jan. 22: Run a marathon
The 3M Half Marathon is a downhill-to-downtown, 13.1-mile USA Track & Field-sanctioned course in the heart of Texas. After the run, there will be a festival downtown. 7:30 a.m. $79 (virtual run), $149 (in-person run). 9700 Stonelake Blvd., Austin. www.downhilltodowntown.com
