KUT’s 2011 Holiday Sing-Along, Tree Lighting and Downtown Stroll

November 28, 2011 3:10 pm by: Angela Maldonado

The Downtown Austin Alliance and KUT 90.5 invite visitors to start the holidays downtown on Saturday, Dec. 3, during the annual Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll! All events are free and open to the public.

The evening starts at 6 p.m. when crowds gather on the south steps of the Capitol to sing the songs of the season during John Aielli’s Holiday Sing-Along.

As the clock chimes 7 p.m., the countdown to the lighting of the Capitol tree – a Cedar beauty rising nearly 40 feet – begins.

From 7-9 p.m. Congress Ave. will be abuzz with holiday cheer during the Downtown Stroll. Shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late and will feature special activities, offers or refreshments for visitors. The Austin Bike Zoo will lead a procession from the Capitol Tree down Congress Ave. featuring the Minor Mishap Marching Band, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, 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 engaging kids’ area will get you in the holiday cheer. And, Santa will be on hand at the State Theatre for photos with kids of all ages!

Visitors are asked to support fellow members of the community by bringing non-perishable food to the Capitol Christmas tree for the Capital Area Food Bank.

WHEN:

۰      Monday, Nov. 28, 2011:

-   9:15 a.m.: Capitol Tree arrives at 11th and Congress. Austin Energy and the Parks & Recreation Department will assist in the installation at the base of the Capitol grounds.

۰      Tuesday, Nov. 29 thru Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011:

-   9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tree decorations installed.

۰      Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011:

-   6:00 – 6:50 p.m.: Holiday Sing-Along with John Aielli

-   6:50 – 7:00 p.m.: Lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree

-   7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Downtown Stroll and Performances along Congress Avenue

WHERE: The Sing-Along takes place at the south steps of the Texas State Capitol (11^th Street and Congress Ave.). The tree is stationed at the south gates of the Capitol Lawn. The Stroll will take place along Congress Ave. from 11^th St. to 4th St.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:  Representatives from the Downtown Austin Alliance will be available on Nov. 28 during the tree installation. Representatives from the Downtown Austin Alliance, KUT or the Capital Area Food Bank are available for interviews before, during or after the event.

Media contacts: Erin Geisler, KUT 90.5, egeisler@KUT.org, (512) 475-8071 or (512) 422-1886 (mobile); and Julie Weaver, Downtown Austin Alliance, Jweaver@downtownaustin.com, (512) 381-6267 or (512) 777-9925 (mobile).



2010 Sing-Along

Thank you to our Sing-along sponsors: