City Cast Austin
🛍️ Where to shop for a homemade holiday
December 11, 2025 · Kelsey Bradshaw
⌛ OK y’all! We’re in the final 48 hours of our December membership campaign and we really need your support.
In a time when national and world headlines offer little but doom and gloom, we’re zooming in because we know that hope, unity, and connection happen at the local level.
When you join City Cast Austin Neighbors, you’re literally sustaining the local conversation — one that’s curious, passionate, human, and deeply invested in this city that we all call home.
Hurry! You’ve only two days left to join and get our brand new City Cast Austin beanie. It’s the cutest way to rep your support for local journalism this winter.
And don’t forget! You’ll be entered to win a pair of tickets to two Paramount Theatre shows: A Most 'Memerable Holiday Evening with Rebecca Havemeyer & Stanley Roy on Dec. 21 and Bob Schneider's Great Big Spectacular New Years Eve Party!
What's CITY Talking About
🏅 2 Austin Restaurants Featured in National Best Lists
Mercado Sin Nombre and Yeni’s Fusion have been highlighted in the New York Times’ 2025 list of best dishes and list of best desserts. [The New York Times]
🗳️ Which Races To Watch As Texas Ramps Up for Spring Elections
Austinites have started campaigns for everything from Texas Comptroller to U.S. Senate, and a newly drawn congressional map is now in play. So, what should you be keeping an eye on as we head for Election Day in March? This guide is a good place to start! [City Cast Austin 🎧]
📰 ICE Tried To Arrest Deported Austinite’s Father, Lawyer Says
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents allegedly tried to arrest Francis López, the father of a 19-year-old Austinite deported in November, earlier this week without identifying themselves or presenting any paperwork. [Austin American-Statesman]
- Any Lucía López Belloza recounted her arrest and deportation in an essay for The Cut, saying she was not able to call her mom until she landed in Honduras. [The Cut]
💰 Audit: Austin Energy Employee Stole Nearly $1 Million
A new audit says indicted former Austin Energy employee Mark Ybarra falsified credit card payments to contractors over six years, collecting $980,000. [KUT]
Sponsored Content
Do Downtown for the Holidays
Happy Y'allidays! Downtown Austin Alliance’s holiday hub is your free resource for very merry pop-ups, seasonal shows, 80+ deals from local bizzes for holiday shopping, and all things festive fun.
Text “ATX HOLIDAYS” to (512) 890-3099 or visit https://xoxodowntown.com/ for updates + happenings sent directly to your phone.
See you downtown!
What To Do
Thursday, Dec. 11
- 📚 Jan Brett Speaking and Signing at BookPeople | Downtown Austin
- 💃 Holiday Party at Mexic-Arte Museum | Downtown Austin
- 🎶 Christmas Crush with DragonnQueen at Volstead Lounge | East Austin
- 🪩 Birth-Tay Par-Tay at Empire Control Room & Garage | Downtown Austin
- 👠 The Jigglewatts Burlesque: Agents of T.E.A.S.E. at 29th Street Ballroom | Central Austin
- 🎄 A Prairie Home Companion at ACL Live at The Moody Theater | Downtown Austin
Friday, Dec. 12
- 🍽️ Kinship Supper Club at Red Line Studio | East Cesar Chavez
- 🎸 French Film Tour Kickoff at Hotel Vegas | East Austin
- 🤘 Emo Night Brooklyn at The Far Out Lounge | Dittmar-Slaughter
- 🎶 Portugal. The Man at ACL Live at The Moody Theater | Downtown Austin
- 👺 Krampus Market at The Buzz Mill | Riverside
🗞️ I have one more membership perk to share before I jet! Yes, there’s the free beanie, ad-free listening, and membership events to consider, but most of all, becoming a City Cast Austin member shows that you care about local journalism in Austin. You’ll help us keep reporting on the fun, the weird, and the important information you need to know when you sign up for membership!
Free · Daily