Here’s the lowdown on what’s going in the city, from outdoor ice skating adventures to pop-up bars celebrating the holidays.
1-Get Holly and Jolly at Miracle on 5th Street
This Christmas-themed pop-up features festive drinks like the Christmapolitan (a holiday twist on the Sex and the City classic) and Hot Buttered Rum (made with rum, velvet falernum, and winter spiced butter). The décor is red and green. Pro tip: To benefit from free entrance, arrive before 5 p.m. See more events focused on the holidays here. 307 W. Fifth St., different hours through Dec. 27.
2- Get Your Cheeks In Gear During the Turkey Trot
This annual ThunderCloud Subs tradition benefits Caritas of Austin. Burn some calories before you dig into mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. There will be a kid’s K stroll, a 1-mile walk, and a 5-mile run in the live and virtual Thanksgiving Day event. The timed 5-mile run starts at 9:30 a.m., with packet pickup starting at 7 a.m. 23 November 701 West Riverside Drive
3 – Jump Into Pinkmas’ Sprinkle Pool
If you share Buddy the Elf’s love of candy, you should attend the Museum of Ice Cream’s Christmas event to satisfy your sweet tooth. As you explore life-size snow globes and multisensory displays, indulge in endless seasonal ice cream delicacies. At different times through January 15, 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 128
4- Visit the Four Seasons Ice Skating
Put on some ice skates and test your mettle at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin’s Ice Rodeo for a super-cool Christmas experience. After cruising the outdoor ice rink, visitors can enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting over the public fire pits. 98 San Jacinto Blvd., various hours through Jan. 7.
5 – See the Hill Country Galleria’s Tree Lighting
Bring the kids to see Santa at this Christmas get-together, where there will be giveaways, activities, and live music. The tree lighting events take place in the evening, but Santa will be present throughout the day on November 25, starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. at 12700 Hill Country Blvd.
6 – Cheer on the Texas Longhorns
Show your support for the UT football team, which is heading into its final home game with a 10-1 record, by dressing in your favorite burnt orange and white outfit! Check watch Bob Schneider’s pregame performance at Longhorn City Limits on the LBJ Lawn prior to the team’s scheduled 6:30 p.m. game against Texas Tech. Nov. 24, 2313 Red River St., 4:30 p.m.
7 – Sip Cleverly Named Libations at Happy’s
Happy’s, a renowned pop-up bar during the holidays in Chicago, is moving to Austin this year! Enjoy seasonal cocktails like You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, a candy cane julep, and We Decided to Take a Vacation This Year, a tropical-inspired cocktail, and take pictures with pals next to the extravagant décor. November 24–December 24, 506 San Jacinto Blvd., 4 p.m.