37th Street Lights returns this weekend | The DIY neighborhood light display has dazzled pedestrians since the 1980s and is known for keeping the spirit of “Old Austin” alive.
How to give a sustainable gift this holiday season | The holidays may be the most wonderful time of year, but they’re also 25% more wasteful than average, so we prepared some out-of-the-box gift-giving ideas.
2024 Parade of Homes™ | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Multiple locations | $15+ | Snag tickets to embark on a scattered-site tour featuring some of the most beautiful homes in the Austin area.
The 49th Annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar | Saturday, Dec. 14-Monday, Dec. 23 | 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | Palmer Events Center | $12+ | Take part in this annual tradition with tons of live music performances and a collection of curated art for sale.
LatinFest ATX | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | 12-5 p.m. | Canopy | Cost of purchase | Shop a vendor market, grab free drinks, listen to live music, see an art show, and watch dance performances.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Barre in the Park | 10 a.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Free | Close out the weekend by taking care of your body with this free guided class with Barre3 Austin.
Austin Philharmonic Orchestra Winter Concert | 12-1 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum | Free | Sing along to festive Christmas and Hanukkah tunes with the Austin Philharmonic Orchestra.
325,709. That’s how many people rode on Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route in 2024, up 10.6% from last year. The Texas Eagle stops here in Austin and connects to cities like San Antonio, St. Louis, and Chicago.
Shop
Pro tip for kids gifts:Consider gifting the family a membership to the Thinkery. Why? Experiences keep toys out of the living room and kids out of the house. Browse kid-friendly activities for more gift ideas.
Fun Fact
Quick — what’s the weirdest thing in our state? Is it the Cathedral of Junk in south Austin? That’s pretty strange, but according to FiftyGrande’s list of the “50 Weirdest Roadside Attractions,” Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum in San Antonio is even stranger.
Correction
False start on our end. The Clemson vs. Texas game isn’t happening today. The Longhorns will take on the Tigers at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 in Austin.
Sports
[ONE SENTENCE PULLING FROM RECENT PODCAST]. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the [INSERT NAME] with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
You’ve made your list and checked it twice — now it’s time to knock out holiday shopping. Our recommendation? Head to Aldrich Street, the vibrant activity hub of the Mueller neighborhood. Psst… Visit any retail, dining, or wellness establishment today, Dec. 14-tomorrow, Dec. 15, and receive a complimentary commemorative gift.*
City Guide
City Guide
Going the extra mile 🚗
Lie back, relax, and enjoy a float with some of your best buddies over a drink. | Photo by Sean Loyless
Itching to get out of town, Austinites? Skip those pesky airport security lines and jump in your car for a day trip to the riverside town of San Marcos instead.
We’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the Mermaid Capital of Texas.
Experience
Take a glass-bottom boat tour See some of San Marcos’ aquatic beauty in a 30 or 45-minute guided boat ride that allows you to see the river from the top down. The tours have been running in San Marcos since 1945 and run daily.
Eat
Grins Restaurant Frequented by students and locals alike since 1975, Grins is famous for its legendary happy hour specials (like $1 margaritas) and Tex-Mex fare.
Stay
Crystal River Inn Stay a hop, skip, and a jump from Downtown San Marcos at this eight-room, 1880s Victorian estate and event venue.
Touch screen compatible gloves. Beat winter dryness + rough skin by keeping hands protected when you’re out and about, thanks to gloves that still let you use your phone.
The countdown to the end of the year has officially begun, and I have started thinking about my New Year’s resolutions. I read at least 12 books every year, and this year, I also want to read a book completely in French.
I want to hear yours — share a resolution with me and I may include it in an upcoming newsletter to inspire fellow readers.
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