Whether there’s snow on the ground or sun in the sky, something magical happens around the holidays that puts people in a bonding mood. Get to know your neighbors or engage with your community this holiday season with some of these fun and festive community events and activities.
Go Christmas caroling
Christmas caroling is a fun way to spend the evening with your friends and family bringing holiday cheer to those around you. Go door to door, or find a local retirement community or nursing home and ask if they would like some spirited visitors!
Visit a holiday market
Holiday markets are a great way to get in the spirit of the season while also shopping with local vendors and getting items crossed off your gift to-do list. From the German-Texan Christmas market to a Holiday Farmers Market, there are a lot of holiday markets to visit in and around Austin. If you want to get outside of Austin a bit, visit Wimberley Market Days in the village of Wimberley, about an hour and a half away from Lago Vista.
Go ice skating
Whether on a frozen pond or a nicely maintained rink, ice skating is a fun and festive way to spend time with friends and loved ones while also getting in a little exercise (and maybe burning off a few Christmas cookies in the process). Slip on your mittens, grab your favorite knit hat, and strap on some skates for a few laps with friends.
If you prefer to dress more appropriately for the Texas weather, why not strap on some rollerblades and your favorite festive outfit instead? The Austin Veloway is a great 3-mile trail for skating and blading in south Austin so you can get in some holiday exercise while enjoying the winter sun.
Attend the Trail of Lights
This year, the traditional light festival in Austin has been replaced with a socially distanced drive-through experience in Zilker Park. Cruise your way through over 2 million lights and immerse yourself in the festivity of it all. The Trail of Lights is also a great location to host your holiday events – they offer private party spaces as well as virtual parties and doorstep gift delivery!
There are other Trail of Lights events to explore as well, such as the light trail at the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens or the Lights Spectacular in Johnson City. Take a drive and see the show!
Donate gifts to a local charity
The holiday season can be particularly tough on families who can’t afford the gifts their children are dreaming of. Luckily, there are lots of ways to help make those dreams come true. One option is Operation Blue Santa, a toy drive hosted every year by the Austin Police Department to collect toys and food for families in need during the holidays. Get together with your friends and neighbors to make a contribution that will add a glow of warmth to your holiday season as well as other families in your community.
Celebrate the holidays at Lakeside
One of the best parts of the holidays is having all of the people you love together in one place. Join the community of Lakeside at Tessera to surround yourself with neighbors who you can also call friends, all while living in your dream home. Contact us for a tour today!