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, the Austin area has multiple classic and original Christmas shows that can transport you away to another place. Here are my nine recommendations for 2018.
1/ Ballet Austin: “The Nutcracker”
Ballet Austin performs “The Nutcracker” for its 56th season this year (Credit: Tony Spielberg)
Ballet Austin returns with its 56th 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, 2018
Location: The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
Ticket Prices: $39–$99
Website
Note: The Dec. 20 performance at 7:30 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 head over to see “Austin Children’s Nutcracker.” This version of the show is performed by The Austin City Ballet and composed completely of dancers between the ages of eight and 18. This will be the 18th season the nonprofit group has performed “The Nutcracker” and we hope for many more seasons to come.
Dates: Dec. 14-16, 2018
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”
This fun take on “The Nutcracker” is full of original jazz music (Credit: Blue Suede Photography)
Tapestry Dance Company and Academy perform a stunning rendition of “The Nutcracker” with a surprising twist: the performance features an original score with jazz music. Combining Tapestry’s professional company with 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. 13-23, 2018
Location: The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr.
Ticket Prices: $39
Website
4/ ZACH Theatre: “A Christmas Carol”
“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 twist to the classic show, full of rockin’ music that will have you dancing in your seat.
Dates: Nov. 21-Dec. 30, 2018
Location: ZACH Theatre, The Topfer Stage, 202 South Lamar Blvd.
Ticket Prices: $30 and up
Website
5/ Penfold Theatre Company: “A Christmas Carol Classic Radiocast”
In another fun twist on “A Christmas Carol,” Penfold Theatre Company shares the story through a mesmerizing radiocast (Credit: Errich Petersen)
Watch and listen to fictional KPNF Radio Station as it recreates Charles Dicken’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 its rendition. You’ll find this show mesmerizing with beautiful costuming, live sounds effects created by the cast, and hilarious original commercials.
Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 29, 2018
Location: Old Settlers Association of Williamson County, 3300 E. Palm Valley Boulevard, Round Rock, TX
Ticket Prices: $15–$25
Website
*I received a complimentary ticket to see this show, but all opinions are my own. I highly enjoyed the performance.
6/ ZACH Theatre: “The Santaland Diaries”
Adult humor with “The Santaland Diaries” (Credit: ZACH Theatre)
If you’re looking for something rated beyond PG, 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 show for children ages 12 and up, due to adult humor.
Dates: Dec. 5-30, 2018
Location: ZACH Theatre, Whisenhunt Stage, 202 South Lamar Blvd.
Price: $48–$68
Website
*The Dec. 12 show will be ASL interpreted, audio described and open captioned. There will also be a post-show discussion that day.
7/ ZACH Theatre: “Holiday Heroes”
“Holiday Heroes” (Credit: ZACH Theatre)
This 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.
Remaining Date: Dec. 15, 2018
Location: ZACH Theatre, Topfer Stage, 202 South Lamar Blvd.
Ticket Prices: $18–$24
Website
8/ Austin Symphony Orchestra: “Christmas in the Community”
Austin Symphony Orchestra’s “Christmas in the Community” feature several ensembles at various venues throughout Austin (Credit: Austin Symphony Orchestra)
Fans of Austin Symphony Orchestra have plenty of chances to catch “Christmas in the Community” shows through Dec. 20, 2018. Each performance will feature a different ensembles from the full orchestra: woodwind quintet, brass quintet, and string quartet. The last show will feature big band music at Austin Central Library. Stop by any of the shows to listen to your favorite holidays songs.
Dates: Dec. 1-20, 2018
Location: Varies, see complete list on website
Ticket Prices: Free
Website
9/ Williamson County Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Concert
Williamson County Symphony Orchestra will play two holiday shows (Credit: Williamson County Symphony Orchestra)
Can’t get enough orchestral music this Christmas? In addition to Austin Symphony Orchestra performances, you can hop out to see two shows by Williamson County Symphony Orchestra this upcoming weekend. You’ll be able to listen to selections from beloved favorites like “The Polar Express,” “The Nutcracker Suite,” and much more.
Dates: Dec. 14-15, 2018
Locations:
(Dec. 14) St. Mary Margaret Catholic Church, 1101 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park
(Dec. 15) St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9500 Neenah, Austin
Ticket Prices: Free
Website
Other holiday shows to check out before Christmas is here:
- Dec. 14: Round Rock Community Choir – Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert
- Dec. 15 and 22: Prairie Christmas – Hayride caroling and various holiday performances
- Dec. 15: Starlight Symphony Orchestra – Holiday Like No Other (Kyle)
@theAustinot wants to know:
What holiday shows will you be seeing this year?
***
We always have unique content on the Austinot, and we love to give things away. You know, like CDs, event tickets and other cool stuff. We only send out our Best of the Austinot newsletter two times/month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of the Austinot here!
