Things to do in Austin this week | Image credit: Texas Performing Arts

Our top choices for things to do in Austin this Week of December 5, 2022, include How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Christmas at the Caverns, 58th Annual Austin Trail of Lights, and more! Austin is now among the fastest-growing metroplexes in the US! Keeping up with the growth, luckily, there’s plenty going on in Austin all days of the week.

There are things to do on Monday in Austin, of course, things to do in Austin on Saturday night, and everything in between! Some of you may be looking for things to do in Austin with family, while others may be focused on free things to do in Austin this week. Either way, you can be sure that we have you covered in our list below.

Things to do in Austin this week of December 5, 2022 – Monday

Natural Bridge Caverns Christmas at the Caverns

Image credit: Natural Bridge Caverns

Christmas at the Natural Bridge Caverns is nothing but extra special! And this year, they’ll be kicking up the festivities a notch.

One of the things you can’t miss here is the carols that will echo throughout Texas’ largest underground cavern. They won’t sound like anything you’ve heard before. In addition to that, you can also visit Santa “Spelunker” Claus, join Mrs. Claus for story time, and help Santa round up his reindeer in the 5000 sq. ft. maze. 

As the sun sets, their trail of lights will also light up the place and if you’re filling a little chilly, you can roast some s’mores by the campfire. There will also be bbq, music, and shopping.

When: Monday, December 5 – 23, 2022 | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Where: Natural Bridge Caverns, 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

How much: $17.99 – $46.99

Ice Rink at the Long Center

Get ready for a magical skating experience at the Long Center because Geoji will be bringing the famous Rockefeller Center experience here to Austin! 

Come by and skate under the beautiful lights with the best views of the city. You can also cozy up with a hot cup of cocoa, fresh popcorn, and Hot Toddy and Christmas cookies.

Your ticket includes a skate rental and an hour on the ice. However, make sure to reserve a spot now or tickets might get sold out on the day you arrive. Also, children under 12 would need adult supervision and younger kids under 5 would require an accompanying adult skater to get on the rink.

When: Monday, December 5,  2022 – January 1, 2023

Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

How much: $15

Fun Things to do in Austin this week of December 5, 2022 – Tuesday

Broadway in Austin: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Image credit: Texas Performing Arts

If you loved the animated special of the Grinch, then you’ll surely love this one too!

Narrated by Max the dog, the story revolves around the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small” who decides to steal Christmas from the Whos. 

The sets and costumes of the musical are all inspired by the illustrations in the Dr. Seuss original which will help transport you to the whimsical world of Whoville. The musical will also feature hit songs like “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” Grab your tickets now!

When: Tuesday, December 6 – 11, 2022, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712

How Much: $30 – $130

Holiday Tree Light Show

Image credit: Domain Northside

Holiday tree light shows really help put everybody in the holiday spirit and you can enjoy some of that every Tuesday at Domain NORTHSIDE. 

They’ll be lighting up their wonderful tree every hour on the hour on Tuesdays so make sure you head on over a little earlier to get a good spot to take your holiday photos. 

The holiday tree is located right next to The Lawn across the street from Apple.

When: Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 12 p.m.

Where: Domain NORTHSIDE, 11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758

How Much: Free

Things to do in Austin this week of December 5, 2022 – Wednesday

Marywald Christmas Light Display

Image credit: Maywald Christmas Light Display

If you’re looking for a proper Christmas light display to enjoy this season in Austin, look no further than the Marywald Christmas Light Display. Hailed as one of the best traditional displays in Austin, you’re sure to have fun here with your friends or family. There will be plenty of displays to see and also plenty of photo opportunities you should take so take it all in!

When: Wednesday, December 7 – 28, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Marywald Christmas Light Display, 10505 Twilight Vista, Austin, TX 78736

How much: Free

Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

Hear your favorite classic holiday tunes in a whole other way in this rock opera! 

Progressive rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to Austin as part of their 2022 Winter Tour to present “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More” where they’ll play a completely updated presentation of old classics.

You’ll hear tunes like “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” “O’ Come All Ye Faithful,” “Good King Joy,” “Christmas Canon,” “Music Box Blues,” “Promises To Keep,” and “This Christmas Day.” They’ll also be performing more of TSO’s greatest hits like “Wizards In Winter,” “A Mad Russian’s Christmas,” and more in a second set.

When: Wednesday, December 7, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712

How much: Starts at $49

Things to do in Austin this week of December 5, 2022 – Thursday

58th Annual Austin Trail of Lights

Image credit: Austin Trail of Lights

The Annual Austin Trail of Lights is back! The longest-running holiday tradition of its kind is ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of guests again who are looking to make cherished memories in a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland in Austin.

The trail features more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. Here, you’ll be able to feel the Christmas spirit in every corner so book a schedule with your loved ones now!

When: Thursday, December  8 – 23, 2022 | 5:45 p.m.

Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746

How much: Free – $20 per individual

Things to do in Austin this week of December 5, 2022 – Friday

Krampus: The Fright Before Christmas

Believe it or not, Christmas also has a dark and scary side to it, especially for naughty people who aren’t on Santa’s nice list. That side is called Krampus. 

Instead of Santa, the elves, and his reindeer, you’ll see all sorts of frightening Christmas characters in their horror versions in the House of Torment’s festival. Instead of gifts, you’ll be given frights and screams. And here, you’ll be able to celebrate the holidays like never before and maybe discover your deepest Christmas fears. So make sure to come with a friend if you don’t want to suffer or get embarrassed all alone. 

When: Friday, December 9 – 10, 2022 | 7 p.m.

Where: House of Torment, 2632 Ridgepoint Dr, Austin, TX 78754

How much: $29.99 – $79.99

Things to do in Austin on Saturday – December 10, 2022

Holiday Hill Country Hoedown

Image credit: shopaf.co

Enjoy plenty of holiday shopping for your loved ones along with holiday cocktails, bites, and sounds of Texas country at the Holiday Hill Country Hoedown! The American Field has invited a variety of outdoor brands for the event. With that, you’ll surely be able to find plenty of unique items that you or your loved ones might love. It’s time to get your shopping shoes on!

When: Saturday, December 10 – 11, 2022, 11 a.m.

Where: Distribution Hall, 1500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702

How Much: Free – $10

Things to do in Austin this week of December 5, 2022 – Sunday

Rainey Street Silent Disco

Dance like no one’s watching at the Rainey Street Silent Disco!

The event will feature three live DJs who will spin three different genres of music. DJ 1 will play Top 40 Dance Hits, DJ 2 will play ’80s, ’90s & 2K Throwbacks, and DJ 3: Hip Hop, R&B.

Once you arrive at the event, organizers will give you headphones and glow-in-the-dark gear. And as long as you’re comfy, you can wear whatever you want. Once you’re all set, you can dance to your heart’s content with no care in the world.

When: Sunday, December 11, 2022, 10 p.m.

Where: Augustine, 86 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

How Much: $10 – $25

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Things to do in Austin this week of November 28 | Winter Wanderland | Image credit: Austin Motel

Our top choices for things to do in Austin this Week of November 28, 2022, include Winter Wanderland, 17th Annual Tower Lighting, Inspired Minds Holiday Bazaar, and more!

Austin is now among the fastest-growing metroplexes in the US! Keeping up with the growth, luckily, there’s plenty going on in Austin all days of the week.

There are things to do on Monday in Austin, of course, things to do in Austin on Saturday night, and everything in between! Some of you may be looking for things to do in Austin with family, while others may be focused on free things to do in Austin this week. Either way, you can be sure that we have you covered in our list below.

Things to do in Austin this week of November 28, 2022 – Monday

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is back for its 22nd five-week run! Explore nearly 200 local artists selling hand-crafted creations. The best part is that you can choose from four shopping options including in-store, ordering online for store pickup, online shopping, and using a personal shopper.

Get ready to fill your bags!

When: Monday, November 28 – December 24, 2022 | 10 a.m.

Where: Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd ste b, Austin, TX 78752

How much: Free

Fun Things to do in Austin this week of November 28, 2022 – Tuesday

17th Annual Tower Lighting

Mueller’s favorite tradition is back as an in-person event for the 17th Annual Tower Lighting event!

Come with your family or friends and watch the annual lighting of the control tower at 6:30 p.m. You can also continue the celebrations with refreshments, music, giveaways, a performance from the Northeast Early College High School Drumline, and a snowball fight. Mark your calendars!

When: Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 5:30 p.m.

Where: John Gaines Park, 2708 Sorin St, Austin, TX 78723

How Much: Free

Things to do in Austin this week of November 28, 2022 – Wednesday

Inspired Minds Holiday Bazaar

Image credit: Inspired Minds Art Center

Get to shop for unique and handmade crafts at the Inspired Minds Art Center for your loved ones or for yourself. This holiday season, the center will be filling the gallery with handmade fine arts and crafts of all kinds created by local artists, artisans, crafters, and makers. You can also enter a raffle to win a very special gift basket.

When: Wednesday, November 30 – December 24, 2022 | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Inspired Minds Art Center, 121 Main St, Buda, TX 78610

How much: Free

Things to do in Austin this week of November 28, 2022 – Thursday

A Sherlock Holmes Christmas

Nothing stops Sherlock Holmes from solving the world’s greatest cases, even Christmas. This holiday season, watch him and his trusty friend Dr. Watson solve the mystery of a missing flawless blue diamond hidden in a Christmas goose. In this play, the pair move through the wealthy drawing rooms of the 1890s aristocrats to the seedy side of Victorian London to follow the clues alongside with live classical music, carol singing, holiday cheer, and a bit of wassail. There will also be games, themed refreshments, live music, and interaction with the actors. Audiences are also highly encouraged to wear their favorite Victorian outfits.

When: Thursday, December 1 – December 18, 2022 | 8 p.m.

Where: Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754

How much: $10 – $35

The Hansel and Gretel – The Immersive Edible Experience

Did you ever read Hansel and Gretel as a child and wish you could taste that delicious gingerbread house that lured in the siblings? Well, here’s your chance to do so! In this immersive experience, you’ll be the main character and you’ll journey through the witch’s cottage where almost everything around you is edible!

Make sure you come in hungry though because, for the first time in your life, you’ll be able to chow down on furniture, ornaments, and even the walls. You can even get your fill of liquid chocolate from the chocolate pond!

This is a foodie’s dream so make sure to gather your friends and treat your tastebuds to a unique experience now! Take note, however, they’re only taking pre-registration so you’ll have to sign up to get your ticket price and the location of the event.

When: Thursday, December 1, 2022 

Where: Secret Location; Revealed only to registering participants

How much: Revealed only to registering participants; Visit site for more details.

Safer Together Benefit Concert

Attend a night of great music while contributing for a great cause at the Safer Together Benefit Concert! The event will help raise awareness and funds for SIMS so they can continue their work providing mental health and substance use recovery services to the music industry and their dependent family members.

The concert also aims to help spread awareness about overdose death prevention. The concert series will feature multiple performances across three locally owned and operated music venues including Mohawk (Indoor), The Green Jay, and Empire (Garage). The concert is free to attend but donations are highly encouraged with all the proceeds going to SIMS.

When: Thursday, December 1, 2022 | 8 p.m.

Where: Mohawk Austin, 912 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

How much: Free | Donations encouraged

Winter Wanderland

Image credit: Austin Motel

Have a bright time and a swell time taking in all the twinkly sights and spirits at the courtyard and pool at the Austin Motel! Invite your friends and wander through the trees, grab a drink or two, and experience the best of Winter Wanderland. There will also be tons of fun festive activities so keep your eyes peeled open for surprises.

When: Thursday, December 1 – December 26, 2022 

Where: Austin Motel, 1220 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

How much: Free

Things to do in Austin this week of November 28, 2022 – Friday

Community First! Village of Lights and Holiday Market

Image credit: Community First Village

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the lights and this Friday, you can get to enjoy a dancing show of more than 250 000 lights at the Community First! Village of Lights and Holiday Market. In addition to that, you can get to shop unique, handcrafted gifts by artists and makers living in the Community First! Village.

There will also be food available for purchase. And you can even get to watch classic Christmas movies at the Community Cinema and have pictures with Santa.

When: Friday, December 2 – 10, 2022 | 5:30 p.m.

Where: Community First! Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd Suite 950, Austin, TX 78724, United States

How much: Free

Things to do in Austin on Saturday – December 3, 2022

Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker

Image credit: Anne Marie Bloodgood Ballet Austin

Watch and enjoy a wonderful Christmas classic with Ballet Austin’s performance of The Nutcracker this Saturday! From the scrumptious sets and costumes to the colorful characters, you’ll surely be delighted by the performance.

Hundreds of dancers are set to perform Stephen Mills’ enchanting choreography to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s magical score with live accompaniment from Austin Symphony Orchestra. So make sure you book your seats early!

When: Saturday, December 3 – 23, 2022, 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

How Much: $15 – $125

Things to do in Austin this week of November 28, 2022 – Sunday

Westlake Wonderfest

Image credit: Westlake Chamber of Commerce

If you’re looking for an event with tons of family fun things to do this Sunday, look no further than the Westlake Wonderfest! Here, the afternoon will be filled with games and activities, free food provided by local restaurants, and photos with Santa Claus.

You can explore over 40 booths featuring activities like face painters, balloon artists, a photo booth, and family-friendly games. Additional activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, the Holiday Express Train, and live music.

There will also be plenty of photo ops at the event given that it will be decorated with live Christmas Trees and Poinsettias that will be raffled off to benefit Hearts for MK, which is the local chapter of The Cure Starts Now.

When: Sunday, December 4, 2022, 1 p.m.

Where: Westlake High School, 4100 Westbank Dr, Austin, TX 78746

How Much: Free

Stay up to date on the events, activities and entertainment in the Austin area through our weekly updates to Things to do in Austin this Week, Things to do in Austin this Weekend and Things to do in Austin with Kids this Weekend!

And to get these updates delivered directly to your feed, give us a follow on Facebook by clicking the …next to the search lens icon.