New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day

• Christmas Cookie Decorating Class | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 6:30 p.m. | Simona’s Coffee + Cocktails, 2510 S. Congress Ave., Austin | $60 | This decorating class is a partnership with Mindy’s Bakeshop — expect to drink holiday cocktails and leave with a box of five cookies.

• In The Round Comedy Show | Friday, Dec. 22 | 8 p.m. | Moontower Cider Company, 1916 Tillery St., Austin | $10-$15 | Comedians perform eye-level in the middle of the audience at this uniquely set-up show.
• Glare | Friday, Dec. 22 | 9 p.m. | Empire Control Room & Garage, 606 E. 7th St., Austin | $17 | Stab and Sad Cell will also perform at this Downtown show.

• A Drag Queen Christmas | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $53-$406 | Your favorite drag stars will take the stage with a holiday-themed set.

• Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland | Sunday, Dec. 24 | 2 p.m. | H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park | $35-$80 | Spend a magical afternoon on a journey to wonderland at this show featuring acrobats, aerialists, and comedy.

• Christmas Brunch | Monday, Dec. 25 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Hotel Viata, 320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., West Lake Hills | $95 | This holiday buffet features traditional dishes, carved meats, and an optional “bottomless bubbles” package.

• Austin-based children’s museum Thinkery plans to build a new location in Del Valle next year. The museum, which is slated to open in August 2024, will feature 13,000 sqft of space, 30 hands-on exhibits, and a maker space. (KXAN)

• The population of Texas grew more than any other state in the country over the last year, according to data from the US Census Bureau. The Lone Star State gained ~500,000 new residents, claiming about 30% of the nation’s 1.6 million new residents. (The Texas Tribune)

• Local artist Krissy Teegerstrom’s whimsical textile-based art show, “Suit Yourself,” is available for viewing at Yard Dog Gallery through the rest of the month. City Editor Figi here. I had the pleasure of speaking with Teegerstrom recently, so stay tuned for our interview.

• The sun may set at 5:35 p.m. today, but good news is on the horizon... literally. Today is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the North Pole is tilted the furthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day of the year — which means the days will start getting longer.

• Austin FC’s 2024 regular season schedule is here, starting on Saturday, Feb. 24 with a home game against Minnesota United FC. Download the schedule for “Austin’s Biggest Party.”

• Mark your calendars — next year’s dates for the Texas Book Festival have already been announced. You can find books, attend panels, explore Downtown to your heart’s content the weekend of November 16-17 2024.

• Congrats to Sherry M., winner of our Modelo Oro Brews and Touchdowns Giveaway — thanks to Modelo, they’ll be enjoying 10 cases of Modelo Oro and tons of brand swag.*

• $88,000 to Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park for nature trail installation and maintenance
• $50,000 to Dottie Jordan Neighborhood Park for a shade structure over the playground
• $27,000 to Clarksville Community Garden & Haskell House to establish a Freedmen’s colony heritage food garden and garden improvements
• $25,000 to the Elisabet Ney Museum toward the new Restoration Master Landscape plan
• $10,000 to Armadillo Neighborhood Park for poison ivy and invasive species removal
• $5,600 to Parque Zaragoza for shade tree installation around the playground