Legendary Holiday Parties
Our talented staff are experts at planning legendary holiday events. The Driskill will be elegantly decorated for the holidays & our world-class culinary team will create the ideal menu to complement your theme. Contact 512-391-7143 to learn more about our holiday packages and our holiday specialty menus. Space is limited.
Ring in The Holidays With The Driskill
Ringing in the 2012 holiday season, there's no better way to celebrate than with The Driskill's fifth annual Twelve Days of Driskill celebrations. Featuring events for kids from 1 to 92, starting with the kick-off tree lighting ceremony (lighting at 7p) on the evening of Wednesday, December 5th, festivities continue through Sunday, December 16th.
Daily standards throughout 12 Days of Driskill include evening choir performances, Victorian high teas in 1886 Café & Bakery, complimentary sweet treats & apple cider for Driskill Lobby visitors from 5p-7p nightly, and festive libations in The Driskill Bar, including cocoa or coffee with hand-crafted liquored marshmallows (Frangelico & Chocolate, Bailey's, Vanilla Bean & Anisette) give guests a chance to warm up with a kick.
Twelve Days of Driskill
The Driskill Hotel opened on December 20, 1886 to great fanfare and applause from Austin's 20,000 residents. The Austin Daily Statesman put out an eight-page special edition of the newspaper in a seven-tiered headline to announce that "...The building presents an imposing and inviting appearance, as it looms up like a palace above all the surrounding buildings."
Since that time, the "grande dame" of Texas hotels has remained a magnificent gathering place for locals, Texans and others to celebrate the holidays and other special moments of their lives in Col. Jesse Driskill's splendid Romanesque masterpiece.
We invite you to recapture a nostalgic memory from a holiday season long past and to create new memories for your family and friends during 12 Days of Driskill.
December 05, 2012
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Tree Lighting Ceremony With Special Guest Kendra Scott (7p) - Driskill Lobby
One of Austin's most anticipated holiday season kick-offs, performances by the McNeil High School choirs, a full cast of characters, complimentary sweet bites and cider launch the annual Driskill Tree lighting. A 25-foot intricately decorated tree comes to life, and outdoor celebrations include Austin's only real snowfall for the season, on Sixth Street, from 5p - 7p.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
December 06, 2012
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
1st Annual Driskill Gingerbread Architectural Challenge (7p-9p) - Driskill Bar
Are you a skilled Gingerbread House builder? Inventive with M&M's, Twizzlers and gumdrops? Get a team together, and sign up for a table at the 1st Annual Driskill Gingerbread contest. Tables of 2 & 4 are provided with all edible materials, and complimentary holiday drinks for the 7p - 9p competition, $45 per person. Going solo? Play fast and loose, and join our communal table to work with other Gingerbread enthusiasts. Luminaries from the Austin culinary scene will judge the Iron Chef-like competition (a secret ingredient will be announced at 7p), with prizes including a $1000 Driskill Bar tab + several others... Reservations are required.
December 07, 2012
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
Awkward Family Photo Sessions (5p-8:30p) - Driskill Lobby
Need the traditional annual snapshot of family and/or friends? Head to the Driskill Lobby for a complimentary shoot of you & yours, Driskill-style. Select from matching cheesy Christmas sweaters, antlers, mistletoe, cotton snowballs, and other props. Photo sessions and digital copies via our Facebook album are complimentary, prints are available for a fee. Reservations available for 15-minute sessions, without reservations - on a first-come, first-served basis.
December 08, 2012
Breakfast With Santa (9a-11:30a) - Mezzanine
Kids can meet with Santa and provide their wishlist, along with capturing photos. Enjoy live entertainment Christmas show from Joe McDermott at this kid-focused event, serving breakfast treats, holiday favorites & cocoa. $25 per person, children under two FREE (complimentary mimosa for parents included).
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
Choir Performance (7:30p) - Driskill Lobby
Carolers from Westlake High School perform.
December 09, 2012
Santa's Workshop Holiday Tea (3p and 5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery
Taking 1886 Café's high tea service to a whimsical new level, table décor and elf service create an unforgettable ambiance, while sparkling wine for the grown-ups, and tea and cocoa for the kidlets complements a menu of tea sandwiches, desserts and scones. Reservations available, $38 per adult, $24 per child.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
Choir Performance (7:30p) - Driskill Lobby
Carolers perform at 7:30p.
December 10, 2012
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
THREE WISE MEN (5p -7:30p) - Driskill Bar
The Driskill Bar hosts the Three Wise Men. Frank N. Sense, Goldman & Merv will be live from their perches at the bar, giving free advice & answering questions from 5p - 7:30p. Need to know what gift to buy Grandma, or pondering existential philosophy? Our Three Wise Men are here for you.
December 11, 2012
Fruitcake Exchange (all day) - 1886 Café & Bakery
Have you been gifted an awful piece of fruitcake? 1886 Bakery will save the day. Bring in your tired, dense, candied fruitcake, and, through our bakery amnesty program, exchange it for a 25% discount on a scrumptious Chocolate & Brandied Cherry Yule Log from Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone.
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
December 12, 2012
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) -Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
12 Courses, 12 Wines, 12 Carols (7p-10p) - Driskill Grill
Offering the December edition of Driskill Academy monthly dining series (our toast to the good life), we're celebrating the holidays with a 12-course meal, inspired by 12 Drummers Drumming, 10 Lords a-Leaping and the like. We aren't saying if there will be a partridge in a pear tree - you'll have to join to find out. Reservations required, wine included, $85 per person.
December 13, 2012
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
Holiday HAAM Sessions (5p-10p) - Driskill Bar
Features Wendy Colonna, Rod Williams and Shelley Mac performing live. Give a gift back to Austin's live music community - 35% of your bites & cocktails benefit the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, supporting health initiatives for the uninsured Austin musician community.
December 14, 2012
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
The Flight Before Christmas (all night) - Driskill Bar & Driskill Grill
‘Twas two weeks before Christmas, and all through the house - featured flights were offered (sans the mouse). In 1886 Café & Bakery, sample a selection of four craft beers for $8; at The Driskill Bar, sample a Build-Your-Own-Bourbon flight, from $10; and in The Driskill Grill, sample the Veuve Cliquot flight with dinner, for $52.
December 15, 2012
Breakfast With Santa (9a-11:30a) - Mezzanine
Kids can meet with Santa and provide their wishlist, along with capturing photos. Enjoy live entertainment Christmas show from Joe McDermott at this kid-focused event, serving breakfast treats, holiday favorites & cocoa. $25 per person, children under two FREE (complimentary mimosa for parents included).
Victorian Holiday Tea (3p-5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery/ Driskill Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served in the elegant Driskill Lobby. guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu features: custom blended teas, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh pastries and petit fours. Reservations must be booked 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the tea reservation will be charged in full. For reservations, please contact 512-391-7039.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
December 16, 2012
Pawliday Event (1p-3p) - Mezzanine
The Sixth Annual Fundraiser + adoption festival for our four-legged pals, proceeds benefit Austin Pets Alive at this amalgam of tail-wagging Pet Santa sessions, holiday pet outfit runway shows and live music. $10 per pet entry fee (entry fee will be donated to Austin Pets Alive! upon arrival). To enter your pet in this year's runway show, please fill out this registration form and email to dinfo@destinationhotels.com.
Santa's Workshop Holiday Tea (3p and 5p) - 1886 Café & Bakery
Taking 1886 Café's high tea service to a whimsical new level, table décor and elf service create an unforgettable ambiance, while sparkling wine for the grown-ups, and tea and cocoa for the kidlets complements a menu of tea sandwiches, desserts and scones. Reservations available, $38 per adult, $24 per child.
Sweet Treats (5p-7p) - Driskill Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we invite guests to enjoy holiday sweet & savory treats and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
December 25, 2012
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH
ADULTS: $69 | CHILDREN 6 TO 12 YRS: $34.50 | CHILDREN UNDER 5 ARE FREE
12:00PM -4:30PM
PASSED IN THE LOBBY
Complimentary Spiced Hot Apple Cider & Sparkling Mimosas
CHEF'S AMUSE
Individual Savory Popovers- Brie & Mushroom with Nutmeg Crème Fraiche
EGGS
"Traditional Egg Benedict" -English Muffin, Grilled Canadian Bacon, Hollandaise
Country Style Sausage & Applewood Smoked Bacon
SOUP & SALAD STATION
(Attendant)
Butternut Squash Soup, French Onion Soup, Lobster Bisque with Fried Oysters
Rustic 1886 Breads, Rolls & Crostinis
Spinach Salad, Candied Pecans, Herbed Feta Cheese, Tomatoes, Pancetta-Cinnamon Dressing, Sour Dough Crostini
Baby Local Lettuce, Shaved Fennel, Candied Pumpkin Seeds, Bacon-Maple Vinaigrette
GRILL STYLE ACTION STATIONS
(Attendant)
"Pumpkin Pie" Risotto, Frizzled Leeks, Toasted Pecans, Sherry Crème Fraiche
Pan-Seared Diver Scallops
Roasted Orange & Allspice Polenta, Sautéed Winter Mushrooms & Lemon Cream Sauce
Cider Glazed Banderra Quail with Chestnut Stuffing, Maple Braised Swiss Chard and
Pearl Onions
Grilled Broken Arrow Ranch South Texas Antelope
Creamy Goat Cheese Orzo, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Petite Radishes, Bordelaise
KIDS STATION
(Attendant)
Captain Crunch Turkey Tenders with Honey Mustard
Sweet Potato Fries
Baked Mac & Cheese
Individual Mini Crudites
CHEF'S CARVING BOARD
Herb Roasted Beef Wellington -
Creamy Horseradish Sauce, Whole Grain Mustard, Au Jus & Soft Rolls
Glazed Holiday Ham-Assorted Mustards
Brined & Slow Roasted Turkey-
Apple Cider Gravy & Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Traditional Sourdough Stuffing with Sage &Thyme
SEAFOOD
Scallop Ceviche, Oyster, Snow Crab Claws & Shrimp Cocktail -
Spicy Cocktail Sauce & Lemon
CAVIAR STATION
Caviar Torte, Caviar Cigars, Mini Purple Potatoes with Caviar, Blinis, Brioche, Capers, Chopped Egg Yolks & Whites
CHEF TONY'S GOURMET HOLIDAY DESSERT STATION
Chef Tony's Selections
