Austin Holiday 2018 Events, Restaurant And Gift Guide

AUSTIN, TEXAS — In the Austin area, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and/or the holiday season. There are special events planned, seasonal food being offered and special deals to be had during this holiday season.

Like Santa delivering gifts, representatives for merchants and restaurateurs have inundated the Patch email site in Austin alerting to this holiday horn of plenty. We seek to not only salvage these emails, but to convey them collectively here in the form of a holiday guide of sorts.

So let's get started.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY EVENTS

24TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY STROLL

The Downtown Austin Alliance, KUT and KUTX are poised to present the annual Holiday Stroll with downtown tree lighting and sing-along. This is as close as you'll ever likely get to entering the canvas of a Norman Rockwell painting as a central character. This is the 24th annual version of the event, which is free and open to to the public. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, Congress Avenue will be abuzz with holiday cheer during the Holiday Stroll that includes the annual sing-along and downtown tree lighting. Enjoy free performances throughout the evening by The Polyphonic Spree, Superfonicos, Shy Beast, DJ Girlfriend and the Austin Children’s Choir. "This year, there is an extra hour of holiday fun, with the event extending to 10 p.m.!" organizers write excitedly, as if there weren't enough holiday fun to be had already in the offing.

But wait, there's more: At 6 p.m., guests will gather at the south steps of the Capitol to sing songs of the season, led by KUTX 98.9 music hosts John Aielli and Elizabeth McQueen. Complimentary commemorative songbooks will be available to attendees while supplies last.

Ending the Sing-Along at 7 p.m. will be a countdown to the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree at 11th St. and Congress Ave. The 45’ tree, sponsored this year by Spectrum News, features 137,000 LED lights and rotates through a programmed light show. The tree will stay up throughout the month of December and plays holiday songs at the top and bottom of every hour featuring some of Austin’s favorite musicians, including Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, Dale Watson, Vallejo and others.

Attendees can participate in a variety of fun activities, such as a local artisan market, live interactive art performances by SprATX, Nunamaana, Ascent Aerialists and more. Kids can write letters to Santa and play in magic snow in the Spectrum News Kids Zone. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be at the Holiday Stroll to take Christmas wish lists and sit for photos from Santa’s Austin-thentic Volkswagen bus! That's verbatim from the press advisory, exclamation mark included.

Sponsors for this year’s Holiday Stroll include: Downtown Austin Alliance, KUT and KUTX, Spectrum News, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Carvana.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, 5-10 p.m.

§ Events and music begin at 5 p.m.

§ Sing-Along begins at 6 p.m.

§ Tree lighting at 7 p.m.

§ Holiday Stroll lasts until 10 p.m.

HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA FESTIVE EVENTS

Holiday events at the Hill Country Galleria this year includes the annual Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival event, Lone Star Holiday Market, and an all-new Santa’s Wonderland experience. The premier lifestyle center located west of downtown Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country is hosting several family-friendly events for the holiday season throughout November and December.

The fun kicks off with the annual Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting event on Black Friday, Nov. 23. Beginning that day until Jan. 1. The Galleria’s holiday tree will have a light show from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every half hour. Across from the Central Plaza, guests may visit the all-new Santa’s Wonderland for a magical experience, open from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24. In addition to daily holiday fun, The Galleria is also hosting a Jingle Bell Run 5K, Holiday Wine Walk, and Lone Star Holiday Market. Hill Country Galleria is located at 12700 Hill Country Blvd. in Bee Cave, Texas.

In addition to the many festive events, the Hill Country Galleria will extend hours of operation on select days to accommodate the busy holiday schedule. Details can be found HERE.

Hill COUNTRY GALLERIA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, Nov. 23: Tree Lighting, Santa’s Arrival and Black Friday Shopping, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hill Country Galleria will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting & Santa's Arrival event on Black Friday, Nov. 23. For Black Friday, the Galleria will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guests may shop for Black Friday specials at various retailers throughout the day and then join for the special event.

Camp Gladiator will be hosting a free post-Thanksgiving workout in the Central Plaza at 9 a.m. The event begins at 6 p.m., where guests can gather at the Central Plaza to help light the holiday tree and welcome Santa, and enjoy children's activities such as face painting and flash tattoos. Echosmith will take the stage at 7 p.m. The event will be emceed by Mix 94.7.

Beginning on Black Friday until Jan. 1, the Galleria’s holiday tree will have a light show from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every half hour. Check hillcountrygalleria.com for specific times, as they vary, or for more information, call the Hill Country Galleria Concierge at 512-263-0001.

Timeline of events (times are approximate):

8 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Black Friday shopping at Hill Country Galleria

6 p.m. - Face painting and kids activities in the Central Plaza

6 p.m. - Program begins with Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting with a special performance by Madison McWilliams

7 p.m. - Live music by Echosmith

November 24 - December 24: Photos with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland (times vary)

In an effort to continually elevate the guest experience, this holiday season Hill Country Galleria is introducing Santa's Wonderland, a magical and immersive indoor experience that will be open daily from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24. The free, interactive installation will offer several photo ops and selfie spots throughout.

While it's free of charge to enter the Wonderland and visit Santa, this year there will be a professional photo team on-site to capture memories with Santa, with photo package options for purchase so guests can leave with a timeless keepsake in hand. Guests are welcome to visit and enjoy Santa's Wonderland as many times as they wish this season.

For the hours of operation and more information about pricing for photos with Santa, visit: https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com. Santa's Wonderland is located across from the Central Plaza, next door to Café Blue.

Saturday, November 24 - December 22: Lone Star Holiday Market

4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Hill Country Galleria is hosting a Holiday Market on the Central Plaza Lawn from Saturday, November 24 to Saturday, December 22, from 4 to 9 p.m. each night. Shoppers may come and enjoy all the pleasures of the holiday season with unique, handcrafted goods from local artisans, a perfect opportunity to pick up gifts for the entire family.

Saturday, December 1: Jingle Bell Run 5K with Bee Cave Chamber
8 a.m.

The Bee Cave Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 5K Jingle Bell Run on Saturday, December 1. This event includes live music, food and beverages, and great swag bags. Participants may join in on the timed 5K, which begins at 8 a.m., or the Kid's K, which begins at 7:45 a.m. For more information, please visit www.beecavechamberofcommerce.com.

Sunday, December 2: Santa Cares Event

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Individuals with all spectrums of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session with Santa where extra care is taken to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs to make this a magical holiday experience. The event is held in partnership with Autism Speaks. There is no admission charge, however photo packages that capture holiday memories will be available for purchase at the event. For additional information or to make a reservation, visit www.autismspeaks.org/santa.

Thursday, December 13: Holiday Wine Walk

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hill Country Galleria is hosting its monthly Wine Walk on Thursday, September 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can shop the eclectic mix of retailers in the Galleria while discovering great wines from all over the world. Guests will start at Twin Liquors to pick up a map that is both a guide to the walk and a ticket for each wine walk stop. The walk's last stop will be a restaurant so wine-walkers can sit down and end the night with dinner. The first 200 attendees will receive a red Hill Country Galleria shopping bag. This event free and open to the public and guests are welcome to bring friends, family, groups, or a date for a fun way to spend a Thursday evening.
Friday, December 14 Movie on the Lawn: Polar Express

6 to 8 p.m.

The City of Bee Cave Parks & Recreation will host a movie on the lawn night, featuring the Polar Express. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to relax on the grassy lawn of the Hill Country Galleria’s Central Plaza. There will be complimentary popcorn coupons provided by Cinemark Hill Country Galleria while supplies last. Starting at 4:30 p.m., there will be a pre-show holiday activity at The Hive, the Bee Cave Arts Foundation’s new community art center, with the movie beginning at 6 p.m.

HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

Looking to get out of town for some holiday cheer? You might want to head on out to Horsheshoe Bay, Texas, just a 45-minute drive from Austin. Horseshoe Bay Resort is at the forefront of Texas' luxury travel destinations, named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the "Top Resorts in Texas and The Southwest" and having just undergone the first phase of the $60 million renovations set in place for the resort. Featuring a variety of lakeside activities, kid-friendly amenities and dining outlets with spectacular views of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, Horseshoe Bay Resort is the perfect place to cozy up for the holiday season and enjoy seasonal programming such as a complimentary shuttle to the Marble Falls Walkway of Lights, Winter Wonderland, New Year's Eve activities and more.

Thursday, Nov. 22

• 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Marble Falls Walkway of Lights: watch more than two million lights transform Marble Falls Lakeside Park into a Winter Wonderland. Complimentary shuttles are available for overnight guests and club members.

Friday, Nov. 23

• 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Marble Falls Walkway of Lights: watch more than two million lights transform Marble Falls Lakeside Park into a Winter Wonderland. Complimentary shuttles are available for overnight guests and club members.

Saturday, Nov. 24

• 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Candy Cane Course: guests can enjoy a round of putting at the Whitewater Putting Course while surrounded by beautiful scenery decorated in holiday cheer. Regular rates apply.
• 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Marble Falls Walkway of Lights: watch more than two million lights transform Marble Falls Lakeside Park into a Winter Wonderland. Complimentary shuttles are available for overnight guests and club members.
• 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Letters to Santa: guests can take a memorable holiday photo and let the little ones hand deliver their letters to Santa! Enjoy a complimentary laser light show and candy cane s'mores.

Daily activities throughout the month of November

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Creative Play: at the Jungle Kid’s Club, children can create crafts including slime, suncatchers, dream catchers, mini-pumpkin decorating, edible crafts and so much more! Cost is $15 per child; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Birds of the Bay: guests can take a memorable photo with the exotic birds on property; a staff member will also be on-site to share interesting bird facts.
• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. –Tortoise connection: mingle with the tortoises on-property as guests learn unique facts. Guests may feed the tortoises a snack and take a picture that they will never forget.

December events

Charlie Brown Christmas Dinner

Friday, Dec. 14
Dinner begins at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8 p.m.
Don’t miss a fabulous performance of a Christmas classic by the Austin Chamber Music Center. Celebrate the season with the original Charlie Brown music of Vince Guaraldi featuring pianist Michelle Schumann, bassist Utah Hamrick, drummer David Sierra, and special guests—plus, the chance to meet Snoopy in the lobby. Reservations required.

Horseshoe Bay Resort Winter Wonderland
Saturday, Dec. 15 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Take a stroll through Horseshoe Bay Resort’s Winter Wonderland. The Winter Market will feature a uniquely curated shopping selection, including Kendra Scott, Raven + Lily, Haley LeBeuf, Colores Collective and Mustard Seed Jewelry. Guests will also enjoy a Laser Light Show, the Acapella Group Vocalibre of Texas State University, photos with Santa, letters to Santa, arts and crafts, food and beverage stations, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Guests may view pricing and updates on the resort event calendar.

Saturday, Dec. 21

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gingerbread House Decorating at the Yacht Club Ballroom: bring the little ones to decorate a gingerbread house in any way you please. These pre-assembled houses are made in the pastry department and all supplies + decorations are included. Reservations are required 48 hours in advance by calling 830.596.2582.
• 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Marble Falls Walkway of Lights: watch more than two million lights transform Marble Falls Lakeside Park into a Winter Wonderland. Complimentary shuttles are available for overnight guests and club members.

Sunday, Dec. 31

• 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Kids Club New Year’s Eve: while parents dance the night away, let Horseshoe Bay Resort take care of the kids at the Kid’s Club. New Year’s Eve Kid’s Club programming includes snacks, dinner and arts and craft activities throughout the evening. Reservations are required.
• 9:30 p.m. - Ring in the New Year at Horseshoe Bay Resort: folks can enjoy dancing at the Granite Ballroom with live music by The Argyles - one of the best party bands in Texas! Admission includes party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Drink specials will be available to purchase throughout the evening.

Weekly Activities
Throughout the month of December
Enjoy Horseshoe Bay Resort’s everyday activities in the month of December, including:

• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Exotic Animals featuring Birds of the Bay, where guests can take a memorable photo with the exotic birds on property; a staff member will also be on-site to share interesting bird facts, and the Tortoise connection: where guests can mingle with our the tortoises on-property as guests as you learn unique cool facts. Guests may feed the tortoises a snack and take get a picture that they will never forget. Check Horseshoe Bay Resort’s website for more information.

Weekend Activities
Throughout the month of December

• Thursday - Saturday; 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Marble Falls Walkway of Lights: watch more than two million lights transform Marble Falls Lakeside Park into a Winter Wonderland. Complimentary shuttles are available for overnight guests and club members.
• Friday + Saturday, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - S’mores by the Campfire: Enjoy complimentary S’mores on the Live Oak Lawn, surrounded by festive decor and the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Photo of crowded dance floor courtesy of Horseshoe Bay Resort

HYATT REGENCY LOST PINES RESORT & SPA

Santa will arrive in true Texas style at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa on a Longhorn steer. "We are really excited to host a series of ‘Visit with Santa’ events this year not only for our resort guests but also for our local community to come out and celebrate the holiday season Texas-style,” Brianna Guzman, marketing manager at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, said. “The ‘Visit with Santa’ events will provide photos with Santa as well as several holiday-themed activities to enjoy.”

Event attendees will be able to greet Santa as he arrives at the resort, visit Santa’s Workshop to take photos, write letters to Santa, and enjoy several holiday-themed activities such as ornament and gingerbread house making, arts and crafts, and more. The “Visit with Santa” events will take place on Saturday, Nov. 24; Sunday, Dec. 9; Saturday, Dec. 22; and Tuesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day). Each “Visit with Santa” event will take place between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Event admission is complimentary. Select holiday activities will be available at an additional cost. The resort will also be providing delicious dining options at its restaurants throughout each event.

Following the Christmas holiday, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa will continue the holiday

festivities with a two-night New Year’s Eve Extravaganza package. Guests who stay at the property on Sunday, Dec. 30 and Monday, Dec. 31 will be able to take part in the New Year’s Eve

experience which includes a full-scale carnival complete with a Ferris wheel and games, an on-site petting zoo, a Texas-style barbecue, and much more. The package will also include access to

countdown celebration with a DJ dance party, a champagne or apple cider toast, and the resort’s signature fireworks display to welcome the new year.

For more information or to book a stay at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, click here or call (512) 308-1234.

'Visit with Santa' photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa

WESTLAKE WONDERFEST

One of the best places to meet the man in red is at Westlake Wonderfest, the Westlake Chamber of Commerce’s annual holiday celebration. This year, Little Guys Movers will be spreading holiday cheer with a booth at the event. This booth will feature one of their moving trucks and games for kids to play. Little Guys Movers recently joined the Westlake Chamber of Commerce, and they are excited to participate in this event that is so central to the Westlake community. “Chambers are what make the world turn,” branch manager Ryan Adams said. “They bring the community together.” So mosey on down to the Little Guys Movers booth at Westlake Wonderfest from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Westlake High School, 4100 Westbank Dr. In addition to meeting Santa, kids can enjoy a petting zoo, train rides, a bouncy house, holiday treats, and more.

For more information: www.westlakechamber.com.

"Established in Denton in 1992, Little Guys Movers is built on the belief that giving back and doing right by people is vital," company officials wrote in a press advisory. "The company is committed to contributing to the cities in which the Little Guys live and work, and making moving a more positive experience for its customers."

LIGHTING OF THE SQUARE IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Celebrate the holiday season on the day after Thanksgiving at the annual Lighting of the Square event on Friday, Nov. 23. The event will be staged on the east steps of the historic Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main St., in downtown Georgetown. The festivities include entertainment from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Williamson County Judge Dan A. Gattis and Georgetown Mayor Dale Ross will flip the switch illuminating the Courthouse lights and grounds at approximately 6 p.m. The lights around the Square are supported by Georgetown Utility Systems, your community-owned utility making our city 100% renewable. Entertainment during the Lighting of the Square will be provided by the Austin Carolers and refreshments will be provided. Stores will be open until 8 p.m.

Visit The Williamson Museum from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and children will be able to make their own Stick Ribbon Tree. Enjoy live music by Evelyn Billington in front of the Museum. This is free and open to the public!

Williamson County Brown Santa will offer photos with Santa for a $10 donation in the historic Courthouse after the lighting event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Enter the courthouse on the south side on 8th Street.

Toy donations to Williamson County Brown Santa and the Georgetown Police Department Blue Santa are encouraged. Williamson County Brown Santa and Georgetown Blue Santa have gone paperless for applications. Both organizations will be on the square to accept applications. More information and applications are available at www.wilcobrownsanta.com for Brown Santa or bluesanta.georgetown.org for Blue Santa.

For details on holiday events and activities in Georgetown, call the Georgetown Convention & Visitors Bureau at (512) 930-3545, or visit or VisitGeorgetown.com.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY MEALS AND COCKTAILS

Restaurants across town are cooking up their finest holiday meals to satisfy all palates. Here's a sampling:

Austin BurgerFi | BurgerFi is giving back this holiday season with their decadent new limited-time only burger—the Steakhouse Bleu Burger featuring double natural angus patties, Danish Bleu Cheese, cracked pepper bacon, cabernet onion marmalade and steak sauce. A $1 from each burger will go back to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help end childhood cancer. The Austin BurgerFi is located at 5701 Slaughter Lane, Suite B-150. For other BurgerFi locations, click here.

Photo courtesy of BurgerFi

Guild | For a bit of holiday cheer, Guild is debuting their Seasonal Sour created with TX Whiskey, lemon juice, egg white, honey simple syrup, a floater of red wine on top, and garnished with a clove candied orange peel. The cocktail is served on the rocks for $14. The Seasonal Sour fits right in with the new fall dinner menu items such as the Fish Dip with salmon rillettes and celery root confit, served with blue emmer hushpuppies; Bouillabaisse with duck fat potato, clam and rösti; Barley Risotto with royal red shrimp, chanterelle, and rutabaga; and Pumpkin Seed Porridge made with campfire pumpkin, aerated scrambled egg, and griddle prawn.

The Carillon | Located in the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center as the property’s signature restaurant, The Carillon offers patrons with an elegant atmosphere and delicious dishes. Offering seven private dining rooms within the restaurant, guests can customize their menus to create a seamless holiday party. The private event offerings include special coursed menus, wine pairings and cocktail creations allowing patrons to host their own signature festive dinner party for 16 or more of their family and friends.

Image via The Carlton, used with permission

Perry’s | Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill located in downtown Austin is the ideal location for private holiday party or dinner. The award-winning menu features USDA Prime beef, tableside carvings, flaming desserts and handcrafted cocktails, all offered in their main dining room and patio, at Bar 79, or in one of their five unique private dining spaces, including the Capital and Cellar rooms—both seating up to 40 guests. Perry’s also offers convenience for guests by providing valet parking service for the downtown Austin location.

Second Bar + Kitchen | The staple New American restaurant knows how to party with ample venue space options, for intimate and large groups, at both downtown and Domain NORTHSIDE locations. Offering semi-private and private rooms, indoor and outdoor options, Second Bar + Kitchen provides guests with a refined experience that is unique to each event, complete with customizable coursed and reception-style food & beverage menus.

Image courtesy of Second Bar + Kitchen

Mattie’s at Green Pastures | Nestled amid the enchanting, historic grounds of Green Pastures lies Mattie’s. A charming estate inside and out, Mattie’s houses four beautiful semi-private and private rooms that are perfect for festive dinners with extended family, social hours, and company holiday parties. Private venue offerings include customizable food & beverage menus featuring savory dishes and iconic cocktails from the restaurant’s Southern-inspired menu.

Photo by Nick Simonite, used with permission

Wild Chix & Waffles | Be merry with Wild Chix & Waffles! After the chicken & waffle restaurant closes at 3 p.m., the space is available to host fun and festive parties and get-togethers. Accommodating up to 65 guests, Wild Chix offers customizable offerings from their sweet & savory chicken and waffle menu, as well as a selection of drinks, from matcha to wine & beer to cocktails.

Photo by Jessica Attie Photography, used with permission

There are some Miracle pop up bar locations this year, with Miracle on 5th returning to The Eleanor and the first-ever Sippin’ Santa will come to Austin, popping up at Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City for the holiday season.

Launching on Black Friday (Nov. 23) through Dec. 31, Nickel City Bar will embrace the holiday season tiki-style with nostalgic holiday and Polynesian décor. Sippin’ Santa’s signature cocktail menu includes on-theme named cocktails like “Kris Kringle Colada” (Dark Jamaican Rum, Cynar, Allspice, Lime & Pineapple Juice and Cream of Coconut) and the “Mele Kalikimaka” (London Dry Gin, Grand Marnier, Lime Juice, Cranberry Syrup, Allspice Liqueur, Herbsaint). In December, Nickel City will host Luau parties every Saturday.

That's Sippin Santa at Nickel City, 1133 E. 11th St., open 2 pm. to 2 a.m. weekdays; 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. weekends.

Courtesy photo

Opening up on Black Friday (11/23) through December 30, The Eleanor will be transformed with nostalgic holiday décor and a signature cocktail menu with new cocktails like the“Snowball Old Fashioned” (Butterscotch Rye, Spiced Demerara, Wormwood Bitters, Orange Zest) and “Christmas Carol Barrel” (Aged Rum, Aquavit, Amaro, Pumpkin Pie, Demerara Syrup, Lime, Vanilla, Angostura Bitters).

Both locations will join locations around the country in selling holiday mugs featured on the signature cocktail menu with 10 percent of all sales donated to Action Against Hunger, making the ideal gift that keeps on giving.

That's Miracle on 5th Street, 307 W 5th – Unit A, open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY DEALS AND OFFERS

TWIN LIQUORS HELPING OUT WITH HOLIDAY CHEER

Twin Liquors is here to help make shopping local a breeze with their cocktail combo kits, gift baskets, Holiday Entertaining & Gift Guide, personal shopper service and on-demand delivery.
Cocktail combo packs offer refreshingly creative cocktail starters conveniently packaged and priced together. The sweet tooth on your list will love the Cinnamon Toast Parfait Cocktail Combo with cocktail recipe, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and Chila ‘Orchata ($29.99). Or for the more traditional, the Fords Spanish Gin & Tonic Combo is a perfect starting point ($24.99). Twin also offers pre-made or custom gift baskets like the “Locals Only” basket with the best of Texas liquors or the “International Party Pack” filled with wines from around the world.

"Pick up a 2018 Holiday Entertaining & Gift Guide at any Twin location and think of Twin Liquors as your personal shopper this year," officials said in a press advisory. "With expert advice, party planning and gift ideas, Twin will make the most of your shopping budget." Officials note the recent addition of the Twin Liquors’ new app and delivery service, which means that "...you won’t even have to leave the house to knock out the gift list."

Now is a great time to stock up on wine for the holidays as well, with 20 percent off six bottles of wine or more from now through the end of the year. To find your Twin Liquors store location, click here.

Photo by Kirsten Kaiser, used with permission

GIFT IDEAS

Imperfect Produce

While it may sound a bit odd to “gift” a box of produce, Imperfect is not your ordinary box of produce but representative of something much larger. The mission of Imperfect Produce is to reduce food waste by providing customers with “ugly” produce at a reduced cost—which is just what people need during the holidays! Their fruits and veggies are 30 percent cheaper than the grocery store, and conveniently delivered to your doorstep. In addition, there’s so much waste happening throughout the holidays with wrapping paper, plastic etc. that ordering Imperfect is one way to help reduce the waste. Imperfect is offering a holiday gift code “giftimperfect” that will give people $5 off their first box. Patch tried out this service, and was impressed with the quality of the produce. This is not bruised fruit and veggies as one might expect, but fine-looking produce that for whatever reason didn't mean the high aesthetics qualifications for store shelf worthiness. But the produce received — potatoes, limes, pears, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes and more — were both beautiful and delicious.

Photo credit: Colette Krey

Freebirds World Burrito

Spice things up this Holiday season, Freebirds World Burrito has their famous Death Sauce bottled! This 5 oz. bottle of sauce works perfect as a stocking stuffer for the dare devil in your life. Available for purchase for $8 at all Freebirds locations.

Photo Credit: Freebirds World Burrito

Dulce Vida Extra Añejo

Handcrafted in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico, Austin’s own Dulce Vida tequila is made using 100 percent blue weber agave and is USDA certified organic. Dulce Vida Extra Añejo is aged for five years and three months exclusively in wine barrels. This year’s release was aged in Rombauer Vineyards Merlot and Cabernet barrels from Napa Valley. Perfect for the holidays, this rich tequila features hints of cinnamon and butter with notes of vanilla and spiced oak and is best enjoyed neat or with a single rock and is perfect for the tequila connoisseur in your life. Where to purchase: Specs, Twins and other discerning purveyors of spirits across Texas. Price: $129.99

Photo credit: Milestone Brands

Seersucker Southern Style Gin

Made in San Antonio, Texas, Seersucker Southern Style Gin is inspired by flavors from the southern kitchen. Imbibers will enjoy notes of lemon and orange peel, honey, mint, cardamom and coriander seed balanced with just the right amount of juniper to create an easy-to-drink, high quality gin. The approachable nature of the spirit’s taste carries over into the branding. Traditional seersucker patterns and inviting blues evoke the southern warmth and hospitality on which the brand was built. Where to purchase: Available at Total Wine, Specs and other discerning purveyors of spirits across Texas. Price: $24.99

Photo by Jonathan Rogers, used with permission

St. James of London

Boardroom Salon for Men locations in Austin carry St. James of London, which is a line of all-natural men’s grooming products. In other words, don't get that special guy in your life a necktie. Instead, consider the following products that bring to light a higher level of shaving regimen for men. Their products make the perfect gifts for sons, husbands, fathers, boyfriends, and other important male figures. .

Below are some of our favorite products for the holidays:

• Super Badger Brush Collection – St. James of London first introduced these bespoke Italian-made brushes in the Fall of 2017. Each brush is bench made outside of Florence Italy using old world craftsmanship that dates back to 1908. They offer (6) six distinct color options, all of which contain Super badger hair for excellent water absorption and retention. Combine this with one of St. James of London’s glycerin-based, all-natural shaving creams and you’ve got one amazing yoghurt-like lather whipped up in a matter of seconds.

Courtesy image

• Handcrafted Razors – Like the shaving brushes, the handcrafted razors are also made using old world craftsmanship. Perfectly weighted and balanced, each razor provides you with a most simple and effortless shave. They offer a variety of color options across Mach III, Fusion and Safety Razor head configurations.

Courtesy image

• Fragrance Collections – Boardroom offers 3 different options- Cedarwood & Clarysage, Black Pepper & Lime, and Sandalwood & Bergamot. Within each collection, St. James of London offers shaving creams, both travel tubes and jars (weighted glass), post-shave gel, cologne and body wash. As with all of their products, each product is 100% all-natural, free of alcohol, parabens, and synthetics, thereby, making each item perfect for any type of skin.

Courtesy image

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>>> Top image by Kirsten Kaiser via Twin Liquors, used with permission