Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct the Miracle on 5th Street's opening date.

Have a festive drink—ends Dec. 27

Pop-up bar Miracle on 5th Street will once again open its doors for the holiday season. The event takes place at The Eleanor and features holiday-themed drinks and wall-to-wall Christmas decor. Costs and times vary. The Eleanor, 307 W. Fifth St., Austin. 512-494-4094. www.miracleon5thst.com

Donate toys—ends Dec. 17

The Austin Police Department is celebrating its 50th year running Operation Blue Santa. New, unwrapped toys can be donated at any Chuy’s restaurant or at 4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260, Austin. www.bluesanta.org

Drive through the season—ends Dec. 30

Circuit of The Americas will host Peppermint Parkway, a 1-mile drive featuring millions of holiday lights synced to seasonal classics. This will be the third year of the event. This year’s offerings include two new villages, live dancing elves, and a holiday plaza with activities and food. 6:30-9 p.m. $35-plus. There are also add-on items, including meeting the event mascots. 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin. www.peppermintparkway.com

See a light show—ends Jan. 6

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters will continue its annual light show tradition. The event features light shows choreographed to music. Warm beverages, including hot chocolate and coffee, and snacks are available for purchase with tickets. 6 p.m. daily. Free (admission for Bavarian Marketplace standing group with reservation), $40-plus (tables). 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin. www.mozartscoffee.com

Carol with the crew—ends Dec. 31

ZACH Theatre will perform its adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The show merges modern music with the Victorian score. Times vary. $25 and up. 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-476-0541. www.zachtheatre.org

Shop for the season—ends Dec. 24

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar will return for the upcoming holiday season. The event features local artists selling a range of gifts from ceramics to toys. 10 a.m. daily. Free (admission). 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin. 512-222-7303. www.bluegenieartbazaar.com

Take part in a tradition—Nov. 27

The city of Austin will hold its annual Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting. The tree stands 155 feet tall, features 3,309 lights and is topped by a 10-foot star. The tree was first lit Dec. 10, 1967. 5:30 p.m. (preshow music), 6 p.m. (tree lighting). Free. 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.austintexas.gov

See a musical—Dec.2-Dec. 17

The Alchemy Theatre will put on a show called “Frost Bites: A Holiday Cabaret.” The show is a musical comedy that tells the story of six individuals finding themselves during the holidays and telling stories of loneliness, relationships, and more. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. $25 (general admission). 130 N. Pedernales St., Ste. 318, Austin. www.thealchemytheatre.org

Go to the ballet—Dec. 3-Dec. 23

For the 60th year, hundreds of Ballet Austin dancers will perform the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.” The production includes music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Times vary. $15-$125. 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-474-5664. www.balletaustin.org

Stroll through lights—Dec. 3-Dec. 26

The Wimberley Trail of Lights will offer a walking trail through roughly 8 acres of lights. Live entertainment on the stage next to a yule log, complimentary hot chocolate and Santa Claus will be at the event most nights with the exception of Dec. 24-25. 6 p.m. Free. 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley. www.emilyann.org/trailoflights.html

Celebrate locally—Dec. 3

Dripping Springs will celebrate the holiday season with Christmas on Mercer Street, a daylong festival. The event includes family activities, a holiday movie, a tree lighting, photos with Santa Claus and live music. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Mercer Street, Dripping Springs. www.cityofdrippingsprings.com

See the Santas—Dec. 3

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas will hold SantaCon to raise money for the nonprofit’s mission of bringing caring, adult mentors to children who need them. The event will bring together an estimated 750 people dressed in Santa and Christmas-related costumes. 2-6 p.m. $20. Rainey Street, Austin. www.bigmentoring.org/santacon

Celebrate German heritage—Dec. 3

The German-Texan Heritage Society will transform the German Free School and its gardens into a traditional Christmas Market. The event will feature decorations imported from the Erzgebirge, an East German region known for its Christmas customs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 507 E. 10th St., Austin. www.germantexans.org

Hear music from a classic—Dec. 3

The Paramount Theatre will host a live concert featuring music from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The show will feature pianist Michelle Schumann, bassist Utah Hamrick, drummer David Sierra and others. Noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $20-plus. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin. 512-472-5470. www.austintheatre.org

Go to the ballet—Dec. 3-23

For the 60th year, hundreds of Ballet Austin dancers will perform the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.” The production includes music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Times vary. $15-$125. The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-474-5664. www.balletaustin.org

Get in the holiday spirit—Dec. 6 - Dec. 11

A touring company will perform “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Bass Concert Hall this season. The show tells the classic Dr. Seuss story live and features the classic soundtrack. Times vary. $30-$130. 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. 512-471-1444. www.texasperformingarts.org

Listen to the orchestra—Dec. 7

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will stop in Austin as part of its annual winter tour. This year’s show is “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More.” 7 p.m. $49 and up. Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin. 512-651-7600. www.moodycenteratx.com

Walk through the lights—Dec. 8-23

The Austin Trail of Lights returns as a walk-thru event. This year’s spectacle will feature more than 2 million holiday lights, 90 holiday trees, lighted tunnels and more than 70 other displays. 7 p.m. General admission is free on some nights and $5 on others. Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.austintrailoflights.org

Get crafty with gifts—Dec. 10

The Austin Craft Lounge will put on a holiday market at its Handmade at Nutty Brown Store. The event will feature goods from local artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (admission). 12919 Nutty Brown Road, Austin. www.austincraftlounge.com

Shop local vendors—Dec. 17-23

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will return for a weeklong pop-up market. The event features fine art, jewelry and metal works from more than 100 artists. There will be live music daily. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. $12 (daily admission). Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin. 512-447-1605. www.armadillobazaar.com