Festive city Four-year-old Scarlet Williamson gives Santa Claus a high-five after getting her picture taken with him during Christmas in the City.
Christmas in the City has always provided holiday cheer in Austin BY DEB NICKLAY • PHOTOS Christmas in the City, Austin’s premier holiday event, has been in place a long time, even though it looks far different than it did when it was first celebrated. Back then — over 30 years ago — the celebration was held exclusively in the downtown and was established upon the recommendation of the Downtown 28 | Austin Living | November–December 2019
BY
ERIC JOHNSON
Association. The names of business owners Gretchen Ramlo, Bonnie Mogen and Jean Hastings pop up in conversation when people speak of the early beginnings, as well as that of the late Larry Haugen, who was the executive director of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce at the time.