The (slightly unofficial) date to shower those in your life that warm your heart and make it full is February 13. We think friends are worth celebrating, and we LOVE the trend of an entire day dedicated to these platonic bonds! We’ve gathered some of our favorite gift ideas for a day of fun. Let us know how you celebrate in the comments!
A fun day of shopping and pampering might be the perfect way to start your day!
Who says you can’t get friendship necklaces as adults? Splurge on yourself and your besties with a matching set. We are sure these local jewelers will be able to help you find just what you are looking for.
By: Nikki Bhamidipati and Saanvika Katakam Rouse High School DECA Interns
THE OLD TOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL IS A PLACE FOR SO MUCH FAMILY FUN! IMMERSE YOURSELF IN DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDING EATING, DANCING, SHOPPING AND SO MUCH MORE AND A GUARANTEED HOLLY JOLLY EXPERIENCE!
WHEN?
Saturday, december 3rd @ 11 am
WHO?
everyone! bring your family! (yes, it’s kid friendly :D)
WHAT?
Old town christmas festival a.k.a. a bunch of family fun 🙂
WHERE?
100 N Brushy leander, tx
PARKING?
Towing is strictly enforced
Along streets that surround Old Town (non-residential areas)
In Leander ISD parking lots (unless indicated otherwise)
Handicap parking: all LISD lots
All vehicles left in any lot or on any public street overnight will be towed at 5:30 am on Dec. 4th
SCHEDULED CLOSURES
Closures begin @ 5:30 AM on Saturday, December 3rd and streets reopen @ 12 AM on Sunday, December 4th
Closed streets (all day): N. Brushy, W. South, Willis (Baghdad and Atkins closed for portion of the day)
RAIN?
The festival will go on rain or shine!
RIDES!!
Children’s rides will be available at a per-ride fee or with an armband.
ARMBANDS:
Armbands for unlimited rides will be available for purchase for $35 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Armbands will be valid from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
(From 6 pm to closing time, rides will be priced per ride)
The Old Town Christmas Parade captures the magic of Christmas and the spirit of the community! Read on the find out how to enter, where the best viewing spots are, and what kind of fun we have in store for you.
Parade Entry
Parade entry applications need to be turned into the City of Leander no later than November 28th. You can mail or email them in or turn them in in-person during normal business hours at the Leander Activity Center located at:
11880 Hero Way West, Leander, TX 78641.
Once you are entered, start planning your float. This year’s theme is ELF! While you can’t throw toys and treats, you can have someone walk and hand them out! Christmas music is allowed and encouraged, so add some sound to your float.
Here are some of our favorite viewing spots. Make sure you stay for the whole parade so you can see the “Big Guy” make his appearance!
Our favorite viewing location is in front of Pat Bryson Municipal Hall. Not only do you get to hear the announcer as the floats and exhibits come in, most participants will make sure they are dancing or singing or cheering as they come through!
Another great location is in front of the churches along S. West Dr and N. West Dr. It is the beginning of the parade, so everyone is full of energy! Plus, you get to be one of the first to view Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Parade info
Operation Blue SantA
The Leander Police Department will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for Operation Blue Santa at the Old Town Christmas Festival. You can also drop off toys at the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center during regular business hours.
Can’t make it out this weekend? Don’t worry, Way Off Broadway will be at Leanderthal Distilling next weekend, starting August 5, or you can check out the Comedy Showcase at Smooth Village. (Get all the info here.)
Here in Central Texas things are heating up. We know you can’t wait to hit every activity during your summer break, so join us on our perfect Cool (All Day) summer bucket list!
Sunrise
Start your summer morning off with a sunrise trip to kayak or paddle board at Lakewood Park!
You can bring your own and use the launch or rent your equipment at Lakewood Park.
Check out this blog to get all the latest information on Lakewood Park.
Don’t forget your coffee from Perky Beans on the way. We recommend ICED in this heat! If you want to grab a treat with your morning joe, head over to Casa Costa Bake Shop for Brazilian coffee and baked delights.
Breakfast
Waffles at Mouton’s
After working up an appetite, your crew is going to need food! Time to head to one of the many Leander hotspots for a great bite to eat. You can get breakfast sandwiches at Sharks Burger, brunch at Mouton’s Southern Bistro or Blue Corn Harvest, or try out the new PB Café. Bonus points for finding a patio to enjoy the morning breeze!
Poolside at Noon
Dive In Movies in Leander, featuring The Spongebob Movie on July 22
The best way to unwind after a big breakfast is to head to the POOL! Leander has a great public pool at Robin Bledsoe Park, complete with a diving board. Don’t forget to check for special events like Leander’s “Dive-In Movies” coming up on July 22nd or the “Itty Bitty Beach Party” on the 23rd.
Pool a little out of your depth? Leander also has two public splash pads! One is located at Robin Bledsoe Park and the other is at Lakewood Park. Both are a great way to keep the littles cool all summer. If you happen to be at Lakewood Park on July 8, celebrate National Freezer Pop Day with the City of Leander. They will be handing out cool refreshments starting at 11 a.m.
Delivery for Lunch
Don’t forget to get your lunch delivered! We have so many great options here in Leander, use this guide to help you narrow it down.
Afternoon Ice Skating
Hot summer afternoons are made for indoor activities, and nothing is cooler than ice skating at a local hangout. We love that the Crossover has a fantastic ice skating rink so close! Use the link for Public Skate times, but the late afternoon is usually available.
Ice skating not your thing? Never fear, the Crossover has you covered either way! Check out their Esports Cave for an inclusive place for all gamers.
Pre-Dinner Icy Sweet Treat
Summer fun calls for something frozen, sweet & refreshing. We suggest a shaved ice from Bahama Bucks or a frozen lemonade from Chick-fil-A to keep the summer vibes on point and extra icy. We think this Shark Attack Sno looks extra…chilling!
If you want something to treat your tastebuds and your health, try Leander Nutrition for a smoothie!
Dinner On THe Patio
Family dinner outside enjoying the late evening break from the heat is the perfect end to this family fun day!
Looking for a Cool Grown-ups Night Out?
The end of a perfect summer day should feel like a party, and we think you’ll agree that dinner at The Thirsty Chicken is just that. Their frozen daiquiris will keep you cool and their wings and atmosphere are always hot!
We hope that we kept you cool all day on this summer bucket list journey through Leander! Did we miss any cool summer stops? Let us know in the comments!
This week, June 26 through July 2, shop local in Leander and be rewarded for the things you purchase! We love our local businesses and want to show them and you!
This week, whenever you shop, save your receipt(s) and bring it by the Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center for your chance to win great prizes! Receipts are due by Wednesday, July 6 at noon, but you can bring them by as soon as you finish shopping to get your raffle tickets!
Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 100 N Brushy St. Leander, TX 78641
Hours: M-F: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Member List
Not sure which businesses are members of the Leander Chamber of Commerce? Stop by the Visitors Center for a directory, or you can use this digital directory to search by business name or category!
Here are some of our great prizes for the raffle! Don’t forget to save your receipt from your morning coffee stop at Perky Beans, your lunch stop at Sharks Burger or dinner at Mouton’s for a chance to get rewarded for the things you were already going to purchase. ANY Leander Chamber of Commerce member business qualifies.
Those happy hour drinks from Maggie Mae’s and The Thirsty Chicken count too! Save your receipts and bring them by for your raffle tickets!
We will be drawing most of these prizes next week after July 6, but we will be drawing for the Fourth of July bag and shirt from Tourquise Peacock Boutiquethis Friday, July 1! So be sure to bring your receipts by early!
We know a lot of you are eyeing the impact driver and the toolbox from Cashway Building Materials for those summer DIYs and the artisan bowl and napkins from Wildfire Artisans to decorate your space. We are too!
Old Town Leander Gift Shop
Don’t forget to shop at the Old Town Leander Gift Shop at the Visitors Center for all your favorite Leander merch and gifts.
All purchases made at the Old Town Leander Gift Shop are eligible for a raffle entry.
Our fantastic Leander postcards are in we adore them!
One raffle prize will be to pick any pillow or tea towel from the gift shop.
Kick off the summer festival season with the Leander Old Town Street Festival on June 4, 2022! From shopping to rides with live performances all day, you will find something for everyone in your crew to do. This fun wine festival also has a wine and craft beer competition with the competitors selling their sippable beverages all day!
As always, you don’t need tickets to attend this free event but downloading your free tickets helps plan for your visit! RSVP to let them know you are coming!
EXCLUSIVE VIP tickets are available for purchase for the Headliner, Lee Roy Parnell! Download your free ticket(s) and purchase your VIP tickets here.
Way Off Broadway Community Players presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Smooth Village at 203 W. Broade St., Leander, TX beginning July 9 and will be happening for two weekends on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Leander’s own Smooth Village, the perfect outdoor venue for Way Off Broadway’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare’s iconic comedy. Smooth Village’s BuzzBar will be open for refreshments and local food trucks will be onsite. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Way Off Broadway’s website here. Tickets are $10 per person and seating will begin one hour prior to showtime.
You can also visit Smooth Village’s website for more information and to find out about other great events here!
