You can’t beat the joy of hearing timeless Christmas tunes or watching classic movies for a good dose of nostalgic holiday cheer. Here’s a round-up of upcoming holiday music and movie events around Austin this season.

via Alamo Drafthouse

Holiday Movies

Alamo Drafthouse Elf Movie Party
Various dates, times, and locations
Alamo Drafthouse’s Elf Movie Parties are interactive holiday spectaculars packed with games, props, and, of course, singing loud for all to hear.  Moviegoers even get their own elf hat!   Grab your tickets here.

You can also get tickets to The Polar Express this month, which will be screened at Alamo locations.


Holiday Films @ The Paramount Theatre
713 Congress Ave.
Paramount Classic Holiday Films presented by CapMetro are back with this annual tradition.  Here’s what’s playing:

  • Dec. 10, 3:30 pm: Home Alone
  • Dec. 10,  7 pm: White Christmas
  • Dec. 12, 7 pm: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Polar Express @ Bullock State History Museum
Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 10 | 2:30 pm | 1800 Congress Ave.
See Polar Express in IMAX 3D at The Bullock State History Museum this weekend.  Tickets are $10 (discounts for members) and you can purchase yours here.


Elf Toy Drive @ Southwest Theaters, Lake Creek 7
Wednesday, Dec. 13. | 5 pm and 7:30 pm | 13729 Research Blvd #1500 | FREE with Toy Donation
Join Southwest Theaters for their first annual Toy Drive on Wednesday, December 13th, benefitting TOYS FOR TOTS! Donate a new unwrapped toy (valued at $10 or more) and receive one free admission to a special screening of ELF and one free small popcorn! Tickets may be reserved in advance by dropping off a toy donation at the theater, or on the date of the screenings. Screenings Showtimes are December 13th at 5 pm and 7:30 pm. Help Spread the Joy this Holiday Season and enjoy a night at the Movies with Southwest Theaters.

Also, check out what Austin’s Drive-In Movie Theaters are playing!


via Austin Symphony Orchestra

Holiday Music

Ian Moore Family Christmas
Friday, Dec. 8 | Doors at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm | 719 Congress Ave.
Ian Moore returns to the State Theatre for his sixth mostly acoustic Family Christmas show. Rare songs and special guests will be in store.  Purchase your tickets here, starting at $22.

Austin Symphony Orchestra Presents: Home Alone @ Long Center for The Performing Arts
Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7:30 pm | 701 W Riverside Dr.
Austin Symphony Orchestra will perform the score of composer John Williams’s live-to-picture of Home Alone.  Grab your tickets here.

Holiday Concert 2023: Austin Brass Band @ Austin Public Library, Central
Monday, Dec. 11 | 6:30 – 7:30 pm | 710 W Cesar Chavez St. | FREE with reservations
The Austin Brass Band will perform a mix of well-known holiday favorites and pieces unique to the British Brass Band Christmas tradition, including music by Leroy Anderson, Eric Ball, Peter Graham, and more!  This event is free and open to the public with registration here.


MORE to Explore:

*Header image via IMDB, Elf, 2003