The holiday season is for sippin’, snackin’, and socializin’! Embrace those warm and fuzzy feelings, and check out our favorite spots around town that have been transformed into winter wonderlands. Even if you are more of a Grinch than a Buddy The Elf, we’re sure there’s a place on this list that will make you feel merry. So grab a glass of eggnog, and explore our top picks!
Santa’s Sleigh Ride at Revelry on the Boulevard, Revelry Kitchen + Bar, and Corner Bar
The owners of Revelry Kitchen + Bar, Corner Bar, and Revelry on the Boulevard will host a festive bar crawl on December 20th, from 7-11 p.m. Guests will begin with cocktails at Revelry on the Boulevard, then board “Santa’s Party Sleigh” and head to Corner Bar, where they will drink a little more and dance to music provided by DJ Kid Gorilla. Finally party-goers will head to Revelry Kitchen + Bar on the east side where they will be greeted by a NOLA-style brass band.
Starting Location
6215 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78752
Sleigh Ride Hours
December 20th, 7–11 p.m.
A Krampus Carol at W Austin
The Secret Bar at W Austin will be all decked out for the holidays this year for their Krampus themed Christmas, otherwise known as A Krampus Carol. “Santa’s Workshop” will have cocktail specials and a decadent Hot Chocolate Bar (with options to spike) and décor to go along. Keep a look out—Krampus might just have a few tricks up his sleeves!
Location
200 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78701
Gibson Wonderland at Gibson Street Bar
Known for its elaborate décor and holiday themed month-long takeovers, Gibson Street Bar will transform into Gibson Wonderland for the entire month of December. The Christmas Takeover includes signature winter cocktails and festive decorations that will leave you and your fellow elves feeling warm and toasty.
Location
1109 S Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
Hours
Mon – Fri, 4 p.m – 2 a.m.
Sat, 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Sun, 11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Lala’s Little Nugget
Lala’s is a year round Christmas themed bar that’s perfect for those who want to start celebrating early (or never stop celebrating at all)! Jolly Hour is every Monday-Thursday from 4–7 p.m. with $2 domestic bottled beer, $3 tall boys, and $3 well drinks.
Location
2207 Justin Lane
Austin, TX 78757
Hours
Mon – Fri, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Sat – Sun, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Very Merry Down Low Christmas at DuMont’s Down Low
DuMonts holiday takeover will have holiday décor and a special month long holiday themed cocktail menu for guests.
Location
214 W. 4th Street, Ste B
Austin, TX 78701
Hours
Mon – Sat, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Sun, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The South Pole at Geraldine’s
Geraldine’s is treating Austin to some TexMas hospitality—South Pole-style. From December 17–21 starting at 6 p.m., the restaurant perched on the fourth floor of Hotel Van Zandt will have a holiday pop-up complete with a snow machine, cozy igloo lounges on the pool deck with views of downtown, an artisan market, a holiday-themed cocktail menu, an appearance by Southern Santa, and the return of Geraldine’s annual Motown Christmas performance!
Location
605 Davis Street
Austin, TX 78701
Hours
Dec. 17th–21st, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
She’s Not Here But Old Thousand Is
East side restaurant Old Thousand will be offering downtown a taste of “Dope Chinese” for the holidays. The Chinese restaurant will be popping up at She’s Not Here’s space serving the full Old Thousand menu along with a pop up “Naughty List” holiday bar with themed cocktails. The Naughty List pop-up bar will feature seasonal flavors with innovative takes on holiday classics and the bar will be dressed to the nines in Instagram-worth holiday decor!
Location
44o W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
Hours
Sun – Thurs, 4–10 p.m.
Fri – Sat, 4–11 p.m.
Horrible Holidays at Upside Bar
Austin’s beloved Vulcan Video will be hosting a fun movie night on the patio of East Austin Hotel’s rooftop bar The Upside every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. The themes will change every month and December is all about the holidays! Enjoy happy hour pricing all night long: $2 off apps, house cocktails, wines by the glass, and $1 off draft beers.
Location
1108 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78702
Hours
Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.
A Blue and Silver Explosion at Kitty Cohen’s
Head over to Kitty Cohen’s for their Hanukkah pop up starting on December 18th and running until the end of the month! You’ll find festive cocktails, a gorgeous display of all things blue and silver, along with their normal menu. To top it off, a portion of all sales will go toward Shalom Austin!
Location
2211 Webberville Road
Austin, TX 78702
Hours
Weekdays, 3 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Weekends, 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Nostalgic Noel at The Cavalier
Join the Cavalier for childlike holiday fun as they reminisce about everyone’s favorite ’80s and ’90s toys and cartoons—in cocktail form! There will be themed cocktails inspired by Dexter’s Laboratory, Fraggle Rock, My Pet Monster, and more. Enjoy the full food menu daily from their scratch kitchen. Nostalgic Noel begins on December 19th and runs until the 28th.
Location
2400 Webberville Road
Austin, TX 78702
Hours
December 19th – 28th, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City
Tiki time meets tinsel town this year at Nickel City! Enjoy sips like the Kris Kringle Colada and the Christmas Eve of Destruction featuring seasonal flavors like nutmeg, allspice, and more. Reservations are required so be sure to email events@nickelcityatx.com for guaranteed entry.
Location
1133 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
Hours
12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Deck the Halls at Corner Bar
Sip on a Snowconut Margarita or Blitzen Martini, or slam a Gingerbread Shot this holiday season at Corner Bar! Covered in glistening lights and filled with cheer, Corner Bar is sure to make spirits bright this year.
Location
1901 S. Lamar
Austin, TX 78704
Hours
Mon – Wed, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Thurs – Sun, 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.
