A holiday concert is one of the best ways to celebrate the season! Lucky for us, there are a bunch of fun and festive performances happening in and around Austin.
Here are our favorite holiday concerts and performances happening this Christmas season!
All Month Long
A Christmas Carol
November 10 through December 29 | ZACH Theatre, 202 South Lamar Boulevard
Sold out four years in a row, Austin’s hottest holiday tradition returns with new music and surprises to ring in the season. ZACH’s adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a score that spans all genres and eras.
A Christmas Carol
November 24 through December 30 | Springer Stage at Palace Theater, 810 Austin Avenue, Georgetown
Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
White Christmas
November 22 through December 29 | Palace Theatre, 810 South Austin Avenue, Georgetown
This show will have more than the normal 15 performances on weekends through December 29, with a couple of additional performances. See the full schedule here. About the show: Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight.
Bastrop’s Rockin’ Holiday Revue
Various Days December 6 through 22 | Bastrop Opera House, 711 Spring Street, Bastrop
Imagine this: the historic Bastrop Opera House main stage decked out with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, a charismatic MC leading the night, a live band bringing the spirit of the season to life with every beat, and a cast of incredibly talented local performers delivering a selection of beloved holiday classics — all with a rockin’ twist and a juke-box vibe that will have you tapping your feet and clapping along. Featuring rockin’ performances and lighthearted skits, this event promises fun for audiences of all ages.
The Nutcracker
December 6 through 23 | Dell Hall at The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
From the twinkling lights, whirling snowflakes, and sparkling beauty of the exquisite sets and costumes comes the heart-warming story of young Clara and her nutcracker. Bringing the magic of the holiday season, the 61st annual production of The Nutcracker remains Austin’s longest-running live production. Join us as we share this beloved and enduring story, featuring live accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score performed by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Experience the enchantment of the holiday season!
Holiday Heroes
Various Dates, December 7 through 21 | The Topfer at ZACH Theatre, 202 South Lamar Boulevard
By overwhelming demand, the beloved, ORIGINAL Holiday Heroes is back, with even more festive fun and interactive surprises! Incorporating elements and traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, this uproariously entertaining sing-along is guaranteed to get everyone into the spirit of the season! Age Recommendation: 3 and up.
Sorry! Wrong Chimney!
December 8 through December 30 | Playhouse Stage at the Palace Theater, 810 Austin Avenue
David Tuttle is moonlighting as a department store Santa so that he can buy his wife a fur for Christmas. He tells her he’s working late at the office, but she finds out he isn’t at the office. A suspected other woman, hypnotism, the notorious Santa burglar Kris Kreigle and his gun-toting fiancée, and a confused policeman add up to a rollicking tale that is hilarious Christmas entertainment any time of year.
Week Of December 2 through 8
The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus Presents ‘Twas the Night Before
December 6 through 8 | First Austin, 901 Trinity Street
Okay, so picture this: It’s the holiday season, and you’re about to experience a show that’s more festive, fabulous, and joy-packed than any ugly Christmas sweater party you’ve ever attended. The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus is bringing you ‘Twas the Night Before: Tales of the Winter Season, and trust me, you’re not ready for the level of merriment about to go down. Tickets start at just $20 and are available at www.AGMCSings.org.
Mariachi Herencia de México – A Mariachi Christmas
December 6 | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Celebrate the holidays with the heartwarming sounds of Mariachi Herencia de México! In this special Christmas edition of their world tour, La Nueva Generación, the 2x Latin GRAMMY®-nominated ensemble delivers a holiday concert that honors both the magic of Christmas and the cultural vibrancy of Mexico. Experience an unforgettable night as they blend beloved holiday classics with mariachi traditions, creating an electrifying and unforgettable night of Mexican music and culture.
Graham Reynolds Ruins The Holidays
December 6 and 7 | Rollins Studio Theatre, 701 W. Riverside Drive
It’s about that time to Ruin the Holidays! For the seventh time in Rollins Studio Theatre, composer and bandleader Graham Reynolds will burn down the house with his raucous, minor key versions of your holiday favorites. Spoiling the holiday vibes this year will be special guest and first time Ruiner Carolyn Trowbridge (vibraphone). Join Graham and several more special guests to start your holiday season with a bang!
A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 7 | The State Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue
Join the Austin Chamber Music Center for a live concert of all of your favorite tunes from the holiday classic! Celebrate the season with the original Charlie Brown music of Vince Guaraldi featuring pianist Michelle Schumann, bassist Utah Hamrick, drummer David Sierra, and other special guests including Snoopy!
A Very Electric Christmas
December 8 | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue
This electrified tale from Lightwire Theater (Tortoise and Hare in 2022) follows the journey of a young bird named Max and his family as they embark on their migration south for the winter. When a gust of wind blows Max off course, he finds himself in a wondrous and unfamiliar world at the North Pole. Follow Max’s adventures as he encounters dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms, and performing poinsettias, all while trying to find his way back to his family. A soundtrack of timeless holiday hits from Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, and Tchaikovsky, accompanies this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship, and hope featuring Lightwire’s award-winning electroluminescent puppetry.
Week of December 9 through 15
Jelly’s 12th Annual Christmas Jam
December 12 | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Boulevard
Since 2012, Jelly’s Christmas Jam has been regarded as one of Austin’s most exciting live music events during the holiday season. This year Jelly is celebrating 12 years of the Christmas Jam, which features a very special evening of live music from some of Austin’s hottest bands and artists. The evening also includes a very special jam featuring many special guests who have all come together to help raise money for the Austin Firefighters Relief and Outreach Fund.
Merry & Bright: Wavemakers Holiday Concert and Market
December 12 | The 04 Center, 2701 S Lamar Boulevard
Join for Wavemaker’s holiday concert, featuring an incredible lineup of artists: Suzanna Choffel, Lurleen Ladd, Wendy Colonna, and Erin Ivey. Get ready for an evening of Christmas cheer! Enjoy shopping treasures made by local women musicians showcasing their unique wares: jewelry, ceramics, and gifts. Holiday shopping starts at 7 p.m. with the concert at 8 p.m.
Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens – A Rockin’ Holiday Evening
December 13 | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue
Whether through combining their celebrated catalogs, writing and recording new music, or reinterpreting their favorite musical works by others…There’s a whole lotta roots-rocking funky coolness coming your way. The kind gets exponentially cooler when two of the scrappiest and most respected acts to ever tumble out of Texas — Hayes Carll and The Band of Heathens — join forces.
Ian Moore Family Christmas
December 13 | The State Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue
Ian Moore returns to the State Theatre for his seventh mostly-acoustic Family Christmas show. Rare songs and special guests will be in store. Known to Austin music fans since his teenage years playing the clubs here, Ian Moore had an attention-getting stint in Joe Elys band that helped lead to his own record deal with Capricorn in the early 1990s. Since then, he’s released nearly a dozen albums and several EPs.
A Riverbend Family Christmas
December 15 | Riverbend Church, 4214 North Capital of Texas Highway
Get ready for goodness, merriment, and holiday cheer – you and your family are invited to “A Riverbend Family Christmas,” a Christmas concert featuring Riverbend’s Worship Choir and Riverbend’s Children’s Choir. All are welcome to enjoy this evening filled with everything Christmas, from kids’ Christmas songs to timeless carols to brand new arrangements the RB Worship Choir debuted over Thanksgiving at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Bring the entire family and get your FREE tickets today!
December 16 through 22
Hoppy Holidays with Tinsel Singers
December 15, 21 and 22 | Neill-Cochran House, 2301 San Gabriel Street
Beerthoven’s annual holiday tradition returns featuring the Tinsel Singers on the front steps of the Neill-Cochran House Museum for a concert of carols, cocoa, and a cup of good beer. Beerthoven is proud to partner once again with the Tinsel Singers! Tinsel is not your average group of Christmas carolers. Within Tinsel’s roster of professional singers are Grammy®-winners and classically-trained vocalists, entertaining audiences with style and distinction. From classical to contemporary, Tinsel arrangements of holiday favorites are bright and innovative, while respecting tradition and cherished memories.
A Drag Queen Christmas
December 16 | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Boulevard
It’s a magical (and hilarious) evening of holiday performances featuring contestants from the reality television show on VH1.
Robert Earl Keen’s Lights, Camera, Christmas!
December 17 and 18 | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Boulevard
Lights, Camera, Christmas: Not your usual holiday show with fake snow and false feel-goods. This year’s theme takes its cue from classic films beloved by the Keen family: Pretty Woman, Pulp Fiction, The Big Lebowski, and more. REK and the band have worked up familiar songs from these flicks and sprinkled in a few of their favorite holiday songs for good measure. Of course, the night won’t be complete until we all sing “Merry Christmas From The Family,” the song that normalized the dysfunctional family gathering. We can all relate. For the Grinches in the audience, don’t worry, they’ll play the non-holiday REK hits you hope to hear, too. 90 minutes of not having to make small talk with Brother Ken, New Wife Kay, Fred and Rita, and Cousin David!
The Nightmare Before Christmas with the Austin Symphony Orchestra
December 17 | Long Center, 701 West Riverside Drive
One of Tim Burton’s most celebrated films, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, will be projected on the big screen with dialog and effects accompanied by Danny Elfman’s enigmatic score played live by your Austin Symphony Orchestra!
Ballet Afrique – Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite
December 19 | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Ballet Afrique returns to the stage with the fifth annual production of Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite. On December 19th, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the holiday season reimagined through the lively, jazz-infused sounds of Ellington’s take on Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
Aubrey Logan & Her Bigger Than Average Christmas Show
December 19 | ACL LIVE at 3TEN, 310 W. Willie Nelson Boulevard
Aubrey Logan and Her Bigger Than Average Christmas Show is a spectacular holiday experience that blends the magic of Christmas with the electrifying energy of Aubrey Logan’s signature style. Featuring the best of her festive favorites alongside selections from her acclaimed Bigger Than Average big band album, this show promises a joyful celebration filled with powerhouse vocals, dazzling trombone solos, and swinging arrangements. With a mix of holiday classics and original tunes performed by a top-tier big band, Aubrey delivers an unforgettable evening of music, humor, and heartwarming holiday cheer.
Michael Martin Murphey Cowboy Christmas
December 22 | Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue
For three decades, Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas has been an extraordinary blend of music, encompassing his numerous best-selling Christmas albums, alongside his beloved country and pop hits. This vibrant holiday celebration takes the form of a captivating multi-media production, featuring Murphey’s renowned “Rio Grande Band,” dramatic lighting, video, as well as the use of Western Art, captivating master-artist photographs, breathtaking videos, and delightful cowboy poetry. “Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas” beautifully captures the rustic essence of the story of Jesus’ birth in the countryside village of Bethlehem, where the joyous tidings first reached the humble livestock caretakers and herders, often referred to as “cowboys,” over two millennia ago.
A Merry-Achi Christmas Concert With Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez
December 22 | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Boulevard
Latin Grammy nominees Maestro José Hernández and his world-renowned Mariachi Sol de México – Mariachi Ambassadors – return to ACL Live at Moody Theatre in Austin, Texas, with their annual Christmas holiday show “A Merry-Achi Christmas.” The program showcases the ensemble’s musicianship, playing mariachi favorites as well as the most well-known and beloved Christmas music, such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, performed mariachi-style by one of the most critically acclaimed mariachis.
Messiah
December 22 | Rodney And Mary Klett Performing Arts Center, 2211 N. Austin Avenue, Georgetown
“Messiah,” majestic in emotional depth and spiritual resonance, is a holiday favorite. The rich, memorable, and emotionally powerful music will culminate in our joining Panoramic Voices in singing The Hallelujah Chorus… and then … we will welcome our very special “surprise” guest!
Featured photo via iStock user Giuseppe Manfra.
