Needing a day or night out without the kids? You’ve come to the right place. Here are the best FREE date nights and day events in Austin this week.
Tuesday, December 3 through Monday, December 9
Tuesday
UMLAUF After Dark Winter Fair ($5)
Tuesday, December 3 | from 6 to 8 p.m. | UMLAUF Sculpture Garden, 605 Azie Morton Road
Get a jump on your holiday shopping at our December UMLAUF After Dark! We’ll have local handmade goods and art from a great selection of local artists, plus Christmas carols from Tinsel, free beer from Austin Beerworks, and cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Tickets are free for members, $5 for everyone else.
Wednesday
Julie Myrtille Bakery Grand Opening
Wednesday, December 4 | from 6 to 8:30 p.m. | Julie Myrtille Bakery at Springdale General Complex, 1023 Springdale Road, Building 9E
Award winning pastry chef Julie Myrtille is opening a new bakery at Springdale General. Joining an artistic community of some of this town’s best, Julie Myrtille will provide her signature delicacies to an innovative and dynamic space. For nearly four years, Myrtille has translated the wonders of French cooking to people in the Texas Capital. The opening of her own shop signals a vibrant and healthy food scene for this perennially burgeoning town. Complimentary treats, cocktails, music and swags from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday
Southwestern University Candlelight Service
Thursday, December 5 | from 6 to 8 p.m. | Lois Perkins Chapel – Southwestern University, 1001 East University Avenue, Georgetown
The Sarofim School of Fine Arts’ Music Department is pleased to announce a Candlelight Service presented by the Southwestern University Singers and Chorale. Free and Open to the Public. No ticket reservation needed. Box Office: (512) 863-1378.
Friday
Community First! Village of Lights
Friday, December 6 | from 5:30 to 9 p.m. | Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Road
This FREE event boasts more than 250,000 lights choreographed to holiday music and is one of the biggest Christmas light displays in Central Texas! Santa will make an early visit and be available for family photos. Our Advent Market offers unique, handcrafted gifts made by formerly homeless artists and makers who live in Community First! Village. Classic Christmas movies will be featured each night at the Community Cinema.
A Musical Celebration of Christmas
Friday, December 6 | from 7:30 to 9 p.m. | 5201 Convict Hill Road
Join for this annual tradition, a Musical Celebration of Christmas! Featuring musical numbers by a live choir and orchestra made up of local musical talent. This free event is open to the community, ages 8 and up. Sunday dress requested. Performance starts at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Free parking available.
Saturday
Holiday Market
Saturday, December 7 | from 12 to 5 p.m. | Hotel San Jose, 1316 South Congress Avenue
If you’ve never been to San Jose’s courtyard lounge, now is the time. Food and drink specials while you shop and listen to tunes from DJ Feelin Groovy.
Santa Lounge & Market 2019
Saturday, December 7 | from 1 to 5 p.m. | W Austin, 200 Lavaca Street
Not only can you shop artisans from around Austin at W Austin and 2ND Street District’s holiday market, but Santa himself will be there to take photos with! This year, 2ND Street District is partnering with Boys & Girls Club of the Austin Area. The first 100 people to bring a toy donation to the market will receive a free cocktail to sip on while you shop the 2ND Street District stores.
KUT and KUTX Holiday Sing-A-Long
Saturday, December 7 | from 6 to 10 p.m. | Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue
Kick off the holiday season with KUT and KUTX at our annual Sing-Along, capped off by the countdown to the Tree Lighting and followed by the Downtown Austin Alliance’s Holiday Stroll. At 6 p.m., KUTX 98.9 music hosts John Aielli and Elizabeth McQueen will lead us in signing carols at the Capitol. Rusty on the lyrics to “The Twelve Days of Christmas”? We’ve got you covered with complimentary commemorative songbooks. At 7 p.m., we’ll countdown to the lighting of the downtown holiday tree at 11th St. and Congress Ave. After the tree lighting, stroll Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th streets for shopping, and free live music and entertainment for all ages.
Sunday
Elf Movie Night
Sunday, December 8 | from 6 to 8 p.m. | Rosewood, 1209 Rosewood Avenue
If you’re not in the holiday spirit yet, this night should help get you and your loved ones there. Join on the lawn at 6 p.m. and watch a holiday classic, Elf. It’s free for everyone! Hotdogs, Nachos, Movie Candy, Cornucopia Popcorn, and Murphy’s Mellows S’mores Kits will be for sale at the outdoor bar.
Easy Tiger Winter Movie Series
Sunday, December 8 | from 8 to 10:30 p.m. | Easy Tiger, 709 East 6th Street
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join for free holiday movies featuring your favorite seasonal films. Round up your elves for drinks & desserts in the Beer Garden – all movies start promptly at 8 p.m. Arrive early for good seats! December 8 movie is Elf.
Check out the Free Fun Calendar for more date nights and other ways to fill your week with fun Austin events.
