![Walking through the tunnel created by the cheerleaders and Celebrities, senior Frances Tran smiles as the soccer team is sent off during DEN for their playoff game against Rouse tonight. Tran said the wins against Smithson Valley and Alamo Heights gave the team a morale boost to take on the Raiders tonight. “I know we were not 100% confident in those games,” Tran said. “But, Rouse is a big opponent for sure. We’re definitely going into tonight with a lot of morale [because of the previous wins].”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/frances-tran.jpg)
![Holding a bucket of materials in one hand and a roll of tape in another, anatomy and biology teacher Tyler Terry prepares for a lab. Terry said his proudest moments are when his students are happy to see him. “When I take my wife to a football game or something and a bunch of students want to say hi to me or they like to smile and wave and it just makes me feel good that the students are really kind and supportive of me,” Terry said. “[I’m also] proud when I see students perform really well in their extracurriculars because I can see how hard they’re working in my classes, [so] when I see that they’re also working so hard in other things. Like they’re winning band competitions or they’re getting awards for their theater productions, or I see them put on their choir shows, that’s like, wow, you guys are incredible.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rags-6.png)
![Catching a ball, junior Alivia Robinson plays at the Cedar Park vs Glenn game. Having played since she was 5 years old, she is dedicated to softball and has committed to UTPB for softball. “When I got my offer it took me a very long time to decide where,” Robinson said. “Softball has always been my dream for college, and UTPB is my fit. When [I committed] I knew I was going to be loved and supported.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lilly-Adams-3.13aliviaedit-901.jpg)
Holiday Happenings in Austin
Light Shows, Activities, Events
There are many activities to do around the holidays in Austin. Home to traditions over 55 years old, there is something for anyone and everyone.
December 13, 2019
With the holidays drawing near it’s important to save a little money while still spending time with the people that you love. Austin and Cedar Park offer many free light shows and fun performances hosted by local Austinites. Below you can find a list of the city’s most popular holiday happenings.
Christmas Towne in Round Rock
A wonderful and free way to experience amazing light shows. Drive the light trail located in Old Settlers Association with a carnival at the end. The carnival includes multiple rides and food vendors, tickets sold separately.
- Dates(light show): Dec. 13-15 and Dec. 19-29
- Dates(carnival): Dec. 12-15, Dec. 18-22 and Dec. 25- Jan. 4
- Single ticket for carnival costs $1
- Carnival located at the Dell Diamond
- Light entrance at 3300 E. Palm Valley Boulevard
- Hours: 5p.m-9p.m (Sunday- Thursday) 5p.m-10.pm (Friday and Saturday)
- More information at roundrocktexas.gov
Trail of Lights in Austin
An Austin family tradition for 55 consecutive years. Come walk through the stunning light displays and spin under the Christmas tree. Enjoy food vendors and live music for five dollars, or free on certain dates.
- Dates: Dec. 10-23
- Free on Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 15-18.
- $5 entry fee
- Location: Zilker Park
- More information and ticket purchases at austintrailoflights.org
ZACH Theatre Presents “A Christmas Carol”
Another city tradition, ZACH Theatre puts on “A Christmas Carol.” Following the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey on Christmas Eve, actors bring the story to life in an unforgettable experience. Although this may cost a little extra, the show will not disappoint.
- Dates: Nov. 20- Dec. 29
- Cost: $45-$102 (dependent on age and seat location)
- Location: The Topfer at ZACH Theatre
- Times: 7:30 p.m on weekdays
- Saturday and Sunday- 2:30p.m or 7:30p.m
- More information and seat reservations at zachtheatre.org
Austin Ballet: “The Nutcracker”
With beautiful dancers, costumes and colorful sets, Austin Ballet presents the classic story of “The Nutcracker.” Get into the Christmas spirit while enjoying a gorgeous annual production.
- Dates: Dec. 7-23 (dates do not include the entire week)
- Times range by the day
- Cost: $39-$99 (dependent on seat location)
- Location: The Long Center
- More information, calendar and ticket purchases at balletaustin.org
Ice Skating at Whole Foods Market
Enjoy gorgeous views and smooth skating at the rooftop skating rink at Whole Foods Market. After you skate, enjoy a nice coffee and some cookies downstairs in the store!
- Dates: Nov. 23- Jan. 20
- Times: 10a.m-10p.m
- Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door
- Location: Lamar Whole Foods location
- More information and ticket purchases at wholefoodsmarket.com
Rhodes Family Christmas
Walk up to the grass or sit in your car to tune in and watch the dancing trees. The Rhodes Family Christmas is an annual front yard lights display open and free to the public. This display is also a donation site for the Cedar Park Area Food Bank.
- Dates: Nov. 28-Dec. 31
- Times: Starts every evening at 5:30 p.m
- Location: 2410 Sharon Drive, Cedar Park, TX
- More information at the events facebook page at facebook.com
Chinati Court
In this small cul-de-sac, each house displays a different part of the Night Before Christmas story and incorporates fun themes all around the front yards. Drive the cul-de-sac in your car or even get out and walk around the sidewalk to enjoy the sights and sounds. This event also is a location for cash and toy donations for Brown Santa.
- Dates: Through Dec. 25
- Location: Chinati Court, Cedar Park, Texas
- More information at facebook.com
![Holding her dog, Nova, senior Ariana Balakrishnan poses for her senior pictures while Nova wears a bandana with her college decision. Balakrishnan applied to 18 colleges in total, but she decided on Columbia in the end. “Right before I clicked the button to open Columbia’s letter, I literally looked at the camera and go ‘This is just gonna really suck because I wanted it so bad,’ and I clicked it and all of a sudden you hear trumpets,” Balakrishnan said. “There’s a video that plays when you open it and I actually didn’t watch the video, I just watched the screen go black, because every day of December before ED [Early Decision] I would go on YouTube and watch the acceptance video to manifest it, so immediately when the screen went black, I started screaming and jumping up and down. And my parents in the video are like ‘What are you doing, where’s the letter,’ and I was just screaming ‘I got in, I got in.” I just started crying, and it just felt like everything in the world came together.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ariana-2-300x217.jpg)
![Catching a ball, junior Alivia Robinson plays at the Cedar Park vs Glenn game. Having played since she was 5 years old, she is dedicated to softball and has committed to UTPB for softball. “When I got my offer it took me a very long time to decide where,” Robinson said. “Softball has always been my dream for college, and UTPB is my fit. When [I committed] I knew I was going to be loved and supported.”](https://cphswolfpack.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Lilly-Adams-3.13aliviaedit-901-600x400.jpg)
