The holidays can be stressful, so why not relax and take in some holiday music, dance, or even a comedy show? Of course Austin is full of entertainment options, but our list of holiday shows has one extra advantage: Every event listed here is free. Whether you are looking for classical music, laughs, or dance, you can find it below.
Are there any more events you know of? Tell us in the comments.
Austin Symphony’s Christmas in the Community
December 1-20
Locations vary
Organizers say: The Austin Symphony is once again bringing free music to all Austinites this holiday season. “Christmas in the Community” is a series of concerts held throughout the city of Austin featuring different ensembles of the orchestra playing familiar holiday music. The program kicks off on December 1st at the Macy’s at Barton Creek Mall and concludes December 20th with big band music by members of the orchestra at Central Public Library. complete schedule
Abuelita’s Christmas Carol
December 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center, 600 Red River St.
Organizers say: Abuelita’s Christmas Carol is a delightful one-hour performance that tells the story of Abuelita, a Mexican-American grandmother who feels that her life doesn’t matter until spirits from her past help her realize how much she is truly loved. This free show is a comic and heart-warming story for all audiences. more information
Noche Navideña
December 8 at 4 p.m.
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican-American Cultural Center, 600 Red River St.
Organizers say: Each year Univision TV partners with ESB-MACC to bring you a family program to kick off the Christmas season with music, arts activities, and much more. This Christmas-themed event features Posada, ornament making, Latin American music, folkloric ballet, mariachis, and more! more information
This Asian American Life: A Holiday Comedy Show
December 14 and 15 at 8 p.m.
Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd.
Organizers say: Hot Pot Comedy presents This Asian American Life, a holiday sketch comedy show featuring Austin’s only all-Asian American sketch comedy troupe. Join them for a night of family-friendly, irreverent humor based on their personal experiences and what it means to live an Asian American life. more information
The Nutcracker: A Sweet Duke Ellington Suite
December 15 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
George Washington Carver Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St.
Organizers say: Ballet Afrique and The George Washington Carver Ambassadors present “The Nutcracker: A Sweet Duke Ellington Suite.” Join us for a free afternoon of crafts, performance, and a tribute to Harlem Renaissance pianist and composer Duke Ellington. more information
Austin Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert
December 16 at noon
State Capitol Rotunda
Organizers say: Enjoy traditional holiday favorites such as Sleigh Ride, Rudolph, a Christmas sing-along, music from Haydn’s Toy Symphony, and “Deckin’ the Halls” by Kathryn Ellis.
Austin Classical Guitar’s Season’s Greetings
December 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Central Library, 701 W. Cesar Chavez St.
Organizers say: Join us for a holiday celebration for everyone! Austin Classical Guitar is bringing together local artists to share stories and songs about this special time of year. more information
Austin Civic Wind Ensemble Christmas Concert
December 16 at 5 p.m.
Covenant United Methodist Church, 4410 Duval Rd.
Organizers say: Please join us for a concert of your favorite holiday music including Leroy Anderson’s classic A Christmas Festival and music from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
Rockin’ Holiday Extravaganza
December 20 at 5:30 p.m.
The Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Organizers say: Panoramic Voices returns to the Blanton Museum of Art for a fifth collaboration with Austin symphonic rock staple, the Invincible Czars, and special guests Nakia, Taylor Muse (Quiet Company) and Carrie Fussell (Calliope Musicals). This free concert features some expected favorites while also reaching out to those for whom the holidays are difficult, offering hope in the form of poignant anthems and seasonal sing-a-longs. more information
TubaChristmas Austin
December 21 at noon
South Steps of the State Capitol
Organizers say: Created by Harvey Phillips, Merry TubaChristmas 2018 concerts will be presented in over 300 cities throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. Every performance features traditional Christmas carols especially arranged for the first TubaChristmas, December 22, 1974, on “The Rink at Rockefeller Center” by American composer Alec Wilder. more information
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