KUT to Host Holiday Sing-Along to Jump Start the Season this Saturday

Rockefeller Center has the famous inaugural lighting of its Christmas tree in late November to officially open up the holiday season, the same way the Wall Street bell opens the markets every morning. In Texas, Austinites have the KUT Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll alongside the ceremonial tree lighting at the state Capitol this Saturday, December 3^rd to officially declare Christmas in Texas.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony has been hosted by the Downtown Austin Alliance since 1993 and has partnered with KUT since 2003. Both organizations have teamed up with local musicians, artists, and the museums lining Congress Avenue to bring a night of special programs, food, and fun activities to adults and children.

Over 8,000 people from Travis County, Williamson County, and beyond are expected to attend the event, joining KUT 90.5’s host of Eklektikos, John Aielli, for community caroling on the south steps of the Capitol grounds at 6PM. After a sing-along, the 35 ft Eastern Red Cedar tree, brought in from McDade, Texas, will be lit with over 4,000 ft of white LED lights at 7PM, and visitors will be invited to stroll down Congress Avenue to find stores and museums open late, musical performances, art, and activities.

To start the stroll, the Austin Bike Zoo will lead a parade from the Capitol Tree down Congress Avenue, featuring the Minor Mishap Marching Band, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, the Texas Juggling Society, and more. Performances from The Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Mother Falcon, unique art installations, holiday cartoons at The Paramount, and an interactive kids’ area will amplify the holiday cheer. Santa Claus will be on site at the State Theatre for photos with children.

The event is free and open to the public, but guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Capital Area Food Bank and Austin citizens who could benefit from assistance over the holidays.

Austin REALTOR® Brian Talley thinks the collaboration of the Austin community to create such fun and fantastic annual events is part of what makes the city truly unique. If you’re interested in permanently coming home to Austin for the holidays, let a knowledgeable Austin real estate agent help you search the many Austin homes for sale to find the perfect spot to start your own traditions.