2023 Spring Break Staycation Guide

Enjoy a spring break vacation without leaving town! With this list of incredible ideas and events during the week of spring break, you’re sure to have a blast with all the fun activities and places to go in Leander!

FIND A “STAY” (for Your Staycation)

Holiday Inn Leander

Check out this amazing advance saver rate! By booking 14 days in advance, you will receive the max discounted rate available! Get more info here: Holiday Inn Leander

Marriott Leander

Want to get the hotel experience in Leander? Check out Marriott Leander’s discounted booking link to save more on your stay!

KOA Leander

Going camping is one of the best ways to spend spring break. KOA Leander campgrounds offer beautiful RV sites, tent sites, lodging, and more. Book your stay now before you miss it! Get more info here: KOA Leander


SHOP LOCAL

Wildfire Park

Shop Local at the Wildfire Park Farmer’s Market for goods, food trucks, and arts & crafts. They hold events every weekend and have a variety of amazing vendors to choose from. Get more info here: Wildfire Park

Ranch Road Jewelry

Need a watch repaired or a personalized experience in picking the perfect piece? You’ve come to the right place! You can trust Ranch Road Jewelry for experienced care and reasonable prices. They have new arrivals every week so make sure to check them out! Get more info here: Ranch Road Jewelry

Sweet Cupfe

This home-based Cupcakery that’s known for delicious Gourmet Cupcakes, Customized Specialty Cakes, and Sweet Treats. Pick between their abundance of flavors taste the freshness! Get more info here: Sweet Cupfe


GET OUTDOORS

Trail of Trains

This Scavenger Hunt is one of the most fun Leander activities to participate in over Spring Break. Use the clues to find all 8 of the 15 trains and be sure to post a picture on Instagram!

Lakewood Park

With so much to offer, Lakewood park is filled with adventures. Enjoy fishing spots, a skate park, kayak rentals, and never-ending trails to explore! Read more about it here.

Cap Metro

Want to explore the beauty of downtown Austin but not deal with traffic? Get on a Metrorail train to downtown Austin for under $4 one-way. Get more info here: Cap Metro

Mason Days

This one hits right after spring break but check it out since it’s FREE! Leander Parks and Recreation is offering tours to explore the historical Mason Homestead on March 24th and 25th.

Adults, enjoy an evening out that is just for the 18+ crowd with food, games, and historical house tours. More info: Mason Days, March 24th.

Bring the family on March 25th to enjoy demonstrations of roping, branding, candle making, planting, and more!  Get more info here: Mason Days, March 25th.


UNLIMITED FUN!

Freedom Fun

Freedom fun is offering 10 incredible deals this spring break. For $299, you can get a bounce house, 10 nerf laser tag guns, and 4 inflatable barricades to keep overnight, They are also offering 2 nights for the price of one or $75 off on outdoor movie screen packages, including delivery, pickup, and setup. Mention you saw it on Visit Leander to get this great price. Get more info here: Freedom Fun

Austin Spurs

Looking to watch a basketball game close to home? Be sure to check out the Austin Spurs at the HEB Center. To access their multigame ticket link for 3/10, 3/15, and 3/16, click the link below.

Texas Stars

Check outdoor other sports teams local to Austin! Check out this schedule to plan your next Texas Stars hockey game! Get more info here: Texas Stars

Fannie’s Farm Friends Mobile Petting Zoo

Spice up kids’ parties with a mobile petting zoo! Get more info here: Fannies Farm Friends


GRAB A BITE

Maggie Mae’s

Looking for local live music? Come to Maggie Mae’s for delicious burgers and sandwiches and specials every night. Check out their Facebook page to see what they have planned!

Visit Leander’s Dining Guide

Check out Visit Leander’s Dining Guide for the best local treats!


ADVENTURE

Shady Oaks Gun Range

Check out the best gun range in Austin offering pistol, rifle, and shotgun lanes from beginner levels up to advanced. With their state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable staff, Shady Oaks Gun Range is filled with entertainment. Get more info here: Shady Oaks Gun Range

Celebrate Your Friends with Galentine’s (& Palentine’s) Day

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!


A sweet treat dropped off with a hug is a great way to show you care! Here is a list of great bakeries in Leander we think you will love!


Use our handy Leander Attraction Guide & Leander Dining Guide to find something unexpected to do in Leander or a new favorite food stop!


You can totally send your sweetie flowers on Valentines day as well, but flowers make a thoughtful gift for your friends.


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.

YOU GOT QUESTIONS? WE GOT ANSWERS!

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)

What can you bring? What can you not?

The 2022 Rudolph Run 5K

The 2022 Rudolph Run is filling up fast! Be sure to sign up soon to guarantee your spot & a really fun t-shirt.

This year’s theme and shirt is…ELF!

Our theme this year for the Old Town Christmas Festival is ELF! and our shirts are full of Christmas cheer. Sign up for the Old Town Rudolph Run by Nov. 12 at 5 pm to guarantee a shirt in our fun theme in your size. This race sells out every year, so sign up soon.

Red Christmas shirt that says, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all the hear."
2023 Old Town Rudolph Run Shirt

Awards & Costumes

Every year we love seeing your creative costumes and we think this year’s theme will take it over the top! Dress your best for the run and you could win the Best Dressed Runner award. (Both groups and individuals can win).


Every finisher will get a fun medal. The top Male and Female finisher in each of the following categories will receive an additional medal:

  • 0-12
  • 13-19
  • 20-35
  • 36-45
  • 46-55
  • 56-64
  • 65+

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is…running wild for all to hear! Come run with us!

Old Town Christmas Festival

December 3, Old Town Leander comes alive to spread Christmas joy throughout the community. The Old Town Christmas Festival is a free event that includes the Old Town Rudolph Run 5K, parade, activities for the kids, local school performances and entertainment, artisan food trucks, local vendors, and more.

2022 Old Town Christmas Parade

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.

Best Viewing Spots

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.

Central Texas Fall Bucket List

We are going to take the slightly cooler temperatures as a sign that fall has officially arrived! We are putting together our ultimate fall bucket list of must-do activities with a printable checklist at the end so that you can join us!

1. Visit the Texas Pumpkin Fest

Do all your favorite fall activities in one place! Rides, pumpkin pics, magic shows, pumpkin smashing, axe throwing, face painting, activities, find it all and more at the Texas Pumpkin Fest, now at their new larger location at the VFW in Leander.

2. Take the Ghosts and Legends Tour in Granbury, TX

Find out why they say that the Ghosts and Legends tour in Granbury, TX is the show where Texas history never left! While you are there, stop by the wineries and sample their fall treats!

3. Go on a Fall Family Scavenger Hike at Lakewood Park

Lakewood park has something for everyone and is the perfect place to collect leaves, take pictures and complete your very own Fall Photo Scavenger Hike. Be sure to see the newly opened Sculpture Garden!

4. Walk the “Tricks and Treats” Haunted Forest at Devine Lake Park on October 29th

The Leander Parks and Recreation and the Police Department invite you to enter the haunted forest…if you dare! But fear not! Everyone can wander the path and stop to get candy in the SPOOKTACULAR event. Stick around to watch Hotel Transylvania and take part in the costume contest!

5. Brave “Last Stop Haunt” and bring canned goods for HCCM

Bring your bravery (and canned goods to donate to Hill Country Community Ministries) to Last Stop Haunt! Get your fill of fright and fun and maybe pick up some candy too!

6. Don Your Lederhosen and Celebrate Oktoberfest in Fredricksburg, TX

Founded on its German heritage, you won’t find a better place to celebrate an authentic Oktoberfest event than in Fredricksburg! Make your plans now!

7. Attend An ACL Weekend

Nothing is more iconically Austin than the Austin City Limits Music Festival! Get in the spirit and keep Austin weird!

Let us know when you check an item off the list in the comments! And don’t forget to post your pictures and tag us on our social channels so we can go on your fall journey with you! You can also use the hashtags #leanderis and #visitleandertx in any of your posts and we might repost you!

Back to School Basics

Can you believe the 2022-2023 school year starts next week? Summer has flown by! We know the planning that goes into getting ready for a new school year, so we are helping to lighten that load. We reached out to everyone we knew and gathered our best finds here for you.


We also included these printable daily and weekly planner pages that will fit into any three-ring binder or folder to help you or your student get organized!


Training for Your Athlete

D1 Training

D1 Training in Cedar Park is offering a special for you or your student: 7 days for $7.

Whether your child is looking to make a competitive team or be a starter on their High School varsity team, this is their competitive edge… 

D1 Training Cedar Park

Get all the info here:


Phoenix Athletics

Phoenix Athletics can’t wait to see you on Saturday, August 20 for their Back-To-School Bash with giveaways!

Back-To-School Haircuts and styles

Southern Sugar & Brow

Southern Sugar & Brow in Leander is offering specials to get you ready for a FABULOUS school year.

Get Your Lessons, Activities & Tutoring Set Up!

Learnlee tutoring

LearnLee knows how important a Homework routine is for a successful school year! Save your spot in their Homework Club, and get this school year off to a great start!

Sense & Color School of Music

Sense & Color School of Music has a great deal for your budding musicians! Get your first 45 minute lesson for $25 with no commitment.

Premier Martial ARts Leander

Premier Martial Arts Leander knows that martial arts have proven to add focus, concentration and discipline, all things that will aid your student in school and life! Reach out to them to find out which program will work for your family.

Invictus

Invictus is offering tours several times in August. Reach out today to schedule yours!

Get those Smiles Ready!

Leander Orthodontics

Leander Orthodontics is offering a fantastic discount for back-to-school to get you or your student ready for all the photo moments.

Renken Dentistry of Crystal Falls

Renken Dentistry of Crystal Falls is offering a free consultation for Invisalign to get those pearly whites all straightened out!

Let Someone Else Get Dinner On The Table

Dream Dinners of Northwest Austin

Dream Dinners Meal Kits has a great idea, let them get dinner ready! Back to school means practices, extra curricular, homework and more. Take advantage of their meal prep starter pack, $99 for 6 medium meals or 3 large meals!

Sharks Burger

Sharks Burger is celebrating 5 years in Leander on August 19, which happens to be the Friday of the first week of school! Celebrate with them and take a night off food shopping, cooking and cleaning!

Get stress relief

Apex Sports Medicine

Apex Sports Medicine knows the importance of moving well and living well, it’s their specialty. Just in time to relieve back-to-school stress, this month get $15 off any length Massage Therapy session, 60, 90 or 120 minutes!

Plan Your Adults’ Night Out This Weekend

Are you looking for a fun, adults’ night out? We have the perfect combo for you! Check out Way Off Broadway Community Players as they put on Venus in Fur at your favorite local distillery, Leanderthal Distilling.

This 21-and-up-only performance is running for the next two weekends! Get your tickets and find out more.

More Great Adults’ Night Out IDeas

Find more great bars, breweries and distilleries in the Leander Dining Guide. You can dine and celebrate with wings and daiquiris at the Thirsty Chicken or enjoy live music while you eat before you go out at Sharks Burger (get all the info here).

Head out after you meal and enjoy live music this Friday and Saturday night at Maggie Mae’s Leander. Get more info here.

Next Weekends Adventure

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.)

Christmas in July

Texas is heating up, so we are celebrating Christmas in July with an early bird discount on Specialty Vendor fees for the Old Town Christmas Festival! Now through August 15, specialty vendor booths start at $150 for a 10×10 booth!

If you’ve been to one of the Old Town Festivals, then you know just how popular they are! This December, we are bringing the magic of Christmas to the Old Town Square once again. 

Vendor Applications

Find the correct vendor application from the list below. Be sure to read the vendor forms before you apply. This is a juried festival. The committee meets around the beginning of each month the evaluate applications, so apply before August 1st to be in the first round. 

NEW this year…Old Town Street Festival is looking to bring in new vendors. We will only be bringing back 50% of our previous vendors, so this is the perfect year to apply for the first time! Be sure to include your best picture(s) and item descriptions in your application!

Vendor Forms

Applications

Specialty Vendor:

Food & Beverage:

Beer & Wine:

Sponsors

This is the perfect festival to sponsor! The Old Town Christmas Festival brings out locals and visitors alike, making it a great opportunity to invest in your community and show your customer and clients how much you love where you live! Get more information in the Sponsor Application below or email us at the office and we will reach out to you. 

EMAIL

Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Honda Leander

Sponsor:

Shop like a local at the Local-motive event

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!

So EAT, DRINK & BOUTIQUE all week!

Great Prizes!

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 Boutique this 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.


Let’s get shopping!