Not traveling for the holidays? No problem. A festive staycation is a perfect chance spice up your holiday plans while staying close to home. So many Austin hotels are offering extra special activities this season. From snowfalls to ice skating, dazzling lights, Champagne bars, high tea and much more, there are many exciting reason book a staycation during the holidays.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa has transformed into a winter wonderland with activities that promise to create magical memories for guests of all ages. As part of their Magical Memories Package guests can enjoy 20% off their stay and a $25 food and beverage credit with bookings through Jan. 19. A very special Santa Suite is also available. Through January 3, you can enjoy the Holiday in the Hills Light Trail and take a stroll through illuminated trails from 5-9 p.m., concluding with glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. Also, every Thursday to Saturday in December, guests can enjoy a whimsical snowfall on the Lady Bird Lawn—a perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
Fairmont Austin
Holiday tidings have arrived at Fairmont Austin. Book a Nordic igloo to share fondue with family or friends. Ring in the New Year in luxurious style with your choice of a Burlesque Show in Room 725, a New Year’s Eve bash across the 7th-floor rooftop, or reserve a table to enjoy a six-course tasting menu at Garrison – recently recommended by the 2024 MICHELIN Guide. Plus, The Ugly Sweater holiday pop-up bar invites you to jingle and mingle alongside sleighs and skyline views with nibbles and nog every Tuesday – Saturday. Don’t miss their 30% off Winter Bliss promotion for your festive staycation.
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Four Seasons Hotel Austin is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, a 120-foot lighted star tunnel, Texas-themed art installations, and a 30-foot Christmas tree and offers a range of seasonal experiences through January 5. Guests can enjoy the Ice Rodeo, a 3,360 sq. ft. outdoor ice-skating rink overlooking Lady Bird Lake with adjacent food trucks offering holiday treats and festive cocktails, or book private rrink-side cabins. The famous gingerbread display in the lobby features edible replicas of Four Seasons properties from around the world, with proceeds benefiting Dell Children’s Medical Center. Guests can also experience festive pop-ups such as the exclusive “Hidden Flask” speakeasy or afternoon tea service “Holiday A-Tea-X.” Additionally, the Winter Escape Rooms Package provides discounted room rates and special amenities.
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
Commodore Perry Estate, the historic luxury hotel and exclusive social club nestled in Hyde Park, invites guests to indulge in a whimsical holiday tea service curated by Ken Fulk, or host family and friends in one of the estate’s 52 uniquely designed rooms for a festive staycation. Enjoy a decadent yuletide feast from Chefs Bradley and Susana. The gorgeous onsite restaurant Lutie’s offers a perfect location to enjoy a chef-curated holiday dinner or celebration with colleagues or friends. Guests can also delight in Santa’s arrival on Christmas morning, honor seasons past with vintage holiday records and classic movies. The festive season at Commodore Perry Estate offers many merry opportunities.
The Driskill Hotel
Austin’s beloved Driskill Hotel brings historic grandeur to the holiday season with a festive ambiance full of Texas charm. From the famous Driskill Bar to the grand lobby’s beautiful 16-foot Douglas fir Christmas tree, there is an abundance of cheer for a festive staycation or simply an elegant evening out downtown. Reminiscent of The Driskill’s original cigar counter that served guests and locals in the early 1900s, the lobby Champagne bar offers an era of old-world sophistication. Created in partnership with Piper-Heidsieck, the bar is open daily for both guests and the public from 4 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 31. No reservations are required for the Champagne bar.
Hotel Van Zandt
The Lodge at Hotel Van Zandt has returned for its 5th year, featuring festive holiday cocktails and bites along with its signature igloos on the fourth-floor pool deck available for rent. Offering a cozy après ski feel only found in a Swiss ski lodge, each private igloo accommodates six guests and includes a dedicated server, Bluetooth speaker, cozy holiday decor, board games, and so much more. Rent your own igloo during two different daily time slots: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.
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Downright Austin Hotel
Swim Club at Downright Austin Hotel has transformed its Rodeo Room into Après Swim, an experiential pop-up bar that is a playfully pink winter wonderland. Activities include sugar-cookie decorating and Christmas movies on The Lawn on Thursday evenings, complete with lawn chairs and fire pits to roast savory s’mores. On December 31st, party-goers are invited to dance the night away at the New Year’s Eve Disco. Guests can indulge in caviar potato chips and a shrimp cocktail shooter while counting down the balloon drop and toasting to a downright great year. For those wanting to start 2025 off with a health dive, experience a Polar Plunge at noon, a wellness shot-bar with freshly made juices, and a blown-out Bloody Mary bar.
Austin Motel
Enter a true technicolor winter wonderland at Austin Motel’s new Courtyard Bar, Rocky’s, complete with countless rainbow Christmas trees, decor by Stream Factory, inflatable holiday figures and more. Open to the public daily, each Thursday through Sunday includes festive programming, such as Festive Flicks for holiday movies and rotating food pop-ups, sing-a-longs with hunky Santa, retail pop-ups, crafting afternoons, and more. Austin Motel is also partnering with local non-profit KUTX for toy drive happy hours.
JW Marriott Austin
The Edge Rooftop at JW Marriott Austin is bringing back its beloved “Snow Much Fun” holiday pop-up, running now to December 25. Guests can enjoy artificial snowfall every hour starting at 5 PM, festive cocktails, and a cozy holiday atmosphere. or a more intimate experience, the rooftop offers private Snow Globe Cabanas and Firepit Tables, providing warmth and a perfect setting for creating holiday memories with loved ones.
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Austin Proper Hotel
The Kelly Wearstler-designed Austin Proper invites guests to celebrate the holidays in style for a festive staycation. The Peacock Mediterranean Grill, the hotel’s ground floor restaurant and lobby bar, The Peacock Mediterranean Grill, has special menus for both Christmas and New Year’s. Guest can also find special holiday menus at La Piscina, the 5th floor poolside restaurant. Enjoy a lovely afternoon tea at Goldie’s paired with savory tea sandwiches and decadent desserts. Additionally, The Quill Room is hosting A Proper Finale, a lavish New Year’s affair will include passed canapés, a sparkling toast, and a guest DJ set by singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Twin Shadow.
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