Keep Austin Curious
|Keep Austin Curious

Subscribe

"Sparkling Holiday Events & Festivities Stir Controversy in Austin!" 🌟🎁🎄 #HolidayLights #FoodieDrama

|
Keep Austin Curious

Keep Austin Curious

Archives

"Sparkling Holiday Events & Festivities Stir Controversy in Austin!" 🌟🎁🎄 #HolidayLights #FoodieDrama

"Sparkling Holiday Events & Festivities Stir Controversy in Austin!" 🌟🎁🎄 #HolidayLights #FoodieDrama
Get ready for a festive season in Austin with dazzling lights, holiday markets, cultural performances, and delicious food & drinks! 🔥🎁🎄🍴 #ATXholidaymagic

Tom Ferry

Dec 11, 2025

Austin News

🚧 Major I-35 crash causes big delays
A significant crash on I-35 near Slaughter Lane early this morning led to a full closure of the highway and a HAZMAT response due to an oil spill. Drivers experienced backups as far as Ben White Blvd. Expect delays if you’re heading southbound.

🏙️ YMCA’s TownLake campus could get a major overhaul
The Greater Austin YMCA unveiled ambitious plans to redevelop its 50-year-old TownLake site into a mixed-use complex with housing, social services, and childcare. The plan’s tall towers have sparked zoning concerns among neighbors. 

📦 AUS upgrades baggage system to handle growth
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport just debuted a much bigger outbound baggage system designed to dramatically reduce delays and keep up with booming passenger numbers. 

🎭 Local culture & arts updates
OutSmart magazine celebrated a joyful queer wedding party in Austin that turned fear into community pride — a great reminder of how Austin keeps redefining celebration.

🎷 Arts scene buzz: Jazzy “Nutcracker” returns
A special jazz version of The Nutcracker is set to hit Austin stages for one night on December 19, blending swing, ballet, and local musicians.

✨ Holiday Lights & Festivals

  • Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park — a must-see seasonal spectacle running through December 23. CultureMap Austin

  • Mozart’s Festival of Lights — shimmering lakeside holiday lights and immersive experiences. MySA

  • 37th Street Lights — old-school neighborhood light display (classic Austin tradition).

🎁 Holiday Markets & Shopping

  • Blue Genie Art Bazaar — gorgeous local art and gifts open daily. Austin Texas

  • Omni Holiday Market — local makers, snacks, entertainment, and free admission. CultureMap Austin

  • Holiday markets at Hyde Park, Black for the Holidays, Merry Market Austin, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar — plenty of artisan goodies waiting for you.

🎄 Performances & Culture

  • A Christmas Carol at Zach Theatre — big seasonal production.

  • Ballet Austin Nutcracker shows at the Long Center — classic holiday fare.

 

🍽️ Food & Drink Spotlights

New & Notable Openings

  • Paul Qui’s Kitsu Nori — the James Beard Award-winning chef returns to sushi with a new handroll-centric concept on South Lamar. 

  • Two Goose Market & Barbecue — a fresh barbecue joint on N. Lamar offering weekday bites and premium Saturday plates.

 

Holiday Eats & Pop-Ups

  • Especial Navideño at Canje — Puerto Rican holiday party with lechón, DJs, and coquito. 

  • Kitty Cohen’s Hanukkah pop-ups & Birdie’s Bistro Remy — seasonal eats and themed cocktails.

Local Foodie Notes

  • The Eater Austin “Best New Restaurants of December” list includes omakase, Japanese-French fusion, and botanical café vibes. 

This newsletter sponsored by

💸 Get Paid To Refer Local Businesses — Join NIAX (It’s Free!)

Want an easy way to earn extra money just by connecting people you already know?
NIAX is a brand-new platform where anyone can get paid for referring local businesses — no sales, no pressure, totally free to join.

👉 Create your free account: https://www.networkinaction.com/index.php/join-niax

How It Works

1️⃣ You hear someone say, “I need a ______.”
2️⃣ You make a referral through NIAX.
3️⃣ When that business closes a deal, you get paid.
That’s it!

Why People Love It

No experience needed
No selling required
Earn money for helping people
Perfect for connectors, moms, dads, students, side-hustlers, community builders — everyone!

If you enjoy helping others find trusted local businesses, NIAX makes it simple… and profitable.

👉 Join now and start earning: https://www.networkinaction.com/index.php/join-niax

Keep Austin Curious

© 2026 Keep Austin Curious.

Keep Austin Curious is your insider’s guide to everything local—crafted for Austinites who love discovering what makes our city tick. Each week, we highlight hidden-gem restaurants, can’t-miss local events, and the pet-friendly spots that make Austin the perfect place to live, work, and play. Whether you’re a foodie, a dog lover, or just someone who loves keeping their finger on the pulse of the city, we’ll keep you curious, connected, and inspired. Perfect for locals who want more than just news—this is Austin’s lifestyle, delivered

© 2026 Keep Austin Curious.