Holiday Sights and Shopping Delights – Your December Guide to the 2nd Street District
Deck the Halls with Gifts from the Well, Toy Joy, Austin Rocks, and more!
Coffee Lovers Rejoice with Holiday Gift Boxes from the Well
Warm Up with La Condesa’s Spicy Brunch and Bill’s Oyster’s Holiday Movie Cocktails
Start New Year’s Early with Discounted Classes at Barry’s
Walking in a Winter Wonderland – Drag Brunch at the W Austin Ballroom
Happy Holidays, 2nd Streeters! That magical, wintery time of year is finally upon us, just in case the sparkling street lights and holiday decor hadn’t tipped you off. For our December guide, we’re helping you cross off every family and friend from your holiday gift list. Because there’s nothing like strolling through the streets of downtown Austin and happening upon a quaint little store during an old-fashioned shopping spree.
So say goodbye to online shopping at Amazon and get ready to break out the spiked holiday cider. Because we’ve put together a list of every must-attend shopping, dining, and entertainment experience the 2nd Street District has to offer for this holiday season. Even if you find the weather outside frightful, trust us – these 2nd Street District December happenings are oh so delightful.
Deck the Halls with the 2nd Street District’s Holiday Gift Guide
The Well’s Holiday Gift Set
We get it – it’s a struggle to find the perfect gift for your family and friends. But the 2nd Street District has your back. Because there’s no better place in Austin to find your loved one a gift that’ll last a lifetime. From your kiddo’s stocking stuffer and your hard-to-please fashionista friends to your rocker relatives, sneaker-head sisters, and every wellness aficionado in your life, the 2nd Street District has it all. Better yet, it’s the perfect opportunity to support your local Austin businesses.
So why choose amongst gifts when you can spring for a holiday gift box from the Well? It’s the ideal present for your relative who loves the smell of a strong cup of joe on a frosty December morning. For $100, you get $125 in value, including local gifts from Atlas Coffee Club, Clay House Candles, Soul Matter Studio, and Dehy Garnish. To see the full gift list, check out the Well’s website here.
Want a stocking stuffer that’ll light your child’s eyes up on Christmas morning? Then Toy Joy’s selection of vintage action figures, plush toys, games, and sensory toys is for you. We’re following that up with an apparel collection inspired by Texas’s proud tradition of rock music. Yes, you guessed it – we’re talking about Austin Rocks, the official store for Austin City Limits. Austin Rocks has plenty of music-themed merch that’s not just for your rockin’ Uncle. In fact, there’s a whole line for all your little rockstars, appropriately named Austin Rocks the Cradle.
And what holiday gift list is complete without a holly red dress or a Fair Isle sweater? If you’re looking to elevate the fashion choices of your relatives, then there’s no shortage of apparel shops in the 2nd Street District. For your inner streetwear fanatic, Sneaker Politics has everything you need for that perfect pair of winter kicks, from Nike to Adidas to Puma and beyond.
At Stella Dallas, you will have trouble resisting the collections ranging from the latest trends to classic, timeless staples. It’s the premiere destination for women who live for fashion, art, music, and travel. And for all the fellas who want to turn heads at your next holiday party? Check out the velvet jackets, pleated wool dress pants, festive button-ups, and Fair Isle Sweaters at Bonobos.
Warm Yourself Up with a Spicy Brunch and Craft Cocktails
La Condesa’s Spicy Brunch
If all this talk of shopping has worked up your appetite, then you’re in luck. Starting at 11 am every Saturday and Sunday is La Condesa’s spicy Mexican brunch – a superb post-shopping treat for you and all your friends. Their chefs are cooking up all your favorite savory dishes from churro waffles and steak and eggs to huevos rancheros and so much more. So wash down those crunchy chilaquiles with fresh house-squeezed juices for mimosas and agua frescas. We mean it when we say that La Condesa’s brunch is the best comfort food for the cold weather snap.
Filet Mignon at Cru Food & Wine Bar
Not everyone takes delight in cooking up the perfect Christmas Eve dinner. So why not let the professional chefs at Cru Food and Wine Bar take dinner off your hands? Cru puts the family back in family style with a delightful offering of shared plates that you and your family will salivate over. Call now to reserve your table!
Every December involves curling up on a couch to watch a holiday movie. You know the classics: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, A Christmas Story. But the team at Bill’s Oyster have something in the works that’ll get you up off your seat. That’s right – we’re talking about a boozy spin on all your favorite holiday films, all December long. Bill’s Oyster mixologists are serving up craft cocktails inspired by your favorite classic holiday movies, including a “Clark Griswold” eggnog, a “Yule Shoot Your Eye Out” Old-Fashioned, and “Angry Elf” shots. Be prepared to take a drink every time somebody mentions a “leg lamp!”
Yule Shoot Your Eye Out Old-Fashioned
W Austin’s Exclusive Holiday Events
W Austin’s special holiday cocktail menu
For 2nd Street District locals and out-of-town visitors alike, the best place for the most exclusive holiday happenings is at the W Austin Restaurant and Lounge.
And the real draw for December is inside the W Austin’s ballroom where you can join the Beckies for a Winter Wonderland Drag Brunch on Sunday, December 17th at 12pm. Check out the pricing and seating details here. After the show, be sure to check out the W Austin’s second floor for a special holiday cocktail menu for the entirety of the month.
Barry’s Bootcamp
While you’re at the W Austin, consider a Spa Gift Card from AWAY if you have relatives who could use a well-deserved break from holiday preparations. From now until 12/31, purchase a $200 gift card and receive a $20 enhancement when the gift card is redeemed. Gift cards can be purchased at the W Austin’s front desk or at the AWAY spa.
With all those gingerbread cookies and all that sticky toffee pudding, the last thing on your mind is your upcoming New Year's resolution to shed some weight. But December’s the time to sign up at Barry’s Bootcamp for all your training needs. Memberships and class packages are the lowest rates for the entire year at Barry’s. So email, call, or stop by Barry’s in person to take advantage of these sweet deals December 6-10th!
Conclusion
To paraphrase Mariah Carey, all we want for Christmas is for you to enjoy yourself with all the holiday delights the 2nd Street District has to offer. Happy Holidays Y’all!
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