Dec. 28-Jan. 1 | Annual Holiday Lights & Ice


Austin-area residents have their last opportunity to skate at the indoor ice rink overlooking the Texas Hill Country. The event also features a display of twinkling lights and family-friendly activities.

Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m., 5-6:30 p.m., 7-8:30 p.m. and 9-10:30 p.m. (Dec. 28-31); 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. (Jan. 1)
Cost: $20 (child session), $25 (adult session), $25 (child session on Fri. or Sat. at 7 or 9 p.m.), $30 (adult session on Fri. or Sat. at 7 or 9 p.m.)
Where: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, 8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin
Website: www.omnihotels.com

Dec. 31 | Bob Schneider’s New Year’s Eve party


Austin-based singer-songwriter Bob Schneider performs at the Paramount. Schneider has written about 2,000 songs in the past 16 years.

Time: 9 p.m.
Cost: $35-$105 (depending on seat)
Where: Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin
Phone: 512-472-2901
Website: www.austintheatre.org

Dec. 31 | Austin's New Year


The annual family-friendly event features visual art installations, jugglers, storytellers, fire dancers and live music performances. Fifteen local and regional bands—including Tameca Jones, Shinyribs and Ray Wylie Hubbard—perform on three stages. A fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. Mobile vendors sell food at the event.

Time: 3-10:25 p.m
Cost: free
Where: Vic Mathias Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin
Website: www.austintexas.gov

Jan. 1-10 | Austin Free Week


Local bands, venues and promoters celebrate the new year by hosting free music shows throughout the city. The annual event has been held during the first week of January each year since 2003.

Visit the website for a list of event times and locations.
Cost: free
Website: www.do512.com/freeweekaustin