Austin is nothing if not unique. We love music, we love celebrations and we love having a good time. This extends to the way we celebrate the holidays. The annual Zilker Tree Lighting ceremony in Austin is our way of kicking off the holiday season. What's unique about this "tree", however, is that its branches are comprised of streamers and utility poles. We do like 'em big in Texas as well. The Zilker tree stands 155 feet tall, is 380 feet in circumference and 120 feet in diameter.
This year, the tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6pm on December 4, 2011. Guest conductor Micheele Valles will lead the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble this year in their performance of traditional holiday music. Austin winter nights get pretty chilly, so make sure to wear layered clothing and proper footwear to stay warm. Concession stands will be on hand providing food and various novelty items for sale. So, make sure to bring some cash with you as well. If you can't make it to the initial tree lighting, don't worry. The lights will be on full display in all their sparkling glory from 6pm to midnight every evening until December 31st.
Why stop at just one night of celebrating, though? HolidayFest is back (sort of). Last year, HolidayFest (formerly known as the Trail of Lights) was canceled due to budgetary concerns. The tough economy hasn't made it much easier this year. HolidayFest is heavily dependent upon sponsorships from local Austin businesses to help fund the event. Many businesses have found it difficult to donate. Fortunately, H-E-B has been able to help with their sponsorship so a toned down version of HolidayFest will be available to Austin citizens. In addition to the concession stands and twinkling lights of the Zilker tree itself, a Santa House will be on-site during the HolidayFest celebration (6pm to 10pm December 5th through December 11th).
Enjoy one of Austin's holiday traditions (since 1965) by attending the Zilker Tree Lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 6pm. It's a great experience for the entire family. And what a fun, unique, totally Austin way to kick off the holiday season! Happy holidays, everybody.
Residential Realtor specializing in the sale of Homes, Condos, and Luxury Homes. Working extensively with with both local buyers, investors and buyers relocating to Austin, Texas and the surrounding a
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