Austin's Christmas performance season features concerts, ballet, musicals, theater productions, symphony performances, and choral events throughout the 2026 holiday season. Whether you're looking for a classic production of The Nutcracker, a Christmas concert, a holiday musical, or a family friendly stage show, this guide highlights the best Christmas performances and live entertainment happening across Austin in 2026.
The Best Christmas Shows in Austin This Season
From professional theater productions to orchestral concerts and community performances, these Christmas shows bring holiday entertainment to venues across Austin. Here are the performances worth adding to your 2026 holiday plans.
1. Farm Street Opry: A Country Christmas — Bastrop
The Farm Street Opry brings its signature small-town charm to the Bastrop Convention Center for a country Christmas night out. The Farm Street Opry Band and special guests take the stage for an evening of holiday favorites and classic country tunes, with doors opening early for food and fellowship before the show. With a Santa appearance and affordable tickets, it is a laid-back, only-in-Bastrop kind of holiday night that you won’t want to miss!
- Dates: Thursday, December 4th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St B, Bastrop, TX 78602
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Website: visitbastrop.com
Insider Tip: Doors open at 5:30 PM, but the show does not start until 7:00 PM, so arrive early to grab a good seat and settle in before the music kicks off.
2. Glenn Miller Orchestra — Austin
Climb aboard for a sensational holiday journey as the world renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra delivers their enduring big band hits alongside seasonal swing arrangements. The "In the Christmas Mood" performance brings together over 18 exceptional musicians and vocalists to perform holiday classics like "White Christmas", "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", and "Jingle Bells".
This touching musical tradition showcases rich, classic horn arrangements alongside evergreen crowd favorites like "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" and "Moonlight Serenade." The single afternoon concert offers an enchanting winter gift for music lovers of all ages inside one of Austin's premier performing arts venues. It stands as a brilliant tribute to the golden era of American swing music in the heart of the University of Texas campus.
- Dates: Sunday, December 20th, 2026
- Admission: Paid (Ticket pricing varies by seating tier)
- Street Address: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid venue parking available in UT campus garages (San Jacinto Garage and Manor Garage)
- Website: https://texasperformingarts.org/event/glenn-miller-orchestra-2026-bass-concert-hall-austin-texas/
Insider Tip: Official university event parking rates go into effect three hours prior to showtime, so arrive early to park in the San Jacinto Garage and bypass campus pre show traffic.
3. A Christmas Carol — Austin
Experience a dynamic reimagining of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale as ZACH Theatre brings its signature theatrical production back to the stage. This bold musical adaptation infuses the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge with a dazzling modern glow up utilizing infectious pop music arrangements, impressive choreography, and unbridled stage joy. The performance transforms Victorian England into a high octane celebration designed to warm hearts and keep audiences bouncing in their seats. Each scene balances dramatic storytelling with modernized radio hits performed live by a stellar cast of local talent. It serves as Austin's most energetic, non-traditional theatrical holiday tradition for theatergoers seeking a fresh take on a classic.
- Dates: Winter 2026 Season (Check their website for specific December matinee and evening times)
- Admission: Paid
- Street Address: The Topfer Theatre at ZACH, 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid parking available directly in the main ZACH Theatre surface lots or nearby South Lamar garages
- Website: https://www.zachtheater.org/tickets/shows/
Insider Tip: ZACH Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theater company in Texas, and because this specific adaptation incorporates high intensity pop anthems, weekend seats sell out fast.
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas — Austin
Following a completely sold out run last season, the beloved Peanuts gang returns to the stage to bring a cherished holiday favorite to life. Follow Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and friends as they navigate the commercialism of the season and discover the true, soul stirring meaning of Christmas. Set to a live presentation of Vince Guaraldi’s hallmark, smooth jazz musical score, this theatrical gem sparkles with classic comic strip charm and nostalgia. The intimate stage setting allows young audiences to experience every signature dance move and heartwarming interaction up close. It offers a gentle, delightfully aesthetic holiday theater outing tailored specifically for younger children and nostalgic adults alike.
- Dates: Winter 2026 Season (Check their website for specific December matinee and evening times)
- Admission: Paid
- Street Address: The Kleberg Theatre at ZACH, 1421 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Parking: On-site paid parking available in the ZACH complex lots and surrounding metered spaces
- Website: https://www.zachtheater.org/tickets/shows/
Insider Tip: The Kleberg Theatre's intimate arena seating puts kids right near the stage, making early booking essential for optimal views.
5. Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker — Austin
Celebrate a treasured regional milestone as Ballet Austin presents its magnificent 64th annual production of the ultimate winter classic. Choreographed by Stephen Mills and accompanied live by the exceptional Austin Symphony Orchestra, this sweeping production follows Clara’s magical journey from a holiday family party to the shimmering Land of Sweets. Brimming with exquisite costumes, elaborate custom sets, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's brilliant score, it continues to craft unforgettable memories for Texas families. Dozens of professional dancers and local student performers collaborate to bring legendary figures like the Mouse King and Sugar Plum Fairy to life. It remains the longest running live production of The Nutcracker in the state of Texas.
- Dates: December 4th through December 23rd, 2026
- Admission: Paid
- Street Address: Long Center Dell Hall, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid parking available inside the multi-level Long Center Parking Garage
- Website: https://balletaustin.org/performances/the-nutcracker/
Insider Tip: The show spans two hours with a 20 minute intermission, so head directly to the lobby concessions as soon as Act I ends to skip the line.
6. The Austin Symphony's Elf in Concert — Austin
Bring the whole family together for a brilliant presentation of the modern holiday masterpiece Elf, projected in glorious high definition onto a giant screen while the Austin Symphony Orchestra performs live. Part of the acclaimed Butler Pops Series, this unique concert experience brings an extra layer of depth, whimsy, and symphonic magnificence to Buddy the Elf's hilarious trek through New York City. Composer John Debney’s wonderful musical score takes center stage as full orchestral strings and brass synchronize seamlessly with the famous film's dialogue. Audiences can relive every classic comedic quote while marveling at the sheer acoustic power of a full professional symphony orchestra. It represents a perfect hybrid event blending cinema, comedy, and world class classical music in downtown Austin.
- Dates: Tuesday, December 15th and Wednesday, December 16th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Long Center's Dell Hall, 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Parking: Paid parking spaces available within the Palmer Events Center / Long Center parking structure
- Website: https://my.austinsymphony.org/1235
Insider Tip: Choosing seats in the Parterre or lower Mezzanine provides the ideal vantage point for balancing the giant movie screen with the live orchestra below.
7. Pentatonix Christmas in the City Tour — Austin
A cappella group Pentatonix brings their annual holiday tour to Austin for an evening of harmonies and seasonal favorites. Performing live at the Moody Center, this three times Grammy Award winning quintet delivers inventive vocal arrangements of classic Christmas carols along with original holiday tracks. The production relies entirely on human vocal capabilities, incorporating beatboxing, multi-layered harmonies, and light displays. Families and music lovers can anticipate a high energy performance designed for audiences of all ages looking to celebrate the winter season.
- Dates: Tuesday, December 15th, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX 78712
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: On-site garage parking is available at the Manor Garage and Trinity Garage, with prepaid options recommended
- Website: https://go.seated.com/tour-events/5fdb8b9b-29ba-4660-94e3-0d222a549a69
Insider Tip: Enter through the southwest plaza entrance off Robert Dedman Drive to encounter shorter security lines compared to the main northern gates.
8. A Magical Cirque Christmas — Austin
ACL Live at the Moody Theater transforms its iconic downtown stage into an energetic circus arena. Precision acrobats and world class performers team up to deliver an action packed showcase of agility, comedy, and holiday spark. Modernized seasonal anthems set the pace for soaring aerial routines and physical stunts inside the celebrated venue. Thanks to the venue's intimate layout, every seat in the house guarantees fantastic, clear sightlines of the stage. It serves as a standout festive entertainment choice for locals and visitors exploring downtown Austin together.
- Dates: Monday, December 7th, 2026
- Admission: Ticket required; prices vary by seating level
- Street Address: ACL Live at the Moody Theater, 310 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No (Service dogs only)
- Parking: On-site parking garage under the W Austin Hotel with additional street parking along Willie Nelson Blvd
- Website: https://www.magicalcirquechristmas.com/
Insider Tip: Arrive early to explore the music memorabilia and iconic concert photography galleries lining the venue's lobby corridors.
9. Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve — Austin
Photo Credit: Trans-Siberian Orchestra |
Jason McEachern
Moody Center hosts TSO's full touring production for a single evening performance, the narrated holiday rock opera The Ghosts of Christmas Eve followed by a set of the band's most beloved instrumentals. Expect a live orchestra, dueling guitarists, and a stage built for lasers and pyrotechnics, part of a rebuilt staging for the band's 30th anniversary.
- Dates: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: Moody Center ATX, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
- Kid Friendly: Yes (loud, with pyrotechnics and strobe lighting)
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Not specified
- Website: https://www.trans-siberian.com/pages/tour
Insider Tip: Since this is a single Wednesday night performance, plan for Austin traffic and give yourself plenty of time to park and get inside before the show.
Tips for Attending Christmas Shows in Austin
- Book early: Popular Christmas shows in Austin sell out weeks, if not months, in advance. The closer to Christmas, the harder it is to get seast.
- Consider weekday matinees: Weekday afternoon performances often have better seat availability and lower prices than weekend evening shows.
- Check for family discounts: Many venues offer family packages, student rush tickets, or matinee pricing that can significantly reduce the cost of attending with kids.
- Arrive early for the venue experience: Many of Austin's theaters and performing arts venues are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Build in extra time before curtain to enjoy the atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Austin shows this season.
When do Christmas shows start in Austin?
Most Christmas shows in Austin begin running in late November or early December and continue through Christmas Eve or early January. The most popular productions, including The Nutcracker, typically open the weekend after Thanksgiving.
How much do Christmas shows cost in Austin?
Ticket prices vary widely. Family friendly productions and community choir concerts can start under $20, while marquee ballet and symphony performances at major venues can run $75 to $300 or more. Check individual listings for pricing.
Are Christmas shows in Austin kid friendly?
Most holiday productions are family friendly, especially The Nutcracker, holiday pops concerts, and family stage shows. Weekend matinees are often the most family oriented. Check individual listings for age recommendations.
Do I need to book Christmas show tickets in advance?
Yes! The most popular Christmas shows in Austin sell out weeks, if not months, in advance, particularly for the final weekends before Christmas. Book as early as you can for the best seat selection and pricing.
Can I add my event to this guide?
We'd love to feature your Christmas event! Simply share your event through our quick submission form and we will get it added to the list!
Christmas Shows Worth the Drive from Austin
Austin isn't the only place worth visiting for Christmas shows this season. Within a couple of hours' drive, you'll find several other cities with their own marquee holiday performances worth the trip.
Dripping Springs, Texas — 35 Minutes from Austin
Enjoy an evening of holiday music at Dripping Springs Methodist Church’s “Carols by Candlelight”: A Christmas Cantata, featuring a special seasonal performance filled with traditional Christmas songs and choral arrangements. The intimate church setting and candlelight atmosphere make this a beautiful addition to a Hill Country holiday outing.
Wimberley, Texas — 50 Minutes from Austin
Catch a holiday performance at Wimberley Players with You Better Watch Out, a Christmas comedy set on Christmas Eve that brings seasonal theater to the Hill Country stage. The intimate production makes Wimberley a charming stop for anyone looking to add live holiday entertainment to their Christmas plans.
Plan Your Complete Austin Christmas Experience
Austin's Christmas shows are just one part of the city's incredible holiday season. Explore our guides to Austin Christmas lights, Christmas festivals and parades, Christmas markets and holiday shopping, and Christmas attractions and experiences in Austin. Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Austin Christmas guide has you covered.
