Get in another round of holiday cheer before the New Year with a busy schedule of festive entertainment. Enjoy dazzling displays at Longhorn Lights or at the Dell Diamon’s Light Park. Live music and theater productions are also on the agenda. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, December 26

The Long Center presents Shen Yun
Experience the art of classical Chinese dance at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Shen Yun is a production featuring a blend of high-tech backdrops, a live orchestra, colorful costuming, and some of the most talented performers versed in a once-lost artistic culture. Performances are scheduled through December 29.

  

Photo by Suzanne Cordeiro

Experience A Christmas Carol at Zach Theatre this weekend.

Uncle Lucius in concert
Austin indie band Uncle Lucius performs live in concert at Austin City Limits Live. The band will perform in their 2023 album, Like It’s The Last One Left. Uncle Lucius will be joined by Sir Woman. Tickets are available now.

ZACH Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to better understand the meaning of Christmas unfolds on the ZACH Theatre stage. The production features a family-friendly mix of spirited tunes, whimsically wintery set designs, and a heartfelt message for everyone to enjoy. Showtimes are scheduled through December 29.

UT Austin presents Longhorn Lights
The University of Texas at Austin’s Longhorn Lights experience continues. Guests can drive or walk by the display along Guadalupe Street, which features 400,000 sparkling burnt orange and white lights. The display will dance along in synchronization with iconic school songs such as “The Eyes of Texas,” “Texas Fight,” “March Grandioso,” and more. Longhorn Lights is open through January 1, 2025, and is free to attend.

The Light Park
Cruise through a mile of dazzling holiday lights at the Dell Diamond. This drive-thru experience features displays made with millions of lights, all synchronized to a mix of festive tunes by DJ Polar Ice. Additional highlights include the longest light tunnel in the world and a variety of family-friendly installations inspired by the season. Tickets are available now. The Light Park is open through January 5, 2025.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Venture through the Forbidden Forest made famous by the popular Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series at this immersive walking trail experience. McKinney Roughs Nature Park will be transformed into the iconic site from the books and movies, complete with character appearances, spell-casting activations, and a themed village at the end of the trail. The experience is open through January 5, 2025.

Saturday, December 28

Reckless Kelly in concert
Austin-based band Reckless Kelly performs live at Austin City Limits Live. Throughout their decades-long career, Reckless Kelly has released 10 albums and are known for top hits like “Vancouver” and “Motel Cowboy Show.” Shinyribs will join them as special guests. A select number of tickets are available.