Seasons Eatings: Come for the lights, stay for the bites

In the (saint) nick of time, the COTA Team has prepped lists and checked them twice to help make your holiday experience seamless. Whether you need a gift guide, ideas for what to wear at Peppermint Parkway, or the perfect playlist for your Candy Cane Cruise, the merriest crew in Austin is here for you.

Next, feast your eyes on the Peppermint Parkway foodie guide below. Let us illuminate some of the scrumptious snacks, delectable desserts, and sweet sips before you begin a magical adventure with Pepper and Mint.

Food Trucks

Every Night

Project Pollo – Some have ham, some have turkey, and this truck has chicken! Chicken strips, Nashville hot chicken, Original Project Pollo Chicken (that vegan version), and of course the belle of the ball: Hot and crispy fries. Project Pollo will be available at Peppermint Plaza every night.

Austin Scoops – Need to cool down that tongue after a sip of hot cocoa? Austin Scoops has something for you. Feel the essence of Frozenland with ice cream, shaved ice, or flavored lemonade, or warm up like a chestnut on an open fire with spiked or traditional coffee, and spiked or traditional hot cocoa. You’ll be prepared for any kind of night all season long.

Select Nights

Torres Tacos – If you need to warm up with some spice and everything ni-achos, grab a few tacos, (or nachos) to keep the hangry family at bay.

Meat Your Heart – A cure for the cold? Caribbean classics. Chow down on a steak sandwich, Impossible burger, bacon burger, double cheeseburger, Cuban sandwich, tropical chicken sandwich, Caribbean hot dog, Caribbean pork, or loaded fries with bacon and cheese. You’ll be nice and toasty – promise!

I Juan Tacos – All I Juan for the holidays is a whole lot of this food! Kick off Las Posadas with quesadillas, loaded nachos, or tacos. Transport to a tropical paradise from a holiday paradise with a sip of pineapple juice and a bite of fresh fruit.

Four Brothers – This Venezuelan food truck is a staple at COTA events. Grant any holiday wish with these delish dishes: Pulled pork arepas, chicken or cheese empanadas, vegan or chicken bowls, tequeños, or tosto nachos with meat.

Brick & Mortars

Airstream Bars

The Polar Express Bar – Feel like you’re in one of the best holiday movies with Polar Express themed décor above this Airstream trailer. All aboard for specialty cocktails, hot cocoa, spiked hot cocoa, lemonade, sweet tea, beer, gourmet pretzels, and churros.

Charlie Brown Bar – As Charlie himself said, “What’s the good of living if you don’t try a few things?” Get a taste of this bar’s specialty cocktails, hot cocoa, spiked hot cocoa, lemonade, sweet tea, beer, gourmet pretzels, and churros.

Other Establishments

Blitzen’s Diner – Santa’s reindeer have to do something the rest of the year. Head to this diner and munch on a smash burger, smokehouse burger, chili cheeseburger, regular and loaded fries, regular and strawberry lemonade, sweet tea, or a beer.

Funnel Cake Trailer – It wouldn’t be a winter fair without staples like corn dogs and funnel cakes!

Sweets Shoppe – Pflugerville-and-Austin-based Pflour Shop Bakery are taking over this scene with holiday treats to delight every family member. Satisfy your sweet tooth with holiday-decorated cookies, cake pops, drop cookies, cocoa bombs, popcorn balls, and cookie bundle boxes.

Peppermint Pub – You may want to leave the kids with Santa for this one. Special cocktails include Santa’s Ranch Water, Poinsettia Paloma, Espresso Martini (with tequila), Ginger Peach Whiskey, Eggnog, Peppermint White Russian, Peppermint Mocha Cocktail, Smoked Apple Cider Old Fashion, and local & domestic beers.

21+ with valid ID-only. Food offerings and availability subject to change.

Please note that while many vendors carry alcohol, COTA encourages every guest to drink responsibly and keep the night merry and bright. Happy holidays to all and to all good eats!