This year, I managed to explore a couple of Austin holiday events and pop-ups. Austin has so many fun light shows, shopping opportunities, and tasty holiday food and drinks… I did my best to visit what I could. I’ve already written about the wonderful ZACH Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” and the massive Trail of Lights. In addition to those, here were some of my favorites from 2019!
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar | December 13th – December 24th
For 12 days in December, nearly 200 local artists take over the Palmer Events center with INCREDIBLE art. I was expecting a craft fair, but this was way more than that. The art that was displayed was one-of-a-kind, incredibly impressive, and affordable. It was a perfect opportunity to get a handcrafted piece of art from a local artist in an approachable way. The art ranged from woodworking, leather goods, paintings, and drawings, to clothing design, ceramics, classic “Austin Themed” goodies, and even sculpture.
You did have to pay to enter the bazaar ($10 per person). I received 4 free tickets for my family and me to experience the show. Parking at the Palmer Event Center was $8. If you know you’re going to do a lot of your shopping at the bazaar, you can purchase a season pass for $50, which allows you to enter as many days as you want. If you’re a City of Austin employee, you can visit the bazaar on opening day for free!
There’s also a concession stand (this year, vendors were Southside Flying Pizza and Shawarma Point). If you’d like some drinks while you shop, there are two pop-up bars as well! There is also live music from a central stage each day.
Some of the more unique stalls featured hand-drawn maps of famous cities, polished crystals and gemstones, and light fixtures that doubled as steampunk-style sculpture pieces. I also managed to find a baby Yoda coozie for Brian. I’d highly recommend starting your Christmas shopping here next year. Have a few people in mind, know what they like, then see if you can find something that is really them. Not only will you be supporting local artists, but you’ll be giving a one-of-a-kind piece of art your loved one will cherish.
Miracle on 5th Street | November 25th – December 29th
Last year was my first experience with a holiday pop-up bar. I went to Nickle City‘s tiki-themed event and loved it! This year, I decided to check another magical pop-up off my list – Miracle on 5th Street (not sponsored, just my own exploring!). Located at the Eleanor, the event space is decked out in Christmas flair from floor to ceiling. There are lights everywhere, multiple rooms to explore, and themed cocktails to try.
I was much more into going for the photos than for the drunken shenanigans, so I went at 2 in the afternoon one day. I can only imagine the kind of craziness that ensues as the night goes on. Their website has a really nice calendar with their hours for each day so you can plan accordingly. I got the Porter’s Coffee Break (Jameson Caskmates Irish Whiskey, Chameleon Cold Brew Coffee, Guinness-Maple Syrup, Salted-Cinnamon Cream) and it was honestly delicious. However, you can definitely go another route… they have a “ski chalet” that serves beer and shot combos.
I’m super happy I went to check out this bar. It feels like a must to me! If you haven’t been, put it on your calendar for next year (or, if you’re reading this right when it’s published, they’re open TONIGHT [Sunday] until 2am!).
Siete Foods | “Home for the Holidays” box
In the holiday spirit of giving, the amazing team at Siete sent me a “Home for the Holidays” themed box! I absolutely ADORE Siete Foods and will never stop ranting and raving about them. This holiday box included some new flavors of their grain-free, gluten-free chips, a bag of coffee in collaboration with Greater Goods, two mugs, an apron, and a bag of their new mini buñelos!
I love Siete Foods’ products and I do not have any special dietary needs, but if you DO have a special grain-free or gluten-free diet, you MUST know about this company. I’ve shared their story several times already on the blog and on Instagram, so I’ll just link it this time.
Thank you, Siete!
Teal House Coffee & Bakery | Frozen Cinnamon Rolls
Finally, I ordered some goodies from Teal House Coffee & Bakery to take to family events. OH. MY. GOSH. I cannot recommend their frozen cinnamon rolls enough. I’ve blogged about Teal House before, so I already knew I loved them, but I was a little nervous to try their frozen ones. How could they possibly be as good?? Well, they are! We set them out to rise for about 3 hours, then popped them in the oven for about 10 minutes and voila! Incredible cinnamon rolls that are so easy to travel with! I guarantee you’ll be your family’s favorite 🙂
Still on my list this holiday season is the lights show at Mozart’s! I’ve seen pictures of their Campfire Hot Cocoa and it looks amazing! Also, there’s a light-up toy train now… I’m just so excited.
What were your favorite Austin holiday things this year?
Anything still going on through the New Year?
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