Austin, December 12, 2025

Austin’s housing market has seen a significant decline, with 89.5% of homes losing value over the past year. Meanwhile, the Greater Austin YMCA plans to redevelop its TownLake facility into a mixed-use complex. Additionally, Texas is on track to generate more solar power than coal, showcasing a shift towards clean energy. Upcoming events include a unique jazz performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ and various holiday activities, reflecting Austin’s vibrant community spirit despite economic challenges.

Austin, Texas: Recent Developments and Events

Significant Decline in Austin Home Values

Austin’s housing market has experienced a notable downturn, with 89.5% of metro Austin homes losing value over the past year—the highest percentage on record since at least 2012. This decline marks a significant shift from the city’s previous housing boom. On average, home values have dropped 20.5% from their pandemic-era peak, the steepest decline among major U.S. metros. Additionally, 12.6% of Austin homes are now listed below their previous sale prices. Despite this downturn, many homeowners retain substantial equity gains from earlier purchases, especially those who bought before the pandemic surge. Similar trends are evident in other Texas cities like Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston, where the majority of homes have also depreciated. The broader regional decline across the West and South is attributed to increased housing inventory and rising climate risks. Nationally, the market now favors buyers, with a record 37% more sellers than buyers, according to Redfin.

YMCA Proposes Major Redevelopment of TownLake Facility

The Greater Austin YMCA plans to redevelop its over 50-year-old TownLake facility into a modern, mixed-use complex. The proposed project would transform the 4.8-acre site into a 110,000-square-foot campus featuring three residential towers, accommodating up to 750 condominiums, including a minimum of 90 affordable housing units for households earning 30% to 80% of Austin’s median family income. In addition to housing, the plan includes expanded social services, child care, and mental health support. YMCA President Kathy Kuras highlighted the need to revitalize the aging facility to meet the city’s growing demands post-pandemic. However, local residents have expressed concerns about the proposed zoning changes to allow towers reaching up to 425 feet, significantly more than the current 60-foot limit. The redevelopment reflects the YMCA’s broader initiative to modernize its properties in response to Austin’s evolving social and economic needs. The proposal will undergo city department reviews before returning to City Council for final consideration.

Texas Achieves Milestone in Clean Energy

Texas is on track to generate more electricity from solar power than coal for the first time ever in 2025, according to data from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). From January to November, Texas produced 2.64 million megawatt hours (MWh) from solar sources versus 2.44 million MWh from coal. Even with anticipated seasonal declines in solar output, coal generation is unlikely to surpass solar for the full year. This shift highlights Texas’ rapid solar expansion, with installed capacity jumping 24% from 2024 and overall solar output increasing 42% year-over-year. Solar now makes up 14% of ERCOT’s energy mix, overtaking coal’s 13%, up from just 6% in 2022. This transition occurs despite a 10% rise in coal output and a 4% drop in gas-fired power, driven by spiking natural gas costs. Texas’ advancement also includes aggressive adoption of utility-scale battery storage, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of solar energy. This clean power surge in a traditionally fossil fuel-dominant state could serve as a model for energy transitions in other U.S. regions, especially as power demand continues to rise.

Unique Jazz Performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ Scheduled

A unique, one-night-only performance of Duke Ellington’s jazz rendition of “The Nutcracker” is scheduled for December 19, 2025, in Austin. This special event marks the debut performance for the Capital Contemporary Ballet and a major milestone for the ATX Jazz Orchestra. Both groups are part of the newly launched nonprofit, ATX Artists for Social Impact. The performance will blend jazz and swing styles with contemporary ballet, showcasing professional musicians and dancers, as well as emerging talent from Huston-Tillotson University’s jazz program. Executive Director Paolo Dumancas emphasizes the group’s mission to improve artist pay and working conditions amidst Austin’s rising housing costs, which have displaced many musicians. The nonprofit aims to make this reimagined Nutcracker an annual tradition and expand its offerings with continued fundraising. Tickets are currently on sale.

Upcoming Holiday Activities in Austin

Austin offers a variety of festive activities this holiday season. The 61st annual Austin Trail of Lights is returning to Zilker Park from December 10 to 23, 2025. Additionally, the revamped walk-through Peppermint Parkway at the Circuit of the Americas is open through December 28, 2025. Other events include enjoying holiday-themed drinks at local bars, chopping down a Christmas tree at Elgin Christmas Tree Farm, and ice skating at the Four Seasons Hotel through January 4, 2026. For a cozy experience, visitors can head to Mozart’s Coffee Roasters for lattes and a renowned light show. These activities provide a festive mix for all ages and preferences.

Texas Longhorns Basketball Update

Matas Vokietaitis scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Texas Longhorns to a convincing 95-69 win over Southern University. Texas, now with a 7-3 record, rebounded from its worst loss of the season with a dominant performance in Austin. The Longhorns established a 19-point halftime lead and extended it to 30 in the second half before easing off. Vokietaitis was highly efficient, going 7-for-10 from the field and perfect on all 14 free throws, surpassing his previous best of 21 points. Jordan Pope added 18 points, with significant contributions from Simeon Wilcher (14), Camden Heide (11), and Dailyn Swain (10). Texas shot 56.9% overall and built momentum after a slow start with runs of 11-2 and 6-1 to lead 46-27 at halftime. Heide had three first-half 3-pointers, and Texas outshot Southern 55.6% to 30% in the first 20 minutes. Malek Abdelgowad led Southern (4-5) with 17 points, while Michael Jacobs added 11. Texas sealed the outcome with a second-half 20-7 run, and the Jaguars struggled offensively, missing their final seven shots of the first half.

Upcoming College Football Bowl Games

The Texas Longhorns are set to face Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, at 2 p.m. CST. This marks the first-ever appearance for Texas in the Citrus Bowl. The game will be televised on ABC. Additionally, the 2025 Alamo Bowl is scheduled for December 30, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The game will feature the USC Trojans from the Big Ten Conference and the TCU Horned Frogs from the Big 12 Conference. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. CST and will air on ESPN. The Alamo Bowl will be one of the 2025-26 bowl games concluding the 2025 FBS football season. The game is sponsored by Valero Energy, a company that produces petroleum-based fuels, and is officially known as the Valero Alamo Bowl.

Austin Airport Recognized for Low Stress Levels

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been rated as the 8th least stressful airport in the United States. This ranking highlights the airport’s efficient operations and passenger-friendly services, contributing to a more relaxed travel experience for visitors and residents alike.

Upcoming Holiday Festival Near Austin

The Sherwood Celtic Yuletide Festival is returning from December 12 to 14, 2025, in McDade, a small town 35 miles east of Austin. The festival will transform the grounds of the Sherwood Forest Faire into a winter weekend of music, merriment, and holiday magic. Guests can expect artisan shopping, archery, live music, Highland Games like Scottish hammer swinging and shot put, and more. Tickets (including day passes, weekend passes, and camping) are available online starting at $12.50.

Public Notice: Court Closures in Austin

The Austin division of the bankruptcy clerk’s office will close for the day at 12:00 p.m. CST on Friday, December 12, 2025, for an official court function. All other Texas Western Bankruptcy divisional offices remain open for regular business. For assistance, contact the Waco division clerk’s office at 254-750-1513 or the El Paso division clerk’s office at 915-779-7362. The court’s website remains available for general inquiries, and PACER/ECF remains available for electronic filing by attorneys.

Upcoming Events in Austin

A variety of events are scheduled in Austin over the coming days. On December 12, 2025, the Toasty Badger Christmas Book Swap will take place at 9:00 a.m. at Toasty Badger, 2206 S Congress Ave. Additionally, Phillips House Austin will host a trunk show at 10:00 a.m. at 11501 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 141. On December 13, 2025, the Holiday Hootenanny will be held, featuring local vendors, artisans, music, and food. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, part art show, part concert venue, and part holiday market, will run from December 13 to 21, 2025, offering fine art, artisan gifts, handmade goods, and daily live music—all indoors. These events provide opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with Austin’s vibrant community and holiday spirit.

Conclusion

Austin is navigating through a period of significant change, with notable challenges in its housing market juxtaposed against exciting community initiatives and events. Home values are experiencing a sharp decline, yet steps are being taken to address housing needs, as evidenced by the YMCA’s redevelopment plans. Meanwhile, Austin is leading in clean energy adoption, which may serve as an example for other regions. As the holiday season unfolds, residents can enjoy numerous festive activities while also reflecting on the broader economic landscape. We encourage you to support local businesses and stay engaged in Austin’s economic future.

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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.