25 holiday pop-up bars in Austin | From festive rooftops to movie-inspired spaces, we’re breaking down the best holiday pop-up bars spreading cheer in the 512.
Yule in the Garden | Saturday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 8 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden | Free with admission | Put on your ugly holiday sweater and bring a picnic for a festive performance by string quartet Austin Camerata.
Markets for Makers: Austin Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 7-Sunday, Dec. 8 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Palmer Events Center | $8+ | Shop from 100+ makers, do DIY crafts, take holiday photos, and enjoy snacks + drinks.
Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll 2024 | 3-8 p.m. | Texas Capitol | Cost of purchase | Ring in the holiday cheer with this stroll through Downtown, complete with a tree lighting and markets to shop through.
Screen on the Green: “Home Alone” | 6 p.m. | Fareground | Cost of purchase | Enjoy seasonal cocktails and complimentary popcorn while you watch the classic holiday film.
Sunday, Dec. 8
“A Very Electric Christmas” | Times vary | The Paramount Theatre | $18+ | Follow the story of a bird who is blown off course and into the North Pole to the tunes of Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, and Tchaikovsky.
Christmas Tree Lighting | 5-7 p.m. | Hotel Viata, West Lake Hills | Cost of purchase | Catch a live choir performance, shop a holiday market, meet Santa, and see the illumination of a grand Christmas tree.
A Very Merry Swiftmas Paint Night | 5-8 p.m. | The Art Garage Austin | $15+ | Listen to Taylor Swift songs, paint themed pottery, and enjoy a complimentary drink.
Austinites have more fun. We ranked No. 6 in WalletHub’s list of “Most Fun Cities in America” based on metrics like movie cost and the hours our breweries are open. Find more ways to play around town.
Travel
Southwest fliers should get their ginger ale while they can. This week the airline began to end its cabin service earlier — at an altitude of 18,000 ft — to reduce injuries. It’s all good — there are plenty of food and drink options at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport before you board. (Fast Company)
The Word
Oxford University Press announced its pick for Word of the Year — “brain rot.” Other finalists included “lore,” “dynamic pricing,” and “slop.” Counter the brain rot by touching grass at a local park or heading to one of these 20+ museums in Austin. (Time Magazine)
Listen
In case your Instagram feed isn’t filled with people sharing that they’re in the top 1% of Taylor Swift listeners, allow us to inform you: Spotify Wrapped is out. If you’re looking for a new listen, check out Locked On’s daily podcasts covering all things Texas Longhorns.
Finance
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City Guide
City Guide
❄️ ‘Tis the season
Austin shines during the holiday season, so make the most of it by packing your calendar with festive events. | Photo by ATXtoday
Get your fuzzy socks and hot cocoa ready, Austin. From light displays to holiday performances and festive parties, this is by far the coziest season in the Capital City.
Gather the family and friends to celebrate what makes the holiday season special with our guide featuring30 winter events happening between December and February.
German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market, German Free School | Saturday, Dec. 7 This market decked out with traditional decorations imported from Erzgebirge, Germany will serve up Glühwein and offer kid-friendly activities.
Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Zilker Park | Saturday, Dec. 7 This two-mile race starts at the Zilker Holiday Tree and ends with a finish line festival that includes a DJ performance, holiday photo ops, carnival rides, and food + drinks.
This top-rated safety razor with five premium stainless-steel blades. Its double-sided design provides a closer, cleaner shave compared to disposable razors, resulting in less skin irritation.
My favorite street in Austin is West 2nd Street. My ideal day includes grabbing a coffee at Jo’s, eating lunch at Local Foods, strolling into shops like Toy Joy, and meeting friends for dinner at Numero28.
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