Stroll into Miracle on 5th Street to try a variety of holiday-themed cocktails in festive, photo-worthy cups. | Photo by Robert Lerma
‘Tis the season to get in the holiday spirit(s).
If you’re ready to sip your way through the season, we’ve made a list (and checked it twice) of 25 holiday pop-ups happening around town.
Miracle on 5th Street at The Eleanor | Now-Saturday, Dec. 28
The Eleanor transforms into a winter wonderland decked out wall-to-wall in Christmas decor. Pro tip: get there early, as this spot often has a line out the door.
Snap a holiday photo in front of this display at the Austin Motel.
Photo by ATXtoday
Winter Wander-land at Austin Motel | Thursday, Dec. 5-Wednesday, Jan. 1
Explore a forest of colorful Christmas trees and attend events like caroling performances, pop-up shops, drag shows, and more.
Après Swim at Swim Club | Sunday, Dec. 15-Monday, Dec. 30
The retro, poolside bar will celebrate the holidays with festive cocktails, decorate-your-own cookie boxes, and movies on the lawn on Thursday evenings.
Gingerbread House Decorating Party | 7-9 p.m. | Eberly | $90 | Your ticket grants you pastries, hors d’oeuvres, a festive cocktail, and everything you need to create a holiday masterpiece.
“Handel’s Messiah” | 8 p.m. | Riverbend Centre | $44+ | See the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Austin perform during this annual holiday tradition.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Holiday Movie Marathon | 4 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Cost of purchase | Bring your blankets and chairs to watch classic holiday films like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” with a festive cocktail in hand.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Alabama | 7 p.m. | The Moody Center | $90+ | There’s gotta be a fiddle in the band, because Alabama is playing in Texas on the “Roll On” tour.
Friday, Dec. 6
2024 Parade of Homes | Friday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec. 7 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Multiple locations | $25+ | Snag tickets to embark on a scattered-site tour featuring some of the most beautiful homes in the Austin area.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Santa on the Trail | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | International Shores | Free | Take photos with Santa, listen to live music from Cool Yule Orchestra, and shop a vendor market by Austin Flea.
This serene escape is located in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. | Photos courtesy of Miraval Austin
Alexa, play “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
Now that you’re feeling festive, it’s time to start making your list and checking it twice.
Have someone on your list who loves wellness or could use a reset after the holidays? We’ve got the ultimate gift that sleighs: A visit to Miraval Austin.
With pioneering programs, exclusive spa treatments, nourishing cuisine, and world-class wellness specialists, the resort offers visitors the epitome of wellness in a luxurious setting right in our backyard.
How to experience it
Unlock a day of relaxation and rejuvenation with a Day Pass, featuring full access to the resort, spa services, gourmet lunch, and more.
Gather a group of your besties and ring in the new year with a wellness refresh.
Heads up, drivers — the first long-term road closure for the I-35 Capital Express Central Project is here. The northbound I-35 bypass at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard closed yesterday and will remain closed through early 2025. See a map.
Closed
The Perch, a lakeside cafe on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, permanently closed on Sunday. The owner shared a note via Instagram thanking the local community for supporting the family-owned business.
Opening
H-E-B will celebrate the grand reopening of its South Congress Avenue store starting at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The first several hundred customers in line will not only be the among first to explore the new location, but they’ll also take home an H-E-B gift bag with special surprises.
Number
$5.5 million. That’s how much the City of Austin will invest to revamp its website, which local officials said is long overdue. The new website is expected to take two years to complete, but will improve accessibility to a variety of local programs once it’s live. (Community Impact)
Cause
After announcing a temporary pause in services due to financial woes, local nonprofit The SIMS Foundation has returned at a limited capacity thanks to new funding from Armadillo World Headquarters and C3 Presents. The organization, which connects local musicians to mental health services, is now 30% closer to its fundraising goal.
Community
Austin Parks and Recreation is seeking public feedback on expansion plans for the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center in east Austin. If you’d like to share your opinion, you can do so through online + in-person meetings.
Sports
The Texas Longhorns will battle the Georgia Bulldogs for the SEC Championship title on Saturday, Dec. 7. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Fun Fact
ATXtoday does not have paywalls because we believe access to essential local news is priceless. You can support our free, daily newsletter with a donation. Think of it like buying us coffee — or tea, if that’s more your style. Thank you for your support.
Travel
Thelast weekend of the Texas Renaissance Festival is right around the corner. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this iconic event, Margaritaville Lake Resort in Conroe (read: a ~30-minute drive from the fairgrounds) is offering an exclusive package with two free tickets + discounted overnight accommodations. Get the details.*
Plan Ahead
Don’t let those leftovers go to waste. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use the promo code “2025" at checkout.
Shop
Looking for a last-minute gift? We found one that’s more than 60% off, can be delivered instantly + will last forever. That’s speaking our language. Shop the sale.*
Category
Cause
❤️ It’s Giving Tuesday
Visitors will be able to buy art, or just peruse for free. | Photo courtesy Art From the Streets
Giving Tuesday started in New York City in 2012. Now, it’s a national nonprofit that encourages people to show generosity to their communities.
Austin celebrates Giving Tuesday through I Live Here I Give Here, which also puts on Amplify ATX, and connects residents to hundreds of organizations accepting donations.
If you’re feeling generous this holiday season, consider giving to one of these local nonprofits.
ATX Chamber Music and Jazz
This organization, which is dedicated to making music accessible to all Austinites, produces immersive performances to build connection and community.
Bat Conservation International
Help some of Austin’s smallest residents by funding research, educational outreach, habitat conservation, and endangered species protection.
Emancipet
This nonprofit provides low-cost veterinary clinics to help everyone care for their furry friends.
These trendy cat eye sunglasses — because you can never have too many pairs. They boast scratch resistant lenses + 400UV protection. Bonus: Your purchase helps provide those in need with free eye exams + glasses.
I’m headed to Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop tonight for the first installment of its new chef residency series. Check out the full schedule, which includes Taco Tuesdays, Wiener Wednesdays, and Surfin’ Thursdays throughout December.
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