Emily O'Shaughnessy

5 Family Friendly Holiday Activities in the Lake Travis Area

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | December 2, 2013

‘Tis the season! Now that the holidays are in full swing you might be looking for festive things to do with the family. Fortunately there’s no shortage of seasonal activities in the Lake Travis area. Here are five family-friendly ways to get in the holiday spirit this year.

1). Holiday Lights & Ice at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

The 4^th annual “Holiday Lights & Ice” is back and bigger than ever. The largest outdoor ice rink in Austin boasts over 200,000 lights and is open to local residents and hotel guests through Monday, January 6^th. Individual sessions or season passes are available. After you’ve had your fill of twirling (or, in my case, falling) warm up with a treat from the hot chocolate bar located in the Coffee Market inside the main lobby. One dollar from every skating session ticket sold will be donated to Make-A-Wish of Central & South Texas.

Gardening in the Lake Travis Area: The Natural Gardener

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | November 27, 2013

The Natural Gardener, located on Old Bee Caves Road, is a world-class nursery right here in the Lake Travis area. To say it’s a place to buy plants and fertilizer would, naturally, be accurate – but The Natural Gardener is so much more than just a garden store. It’s truly a destination full of educational and inspiring things.

It’s the kind of place you could easily spend hours wandering the 8-acre grounds and admiring natural beauty at every turn. There is something for everyone, and kids (and dogs!) are welcome. In fact, it’s a great place to bring children to help them gain an appreciation of nature and gardening from an early age. There are plenty of things to keep them entertained, including a butterfly garden, live animals including goats and chickens, a labyrinth made out of rocks, a teepee and several swings on the property.

7th Annual Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival at Hill Country Galleria

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | November 20, 2013

Thursday, November 21^st officially kicks off the holiday season at the Hill Country Galleria. The seventh annual tree lighting event begins at 6pm and includes festivities for the entire family. There will be face painting, holiday carolers, fireworks and a visit from Old Saint Nick himself! Santa is scheduled to arrive at 7pm.

Jazz band The Vintage 15 will set the festive mood and CW Austin star Taylor Ellison will emcee the event. It promises to be a night of celebration and a great way to get the whole family in the holiday spirit.

Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town

Also, if you don’t get a chance to tell Santa what’s on your wish list Thursday night you’re still in luck. Santa will be back for a meet and greet by the holiday tree this weekend. Bring the kids (pets are welcome, too) to visit and take a photo with the jolly old man. Just make sure to bring your own camera, as there is no photographer on site.

Emily O'Shaughnessy

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