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!
A Christmas Carol
November 17 through December 31 | 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.
The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus Presents There’s Something About Merry
December 1 through 3 | First Austin, 901 Trinity Street
There’s Something About Merry is a festive musical journey that will include holiday standards and chorus favorites as well as new songs from cultures around the world. The set list will include nods to Mary, marry and merry. As always, there will be several moments of levity and hilarity interspersed with more traditional variations of the classics. Tickets start at just $20 and are available at www.AGMCSings.org.
It’s a Wonderful Life Live Radio Play
Various Days December 1 through 17 | Bastrop Opera House, 711 Spring Street
Don’t touch your dial! America’s favorite holiday classic is live on stage at a snowbound 1940s radio station, with every memorable character, wacky sound effect, and the heartwarming conclusion of the iconic film recreated live before your ears—and eyes! With humor and humanity, George Bailey’s tale of love, loss, and redemption.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 2 | 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! Bring your family to this Austin tradition and get in the holiday spirit!
The Nutcracker
December 2 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!
Samara Joy A Joyful Holiday Featuring The McLendon Family
December 3 | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
With her Grammy Award-winning Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, 23-year-old Bronx native
Samara Joy made a compelling case to join the likes of Sarah, Ella, and Billie as the next
mononymous jazz singing sensation recorded by the venerable label. That legacy was
cemented when she was named ‘Best New Artist’ at this year’s Grammys. The first Gen Z jazz
superstar, Samara’s voice — rich and velvety — has already earned her legions of fans around
the world. In this special holiday show, Joy performs with three generations of her family on
dreamy, gospel-infused interpretations of Christmas gems O Holy Night, Warm in December,
and more.
Handel’s Messiah
December 5 | Riverbend Centre, 4214 N Capital of Texas HWY
The Austin Symphony Orchestra presents its holiday tradition, Handel’s Messiah, accompanied by Chorus Austin for you and your family. Conducted by Artistic Director and Conductor of Chorus Austin, Ryan Heller, this concert is a perfect festivity for the season. Both a holiday classic and a city favorite, this night of musical magic will comfort you through its familiarity and fill you with the joy of rediscovery. Let us begin your winter holiday with everyone’s favorite Messiah performance of the season!
A John Waters Christmas
December 5 | Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue
Oh God, he’s back. Like the demented Tooth Fairy, the rabid Easter Bunny, or the grandiose Great Pumpkin, the Old Saint Nick of Nutcases is ready to tour again with his all new holiday comedy show from hell. But John Waters doesn’t need any enslaved reindeer or un-unionized elves, not even a non-binary Mrs Claus. No sirree, he can spread his sticks-and-stones humor all by himself to the bad little boys and girls and thems who have been haughty and anything-but-nice all year. And wait ’til you see what’s inside his bag of Christmas-Evil presents! Celebrity blow up dolls! New yuletide diseases with booster shots that actually get you high! Kindergarten detention drag shows in Florida! Even gift certificates to the Dark Web for your parents!
A Country Christmas
December 7 | Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut Street
A Country Christmas themed Opry night! Join as we celebrate the season with a special night of fun and fellowship as the Farm Street Opry Band and guest perform great country music and your holiday favorites. Plus, Santa will make a special appearance!
POP!
December 8 through 31 | ZACH360 in The Kleberg at ZACH Theatre, 202 South Lamar Boulevard
Get your jolly on at ZACH’s new and festive sing-along celebration! A cornucopia of music, POP! is a party mix of seasonal standards and chart-topping hits by Taylor Swift, NSYNC, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Wham!, The Beatles, and more! Sip a date-night cocktail at a cabaret table for two, or snag a row of seats as a gift for your besties. POP!’s emcee will guide revelers through the evening—feel free to holiday your way and sing along—or not! Holiday attire and ugly sweaters are encouraged.
Una Noche Buena
December 9 and 16 | ZACH Theatre, 202 South Lamar Boulevard
On the last night of Las Posadas, a 10-year-old boy has been brought into a new family of Los Cantantes full of big personalities, loud voices, and blended holiday traditions. Join for a fun, new holiday story about family, community, and acceptance!
Jolly Holidays
December 9 | Rodney And Mary Klett Performing Arts Center, 2211 N. Austin Avenue, Georgetown
Central Texas Musical Arts is an organization created by musicians for musicians in order to help inspire others through the power of music. This is one of two performances happening in the Austin are in December.
Jolly Holidays
December 10 | Rouse High School Auditorium, 1222 Raider Way, Leander
Central Texas Musical Arts is an organization created by musicians for musicians in order to help inspire others through the power of music. This is one of two performances happening in the Austin are in December.
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show Starring BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon
December 14 | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
You better watch out, you better not cry, because “The Queens of Christmas” (Entertainment
Weekly) are coming back to YOUR town with a brand-new edition of the internationally
acclaimed The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show! Another holiday season brings another year of
fabulous spectacle, whip-smart comedy, brand new songs, and annual favorites. Join the sugary
DeLa and spicy Jinkx for an evening the New York Times says is “sure to lift your spirits and
make you howl with laughter.”
Home Alone In Concert
December 14 | The Long Center, 701 West Riverside Drive
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by your Austin Symphony Orchestra. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
Il Divo—A New Day Holiday Tour
December 15 | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
In 2004, a collective of distinct voices and dynamic personalities initially united and left an
indelible imprint upon music and culture. Il Divo have ascended to unprecedented and
unparalleled heights as multiplatinum classical crossover progenitors whose influence resounds
in every corner of the globe. Their presence has underscored momentous events, including the
Summer Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Diamond Jubilee at Windsor, and the Commander-in-
Chief’s Ball, to name a few. With songs recorded in Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Latin,
English, and Japanese, their catalog has impressively yielded global sales of 30 million-plus
units with 50 number one hits and 160 gold and platinum records throughout 35 countries.
Candlelight: Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
December 15 | Historic Sanctuary at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E. 8th Street
Candlelight Concerts are an original series of music concerts created by Fever, which aim to democratize access to classical music by allowing people all over the world to enjoy live candlelit performances by local musicians. The concerts are hosted in stunning locations, with the space and performers illuminated by thousands of candles.
Grateful For Christmas: An Evening With Hayes Carll & Friends
December 16 | A Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue
Join acclaimed singer-songwriter Hayes Carll and a curated cast of some of his favorite musicians and singers for a holiday-themed evening of music and connection.
Round Rock Community Choir Concert
December 16 | Round Rock First United Methodist Church, 1004 N Mays Street, Round Rock
Every year the Round Rock Community Choir and Round Rock Youth Choir present its free “Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert” as a gift to itscommunity. The Council Oak Bells will add festive cheer and an instrumental ensemble will accompany sing-a-longs to traditional holiday favorites.
Tapestry Dance Company’s The Precious Present – Listen
December 16 and 17 | Austin Ventures Studio Theatre, 501 W. 3rd Street
The Precious Present – Listen weaves together the American musical foundations and culture of jazz with a palette of diverse dance techniques from tap dance to flamenco and from modern dance to visual art creating a performance that truly celebrates Austin’s incredible and mutually supportive artistic community. Tickets start at $35 (with pay what you can option) and are available www.tapestry.org
Michael Martin Murphey Cowboy Christmas
December 17 | 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.
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony
December 19 | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Now an annual tradition, and in celebration of the most wonderful time of year, the world’s biggest-selling soprano and legendary Grammy Award-nominated artist Sarah Brightman brings
her A Christmas Symphony tour to Bass Concert Hall this December!
Last year, A Christmas Symphony traveled internationally to Japan and Southeast Asia and was
met with standing ovations and rave reviews. It warmed hearts of both fans and critics alike,
being named the ultimate holiday event! Accompanied by orchestra, choir and special guests,
this magical holiday show will feature Sarah performing many of her holiday classics and
greatest hits.
A Merry-Achi Christmas Concert With Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez
December 20 | 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.
Candlelight Holiday Special featuring “The Nutcracker” and More
December 21 | AFS Cinema, 6259 Middle Fiskville Road
Candlelight Concerts are an original series of music concerts created by Fever, which aim to democratize access to classical music by allowing people all over the world to enjoy live candlelit performances by local musicians. The concerts are hosted in stunning locations, with the space and performers illuminated by thousands of candles.
Candlelight: Holiday Jazz and Soul Classics feat. Ella Fitzgerald
December 22 | The Mansion – Austin, 2312 San Gabriel Street
The Mansion will host a special Candlelight: Holiday Jazz and Soul Classics feat. Ella Fitzgerald, including favorite hits such as I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and more, played by Michael Sailors and the Higher Calling Orchestra
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
December 29 | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition
for over 35 years! Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features
Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes dazzling
multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the
season comes alive!
Featured photo via iStock user Giuseppe Manfra.
