Texans who have decided to take more vacations in the new year can start with a quick getaway this month. From hit art and theater to wine, rodeos, and hotel and spa deals, there are plenty of ways to fill an itinerary in all of Texas’ hot spots. Here are 10 events and happenings to help you plan a fun-filled January getaway.
In Houston
Houston’s vibrant art scene gets bigger and better every year, and 2024 has kicked off with a wave of new art shows and galleries that you can’t miss. The selection features centuries of African-American art in a special traveling exhibition on display at Holocaust Museumprovocative contemporary art in Blaffer Museumand mixed arts festival in IT MATCHES. Ticket prices vary, so be sure to check CultureMap’s events calendar and museum websites for more information.
If the perfect getaway involves shopping, The Sale Houston’s 10th anniversary extravaganza should be on your can’t-miss list. The three-day event over the weekend in Bayou City Event Center, January 11-13 will feature over 50 popular Houston stores offering discounts that start at a tempting 20 percent and go up to 75 percent, making it easy to find stylish finds at prices that won’t break the bank. One-day general admission starts at $30 ($40 at the door) and two-day general admission is $50. VIP preview shopping event on Thursday with re-entry access for remaining days is $250. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
In San Antonio
Tim Burton fans only have until Sunday, January 14 to catch up McNay Museum of ArtThe Nightmare Before Christmas exhibit celebrating the stop-motion film’s 30th anniversary, but there’s still plenty to see to keep visitors coming back for more. New exhibitions include “A Collector’s Eye: The Bequest of John M. Parker Jr.,” which details the San Antonio native’s journey collecting minimalist and conceptual art; and “Latin Exoskeleton” by brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre, which transforms the museum’s AT&T Lobby wall by combining trompe l’oeil wallpaper with lenticular images. General admission ranges from $10-$20, with free admission for museum members, veterans and their families, and children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased from the museum’s website.
Around Austin
A breathtaking Italian circus splashes into Austin with high-flying mermaids and pirates on Barton Creek Square from now until Monday, January 15th. Cirque Italia’s new production opens with a fishing guide, Rafinha the Clown, when he unexpectedly grabs a bottle with a treasure map tucked inside. Rafinha’s journey continues as he encounters storms on the high seas, dreams of angel flyers and more. Ticket prices range from $15-$55 with discounts for children ages 2-12 and can be purchased online through cirqueitalia.com.
In the hill country
Popular Texas Winemakers Wine for the people and William Chris Wine Company teamed up to open a new tasting room in Fredericksburg this month, at 113 East Park St. Wine for the People founder Rae Wilson has been making wine for nearly a decade and has previous experience as a sommelier and wine educator, making her one of the few female wine experts in the state. WCWC also includes Wilson’s Dandy Bubbles and La Valentina brands in its wine portfolio. Reservations ($25 per guest) are now open and can be made online through the Wine for the People website.
In North Texas
The Fort Worth Show and Rodeo returns on Friday, January 12 for three weeks of Western experiences. One of the city’s biggest events of the year draws crowds to Cowtown for cattle and horse shows, bull riding, intermediate rides and more, but no rodeo is complete without an array of talented live musical acts. This year’s concert series features country stars Tanya Tucker, Jamie Johnson, Sammy Kershaw, Old Crow Medicine Show, Trace Adkins and Motown legend Smokey Robinson. Tickets start at $44 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Dallas takes command theater art this month with must-see concerts, musicals and performances in January. Notable productions include Dog Man: The Musicalby TheaterWorksUSA, running January 11-28 at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater and Theater Three’s I love you, you are perfect, now you have changedfrom January 18-25. AT&T Performing Arts Center presentsJagged Little A pill based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music, and then Broadway Dallas presents Tina: The Musical Tina TurnerJanuary 23-February 4. The Golden Girls: The Laughter Continues ends the month, January 30 – February 4 at the Wyly Theatre. Ticket prices vary by performance and seating availability.
Along the Persian Gulf Coast
The Margaritaville Beach Resorton South Padre Island is already making a name for itself after opening in the summer of 2023. The tropical resort was recently named one of the best new hotels in the nation USA Today, whose nominees were independently selected by editors, travel experts and readers. It was the only Texas hotel on the list – number 6 – with USA today praising the chain’s on-site restaurants, bars and its “upscale” fun atmosphere. Swimming in the year-round heated pool and relaxing in the resort’s Sapphire Spa are undeniably enticing winter getaway activities. Room rates at Margaritaville start at $140 per night.
Around Texas
Waiting for the new Bad Girls musical, Hotel ZaZa properties in Austin, Houston and Dallas are debuting a Mean Girls “Retrieval” package for travelers booking stays from January 12-28. Guests will receive a $50 credit toward room service mimosas, an in-room book burning game, a Regina’s Radiant Renewal facial from the hotel’s spa for two guests, and two hot pink bathrobes for guests to take home. Guests can use the code “FETCH” while booking directly on the Hotel ZaZa website. Nightly rates for the Mean Girls “Fetch” package start at $785 and decrease as more nights are added.
Hiatus Spa and Retreat – with locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston – are going all-in on the “new year, new you” spirit of January. Their ‘The Winter Fire Epic Retreat’ includes a rejuvenating facial, a soothing body treatment and a special manicure/pedicure. Guests can also take advantage of the spa’s “Peel Deal,” which provides a free additional service if a guest purchases a medical chemical peel or the ultra-gentle “29 Again Facial” ($129-$205), or a deep-cleansing “Most- the good face of all time” ($159-$205). Services within the Winter Fire Epic Retreat range from $109 to $205. Guests can book at their preferred location on the Hiatus Spa website.
