Don't miss the Armadillo Christmas bazaar!
http://www.armadillobazaar.com/
" Austin style, featuring fine art, distinctive gifts, a full bar and live music daily."
Radio CIty Christmas Spectacular will be at the Bass Concert Hall on UT Campus while you're here.
Free salsa lessons 12/21 at 9:00 at Speakeasy (one of my fav. clubs)
12/23 Carolyn Wonderland And Shelley King Christmas Bazaar (concert at Palmer Events center)
If the weather is good, you can rent canoes on Lady Bird Lake or rent a Segway (they also offer tours).
Gary Clark (blues) at Antone's 12/21/2010 Tuesday 8:00p
Stubbs Gospel brunch http://www.stubbsaustin.com/music_home.html
Last, but not least, you must promise to visit at least one of Austin's fabulous food trucks - my fav's: Mighty Cone (get the shrimp & avocado or Chicken & avocado), Torchy's Tacos (I rec. green chile pork, but all are good), Flip Happy Crepes (strawberry Nutella was noted on Food TV's the Best Thing I Ever Ate
For Tex-Mex, try Vivo's or Maudie's. Mirabelle is a little north (Anderson & Mopac area) but is my favorite restaurant of all time (get the hacked chicken salad & you will moan with delight). Also, you must go to hip new tNt Taco's and Tequila on 5th at Pressler. For Austin atmosphere, go to Iron Works BBQ near the convention center. For Chinese, we like PF Changs, (yes a chain, but darn good) & also local Chinatown (several locations),
very good upscale is Shoreline (2nd @ San Jacinto). For Thai: Thai Passion, Madam Mam's or Crave (also sushi). Kenichi for sushi. Bon Appetit!
The person who recommended Whole Foods was spot on - it's sounds crazy, but it's the Disneyland of food.
When you're here, grab a free Chronicle at any restaurant around campus - they have a comprehensive list of what's going on. Austin360.com is another good source. Austin American Statesman Thursday edition has a good events section too.
If you're interested in longhorn gear shopping, let me know.