The Holiday Sing-along and Downtown Stroll is an annual tradition held at the Texas State Capitol. This free event follows the same basic pattern each year: local NPR/KUT host John Aielli leads the crowd in singing seasonal songs, the Capitol Christmas Tree is lit, and the crowd wanders down Congress Avenue.

Unfortunately Bill and I arrived late and missed much of the Sing-along last weekend. We listened for a few minutes and then decided to head back to Congress Avenue for the tree lighting countdown. Many others had the same idea so that area was crowded, but the tree was tall enough for everyone to get a good look. (In the photo above, that’s a full moon on the right, shining brightly even without a countdown.)

The tree was very lovely (although not real), but I must say that the Downtown Stroll part of the evening was a disappointment. In previous years, Congress Avenue was lined with all sorts of entertainment and activities. This year’s stroll was limited to just two blocks, and that space was mostly filled with vendors. Entertainment choices seemed to be listening to a singing group or waiting in a long line for photos with Santa. A stage was set up, but no one was playing while we were there. Let’s put some more strolling back in next year’s Downtown Stroll!

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