AUSTIN (KXAN) — Whether you are looking for a holly jolly holiday meal or an assortment of winter wonderland drinks this month, Austin has it all. Here is a curated list of festive menus around Central Texas.
Aba
Austin’s Aba Restaurant located on South Congress Avenue celebrates the holiday with customers by offering Hanukkah specials. Aba plans to offer an assortment of menu options like shawarma-spiced brisket confit with pumpkin puree on Thursday, Dec. 26. This special menu is available for dine-in from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
El Raval
The Spanish tapas bar El Raval is offering a “Nochebuena” menu this holiday season. On Tuesday, Dec. 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. a special multi-course holiday dinner with optional wine pairing will be featured on the menu.
The Tradition
The Tradition an American Kitchen is hosting a Brunch with Santa plus a special Christmas Eve/Day holiday menu pop-up. Celebrate the special season with a delicious three-course, holiday-themed pop-up menu while enjoying family time and company from Santa himself.
Brunch with Santa will happen Sunday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Christmas Eve and Day holiday pop-up will be held Dec. 24 and 25 from noon to 9 p.m.
Edge Rooftop
Rock around the rooftop at Edge Rooftop and enjoy the Snow Much Fun pop-up. This is Edge Rooftop’s sixth year sharing this magical festive pop-up. Expect snow globe cabanas, fire pit tables, and a white Christmas snowfall experience every hour beginning at 6 p.m.
Azul Rooftop
Yule at Azul Rooftop with a variety of specialty cocktails from now to Dec. 29. Cozy up by the rooftop heaters, enjoy the city’s best views and let the holly jolly spirit take over your evening. Azul Roof top is offering private cabana rentals paired with s’more roasting, holiday postcard making, fresh blankets, and signature seasonal cocktail service. Find tickets here .
Upstairs at Caroline
Upstairs at Caroline’s Naughty or Nice holiday pop-up bar is available now to Dec. 29. Expect to find a pop-up menu filled with special holiday cocktails and s’mores. Invite four friends to experience a Polar Express Shotskii. Naughty guests will get Malört, while the nice ones are treated to Rumple Minze.
Upstairs at Caroline is open Monday through Thursday from noon to midnight and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight. No reservations are needed and entry is free.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar’s Holiday Hideaway runs through Dec. 30 and features a festive pop-up bar and seasonal menu. Enjoy Santa’s tropical oasis with spiced cocktails and festive views of downtown Austin. Zanzibar is open weekdays from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturdays from noon to midnight, and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.
Otopia Rooftop
Otopia Rooftop’s WinterSol pop-up celebrates the holiday season featuring rentable igloos, s’mores kits, board games, and a variety of holiday cocktails. The holiday pop-up offers weekly specials and runs through the end of January from sun up to sun down.
Lefty’s Rudolph’s Road House
Lefty’s Rudolph’s Road House is taking over Lefty’s Brick Bar and Gin Bar, offering a festive menu featuring Christmas-inspired cocktails and a fun holiday atmosphere. Lefty’s is open seven days a week and welcomes everyone including furry friends. This holiday pop-up runs through Dec. 31.
Gibson Wonderglam Holiday Pop-up
Gibson Street Bar transforms into Gibson Wonderland Holiday Pop-up Bar from now through Jan. 5. Find a disco holiday glittery party serving iconic festive cocktails. Holiday hours are from Monday through Wednesday 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Thursday through Sunday from noon to 2 a.m.
Lala’s Little Nugget + Lala’s South Pole
Lala’s Little Nugget has been a local favorite year-round Christmas holiday bar for decades. At Lala’s, you can start feeling festive while drinking holiday-themed drinks while sitting in the perfect North Pole atmosphere.
Après Swim Pop-up Bar
Swim Club transforms into Après Swim Pop-up Bar from Dec. 15 through Dec. 30. This pop-up bar will feature a winter wonderland menu serving up cozy cocktails, festive bites, a cookie decorating station, disco ornaments sip-n-paint, and holiday movies played on the lawn every Thursday. Purchase your tickets here.
Holey Moley Austin
Holey Moley Austin is swinging into this holiday season starting now through Dec. 31. Lift your holiday spirits with naughty and nice holiday cocktails and a holly jolly mini golf experience. Book your session here.
The Driskill
The iconic Driskill located in the heart of Austin is hosting its Holiday Afternoon Tea. This event will be held Dec. 15 and Dec. 21 with seatings available at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy three lavish courses of seasonal-themed delights, classic loose-leaf tea blends, live holiday tunes, professional family portraits and a surprise appearance from Santa Claus himself. Tickets can be purchased here.
Zoé Tong x Canje: Chinese Caribbean Christmas
This collaboration of a Chinese Caribbean Christmas is brought together by Zoé Tong and Canje. On Dec. 15, Canje will feature a special one-night-only pop-up menu fusing these two cultures. Visit here for reservations.
Krampus at Cavalier
Kick-off for The Cavalier’s Krampus Holiday celebrations starts Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. and runs through Christmas Eve. Get ready for a holiday menu makeover and some festive signature cocktails. Admission and parking are free, festive attire is encouraged.
Donn’s Depot
Enjoy the holiday magic at Donn’s Depot with festive surprises and a holiday menu. Don’s Depot is open weekdays from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.