The only thing harder than finding someone who was born and raised in Austin is finding a good restaurant that’s open past midnight on the weekends, or at all during the holidays. Over Christmas, Austin becomes much like a ghost town. If you find yourself in search of sustenance on Dec. 25, here’s a list of places where you can eat, drink, and be merry. [Read more…]
7 Days to Christmas, 7 Things to Do in Austin
Credit: Christopher V. Sherman/Over Austin
Pull out your phone and take a peek. See the date? As of today, there are only seven days until Christmas! If that statement just plunged you into a minor panic, don’t fret. Whether you still need to check off the boxes on your shopping list, take the kids out for holiday fun, or treat yourself to a night on the town, here are seven Austin events for the last seven days of the Christmas season. [Read more…]
Enjoy Austin Ice Skating on Whole Foods Rooftop
Bring your friends and family for fun on the ice (Credit: Whole Foods Market)
Ice skate on the rooftop of Whole Foods Market, now through Jan. 15, 2018!
Austin ice skating has returned to the rooftop plaza at Whole Foods Market’s flagship store for its 13th season. Enjoy this festive, wintry activity at the landmark location on North Lamar Boulevard between 5th and 6th Streets. It is real ice, so Austinites can [Read more…]
Activities, Shopping, and Dining on Christmas Eve in Austin
Spinning under the Zilker Tree is a memorable way to spend Christmas Eve in Austin (Credit: Over Austin)
While a good portion of the country is enjoying a white Christmas bundled up by the fire, sippin’ hot cocoa, some Austinites are still enjoying margaritas on patios.
While spending the holiday season this way may not put you in the Christmas spirit, it’s still the most wonderful time of the year. If you need a break from that 24-hour Christmas movie marathon or want to snag a last-minute gift, then head out on the town to partake in (mostly) family-friendly events with this ultimate guide to Christmas Eve in Austin. [Read more…]
Rethink Holiday Gifting With Shop Zero Waste Program in Austin
The people of Austin love supporting the local community and culture with gusto! It’s a trait many of us hold near to our hearts, and try to abide by every day. Love for local artists and makers is evident all year round, at markets and pop-ups. Let’s continue to show support this holiday season by being part of The City of Austin’s Shop Zero Waste program. [Read more…]
8 Must-see Texas Hill Country Holiday Light Trails
San Saba’s light show boasts 30 acres of lights and an extended run through Jan. 5, 2018 (Credit: Mitchell Hallmark/Found Media Group)
‘Tis the season to sparkle! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around.
We adore Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, but this article goes above and beyond for my kind of people who are truly extra in their love for shiny objects. I’m eternally beguiled by the night and mesmerized by shiny objects, so I’m way into the holiday light trail scene.
These aren’t your subtle, modest light displays, but rather full-on Clark Griswold affairs. If you crave holiday glitz and are up for a quick road trip, these eight Hill Country destinations can satisfy your quest to shine on.
[Read more…]
Shop Local This Year With The Austinot Gift Guide 2017
Once Thanksgiving turkey and the last bit of pumpkin pie have been eaten, it’s time to put your shopping prowess to work and get cracking on presents! Here at The Austinot, we work hard to put together a local gift guide like none other, with an emphasis on local businesses you may not visit often. Have a foodie in your life? We have that covered. How about furry family members? We’ve got something for them, too!
So let’s get to it, shall we? [Read more…]
6 Family-friendly Holiday Events at Texas State Parks
Temperatures may be mild outside, but holiday music is starting to play on local radio stations. And in just a few short days, Austin’s very own Trail of Lights will open for another glorious season. So, while it may not feel like it, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in ATX.
Unfortunately, along with this most wonderful time of the year comes added stress. Instead of letting crowded shopping malls and heavier traffic get you down, head outside for some holiday cheer.
Scattered across the great state of Texas are more than 90 state parks, 19 of which are relatively close to Austin. To help you steer clear of the crowds and spend more time with loved ones, we’ve rounded up six state parks near Austin that are featuring holiday festivities in 2017. [Read more…]
Insider’s Guide to Austin’s Trail of Lights, 2017 Edition
Trail of Lights is an Austin tradition, marking 52 years this Christmas season (Credit: Trail of Lights)
The first time I visited Trail of Lights, I was mesmerized by the beauty of it all, especially the tunnel at the entrance. I spun around inside the Zilker Tree until I was dizzy, and fell even more in love with the Austin skyline. This holiday magic is something I want to experience every year.
Visiting Trail of Lights is a yearly tradition for most Austin residents. If you’ve never been before, watch the short video below for more information on this year’s event, which will run from Dec. 9 to Dec. 23. And keep reading for this year’s pro tips!
Austin’s Best Bazaars, Fairs, and Markets for Your Holiday Shopping
The holidays can be a joyous time of year with friends and family. But this season can also be stressful, as you try to find the perfect gift for those you love.
Whether you’re looking for arts, crafts, Texas foods, or gift certificates, our team at The Austinot believes local gifts make the best gifts! So here’s a rundown of the best bazaars, fairs, and markets in Austin to make your holiday shopping a breeze. [Read more…]