Lick Staff Recommends: Our Favorite Local Holiday Activities
We're a holiday-loving team, y'all! Not only do we look forward, every year, to the biggest and best seasonal ice cream lineup (it's the last season of the year -- we HAVE to go big!) that includes all of our favorite holiday flavors, but we also look forward to our annual staff party. We go a little holiday crazy for the party because a) it's the holidays and b) with locations all around Austin & San Antonio, we don't have many, if any, opportunities to get together under the same roof. We've had an Ugly Holiday Sweater theme party, a Holiday Pajama party, and this year, we had a Holiday Hat party.
So, as you can imagine, we're a crew that takes full advantage of the local holiday festivities, both new traditions and old. In addition to seasonal ice cream eating (which you should definitely do!) and holiday parties, there are so many things to do at this time of the year to help us, and everyone in Austin and San Antonio, get in the holiday spirit. With Christmas just one week away, we highly recommend filling your week with all of them!
"I love to walk the Trail of Lights and spin under the Zilker tree. The lights and the view of downtown are beautiful but that's not why it's my favorite. It's my favorite holiday activity in Austin because even with our city getting bigger by the day, this event still has that small city feel and brings all Austinites together to enjoy something that we can all be proud of."
- Anthony, Co-Owner and Chef
"It's probably on everyone's list, but [I love] the Trail of Lights!!!! We go every year with the same couple friends who have families with children. [The kids] used to all be in strollers and now they can walk the trail all by themselves. Hot chocolate, Christmas music, and tons of people. Is there anything better? Well.... it could snow!"
- Juliet, Office Manager
Holiday Lights on the Riverwalk
"In San Antonio, we have an annual lighting of the Riverwalk that kicks off with the annual Ford Holiday Parade along the San Antonio River. This starts the day after Thanksgiving and remains up until after the New Year. With over 122,000 lights strung all along the San Antonio River (and under!), no matter which part you trek, your experience is different. My favorite San Antonio thing to do during the holidays is grab some coffee and hot cocoa and walk along different parts of the river with my loved ones and pup. Throughout the month, there are also different free events happening all along the river that you can stop by and enjoy."
- Dani, Pearl Shop Manager
"The Blue Genie Bazaar is so festive and really gets me in the holiday spirit! I love seeing what the amazing artisans are up to and am happy to support Austin's local makers while shopping for gifts for my friends and family."
- Chad, Co-Owner
The Nutcracker at the Long Center
"I like to go to Ballet Austin and watch the Nutcracker with my daughter, Kai. It's a tradition that started when I was a kid with my mom. It's so fun to get dressed up (once a year... ha!) and go to the ballet."
- Casey, Burnet Shop Manager