Jingle bells and espresso martinis? Only in Austin. As the city lights up, Christmas bars across Rainey Street and East Austin roll out the festive cheer with twinkly lights, mulled drinks, and enough space for your rowdy crew and your Secret Santa gifts. But if you want a bar that’s not already overrun with office parties, now’s the time to strike. If you're plotting a low-key catch-up or a big end-of-year bash, Tagvenue helps you sidestep the chaos and find your special kind of festivity.
Downtown Austin dominates as the go-to area for Christmas bars, with many venues having stylish interiors and large capacities ideal for festive events. Areas like East Cesar Chavez and the Rainey Street Historic District are also popular, known for their bar culture and creative atmospheres. For something slightly outside the centre, South Brodie and West Campus have larger spaces suited for big corporate parties or community celebrations.
Costs can range from $20 to $50 per person or between $1,250 and $22,000 for minimum spend or flat hire fees. Smaller venues typically start around $1,200 to $3,000, while larger spaces can command $10,000 or more, especially during peak holiday dates. (Based on Tagvenue data.)
To keep costs low, consider booking early, especially for December weekends, which fill up quickly. Look into off-peak days like Mondays through Wednesdays or consider daytime events. Venues with Christmas or event packages, like Cain & Abel’s or Blue Owl Brewing, often offer excellent value for mid-sized groups. Comparing minimum spends against included services like staffing, bar packages, or AV equipment is another good way to find better value.