Twelve Days of Driskill
The Driskill Hotel opened on December 20, 1886—shortly before Christmas--to great fanfare and applause from the under 20,000 citizens who inhabited Austin at the time. 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 Austinites, Texans and others to celebrate the holidays and other special moments of their lives in Col. Jesse Driskill’s splendid Victorian 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 our inaugural 12 Days of Driskill.
Season of Giving—Please know that a portion of proceeds from each of the special events during our celebration, as well as from the sales of our holiday retail items, will benefit the various Austin-area charities listed each day.
December 04, 2008
The Driskill Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec. 4, 6 – 8 pm
Grand Lobby
Our holiday celebration begins with the lighting of more than 10,000 lights illuminating the 16-foot tree in the Grand Lobby. Our guests can also enjoy live music, along with holiday cookies, apple cider, hot chocolate and coffee.
6:30 pm
Welcome from Managing Director John Spomer
Tree lighting by Austin Mayor Pro Tem Brewster McCracken
December 05, 2008
Designated Charity: BIG BROTHERS/ BIG SISTERS OF AUSTIN
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
The Driskill's Grand Finale
8 – 11 pm
1886 Café and Bakery
As revelers end their night downtown, they can indulge their sweet tooth at this elaborate dessert presentation from Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone and his bakery team. Offerings include Chocolate Cherry Terrine, Hazelnut Praline Torta, Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecake, Apple Walnut Strudel, Warm Chocolate Eggnog Croissant Pudding, Kahlua Crème Brulee and Gran Marnier Marinated Berries "Martini". Specialty coffee drinks and seasonal cocktails are also served.
$14 per person
December 06, 2008
Designated Charity: BROWN SANTA
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
The Driskill's Grand Finale
8–11 pm
1886 Café and Bakery
As revelers end their night downtown, they can indulge their sweet tooth at this elaborate dessert presentation from Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone and his bakery team. Offerings include Chocolate Cherry Terrine, Hazelnut Praline Torta, Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecake, Apple Walnut Strudel, Warm Chocolate Eggnog Croissant Pudding, Kahlua Crème Brulee and Gran Marnier Marinated Berries "Martini". Specialty coffee drinks and seasonal cocktails are also served.
$14 per person
December 07, 2008
Designated Charity: BROWN SANTA
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
December 08, 2008
Designated Charity: CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
5 pm
Musical performance by Oak Hill Elementary School Choir
December 09, 2008
Designated Charity: MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
5 pm
Musical performance by Oak Hill Elementary School Choir
December 10, 2008
Designated Charity: HEART HOUSE OF AUSTIN
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
6 pm
Musical performance by Lamar Middle School Choir
December 11, 2008
Designated Charity: GOOD WILL INDUSTRIES OF AUSTIN
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
The Driskill's Grand Finale
8 – 11 pm
1886 Café and Bakery
As revelers end their night downtown, they can indulge their sweet tooth at this elaborate dessert presentation from Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone and his bakery team. Offerings include Chocolate Cherry Terrine, Hazelnut Praline Torta, Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecake, Apple Walnut Strudel, Warm Chocolate Eggnog Croissant Pudding, Kahlua Crème Brulee and Gran Marnier Marinated Berries "Martini". Specialty coffee drinks and seasonal cocktails are also served.
$14 per person
December 12, 2008
Designated Charity: LANCE ARMSTRONG FOUNDATION
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
The Driskill's Grand Finale
8 – 11 pm
1886 Café and Bakery
As revelers end their night downtown, they can indulge their sweet tooth at this elaborate dessert presentation from Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone and his bakery team. Offerings include Chocolate Cherry Terrine, Hazelnut Praline Torta, Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecake, Apple Walnut Strudel, Warm Chocolate Eggnog Croissant Pudding, Kahlua Crème Brulee and Gran Marnier Marinated Berries "Martini". Specialty coffee drinks and seasonal cocktails are also served.
$14 per person
December 13, 2008
Designated Charity: MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 13, 9 – 11 am
The Victorian Room
Children-and their parents-have breakfast with Santa, who arrives on a vintage fire truck. While waiting to share their wish list with Santa, the youngsters can also decorate a gingerbread house, make holiday ornaments and listen to storytelling.
$16 for children; $8.00 for Parents accompanying a child
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
The Driskill's Grand Finale
8 – 11 pm
1886 Café and Bakery
As revelers end their night downtown, they can indulge their sweet tooth at this elaborate dessert presentation from Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone and his bakery team. Offerings include Chocolate Cherry Terrine, Hazelnut Praline Torta, Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecake, Apple Walnut Strudel, Warm Chocolate Eggnog Croissant Pudding, Kahlua Crème Brulee and Gran Marnier Marinated Berries "Martini". Specialty coffee drinks and seasonal cocktails are also served.
$14 per person
December 14, 2008
Designated Charity: AUSTIN DOG RESCUE
Pawliday Party
Sunday, Dec. 14, 1 – 3 pm
The Mezzanine
As winner of Animal Fair magazine's most "pet friendly hotel," the Driskill doesn't forget about your special family member during the holidays. This fundraising event for Austin Dog Rescue is presented in conjunction with Lofty Dog. Activities include a Green Carpet Dog Walk fashion show, photos with Santa, Blessing of the Pets and special goodies for all. Austin Dog Rescue has two dogs on site, ready for adoption and a perfect Christmas gift for someone in your family. For the masters, a cash bar on our famous Sixth Street balcony features Salty Dogs, Pink Poodles, Poinsetters, Greyhounds and other appropriately named cocktails.
$ 10 per pet
All pets must be on leashes and controlled by their owners at all times.
NO AGGRESSIVE BREED DOGS
To enter your dog into the Pawliday Party Fashion Show, please download and fill out the registration form and fax back to our attention.
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
5 pm
Musical performance by Eanes Elementary School Choir
December 15, 2008
Designated Charity: RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
December 16, 2008
Designated Charity: SAFEPLACE
Victorian Holiday Tea
3 – 5 pm
Grand Lobby
A traditional European-style holiday tea is served each afternoon in our elegant Grand Lobby. With a harpist playing in the background, guests are treated to a four-course tea service, including a glass of sparkling wine. The menu includes: assorted tea sandwiches, fruit tartlettes, petit fours, truffles and freshly baked scones served with Devonshire cream, lemon curd and fruit preserves. Teas custom blended by The Tea Embassy.
$48 Adults ; $18 Children, 3-12
(Reservations required, 512-391-7121)
Holiday Sweet Treats
5 – 7 pm
Grand Lobby
Each night during our celebration, we treat our guests to holiday cookies and hot cider from our award-winning 1886 Café & Bakery.
5 pm
Musical performance by Lake Travis High School Choir
