A sparkling expanse of white blanketing the ground, a warm fireplace to cuddle up next to, and hands curling over a mug of steaming hot chocolate is often the scene painted in many popular winter films and shows. Showcasing the perfect winter dreamscape, a common movie that often invokes feelings of nostalgia along with its cheerful holiday environment, is a timeless classic – Frozen. Although dreams of living in your own winter wonderland may be slightly hard to reach in a habitually warm place such as Austin, the city is known to have certain spots that will no doubt have you feeling like you’ve entered your very own Arendelle, complete with the warm and enchanted characters we’ve all come to love and cherish.
During a core part of the first movie, Anna traverses on a rough and vigorous journey through frozen fjords and rough mountains, attempting to find her sister with her rather entertaining companions, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf. Take a thrilling hike of your own at the fully cold weather-suited Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. Although the water may not be frozen and the leaves may not be coated with white snow, the trail circles a shimmering Lake Austin, providing a spectacular view of the city’s picturesque skyline. Though weather may be a differentiating factor, a hike with your friends or family is bound to not only be a strong workout but a fun, outdoor adventure in your personal Arendelle just as Anna and her friends took in theirs. After all, the best part of the journey was not what surrounded her, but rather who she was with.
A steady constant throughout the movie, music was a key factor in transporting the audience into the magical and dreamy settings of the film, stretching across genres and styles to take us deep in the heart of each character until we felt like we were right there with them. Whether it was the power and frustration of Elsa in Let It Go, Anna’s naive happiness and pure delight in For the First Time In Forever, or Olaf’s comedic yet innocent ballad, In Summer, the film delivered inspiring and energetic pieces of music to create a unique atmosphere. Dive deep and explore even more genres of music at Red River Cultural District’s Free Week, typically held in January to rejuvenate Austinities during the exhaustive post-holiday blues. A fusion of local artists and Austin’s prized live music, the event is a perfect winter pastime to get yourself out of the post-holiday slump.
Calling out to the audience’s inner child, the film is most popular for its fun, wintry settings and entertaining characters. Enter the winter wonderland of Austin’s Four Seasons Hotel’s Ice Rodeo, merging a classic pastime with the city’s distinct cultural landscape, all with the enchanted backdrop of elaborate holiday-themed decorations. Make your extravagant frosty dreams reality in one of Austin’s most luxurious sites by renting a private cabana, or live out your childish fantasies by ice skating under the stars. The Ice Rodeo is guaranteed to provide you with a magical experience filled with unparalleled fun activities, distinct to a classic Austinite winter and complete with the signature five-star service of Austin’s Four Seasons Hotel.
If there was anything the second Frozen movie taught us, it’s that Olaf is maturing to be a thoughtful and knowledgeable young snowman, and is constantly spouting his newfound knowledge even though it may be utterly ridiculous. Pull an Olaf and visit Austin Public Library’s Winter Cheer Celebration series at the branch closest to you. Explore exciting activities ranging from an assortment of winter crafts to holiday-themed dance parties, Austin Public Library offers fun and unique experiences for the entire family to enjoy.
And of course, don’t forget to end your day cuddling up in warm blankets and pillows with a cup of hot cocoa to revisit an all-time holiday favorite – Frozen.
