Finals have now passed, meaning Christmas break has begun. Now it's time to relax, and for some of us, to go home to spend time with our families. Others will also be working, but it's always nice to have ideas as to what to do during your free time. Here are some active, creative ideas (in no specific order) to keep ourselves occupied until we return to classes in January:
1. Check venues in the surrounding areas.
The Transiberian Orchestra comes to San Antonio and Austin every year, and tickets are usually pretty affordable. Bass Concert Hall in Austin generally also offers a student discount on tickets, so be sure to inquire about that. Additionally, the comical musical "The Book of Mormon" is coming to the Majestic Theater in San Antonio from December 15-20, if that is more of your style. The Long Center in Austin also hosts ballet performances around this time of year, which makes for a great date night or girl's night out.
2. Trail of Lights in Austin
From 7-10 pm, December 8-22, the Trail of Lights in Austin is open to the public for an entry fee of $3.00. This is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, with a trail adorned with Christmas lights, local restaurants posted up in food trucks, and live music.
3. Nearby State Parks
It's common for Texas to have pretty mild winters, and there are plenty of parks close by or only a short drive away that are definitely worth checking out.
- Greenbelt in Austin
- Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City
- Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg
4. Host an ugly Christmas sweater party or a pot luck.
This is a great way to stay in touch with friends over the break or to get together with friends you don't usually see during the semester.
5. Check out local breweries and distilleries.
Local breweries are usually really fun, and visiting them is a great way to support local businesses and to try some awesome beer and quality cocktails.
- Middleton Brewing Company: They have a large selection of craft beers, including some of their own recipes made in-house.
- (512) Brewing Company: Personally one of my favorites (shout out to their Pecan Porter!), (512) is conveniently located in South Austin, only a short drive away.
- Rebecca Creek Distillery: Sister company to Enchanted Rock Vodka, the Rebecca Creek distillery is located on the outskirts of San Antonio off of highway 281.
6. Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.
Local vendors set up individual booths, showcasing authentic, homemade goods. Crafts range from jewelry, to paintings, to pottery, and everything in between. This is also a great place to shop for unique Christmas presents. This event takes from December 15-24 in Austin.
7. Slam poetry at Spider House in Austin.
For those of us who appreciate poetry, attending slam poetry night at Spider House in Austin is a great way to meet new people and to hear some really amazing, original work. Slam poetry is hosted every Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m., with a cover of $5.00 per person. Spider House also hosts other events during the week and on weekends.
8. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Austin.
Texas' mild winters sometimes also allow for beautiful days on the water. Companies like SUP ATX offer affordable paddle board rentals.
9. Graffiti Park at Castle Hills.
A lot of people have heard of this graffti-covered park in Austin. It is also a cool place for anyone to go to take their own art to work on and spend a beautiful chilly day outside.
10. Ice Skating at the Plaza - Whole Foods on Lamar St.
From 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. every day (November 29 - January 9), $10.00 will get you a skate rental and entry to the ice skating rink on the roof of Whole Foods off Lamar in Austin. This is a great date night idea or just a little something to add to your holiday spirit, especially since we all know it doesn't actually snow in Texas.
11. Treff's Tavern
When all else fails, just stay in San Marcos and have a night out at good 'ol Treff's.
