The only thing good about the cold weather is it sure does feel like the holidays are here. We’ve spotted Christmas decorations at the Lakeway Trail of Lights, and Hill Country Galleria is getting ready for Santa’s arrival, including his favorite meal–breakfast!
How do you do the holidays in the Lake Travis area? Here are our top picks.
Lights On! A Holiday Celebration
November 22, 2019 | 6pm-8pm
This annual celebration marks the beginning of the holiday season in Lakeway with the first lighting of the Trail of Lights behind Lakeway City Hall.
The kick-off party is fun for the whole family. You can sip hot chocolate from the IceCream2U truck, decorate cookies (compliments of H-E-B), and roast a marshmallow at the fire pit. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph will be nearby to speak to all of the good little boys and girls of Lakeway. Plus, catch live music by KR Wood & Friends.
The Trail of Lights will be open daily through January 1, 2020.
Breakfast with Santa
November 16, 2019 | Tickets on sale
Long-time Lakeway residents know this is one of those holiday traditions that requires patience and planning. You have to wait for tickets to go on sale (November 16) and then you have to move fast because this event sells out quickly every year.
The actual breakfast takes place on December 7 at Lakeway Activity Center. Mr. & Mrs. Claus–like you’d swear they are the “real” deal–happily eat breakfast with attendees and pose for photos. Each child gets a toy too. If you haven’t been, it’s a must.
Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting
November 23, 2019 | 6pm-8pm
Hear a hardy “ho, ho, ho” from the man himself at the Hill Country Galleria. This year, Santa’s Arrival will feature holiday performances, live music by Ingrid Michaelson, and face painting in HGC’s Central Plaza/Hill Country Holiday Village (opens at 2pm).
2:00pm – 9:00pm – Experience the Hill Country Holiday Village
6:00pm – Face painting & kid’s activities in the Central Plaza
7:00pm – Program begins w/ Santa’s Appearance & Tree Lighting
7:30pm – Live music by Ingrid Michaelson
Photos with Santa
November 24 – December 24
The tradition of taking photos with Santa is more festive than ever, thanks to Santa’s Workshop located in the Hill Country Holiday Village. Walking through his workshop is a magical experience in itself. Think Elf and the sea of swirly twirly gumdrops.
Last year, Hill Country Galleria unveiled their new & improved backdrop, and revelers couldn’t get enough. Of course, telling Santa’s what’s on your list is free. Professional photo packages range from $25-$50.
A Cool Yule at TexARTS
December 13-15, 20 & 21 | Tickets on sale
Another Lake Travis tradition is attending A Cool Yule, a live performance at TexARTS featuring songs of Andy Williams, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Sugarland, Michael Buble, Peggy Lee, and more.
This is the seventh year of this production, and it sells out every season. If you haven’t experienced TexARTS, it’s the perfect time to see how special it is and how lucky you are to have this theatre right in your backyard.
Did we miss something? Let us know if there’s a holiday tradition in Lake Travis you’d like to share.
