Spirit of the Season

Celebrate the season with 5 holiday road trips just a short drive from Austin

The holidays are upon us once again. In addition to hitting up the usual Austin haunts like the Mozart’s Christmas Light Show, the Driskill Hotel tree lighting, or The Nutcracker at Ballet Austin, consider taking a holiday road trip to really get into the spirit of the season.

These five spots feature everything from an old fashioned Christmas tree farm to a life-sized ice sculpture display. A short drive away from downtown Austin (well, mostly) these Texas towns will have you feeling merry and bright in no time.

Elgin
The Elgin Christmas Tree Farm, located approximately 30 minutes east of the city, is the perfect family-friendly road trip destination. There’s nothing better than picking out that 8-foot Frasier fir, enjoying the petting zoo with the kids (alpacas, donkeys, and goats, oh my!), and sipping hot chocolate while strolling around the property. Don your brightest holiday sweater and listen to Christmas carols on the drive. The farm is open for Christmas tree sales beginning November 23.

Galveston
From the 45th annual Dickens on the Strand to ice skating at Moody Gardens to the downtown lanterns and lights display, Galveston is holiday central this December. While the three-plus hour drive is a bit much for a spur-of-the-moment trip, make a weekend of it at The Treemont, get those last-minute stocking stuffers from the Strand, and indulge in some holiday cheer by sea.

Grapevine
A road trip to Grapevine, the official Christmas Capital of Texas, is sure to be a family favorite. Head to "Ice! at Gaylord Texan" for an impressive display of life-sized ice sculptures, ice slides, and an over-the-top light show. Prefer something a bit less chilly? Downtown’s historic Palace Arts Center Theatre offers classic Christmas movies and holiday concerts throughout the month of December.

Gruene
Historic Gruene, just 45 minutes from downtown, is its most charming during the holidays. Spend a day shopping at the Gruene Christmas Market, sign up for the 26th annual Jingle Bell Run on December 8, or catch the town’s Christmas tree lighting. Swing by Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, to end a (holi)day well spent.

McAllen
McAllen, approximately a five-hour drive from Austin, is the furthest road trip destination by far but worth it for the true holiday enthusiasts. On December 1, the city is hosting the McAllen Holiday Parade, the largest illuminated holiday parade in the state. In addition to admiring the impressive floats, drive on down to enjoy the holiday-themed carnival on November 29 through December 1 and sample food from more than 30 local vendors.

Galveston shares its holiday spirit by the seashore.

Historic Galveston Island/Facebook

Galveston shares its holiday spirit by the seashore.

festivals holidays kids vacation families

Get Outta Town

5 swanky Houston hotels to book a last-minute New Year's Eve vacation

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel

Get dolled up and have a snazzy time at Four Seasons.

With its exceedingly high expectations, New Year's Eve can feel like an epic letdown. This year, consider a change of scenery to turn the holiday from mundane to memorable.

Hit the road and head to Houston, where swanky hotels across the Bayou City are offering sweet deals so you can party like a rock star this New Year’s Eve — and even be treated like one. (And make a detour to one of these quaint roadside restaurants along the way.)

We’ve rounded up five spots offering hot deals for you to dine, get a little nuts, and recover the following day.

Four Seasons
The stately downtown hotel is your New Year’s Eve party headquarters, with multiple options to ring in 2019. When it comes to accommodations, consider a spacious one-bedroom apartment with a bed-and-breakfast package for $585, which includes breakfast the next morning.

Bayou and Bottle hosts a Prohibition-themed NYE party, with waiters dressed in their 1920s best and serving Prohibition-era cocktails. The regular food menu is available and there will be a Champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 9 pm, with a $30 per person cover charge. Tables may be reserved with a $400 minimum.

If you’d prefer a seated dinner, Quattro has a four-course meal available starting at 7 pm. The cost is $135 per person with an optional wine pairing for an additional $60. 1300 Lamar St. 713-650-1300.

Hotel Alessandra
Check into a deluxe king room for $495, which includes a welcome amenity; $200 food credit at Lucienne; and offers four-course dinner seatings at 4:30 pm ($55 per person), 6:30 pm ($75 per person), and 9 pm ($95 per person). Cocktail or formal attire is requested, so make sure to pack accordingly.

The package also includes valet parking, a Champagne toast for two at midnight at the hotel’s Bardot bar and a 3 pm checkout on New Year’s Day. Want more space? An executive suite under the same package is $515. 1070 Dallas St. 713-242-8555.

Hotel Granduca
Book a junior suite at this Uptown luxury property for $539, or treat yourself to signature suite for $599. Both packages include a five-course dinner with wine pairing for two in the hotel’s Ristorante Cavour, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of prosecco in your room, Granduca roses, and complimentary transportation within a three-mile radius of the hotel. 1080 Uptown Park 713-418-1000.

Hotel Sorella
CityCentre’s swankiest address pulls out all the stops for its Quite the Night New Year’s Eve package. Rates start at $469 for a classic king room and include complimentary sparkling wine on your arrival. Guests also receive entry for two into the Monnalisa bar’s New Year’s Eve party featuring live music, a balloon drop, and a glass of bubbly at midnight. The next morning, indulge in a complimentary mimosa during brunch at the hotel’s Radio Milano restaurant. 800 Sorella Ct. 713-973-1600.

Woodlands Resort
The resort turns into the famed Studio 54 to usher in the new year. Book the Celebrity for a Night package for $550 and receive accommodations for two; a five-course seated dinner at Robard’s; and access to the Studio 54 party, which features live music, a photo booth and midnight ball drop. The following morning, shake off the hangover and take part in the Polar Bear Plunge from 11 am to 1 pm. Plus, your stay includes a late 1 pm checkout. 2301 North Millbend Dr. The Woodlands; 281-367-1100.

Get dolled up and have a snazzy time at Four Seasons.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel

Get dolled up and have a snazzy time at Four Seasons.

hotels vacation holidays