Enjoy the UT band’s music through speakers as the Longhorn Lights glow around you. | Gif by ATXtoday
It’s beginning to look a lot like string lights. Austin was recently rated the most festive city in the US for the fourth year in a row, and we have to say, that’s a high honor.
So grab a pair of earmuffs, a warm cup of hot cocoa, a light jacket, and your loved ones — we’re stepping out to enjoy some of the best holiday light displays in the Austin area.
37th Street Lights | Friday, Dec. 12-Thursday, Jan. 1
This DIY neighborhood light show has been shining and creating some of the weirdest displays in Hyde Park since the 1980s.
Longhorn Lights | Now-Thursday, Jan. 1
The second annual Longhorn Lights brings festive nostalgia and twinkling lights to 24 Heritage Oak trees along Guadalupe Street between 21st and 25th streets.
Luminations | Now–Saturday, Jan. 3
This glowing exhibition at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is inspired by artistry in nature. Tickets are $30 for adults.
$108 million. That’s how much funding Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will receive from the Federal Aviation Administration for its expansion projects. The money will go toward the construction of Concourse B, which will add 20 new gates and space for new amenities.
Development
West Campus is set to gain two 30-story towers: Ventnor Avenue and Atlantic Avenue. The multifamily buildings (which might include student housing) could rise as tall as 600 ft if approved by the city. (Austin Business Journal)
Civic
Redeveloping the Townlake YMCA would require 16 changes to the Land Development Code. The project, which would expand the gym and add affordable housing on the lot, is currently poised to break ground in 2028. (KXAN)
Opening
To the stars who listen, a dream has been answered. Romance-only bookstore Finney’s Books on Airport Boulevard will host a grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Eat
Mercado Sin Nombre’s Bad Honey Bunny honey bun (say that three times fast) made The New York Times’ “23 Best Restaurant Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2025" list. The $7 bun was one of only two Texas dishes on the list.
Coming Soon
There’s a new tenant on the way for the former Fry’s Electronics space in north Austin: EoS Fitness. The low-cost gym will take up 35,000 sqft and a Micro Center will move into 40,000 sqft of the 100,000-sqft store.
Outdoors
Watch your paddles — the Colorado River and Guadalupe River are “snake-infested,” according to WorldAtlas. Common serpents in the area include water moccasins, diamondback watersnakes, and blotched watersnakes.
Sports
Trevon Diggs and two other Dallas Cowboys could have an uncertain future with the franchise. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Cowboys with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Seasonal
Happy almost New Year’s. We’re celebrating the countdown to 2026 with 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads on our advertising portal. Use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout — no long-term contract required.
Beauty
Particle Face Cream was engineered for men to tackle skin issues in one simple step — reducing eye bags, diminishing wrinkles, brightening dark spots, hydrating, soothing after shaving, and nourishing deeply with Dead Sea minerals. Use code CITY20 for 20% off today.*
Category
Business
🎁 Keep it local
This modern mom-and-pop shop has products you need (and products you didn’t know you needed) from local makers. | Photo by Claire Malaby Photography
In case you haven’t seen the holiday lights, it’s gift-giving season, and Austinites are more supportive of small businesses than any other city in the country, according to a study by Nav.
In case you’re still in the market for a unique local gift, we have you covered.
Laché Movement Co. | Give your loved one a new experience in the form of aerial arts, pole, and parkour while guided by professionals. Plus, you can try three classes for $60 to get started.
AllClean ATX | Nothing is a better gift than relaxation, which is exactly what a professionally cleaned home (using eco-friendly products) will deliver.
Parker + Scott | This colorful store offers goods from 250+ women-owned brands and 190+ Texas-based companies.
Sunny & Shady Designs | This shop is selling its one-of-a-kind cement planters, ring holders, catch-all dishes, and more at Contra Common in the Hill Country Galleria, Thursday-Sunday until Friday, Jan. 2.
I went to Blue Genie Art Bazaar earlier this week for some inspiration for today’s gift recommendation, which my colleagues have lovingly dubbed the 12 Days of Figmas.
If the people on your gift list are passionate about living in Austin, I’d recommend wrapping one of these 3D wall pieces of landmarks like Q2 Stadium and Magnolia Cafe.
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