Get in the Spirit with Holiday Sing-Along, Downtown Stroll

Our Capitol tree in all its glory (Image courtesy of KUTX)

It’s now December and the Christmas season is officially in full swing. The Zilker tree is lit, the beanies and scarves have been pulled from the closet, and yuletide is quickly taking over the city.

What better way to get yourself into the spirit of the season than by attending the Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll this weekend on December 6th?

The event starts at 6 PM on the south steps of the Capitol and will be hosted by the Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA), KUT 90.5, Austin’s NPR station, and KUTX 98.9, The Austin Music Experience.

Attending won’t break the bank because all activities are free and open to the public, though it is suggested to bring non-perishable food items or cash donations for the Capital Area Food Bank. Over the past three years, donations have generated over 3,500 meals for Central Texans struggling with hunger.

What to Expect

John Aielli, host of the beloved “Eklektikos” on KUTX, will kick off Saturday’s festivities with nearly an hour of sing-along songs for the season.

As 7 PM approaches, the crowd will count down to the lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree, featuring a programmed light show set to holiday songs from local Austin musicians at the top and bottom of every hour.

The crowd looks on with anticipation as the Capitol tree is lit (Image courtesy of KUTX)

After the tree is lit and songs are sung, the Holiday Stroll begins down Congress Avenue. Shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late with special activities and offers. This year’s event will also feature a choreographed performance by Forklift Danceworks titled “Have Yourself a Merry Little Two-Step,” followed by a community dance in front of the Capitol tree.

Picture me strollin’ (Image courtesy of KUTX)

Reasons to Attend

If I haven’t convinced you to attend yet, there’s even more to experience on Saturday during the Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll:

• Interactive art installations from Elizabeth McQueen and Melissa Borrell
• Photos with SANTA
• Holiday Farmers Market with the Sustainable Food Center
• Live music from the Invincible Czars
• The chance to harmonize holiday songs with your fellow Austinites and be front and center as the Capitol tree comes to life

SING! (Image courtesy of KUTX)

Make sure to bring the kids because this is a family friendly event and there will be plenty for everyone to do.

Please do consider donating to make the holidays a little easier on our fellow Austinites in need. The Capital Area Food Bank will be accepting cash and non-perishable food donations at each entrance, and cash gifts at the staffed Food Bank tent located near 900 Congress.

Sing loud, have fun and – most importantly – have a Merry Christmas, Austin.

@mattchampionatx wants to know:

Will you be attending the Holiday Sing-Along and Holiday Stroll this weekend?