Christmas is here, and while this can mean paid time-off and gifts for some, for others it means endless interrogations from family members over a non-existent love life.
So for those trying to avoid nosy questions or just unable to go home, here are some ways you can spend the day eating and drinking your way to the perfect Christmas.
Candler Wilkinson’s Christmas PartyStay Gold
1910 E. Cesar Chavez, 9pm
This East Austin bar will host the Candler Wilkinson Quartet, ensuring great music and drinks. The best part – no cover!
Antone’s Nightclub
305 E. Fifth, 8pm
$15 general admission
If you need to dance the blues away, six-time Grammy-winning Tejano accordionist Flaco Jiménez and Conjunto los Pinkys can turn anyone’s Blue Christmas around.
Mattie’s Christmas Day BrunchMattie’s
811 W. Live Oak, 11am & 2pm
$85 for adults, $40 for children
Mattie’s offers a brunch buffet with traditional brunch items, charcuterie, desserts and more. Bring the fam or go at the endless buffet solo.
Christmas Day at the JackalopeThe Jackalope
404 E. Sixth, 3pm
If you insist on day-drinking as early as bars will allow you on Christmas, Jackalope has the drink specials and happy hour pizza you’re looking for. Cheers!
Circuit of the Americas
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
This is the place to cross-out everything on your cliché list of things to do on Christmas. Thinking skating rink, Tunnel of Lights, Santa’s Workshop, live music, carnival rides, petting zoo, or Chinese Lantern Festival? This place has all.
The Eleanor
307-A W. Fifth, 6pm
The holiday pop-up bar has been transformed to look like a classic family living room to hit you right in the feels and maybe loosen your pocket a bit. It offers a cocktail menu inspired by holiday drinks and dishes. Ugly sweaters encouraged!
Christmas Night Dance PartyThe Liberty
1618 ½ E. Sixth, 8pm
One way to celebrate your freedom from the tyranny of the Christmas season? Dancing your ass off at the Liberty?
BT2 Christmas DinnerBout Time II
6607 N. I-35, 1pm
Enjoy a holiday feast with your friends from the gayberhood.
Dale Watson’s Christmas Show & DanceContinental Club
1315 S. Congress, 10pm
$12 cover fee
Honky tonk for the holidays.
Alex Coke & Rich Harney QuartetElephant Room
315 Congress, 6:30pm
Blow your blues away with this saxophone and piano duo.
And if all else fails, a Christmas Day movie is a sure bet to avoid feeling like a total Grinch. See our Film Listings for tons of options.
Of course, you could always stay home slouching in your favorite pajamas enjoying frozen food and cheap wine. Don’t worry – midnight will scare away your nostalgia, at least until next Christmas.
This article appears in December 21 • 2018.