Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season in Austin

Foundation Communities

Foundation Communities is calling for community support through their Home for the Holidays, and the need is growing, with 112 households still waiting for help. The program serves families, single adults, and seniors who depend on Foundation Communities for stable housing, education support, financial coaching, and wellness resources. A contribution provides meaningful comfort during a season that can be especially stressful, offering gifts and essential items that bring relief and a sense of care to neighbors of all ages. Every sponsored household helps close the gap and ensures that no one on the list is left without support as the holidays approach.

 

Austin Habitat for Humanity

Austin Habitat for Humanity offers a direct…

Free Neighborhood Swimming Pools in Austin

The key to surviving the Texas heat is spending your time outdoors in the water. If you’re looking for something more laid back and close to home rather than paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake or exploring Austin’s swimming holes, we have you covered! If you don’t mind spending a few bucks for a day by the pool, there are also municipal pools that are great options in addition to the free neighborhood pools. Check out our list of free neighborhood pools to find the one closest to you!

Free Neighborhood Pools in Austin:

  • North Austin
  • East Austin
  • South Austin
  • West Austin

Municipal Pools in Austin:

  • North Austin
  • East Austin
  • South Austin
  • West Austin

Free Neighborhood Pools in Austin

North Austin

Balcones Neighborhood Pool

12017…

The Best Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Austin

We can all agree that Austin is the best city in the world, offering many different activities and events for the perfect day trip, including a visit to a museum and cooling off in its natural swimming holes. Even though Austin is the best city to live in, sometimes we need to go on an adventure not too far away and discover new activities. There are so many places to experience and travel to outside of Austin, so let us make your decision easier and check out our list of day trips and weekend getaways!



Fun Day Trips and Weekend Getaways From Austin:

  • Admire Artwork at a Nearby Museum
  • BBQ in Lockhart
  • Discover Gruene, Texas
  • Drink New Beers at a Local Brewery
  • Drive Over to Magnolia Market
  • Explore Sea Animals
  • Glamping and More
  • Go-Kart…
Where to Buy Your Christmas Tree in Austin

Buying and decorating holiday trees has been a tradition since 1851 and today there are over 32 million trees sold each year in the US. Whether it’s an artificial tree or hand-picked from a tree farm, it can be hard to choose or find the right tree for you and your family. Use our comprehensive list to find the perfect tree for all your holiday traditions this Christmas in Austin. After all, it’s not officially the holiday season until you have found the perfect tree to adorn with light displays, ornaments, and garlands!

AUSTIN OPTIMIST CLUB

2813 San Gabriel St, Austin, TX 78705

The Optimist Club of Austin has been selling beautiful trees for Christmas for over sixty years, since 1952! Located at the corner of San Gabriel and North Lamar on 2813 San…

Black-Owned Restaurants in Austin

Photo courtesy of the Diner Bar

 

Crimson Creek Barbecue

Crimson Creek Smokehouse in Austin, Texas, is Pitmaster Marcus McNac's ode to a lifetime of barbecue passion. Raised in Lawton, Oklahoma, McNac learned the art at his uncle's juke joint, later evolving into the vibrant Crimson Creek. Named after his Muscogee Indian heritage, this spot infuses Oklahoma-style barbecue into Texas. McNac, a former athlete, faced the challenges of the pandemic head-on, launching his dream with a unique rub recipe. Assisted by his wife and mother-in-law, Crimson Creek thrived through social media, catering, and a food truck, bringing a distinct taste to central Texas.

 

Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant

Aster's Ethiopian Restaurant originally opened in 1991, but the…

Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in Austin

For families with young children, one of the most important decisions during Halloween is choosing the best neighborhood for trick-or-treating. While some may assume that wealthier neighborhoods hand out the most candy, there’s more to finding the perfect spot than property values alone. Factors like safety, walkability, and the number of families with kids also play a key role. 

 

In our list of Austin's best trick-or-treating neighborhoods, we looked at walkability scores, crime rates, and population density. Check out our top picks for the best places to trick-or-treat in Austin and enjoy a safe and fun Halloween!

 

Suburbs for Trick-or-Treating

Suburbs and planned communities make excellent trick-or-treating spots, as they typically have more…

The Best Neighborhoods to See Christmas Lights in Austin

Looking to light up your holiday season? Discover the best Christmas light displays in and around Austin with our curated list—perfect for getting into the festive spirit!

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Photo Courtesy of Rhodes Family Christmas Facebook Page

37th Street

For a unique Austin twist on holiday lights, head to 37th Street between Guadalupe and Home St. This street is known for its eclectic and creative displays, featuring everything from classic lights to quirky art installations like the Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo. The lights are best enjoyed on foot, allowing visitors to fully explore each imaginative setup. A tradition maintained by local volunteers, this display captures Austin’s creative spirit and community-driven vibe, welcoming donations of lights,…

The Best Halloween Activities in Austin

Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail

Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail transforms the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center into a glowing walk-through experience inspired by the classic film. Guests wander through Halloween Town and Christmas Town, surrounded by dazzling LED light displays, 3D sculptures, and immersive projections set to the movie’s beloved soundtrack. Along the way, visitors encounter Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and Zero in larger-than-life scenes designed for photo opportunities.

 

Fear Fair - Sign Bar's Haunted Maze Experience

Sign Bar Austin is bringing the chills this season with Fear Fair, a haunted maze that turns the quirky outdoor bar into a Halloween playground…

Your Guide to the Best Golf Courses in Austin

Austin has been named one of the best cities in the US, boasting new restaurants, a thriving job market, shopping, and sports. With the city growing, this can only mean golf course options are expanding as well. Austin's diverse and unique landscape offers rolling hills, lakes, limestone cliffs and caverns, natural springs and stands of cypress and oak, which can make for dramatic and challenging course layouts. Whether you're new to Austin, or a local looking to try out a new course, check out our list of the best golf courses in Austin!


25 Best Golf Courses in Austin:

  • Apple Rock at Horseshoe Bay Resort
  • Austin Country Club
  • Avery Ranch Golf Club
  • Crystal Falls Golf Club
  • Falconhead Golf Club
  • Fazio Canyons Golf Course
  • Great Hills Country…