For those who haven’t noticed, there is a little bit of snow on the ground. So among having a white Christmas, perhaps try some of these upcoming activities, and remember to enjoy them with others.

 

1. Cross country skiing

Been itching to go cross country skiing? Now may be your time. While wind is blowing the snow around at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, 1304 21st St. NE, there will be some designated skiing areas today. Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. and are $1 for children and $6 for adults. Snowshoeing will also be available, for $5 and just $1 for youth and students. Who says you can’t get anything for a buck? Want more? The trails will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and even 9 to noon on Christmas Eve Day. Remember, too, Thursdays throughout January and February are free rentals from 3 to 6 p.m. Free!

 

2. Open skate

OK, guys, get serious and take your honeys skating. Take them to Packer Arena, 601 Seventh Street NE, for open skating from 1 to 3 p.m. Christmas Eve. Look to the Herald’s community calendar for more open skating times, and remember: Chivalry is not dead.

 

3. Christmas dinner

Don’t have anyone with whom to partake in the above events? Don’t worry. Celebrate Christmas at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 301 First Street NW, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with plenty of others. The free Christmas Day dinner is open to the public. Go ahead; feel free to join.

 

4. Festival of Lights

Hey, look at the lights. There are plenty of them at both Jellystone Park campground east of Austin on Interstate 90 every night through Dec. 30 and at the Severson Christmas Light Drive-Thru, 21366 740th St., Hayfield through Dec. 31.

 

5. Killing calories

For those who are still bloated with holiday caloric intake, check out the open gym flight night at the YMCA on Friday, Dec. 28. It’s $8 for members and $12 for non-members. Bye bye calories.

 

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition and the AustinDailyHerald.com homepage.