AUSTIN, Texas — The weekend is here and, as always, there are a ton of things going on in the Austin area! From a classic Christmas production to a tribute to a classic Christmas program, there's no shortage of fun activities happening over the next few days.
Here’s a breakdown of just some of the events you can attend this weekend.
It's Christmastime in Austin and that means it's time for Ballet Austin's annual production of "The Nutcracker." This will be the company's 60th production of the Christmas classic.
"The Nutcracker" runs from Dec. 3 through Dec. 23 at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $16 to $125. And if you're looking to see a familiar face on stage, you're in luck: KVUE's own Tony Plohetski will don Mother Ginger's giant dress during the Dec. 4 show!
When: Starts Saturday, Dec. 3, and runs through Friday, Dec. 23
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, located at 701 W. Riverside Drive
"The Nutcracker" isn't the only thing happening at the Long Center! An ice rink has just opened up, allowing skaters to take to the ice with a beautiful view of the city. Hot cocoa, popcorn, hot toddies and cookies will also be available.
Tickets are $15 and get you skate rentals and one hour on the ice. Organizers recommend reserving your spot ahead of time, as walk-ups will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: Through Jan. 1
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, located at 701 W. Riverside Drive
The Downtown Holiday Stroll and tree lighting is also happening on Saturday night.
This year, KVUE is proud to partner with the Downtown Austin Alliance to help Austinites come together over holiday music, an artisan market, photo ops with Santa and more.
The stroll starts at 5 p.m. at the south edge of the Capitol lawn.
KVUE's Hannah Rucker will emcee the event and will flip the switch to turn on the holiday lights.
Who doesn't love "A Charlie Brown Christmas"? This weekend, the Austin Chamber Music Center is offering a special way to experience the music of the classic Christmas program.
Pianist Michelle Schumann, bassist Utah Hamrick, drummer David Sierra and special guests will perform Vince Guaraldi's songs live at the Stateside at the Paramount Theatre on Saturday. Christmas music lovers have three showtimes to choose from, and tickets range from $25 to $40.
When: Saturday at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Stateside at the Paramount, located at 719 Congress Ave.
Other events happening this weekend:
- Texas Women's Basketball vs. South Florida – Friday at Moody Center
- Community First! Village of Lights – Friday and Saturday at Community First! Village
- Austin Gay Men's Chorus presents Slay Ride: An AGMC Holiday Concert – Friday and Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Austin
- Trail of Lights Fun Run – Saturday at Zilker Park (registration required)
- The Far Out Holiday Market benefiting Austin Pets Alive! – Saturday at The Far Out Lounge & Stage
- Jimi Hendrix 80th Birthday Celebration: Experience Hendrix – Sunday at ACL Live
- "Miracle on 34th Street" – Sunday at the Paramount Theatre