Holiday window shopping is back

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Since the Trail of Lights is not taking place again this year some might be looking for something to get them in the holiday spirit.

Now there's a new effort to bring back that old tradition of window shopping during the holidays and Toy Joy at 29th and Guadalupe streets is taking part.

"Toy Joy is almost 25 years old now and it's a toy store for young and old," said Lizzy Newsone, buyer for Toy Joy.

The staff hopes before customers walk inside shoppers will notice their window display outside.

"We picked up Rody who is one of our favorite toys; he's a little bouncy pony," said Newsone.

It's all part of the first annual window shopping contest put on by the Austin Independent Business Alliance.

"There's really no where to go out and see those festive holiday displays right now so you can come to the IBIZ districts and see some of their beautiful window displays," said Rebekka Adams, IBIZ director.

Shoppers can vote online for their favorite window displays in five IBIZ districts like the North Drag, South First, North Loop, LoBurn and South Lamar.

The goal is to get holiday shoppers to spend their money in local businesses.

"Actually if you shop local it puts three times the amount of money in our local economy than if you shop at a national chain store," said Adams.

One shop that has a bold display is Conan’s Pizza on 29th Street.

"We've been here since 1976, we're Austin born and raised," said Chris Strader, operations supervisor for Conan's Pizza.

It’s one of the first times the shop has decorated for the holidays in 35 years.

"We have Yetty the Pizza Monster eating everyone's pizzas and Conan the Snowman protecting the village," said Strader.

They're in for the win and hoping the display will bring in a little foot traffic.

"I would like more but there is some," said Strader.

The contest runs until the middle of December.

Those who vote on a window display are registered to win a basket full of goodies.

For more information on the 30 businesses taking part click here .