Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this Thanksgiving weekend

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — and the city is packed with festive happenings all weekend long. Celebrate the all-American road trip at the Blanton or get into the holiday spirit at A Christmas Carol opening weekend. For a full list of events, visit our events calendar.

Friday, November 24

The Long Center presents Santa on the Terrace
Children of all ages are invited to meet and mingle with Saint Nick at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Kids can snap a free photo with Santa while overlooking the Austin skyline. Additional festivities include family-friendly entertainment and shopping opportunities.

17th Annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar returns for another year of holiday shopping. The four-week event features handmade artwork, unique gifts, jewelry, and more creations perfect for everyone on your gift list. Additional festivities include live music performances. Admission is free.

ZACH Theatre presents A Christmas Carol
Watch this beloved Christmas tale comes to life on the ZACH Theatre stage. The inspired adaptation of the Dickens classic is a magical experience the entire family will enjoy. Performances through December 31.

Saturday, November 25

The Blanton Museum of Art presents "The Open Road: Photography and the American Road Trip" opening day
Be among the first to experience the Blanton Museum of Art’s newest show, “The Open Road: Photography and the American Road Trip.” The exhibition showcases the evolution of the American road trip through literature, music, movies, and photography. Admission is free for museum members and current UT ID holders. Exhibit on display through January 7.

Renegade Craft Fair
Handmade items, DIY workshops, festive music, and more combine at the Renegade Craft Fair. For two back-to-back days at Fair Market, attendees can shop a range of special gifts and crafted items created by hundreds of local and Texas makers. Food and drinks will be available to keep your spirits bright.

Journey through the evolution of the American road trip at the Blanton Museum's new exhibition.

Photo by Stephen Shore/Courtesy of the Blanton Museum of Art

Journey through the evolution of the American road trip at the Blanton Museum's new exhibition.

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Hot Headlines

Aba's sister restaurant sets sights on Austin in this week's top stories

Photo courtesy of Jeff Marini

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Editor's note: This week's top Austin news is chock-full of happenings in the local restaurant scene. An Austin taco shop and Austin-born bourbon garner national acclaim, and a Lake Austin cafe lights up for the holidays. Plus, an exciting eatery plans its Austin debut, and a farmers market favorite returns to its roots. Read the hottest headlines of the week below, and then find some holiday fun for the weekend here.

1. Aba's sister eatery and a surprising Chinese closure jolt Austin food news. Big restaurant news surfaced at the end of last week, including famous restaurant Aba's new sister eatery, Zoé Tong's surprising closure, and a new shop from the folks at Small Victory.

2. Austin taco truck nabs spot on New York Times best dishes of 2024 list. Austin taco truck Paprika earns praise for its freshly made salsas and next-level brisket.

3. Austin cafe Mozart's adds luxe igloos to its sprawling light festival. Put this on your bucket list for a very festive VIP holiday experience.

Mozart's Festival of Lights Euro Igloos Euro Igloos are decked out and cozy, providing a refuge for up to 10 guests. Photo from Mozart's Coffee Roasters Facebook Page

4. Still Austin bourbon named one of the top 10 whiskies of 2024. Still Austin's five-year Red Corn Bourbon ranks No. 7 on Whisky Advocate's annual list, scoring 94 points.

5. Homey Austin jam and bake shop closing and returning to farmers market. In bittersweet news, Confituras is closing its jam and biscuit shop after service on Sunday, December 22.

aba ema domain northside closings christmas lights bourbon hot-headlines