Who says you have to eat turkey before celebrating the magic of Christmastime? Southlake's Home for the Holidays Annual Tree Lighting kicks off the holiday season a week before Thanksgiving this year, so you can enjoy holiday festivities even longer. At this free event, it doesn't matter what the Texas weather decides to bring — snow is guaranteed! Build a snowman with the family using a mound of really cold faux snow (make sure to bundle up!), or glide down a four-lane snow hill on blown up tubes. Later, listen to the Christmas carolers sing while sipping on hot cocoa and eating cinnamon-roasted nuts, decorate an ornament with the kids or ride in a romantic horse-drawn carriage around Southlake Town Square. At 6 p.m., twinkling lights will make the square glow at the popular Tree Lighting Ceremony. Admire the stunning tree, then help the little ones write letters to Santa — or take pictures with him!
Of course, it wouldn't be the holiday season without the spirit of giving back in the air. During the annual event, the City of Southlake encourages everyone to donate to the Christmas is for Children Food Drive by bringing canned food items, non-perishable food and cereal. CIFC is a nonprofit organization that is focused on providing children with the love, care and joy that make up the spirit of Christmas, and it has helped more than 42,000 children over the past 27 years. If you can't make it to the annual tree lighting, there are many other drop-off locations around Southlake, which will take donations until December 15. Being home for the holidays is always wonderful — especially when your home is Southlake, a city where it's easy to make lifelong memories with friends and neighbors. There is no better place to celebrate this time of year!
Date: November 17
Location: Southlake Town Square