Editor's note: This week's top news includes big holiday budgets in affluent Austin suburbs and a first look inside the long-awaited (and massive) new South Congress H-E-B. Get the details on our five biggest stories of the week below. And for our top picks for weekend entertainment, go here.

1. 2 wealthy Austin suburbs top list of biggest holiday spenders in U.S. Not one, but two Austin-area suburbs land on the 2024 list of America's biggest holiday spenders.

2. One Texas city tops Travel + Leisure's best places to go in 2025. Austinites don't have to travel far to visit one of the best places to go in 2025. The only Texas location on the list is just an hour down the road.

3. Austin chefs known for elite omakase open new restaurant downtown. The acclaimed team behind Sushi|Bar is back with something new for downtown diners.

4. Inside the long-awaited South Congress H-E-B, open now. It's finally here! H-E-B's new South Congress store opened December 4 with indoor/outdoor dining options, an H-E-B Flower Bar, a stage for live music, and more than 600 parking spots.

The South Congress H-E-B is finally ready for customers. Photo courtesy of H-E-B

5. 12 ways to give back during Austin's 2024 holiday season. This list goes beyond Giving Tuesday, giving you great ideas on how to give back to the community any time.