Credit - fredricksburg.com
We all know about the big city holiday events that always sell out in Austin, but did you know that Austin is surrounded by adorable small towns that are also bringing that holiday cheer? Here’s a list of the magical little towns that are just a short sleigh ride away and are bound to make your Hallmark Christmas dreams a reality.
Photo by roundrocktexas.gov
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Round Rock is just 20 miles north of downtown Austin and offers up that “Christmas Time at the Square” vibe. Don’t get me wrong, the city is a far cry from the small western town that was once under the grip of Sam Bass and his group of outlaws. Round Rock is one of Austin’s fastest-growing suburbs but they’ve managed to keep their cute downtown storefronts and Christmas cheer. There’s also the “Christmas Towne” event which is held in the parking lot of the Round Rock Express and features a tunnel of lights, carnival rides and some holiday cheer. It runs Dec 13-15 and 19-29 and kicks off at 5pm. Click here for more info.
Photo by Austin.com
Georgetown is just 10 miles up the road from Round Rock and has the cutest little downtown square. The courthouse is surrounded by adorable mom-and-pop shops that all do it up for the holidays. I can’t guarantee that you won’t leave there with something covered in rhinestones and possibly a hand-painted wine glass that says “Mama’s Sippy Cup” or something along those lines. You will, however, leave with a greater appreciation for that Texas hospitality and some extra holiday cheer.
Credit: Visit Fredricksburg
This one a little bit longer of a drive but highly worth it. It takes about an hour and a half to get to Fredericksburg from downtown Austin, but the drive is worth it on its own. The town is an old German settlement that still has that Bavarian holiday cheer. You’ll find all sorts of cute gifts for your friends and family while sipping some local Hill Country wine. (Yes, Fredericksburg allows open containers). The main street is surrounded by amazing wine bars and German restaurants that are locally owned. They also do Christmas big out there, with a Marktplatz every night, and even have a skating rink. Click here for more information.
Photo Credit: Post-Register.com
Lockhart is about 30 miles southeast of Downtown Austin and is the perfect Christmas town for those who want some holiday cheer with a side of BBQ and a cold beer. Yes, they get tourists from all over the world for their barbecue, but Lockhart also gives them that quintessential small-town vibe. They have the courthouse in the middle surrounded by small shops at the square, but since the start of the pandemic, new businesses are attracting people from all over Central Texas. Nickel City’s owners opened a sister bar, called Old Pal. The restaurant, Little Trouble, has also been shaking up the culinary scene. There’s even the cutest record store selling your favorite old country vinyl. I highly recommend a visit for those who love Christmas but also for the Grinches that can be bribed with BBQ.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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Very beautiful christmas locations. Visit them will be wondering how to children and adults.