Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The bazaar features the handmade, unique work of over 200 artists, who are selected from a pool of over 400 applicants each year.
- Nov. 15-Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Free
- 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin
- www.bluegenieartbazaar.com
The 62nd annual production of "The Nutcracker" will feature 15 performances through the month of December. As the longest-running production in the state of Texas, over two million people have attended the production’s performances in the last six decades.
- Dec. 6-24, times vary
- Starting at $200
- Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin
- www.balletaustin.org
Austin’s holiday light walk-thru event will return to Zilker Park for its 60th year. Visit the trail to see over two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, over 65 holiday displays and more.
- Dec. 10-23, times vary
- Free-$8 (admission)
- 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin
- www.austintrailoflights.org
This 10-day market event at the Palmer Events Center will have fine art, handmade gifts and more from nearly 200 artists. There will also be daily live music.
- Dec. 14-23, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
- $12 (admission)
- 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin
- www.armadillobazaar.com
An immersive and reimagined production of holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” the Ventana Ballet & Red Nightfall Dance Theatre present the seventh anniversary production of “The Watchmaker's Song.” The performance showcases local professional performing artists at the Neill-Cochran House Museum.
- Dec. 19-21, times vary
- Tickets starting at $45
- 2310 San Gabriel St., Austin
- www.ventanaballet.com/watchmaker
Live music performances, food trucks, a beer garden and green space will be open to the public during Austin's annual New Year celebration, presented by Visit Austin and the City of Austin, at Auditorium Shores.
- Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-midnight
- Free (admission)
- 800 W. Riverside Drive, Austin
- www.austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year
A tradition since 2003, the winter festival offers no-cost live music across 12 venues in the Red River Cultural District, with a focus on performances by local and regional talent. Venues include long-established Austin haunts like Stubb’s, Swan Dive, Flamingo Cantina and more.
- Jan. 3-4, times vary
- Free (admission)
- Red River St., Austin
- www.redriverculturaldistrict.org/free-week
Sponsored by the Austin Area Heritage Council, the annual community march celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, highlighting diversity and multiculturalism within the city of Austin. A MLK community festival and food drive will follow the march at Huston-Tillotson University.
- Jan. 20, 9:30 a.m.
- Free (admission)
- South steps of the State Capitol; 1100 Congress Ave., Austin
- www.mlkcelebration.com/celebration-events/march-and-festival
