December 3: Poetry on the Plaza. Held in the plaza in front of the University of Texas’ Harry Ransom Center, this month’s poetry reading is called “Winter Landscapes.” It begins at noon.
December 5: B Scene Winter Formal. The Blanton Museum’s monthly event gets dressy. Wear your best (or worst) evening attire and dance. There will be a live karaoke back-up band, tours, art activities, a cash bar, and free appetizers. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is $5 for members or $10 for non-members.
December 5 and 6: Kevin Nealon of Showtime’s “Weeds” and old-school “Saturday Night Live” performs at Cap City Comedy Club. Shows both nights at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
December 6 and 7: 2008 Wheatsville Arts Festival. Hosted at Adams Park on 30th Street, this festival will be held from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It will feature live music from nine different bands and booths with 75 artists showcasing and selling their work.
December 11: Kelly Willis and Bruce Robinson, the country singer-songwriter duo who also happen to be husband and wife, will be playing holiday songs at the Paramount Theatre. The doors and bar open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7.
December 12 – 23: Keep Austin Bizarre. This second annual Christmas bazaar will be held at the Palmer Events Center from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day from the 12th through the 23rd. The bazaar will feature 60 live bands and 100 vendors, and even a full bar. Goods include homemade gifts, jewelry, clothes, and more.
December 12 – 24 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. The 33rd annual bazaar will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day at the Austin Convention Center. There will be 130 hand-picked exhibitors, including jewelers, sculptors, artists, booksellers, and more. There will also be dozens of local, well-known bands such as Asleep at the Wheel, Jimmy LaFave, and Carolyn Wonderland.
December 13: Golden Dragon Acrobats. The recognized Chinese acrobatic group will be performing at the Paramount Theatre. Shows are at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
December 13: Trail of Lights 5K Run. This 3.2-mile run features the first viewing of Zilker Park’s stunning Trail of Lights. The run beings near the Zilker Tree and goes directly through the Trail of Lights. The race begins at 6:30 p.m. and you must be registered to participate. Learn more here.
December 14: Rock Against Hunger. Presented by the Paul Green School of Rock, this concert at Stubb’s will benefit the Capitol Area Foodbank. The show is in the indoor stage and doors open at 5 p.m. Admissin is $5, or free if you bring two non-perishable food items.
December 14 – 23: Zilker Park’s Trail of Lights. This annual holiday event features 180,000 lights set up in a 1.2 mile trail. It is made of 41 scenes, such as the World of Seuss, a rainbow tunnel, Candyland, the 12 Days of Christmas. The spectacle has been named one of the Top 10 Holiday Displays by USA Today. There will also be food, crafts, and train rides. It is open each night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Zilker Park 2100 Barton Springs Road.
December 16: Christmas Sing-Along. Join the Austin Symphony and choir along with other Austin families in singing familiar holiday tunes. The event is at 8 p.m. at the Riverbend Centre. Tickets are free but must be picked up ahead of time.
December 17: Christmas with Aaron Neville and His Quintet. Come enjoy the soothing music of the Neville brothers at The Paramount Theatre. Aaron sings Christmas tunes and his brother Charles plays tenor sax. The door and bar open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
December 20: Un-Wrapped. This holiday variety show will be held at Stubb’s and will feature burlesque, live music, and many surprise guests. The show is on the indoor stage and the doors open at 9 p.m.
December 30 and 31: Flying Karamazov Brothers. This award-winning group, which performs a combination of comedy, performance art, and improvisation, will be appearing for the first time with the Austin Symphony. This family-friendly event will be at the Palmer Events Center at 8 p.m. both nights.
December 31: “After the Thin Man” New Year’s Eve Party. The Alamo Drafthouse downtown is playing this 1930s screwball romantic company along with a multi-course meal. There will also be a count-down to midnight and a champagne toast. The show begins at 10 p.m.
