9 Christmas Shows in Austin That'll Get You in the 2019 Holiday Spirit

A Christmas Carol Holiday Shows in Austin — ZACH Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” is one of many brilliantly entertaining shows you can see in Austin this holiday season (Credit: Kirk Tuck)

With the clock counting down to Christmas, you’re probably rushing to holiday markets, searching for presents, and fitting holiday parties into your (sparse) free time. Let’s be real. The holidays tend to be more stressful than fun sometimes.

If you need to take a step back and enjoy a fun activity with the family, then the Austin area has multiple classic and original Christmas shows that can transport you to another place. Here are my nine recommendations for 2019.

1/ Ballet Austin: “The Nutcracker”

Ballet Austin Nutcracker — Ballet Austin performs “The Nutcracker” for its 57th season this year (Credit: Tony Spielberg)

Ballet Austin returns with its 57th season of “The Nutcracker,” presented by Georgia B. Lucas Foundation Fund. Clara is whisked away to another world where she meets the Nutcracker prince, faces the Mouse King, and travels to the Land of Sweets to see the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The show is full of beautiful choreography performed by hundreds of dancers, dazzling costumes, and live music by Austin Symphony Orchestra.

Dates: Dec. 7-23, 2019
Location: The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
Ticket prices: $29-99
Website

Note: The Dec. 15 performance at 2 p.m. has audio description services.

2/ The Austin City Ballet: “Austin Children’s Nutcracker”

If you can’t get enough of this classic Christmas story, you’ll want to see “Austin Children’s Nutcracker.” This version of the show is performed by Austin City Ballet and composed completely of dancers between the ages of eight and 18. This will be the 19th season the nonprofit group has performed “The Nutcracker,” and we hope for many seasons to come.

Dates: Dec. 20-22, 2019
Location: St. Andrew’s Episcopal School Dell Fine Arts Theatre, 5901 Southwest Parkway
Ticket prices: $20 for children and $35 for adults
Website

3/ Tapestry Dance: “Of Mice & Music: A Jazz Tap Nutcracker”

Jazz Nutcracker Performance in Austin — This fun take on “The Nutcracker” is full of original jazz music (Credit: Blue Suede Photography)

Tapestry Dance Company and Academy performs a stunning rendition of “The Nutcracker” with a surprising twist: the performance features an original score with jazz music. Through a combination of Tapestry’s professional company and academy youth groups, you’ll enjoy an inspiring range of expertise and experience.

The show comes complete with tap dancers and fun costumes that bring the classic story to life in a new way. There’s no way you won’t have a swinging time.

Dates: Dec. 12-22, 2019
Location: The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
Ticket prices: $34
Website

4/ ZACH Theatre: “A Christmas Carol”

"A Christmas Carol" at ZACH Theatre in Austin — “A Christmas Carol” at ZACH Theatre (Credit: Kirk Tuck)

We all know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge meeting the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to transform into a caring man. But have you seen the fun version performed by ZACH Theatre? It provides a fun angle to the classic show, full of rockin’ music that will have you dancing in your seat.

Dates: Nov. 20-Dec. 29, 2019
Location: ZACH Theatre, The Topfer Stage, 202 South Lamar Blvd.
Ticket prices: $30 and up
Website

5/ Penfold Theatre Company: “It’s a Wonderful Life”

It's a Wonderful Life Show in Austin — Penfold Theatre Company shares the classic story through a mesmerizing radiocast (Credit: Penfold Theatre Company)

Watch and listen to fictional KPNF radio station as it recreates Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” in studio. Performed with a small cast of five performers, Round Rock’s Penfold Theatre Company takes you back in time with this rendition.

You’ll find the show mesmerizing with beautiful costuming, live sound effects created by the cast, and hilarious original commercials.

Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 21, 2019
Location: Old Settlers Association of Williamson County, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd. Round Rock, TX
Ticket prices: $16-31
Website

6/ ZACH Theatre: “The Santaland Diaries”

Santaland Diaries ZACH Theatre in Austin — Adult humor in “The Santaland Diaries” (Credit: ZACH Theatre)

If you’re looking for something rated beyond PG, then you’ll want to check out this original show penned by David Sedaris. The star of the show, a cynical Macy’s elf named Crumpet, presents the life he leads juggling tots and drunk Santas during the festive season. You’ll laugh throughout the entire show. Make sure to get tickets now because there are already several sold-out showings.

ZACH Theatre recommends “The Santaland Diaries” for children ages 12 and up, due to adult humor.

Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 29, 2019
Location: ZACH Theatre, Whisenhunt Stage, 202 South Lamar Blvd.
Price: $40-68
Website

7/ ZACH Theatre: “Holiday Heroes”

Holiday Heroes Show at ZACH Theatre — “Holiday Heroes” (Credit: ZACH Theatre)

“Holiday Heroes” is the perfect show to take the kiddos to this holiday season. Ernie and Rufus perform a holiday sing-along complete with all of your favorite Christmas songs. Mixed with a healthy dose of comedy and learning, the entire audience will be fully invested in this show and wishing for more at the end.

Dates: Dec. 7-14, 2019
Location: ZACH Theatre, Topfer Stage, 202 South Lamar Blvd.
Ticket Prices: $17-43
Website

Note: The performance on Dec. 14 is ASL interpreted and sensory-friendly.

8/ Austin Symphony Orchestra: “Christmas in the Community”

Fans of Austin Symphony Orchestra have plenty of chances to catch “Christmas in the Community” shows through Dec. 18, 2019. Each performance will feature a different ensembles from the full orchestra: woodwind quintet, brass quintet, or string quartet. Stop by any of the shows to listen to your favorite holidays songs.

Dates: Dec. 6-18, 2019
Location: Varies, see complete list on website
Ticket prices: Free
Website

9/ Williamson County Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Concert

Can’t get enough orchestral music this Christmas? In addition to Austin Symphony Orchestra performances, you can enjoy two shows by Williamson County Symphony Orchestra. You’ll be able to listen to beloved favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “The Nutcracker Suite,” and much more.

Dates: Dec. 13-14, 2019
Locations:
Dec. 14 at St. Mary Margaret Catholic Church, 1101 W. New Hope Dr. Cedar Park, TX and Dec. 15 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9500 Neenah Ave.
Ticket prices: Free
Website

Other holiday performances to check out before Christmas is here:

Dec. 6: St. Edward’s University: Holiday Concert at the Festival of Lights
Dec. 7: Christmas on the Prairie at Pioneer Farms: Hayride caroling and various holiday performances
Dec. 7: Paramount Theatre: “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Dec. 7 – 8: UT Symphony Orchestra and Choirs: Holiday Choral Concert
Dec. 8: Round Rock Community Choir: Mistletoe Magic: Senior Access Benefit Concert
Dec 13: Round Rock Community Choir: Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert
Dec. 14-15: Starlight Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Concerts (Kyle)