In case the subtle media reminders, lights and caroling have some how escaped your attention, the holidays are here! Check out what Austin has to offer for stress-free shopping and holiday fun:
Open daily until Dec. 24
Marchesa Hall & Theater
Blue Genie makes holiday shopping easy with locally hand-crafted gift options for everyone from the new addition in your family, to your sock-gifting great aunt. A portion of proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish® Foundation.
Dec. 12-13
Maplewood Elementary
Buying local is a staple of the holiday season here in ATX, but Cherrywood takes it a step further and donates a portion of proceeds to the Chula League’s Little Artist BIG ARTIST program. You’ll find home and beauty products, toys, jewelry and more in the quaint halls of Maplewood Elementary and great music on Austin Chronicle Stage. Warning: your credit card might not be able to contain itself.
Dec. 12
The Lost Well
Who says punk rockers don’t have holiday spirit? Join them for art, music and tamales.
Dec. 13
Bouldin Creek Cafe
I don’t know about you, but brunch, mimosas and shopping in one location seems like a no-brainer.
Dec. 15-24
Palmer Events Center
Now in it’s 40th season, the Armadillo Bazaar combines local art and music for 10 days of entertaining shopping. Be sure to visit the Austin Chronicle booth for special offers on Chronicle swag and retro posters.
Real Christmas Trees
Fake trees are convenient and inexpensive but nothing beats the smell of real pine to roll in the Yuletide season. Browse local options like Papa Noel Trees, Montana Fresh, and Brungot Farms, or if you’re up for a drive, find more tree farms here.
Austin Chronicle Gift Pages
If you prefer the store-to-store joys of holiday shopping then check out our Gift Pages for great deals from locally owned shops. Find the Gift Pages in every Chronicle issue this holiday season.
Events and Sights
Dec. 8-22
Zilker Park
No Austin holiday list is complete without this 50 year tradition. Brilliant light displays, live music, and photo ops abound at this community celebration. Selfie sticks strongly advised.
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker
Dec. 5-23
The Long Center
Ballet Austin has been perfecting this holiday masterpiece for 53 years and we have yet to tire of seeing Clara and her giant shell-cracking companion waltz across stage.
Zach Theatre Presents: A Christmas Carol and The Santaland Diaries
Now through Dec. 27
Zach Theatre
Watch the classic story of old Ebenezer with the family or leave the kids at home for ZACH’s take on elf Crumpet’s holiday gripes.
Ice Skating on Whole Foods Roof
Now through Jan.9
Whole Foods N. Lamar
This popular holiday stop hosts plenty of private parties but is open to the public for only $10 on weekends.
Dec. 6-14
Central Market North
Christmas can’t have all the fun. Celebrate Chanukah with fun activities, music, latkes, dreidels and more.
Dec. 12
Full Circle Bar
Major League Dreidel is hosting the greatest Hanukkah Party since the 2nd century! Get in on the dreidel action and enjoy latkes, knishes, chocolate and apple vodka while you spin. No gelt, no glory, no cover.
Dec. 12-13
Wildflower Center
Thousands of twinkling luminaries light the way as Capital Area Food Bank collects much needed holiday donations.
6th Annual Holiday Lights & Ice
Dec. 18- Jan. 6
Omni Barton Creek Resort
Twinkling lights and the scenic hill country over look make this a unique ice skating experience.
See what we’re up to this holiday on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
This article appears in November 27 • 2015.