The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

10 Christmas Volunteering Opportunities in Austin: Holiday Charities & Giving Campaigns For 2021

by 1 Comment

Christmas Volunteering In Austin: Image Credit – Community First Village Facebook Page

Looking for Christmas Volunteering Opportunities in Austin? We have a list of 10 great charities in and near Austin that are doing excellent work to spread cheer for the holidays and beyond!

It’s easy to get swept away in holiday chaos. From Black Friday deals to office parties to last-minute gifts, December is a swirl of madness. As a result, the meaning of the season often gets lost: the joy of giving to those in need.

With dozens of local charities looking to aid needy Austinites, giving back to the community is only a click away. To help you choose where your donation dollars should go, here are 10 worthwhile organizations to consider assisting this holiday season.

Christmas Volunteering Opportunities in and near Austin

1/ Operation Blue Santa

Image Credits: Operation Blue Santa Facebook Page

Run by the Austin Police Department since 1972, Operation Blue Santa supplies families in need with the full holiday experience, including meals and wrapped presents. Two policemen started the initiative by handing out presents to roughly 20 families from the rear of a patrol car. Now it’s a year-round program that collects gifts and food for more than 5788 households.

If you wish to donate, go to BlueSanta.org.

Operation Blue Santa location: 4101 S Industrial Dr #260, Austin, TX 78744, United States

2/ The Junior League of Austin: Coats for Kids

Image Credits: Coats For Kids Facebook Page

The winter of 2021 is already shaping up to be a chiller, so keeping warm is more important than ever. The 35th annual Coats for Kids Distribution will be held by the Junior League of Austin (JLA) from December 4, 2021, through December 11, 2021. Validated families in need roam through over 30,000 coats to find outerwear for their little ones. The doors stay open until the last family leaves, so volunteers are always needed at this all-day event.

Coat collection started on November 15th, November 2021, and will run through the first week of December at Jack Brown Cleaners. For monetary donations and more info, learn more here.

The Junior League of Austin location: 5330 Bluffstone Ln, Austin, TX 78759, United States

3/ Caritas of Austin: Home for the Holidays

Image Credits: Caritas of Austin Facebook Page

With a heart towards Austin’s poverty-stricken residents, Caritas of Austin is spreading holiday cheer through gift packages filled with essential items. From welcome home baskets with household supplies to winter wear to rent assistance, Caritas provides needy families with the bare necessities many of us take for granted.

For the full wish list, go visit Caritas online.

Caritas of Austin location: 611 Neches St, Austin, TX 78701, United States

4/ Austin Diaper Bank

Image Credits: Austin Diaper Bank Facebook Page

With a unique way to give financial relief to growing families, Austin Diaper Bank provides 10,000 Central Texas families with this childcare necessity. So far in 2021, they’ve distributed more than 1,500,000 diapers, wipes, and sanitary supplies to families in need.

While Austin Diaper Bank doesn’t have an official holiday drive on the calendar, any time is a good time to donate to this worthy charity.

For more information, visit AustinDiapers.org.

Austin Diaper Bank location: 2210, 78758 Denton Dr. Ste 103, Austin, TX, United States

5/ Austin Disaster Relief Network

Image Credits: Austin Disaster Relief Network Facebook Page

Ready and willing to assist survivors when disaster strikes, Austin Disaster Relief Network assists people in need during their darkest hour. The group provides food, clothing, cleanup services, and even counseling to those displaced by natural disasters. Team members also run a low-to-no-cost used goods store, with everything from furniture to clothing.

Although the group doesn’t have an official holiday drive, most of us know somebody affected by volatile weather events over the years.

To learn more, visit Austin Disaster Relief Network online.

Austin Disaster Relief Network location: 1122 E 51st St, Austin, TX 78723, United States

Christmas Volunteering Opportunities in Austin – Continued

6/ Community First! Village

Image Credits: Community First Vilage Facebook Page

Mobile Loaves & Fishes’ landmark Community First! neighborhood is a truly transformative initiative. The village is a 51-acre master-planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing for Austinites transitioning out of homelessness.

But saving lives doesn’t come cheap and that’s where you come in! Whether you choose to support Community First! through your dollars or your time, this is a beautiful way to make an impact in people’s lives.

To learn more, visit Mobile Loaves & Fishes online.

Community First! Village location: 9301 Hog Eye Rd Suite 950, Austin, TX 78724, United States

7/ LifeWorks Austin

Image Credits: LifeWorks Austin Facebook Page

Ever heard how teaching someone to fish is better than handing them food? That’s the central core of LifeWorks Austin. While providing day-to-day necessities to needy youth, the group also equips them with self-sustaining life skills outside the foster care system. Over 4,000 youth and families have been supported via this incredible organization, and your holiday dollars will be needed to keep the mission going strong. Among the very best Christmas Volunteering Opportunities in Austin.

To donate gift cards, go to LifeworksAustin.org.

LifeWorks Austin location: 3700 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, United States

8/ Austin Partners in Education

Image Credits: Austin Partners In Education Facebook Page

When not writing about music and doing the blogger thing, I spend my 8 to 5 in the world of Ed Tech. As a result, I have a heart for anything that helps kids learn and grow. From classroom coaching to weekly college prep tutoring, the Austin Partners in Education team pours hours upon hours into needy AISD kids and schools. Anything you can give, whether your time, talents, or financial resources, is sure to make a tangible difference in a student’s educational success.

To learn more, visit Austin Partners In Education online.

Austin Partners in Education location: 3100 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702, United States

9/ Austin Pets Alive!

Image Credits: Austin Pets Alive! Facebook Page

At The Austinot, we love our puppers and kitties. Austin Pets Alive! is our city’s premier pet rescue and re-homing organization. One of the best Christmas Volunteering Opportunities in Austin!

Check out Austin Pets Alive! to learn more and get involved.

Austin Pets Alive! location: 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703

10/ Amplify Austin

Image Credits: Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas Facebook Page

Can’t decide who to donate to? Amplify Austin makes it easy to contribute to multiple organizations. The site works like the Amazon of Austin charities, allowing you to search, add donations to a cart, save your credit card info, and pay with one transaction. You can even instantly download your tax receipts. This is an easy and convenient way to give back this holiday season.

Feel free to browse Amplify Austin’s full suite of charities for more information.

Amplify Austin location: 1310 South First Street #210 Austin, TX 78704

Looking for a fun holiday activity with friends & family? Check out our updated guide on the Best Christmas Lights in and near Austin

Keep track of the Best Events & Activities in Austin by bookmarking our Things to Do This Week and Things to do this Weekend pages

Christmas Lights in Austin Area – Best Holiday Lights 2021

by 5 Comments

Bastrop Holiday Lights Trail
Christmas Lights in Austin, Texas: Bastrop is aglow with the warmth and twinkly lights of the season (Credit: Colin Guerra)

Are you looking for Christmas Lights in Austin area? Read on to find out the best places to enjoy holiday displays with your family in and around the Hill Country.

Hear, hear, the sparkly season is near! 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 love love love the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, yet if you want to set forth on an illuminated adventure beyond Austin’s most famous light trail, follow these shining beacons signaling from across Texas Hill Country.

These holiday light trails go above and beyond for those of us beguiled by the night and mesmerized by shiny objects. Yeah, I’m waaay into it. If you crave holiday glitz and are up for a quick road trip, then these nine Hill Country destinations will satisfy your quest to shine on.

One exciting new trend I’ve noticed this year is that some of these light trails have added even more events, attractions, and/or lights, and most of them are open longer than before. This gives you extra time to make the short road trip to experience these twinkly trails.

Note: I’ve added the distances to each trail from the Texas State Capitol this year to better help you plan your trip. Happy lights-gazing!

[Read more…]

Must See Socially Distant Drive-Through Holiday Light Spectaculars

by Leave a Comment

Austin Trail of Lights 2019

As we all know, COVID-19 has not been kind to small businesses, restaurants, or life in general. And as we roll into the holiday season, many may find it hard to get into the holiday spirit for a variety of reasons. 

Luckily, you can’t keep a festive season down, even in the midst of the pandemic. If you’re looking for a bright and jolly way to spend an evening from the comfort and safety of your car, look no further than our top picks for seasonal and safe drive-through light shows guaranteed to delight young and old alike. 

NOTE: While many of these events have walking trails, we’re only focusing on the drive-thru portion of the experience. If you choose to take these trails, please exercise proper social distancing and coronavirus precautions. 

Santa’s Ranch

Santa's Ranch Light Trail in New Braunfels
Santa’s Ranch mixes dinosaurs, pickup trucks, and bible stories with keen enthusiasm (credit: Santa’s Ranch)

Fancy a short road trip? Take IH-35 South to New Braunfels and check out Santa’s Ranch where over 1.5 million animated holiday lights await. Not only are the displays stunning, rolling through over a mile of winding country roads screams classic holiday cheer. And it’s all delightfully Austin weird. Cowboys, dinosaurs, biblical scenes, and a host of random ideas combine to create a magical aura for every attendee. It’s a lovely event in a beautiful setting.

Visit santasranch.net for directions, pricing, and tickets.

Peppermint Parkway at COTA

Everything about COTA’s Winter Wonderland at the Circuit is LIT! (credit: COTA)

A relative newbie to the ATX holiday scene, Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas grew from upstart to December mainstay in no time. Due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s event is mainly vehicular, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing over a million lights displayed over a mile-long course.

This year’s theme lets visitors follow hosts Pepper and Mint as they race to deliver letters to Santa. Exhibits include elves, holiday sculptures, an enchanted forest, and a 60 foot spiral light tree. And no trip to a holiday display would be complete without a visit from the man in red himself! My family will be cruising down Tunnel Road rocking our Christmas jammies sometime soon—so join us!

Go to circuitoftheamericas.com for ticket prices and more information.

Trail of Lights

Trail of Lights 2015 Aerial
Trail of Lights 2015 from the air (Credit: Jared Tennant)

It wouldn’t be the holidays without the 56th annual Austin Trail of Lights spectacular. And while you won’t be able to take a spin under the Zilker Tree this year, there’s still plenty to marvel at during this incredible holiday experience. Guests will be able to enjoy classic exhibits like Santasaurus, Spaceship Santa, and 12 Days of Christmas whist being dazzled by over 2 million lights.

The Trail of Lights team went to great lengths to capture the spirit of the event while keeping it COVID free. Festive elves scan your tickets upon entry and holiday classics are broadcast on an in-park radio station. They even hand out cookies! And although the entire trip takes about 15 minutes, the sensory overload is worth it.

If I wrote a “You’re Not an Austinite Until” article, visiting this annual holiday celebration would be close to the top of the list. And although this version of the Trail of Lights is decidedly 2020, it’s still worth hopping into the car for a one-of-a-kind hit of holiday cheer.

The Austin Trail of Lights runs through January 3; you can purchase passes at austintrailoflights.org.

Buda Trail of Lights

The Buda 12th annual Trail of Lights starts at Stagecoach Park at 880 Main Street (credit: City of Buda).

For a weekend display, visit our neighbors down south for the 12th annual Buda Trail of lights at the historic Stagecoach Park. This year’s event is completely drive-through so you can experience holiday cheer from the safety of your vehicle.

The Buda Trail of lights is free and accessible December 10-13 and 17-20 from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. More info is available on the City of Buda site.

Home Displays

Motorcycle Light Display
A light covered motorcycle is just one of the crazy things you’ll find out in Austin’s neighborhood light displays (credit: That Other Paper via Flickr CC).

Everyone’s neighborhood has the “go all out” block. The row of homes where everyone gets together to celebrate the season under a blanket of glittering lights. And better yet, can be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Here’s a quick run down of some of our favorites:

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Where are you going for your socially distant holiday cheer this year?

Top Local Stores for Last-minute Gifts in Austin

by 1 Comment

Local Stores for Last-minute Gifts in Austin
Toy Joy is a wonderland of werid, wild, and pure entertainment (Credit: 2nd Street District + Giant Noise)

You made up a list and checked it off twice.
You’ve cruised around Google for buying advice.
The presents all finished, it’s time to relax.
When holiday madness mounts an attack.

A knock on the door from your cousin Hannah
That last-minute party, a work Secret Santa.
Panicked about all the season what-ifs?
Here are six local places for last-minute gifts!

1/ Unexpected Guest: A-Town

Random visitors can be half pleasant surprise, half panic-inducing. A-Town makes it easy to snag a last-minute gift that shows your unexpected visitors you truly care. Everything from boutique clothing to local art is on offer at this long-standing Burnet Road shop.

And did I mention local? A-Town specializes in hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind gifts made by Austin artisans. And the best part is, it’s mostly stuff your guests can wear or use. From cool coasters with ATX landmarks to handmade jewelry, you can avoid the knick knacks and get your loved one something they’ll truly enjoy–all while supporting local brands and businesses. A win for everyone.

5502 Burnet Road – Website

2/ Last-minute Party Invite: WhichCraft

Last-minute Party Gift in Austin
WhichCraft at Mueller (Credit: Caitlin Johnson)

Tired of running to H-E-B for that boring bottle of wine? When you get an invite to a last-minute get-together, then grab some craft beer! WhichCraft, one of Austin’s premier bottle shops, excels in both service and selection.

The X factor is an extremely knowledgeable staff. Whether you’re headed to a holiday potluck or traditional Christmas tamale feast, the WhichCraft crew will pair the perfect beer to your food stuff of choice.

Here’s a pro-tip: if you can’t find something on the shelf that suits your mood, then get a couple of tastes (or pints if you have the time) from one of the 30 on-tap beers. Once you find a favorite, grab a couple crowlers to go, and you’re officially set for the soiree. A hip alternative to that plain old bottle of red.

1900 Simond Ave. #200 – Website

➡️ Keep reading: Kick Back at These 4 Bars in the Expanding Mueller Community

3/ You Forgot Your Cousin’s Kid: Terra Toys

From toy cars and trains to mind-bending puzzles and furry friends, Terra Toys is an oasis of enriching playthings for kids of all ages. Nearly everything in the store is designed with hands-on play in mind. You won’t find video games or electronic gizmos on the store floor.

This fits perfectly when it comes to last-minute gifts. The Terra team members are pros at helping customers select the best gift for a kid you may not know very well. And with their focus on ensuring stock is filled with mentally-nourishing toys, you can feel good that your gift will not only entertain, but also enrich.

2438 W Anderson Lane – Website

4/ Company White Elephant: Toy Joy

Need a dopamine hit of pure holiday happiness? Wander into a Toy Joy location and prepare to be delighted. An explosion of lights, sounds, and color, I’d recommend swinging by even if your shopping is done for the season.

In the context of gifts, Toy Joy shines with pure variety. When I worked downtown, every company White Elephant came from these masters of holiday magic. It’s the epitome of Austin weird, sure to make your random gift one everyone is lobbying to steal.

403 West 2nd St. / 4631 Airport Blvd. #114 / Austin Airport by Gate 11 – Website

➡️ Keep reading: 6 Locally-owned Austin Toy Stores

5/ For the Geeky Loved One: Game Over Videogames

Game Over Videogames in Austin
Game Over Videogames

Have a gamer on your holiday list? Instead of running to GameStop or Amazon, considering swinging by Game Over Videogames for all your button-mashing needs. While many of today’s hot titles are on the shelf, the bulk of the shop is dedicated to retro experiences.

From ancient Atari 2600 games to classic Super Nintendo titles to the original X-Box, Game Over is a old school gamer’s dream. They also sell retro consoles, including modern machines that can play every game in the box stuffed into your best friend’s closet.

And everything can be tried before purchase, so you can get your game on before making the buy. An easy one-stop shop for all your last-minute gamer needs.

110 N I-35, Round Rock / 911 W. Anderson Lane / 3005 S. Lamar, #B105-B – Website

➡️ Keep reading: Game Over Videogames Keeps Retro Gaming Alive

6/ A Little Something for Yourself: Lammes Candies

In the bustle and rush of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget the most important person on your list: you! One of the oldest businesses in Austin, Lammes Candies is the perfect place to treat yourself for being an incredible gift giver.

With multiple locations all over town, you’re guaranteed to be near one. And the instant sugar rush will help fuel you through that final push of holiday shopping. An excellent way to take care of yourself during this stressful yet wonderful holiday season.

5330 Airport Blvd. / Lakeline Mall / Barton Creek Mall / 2927A W. Anderson Lane / Market at Round Rock, 110 I-35 – Website

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

What are your go-to local stores for last-minute gifts?

The original version of this article was published Dec. 11, 2014.

10 Austin Restaurants Open Christmas Day

by 5 Comments

Geraldine's Open Christmas Day in Austin
Elegant Geraldine’s is one of our favorite Austin restaurants open Christmas Day (Credit: Geraldine’s)

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 on major holidays.

Over Christmas, Austin can feel like a ghost town. If you find yourself in search of sustenance on Dec. 25, then here’s a list of Austin restaurants open Christmas day. Eat, drink, and be merry!

[Read more…]

Be a Holiday Party Hero With These 8 Delectable Party Trays

by Leave a Comment

Ritual Catering Holiday Party Trays in Austin
Ritual’s crudites board comes with yummy spreads AND they’re a sight to behold (Credit: Ritual Catering)

Party time, Austin-style! Festivities are reaching peak season, and good holiday party trays can be edible works of art to feed and impress the masses.

Whether for work or private parties, these Austin companies have the hookup on noteworthy holiday party trays and boxes that will have your loved ones drooling with appreciation.

[Read more…]

Enjoy Austin Ice Skating on Whole Foods Rooftop

by 3 Comments

Whole Foods Market Ice Skating
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. 20, 2020!

Austin ice skating has returned to the rooftop plaza at Whole Foods Market’s flagship store for its 15th 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 relive childhood memories or introduce their own children to this strange, frozen substance we don’t see much of in Austin.

[Read more…]

9 Christmas Shows in Austin That’ll Get You in the 2019 Holiday Spirit

by Leave a Comment

A Christmas Carol Holiday Shows in Austin
ZACH Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” is one of many brilliantly entertaining shows you can see in Austin this holiday season (Credit: Kirk Tuck)

With the clock counting down to Christmas, you’re probably rushing to holiday markets, searching for presents, and fitting holiday parties into your (sparse) free time. Let’s be real. The holidays tend to be more stressful than fun sometimes.

If you need to take a step back and enjoy a fun activity with the family, then the Austin area has multiple classic and original Christmas shows that can transport you to another place. Here are my nine recommendations for 2019.

[Read more…]

Austin’s Best Bazaars, Fairs, and Markets for Your Holiday Shopping

by Leave a Comment

Austin's Best Markets for 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…]

Recent Posts

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy