Home Events Food

Yes, we’re telling you about these events at Austin’s favorite cheese shop early because 1) they’re so damned fun and informative and tasty, and 2) they – because of the previous reason – tend to sell out in advance like whoa! So start prepping your fun-time schedule this year for the likes of Cheese 101: The Seven Styles of Cheese (Jan. 8), Cheese Date Night (Jan. 10 & 24), Soft Cheeses and Bubbles (Jan. 11 & 22), and that much-buzzed-about Cheese-y Bus Tour (Jan. 26).

Fresa's, that local powerhouse of Mexican-inflected sabor – is offering a special menu this holiday season, featuring tamales (chicken tinga or black bean & cheese) and a variety of tasty desserts – and you can preorder the goods online for your own fête as of … right now! (Note: Same-day orders can be placed December 22-24, from 11am until they're sold out.)

And now that rockin' Gibson on South Lamar joins in with the jiggery jingles, featuring over-the-top holiday decor (a totally Instagrammable sleigh, FFS) and a slate of seasonal libations. (We're partial to the so-called Rum-Pa-Pa-Pum, because a mix of Sailor Jerry's, cinnamon-brown-sugar butter, clove, and honey is, woooo, powerfully delicious.) Bonus: live music from the Misfit Toys on Wednesday nights.

Did you know that Independence Brewing Co. and the Alamo Drafthouse team up once a year to produce an annual release called End Credits? They do – and 2018's thirst-quenching finale is the above-named stout, now available at all 20 Drafthouse locations in Texas.

The Roosevelt Room & the Eleanor have teamed up for this second annual holiday pop-up bar, transforming the space to look like a classic family living room on Christmas morning. There's also a ski lodge on the dance floor and a mountain summit on the mezzanine. Snag a special holiday drink and explore.

Wait, Nickel City has done what? Turned itself into a sort of tiki-powered Polynesian holiday wonderland? Yes, until the year's end – with a raft of new themed cocktails among the classic oceanic gewgaws. (Kris Kringle Colada, anyone? How about a Rudolph Shoots the Curl?) And they'll be hosting a luau party every Saturday in December. Bonus: 10% of all sales go to Action Against Hunger.