More than two million lights make up the 70+ displays and tunnels on the trail. | Photo via @danyetteheine
It’s beginning to look a lot like string lights. Austin was recently rated the most festive city in the US for the third year in a row, and we have to say, that’s a high honor.
We’re celebrating by stepping out to enjoy some of the best holiday light displays in the Austin area.
Downtown Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll | Saturday, Dec. 7 Head Downtown (on Congress Avenue between 8th and 11th streets) for the 30th annual Capitol tree lighting, a vendor market, food trucks, live music, and tons of cheer from 3 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy the UT band’s music through speakers as the Longhorn Lights glow around you.
Gif by ATXtoday
Longhorn Lights | Now-Wednesday, Jan. 1 The second annual Longhorn Lights brings festive nostalgia and twinkling lights to Longhorns past, present, and future via 24 Heritage Oak trees. Find them along Guadalupe Street between 21st and 25th street.
Luminations | Friday, Nov. 22–Sunday, Jan. 5 This glowing exhibition at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is inspired by artistry in nature. Tickets start at $23.
Rockford IceHogs vs. Texas Stars | Now-Saturday, Nov. 23 | 7 p.m. | H-E-B Center, Cedar Park | $26+ | Ring in the cool weather with a hockey game against this Illinois team.
“A Christmas Carol” | Now-Sunday, Dec. 29 | 7:30-10 p.m. | ZACH Theatre | $25+ | This holiday tradition will return to the stage for the 10th year in a row.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Free Yoga with Black Swan | Saturday, Nov. 23 | 9-10 a.m. | Cabana Club | Free | Kick off your Saturday with a free yoga session to unwind and relax before conquering the rest of the weekend.
Rags to Wags Gala | 5:30-11 p.m. | Fairmont Austin | $250+ | The 19th annual gala — featuring cocktails, adoptable animals, and photo booths — will transform the Fairmont ballroom into Oz.
Sunday, Nov. 24
Texas Ranchers MLP Playoffs Watch Party | 12-2:30 p.m. | Other Racquet Social Club | Cost of purchase | Watch Austin’s MLP team while playing pickleball with your buddies.
Exclusive access: Shop 40% off Harlestons site-wide
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Harlestons has opened their 40% site-wide sale exclusively for our readers. | Video by Harlestons
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Austin mayoral candidate Carmen Llanes Pulido requested a recount of 11 Williamson County precincts — none from Travis or Hays counties — from the Tuesday, Nov. 5 race. The move comes one week after incumbent Mayor Kirk Watson declared victory by around 14 votes. (Austin American-Statesman)
Edu
The UT System Board Of Regents approved $35 million in funding to alleviate tuition costs for students in households that make up to $125,000. Households with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less can qualify for no tuition fees — up from $65,000. Check your eligibility.
Biz
Austin and San Francisco have the highest office vacancy rates in the country: 27.7%. According to a study from CommercialEdge, the average cost per sqft of space is ~$84 and Indeed Tower is the office building with the most empty space.
Travel
After three years in service, Hawaiian Airlines will end its nonstop flight from Austin to Honolulu in March. The flight is currently the only direct route to Hawai’i from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport — check out our list of other nonstop routes. (KXAN)
Development
North Austin’s Anderson Square — home to Hobby Lobby, Planet Fitness, and Big Star Bingo — could soon be the city’s newest mixed-use development. Plans for the project include 2,400 residential units and 1.2 million sqft of commercial space. (Austin Business Journal)
Watch
Bowie High School’s Silver Stars dance team will perform in New York City’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade next week. The dancers will leave for the Big Apple on Saturday, Nov. 23 — you can catch the parade on NBC or stream it on Peacock. (KVUE)
Sports
In light of this year’s brutal season, the Cowboys will likely need a new head coach for 2025. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Listen
What happens when you combine German engineering with the world’s most trusted name in hearing care? The biggest breakthrough in hearing technology in more than a decade. Join 400,000+ people hearing better than ever with the Horizon hearing aid. (Did we mention the 45-day no-risk trial?)*
Travel
Spending the holidays in San Antonio? Enjoy the comfort of home away from home at the Hampton/Home2 Suites Riverwalk. Book early for special holiday rates, and enjoy having your own space with tons of amenities near the city’s top destinations.*
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026.*
Category
Arts
🛒 Trader Joe’s tour
Which Austin landmarks would you add? | Gif by ATXtoday
Next time you visit one of Austin’s three Trader’s Joe’s locations, pay attention to the decor, because it’s basically a city-wide scavenger hunt.
Austin didn’t have a Trader Joe’s until September 2013, when the franchise opened a Rollingwood location at 2805 Bee Cave Rd. and quickly followed with two more: one in northwest Austin and one in the Seaholm District.
The grocery store has since gained a cult-like following in ATX, carrying local produce and Capital City-themed reusable bags. It also features a ton of local Easter eggs to enjoy while you shop.
Let us paint you a picture of the Austin references you can find for yourself at your local Trader Joe’s. Let us know if you can find any more Austin Easter eggs.
Glen Powell, if you’re reading this, City Editor Morgan and I plan to attend your lookalike contest this weekend, and we would really like to see you there. We know you’re a busy A-lister, but it will be worth it, I promise.
