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Fun Fall
Festivals
The cool fall weather
and oncoming holiday season energizes a body, renews the spirit,
and just makes a person want to get out and have some fun. To do
that, you need to know what's going on and there's no better place
to find out than right here. We've searched the world over-or at
least the World Wide Web-chased down the details, and assembled
a fairly complete guide to what's going on in Central Texas and
beyond for the holiday season of November and December. We've made
a list, we've checked the facts twice, and we hope you'll be not
naughty but nice. So enjoy our guide on where to go.
- Nov. 1-10 Wurstfest
See article on page
25.
- Nov. 2 (Sa) Austin Powwow
and American Indian Heritage Festival
This is the 11th annual
event organized by the Native American Parents' Committee of the
Austin Independent School District. Set for Saturday 10am to 10pm,
the drumming and dancing make for a moving and memorable event.
Vendors offer a variety of Native American wares. This free event
typically draws some 20,000 spectators. No pets, tobacco, drugs
or alcohol permitted. Tony Burger Activity Center in Sunset Valley,
Highway 290 West. Details: 512-414-0159 <austin_powwow@yahoo.com>
www.austinpowwow.org.
- Nov. 2-3 (Sa-Su) Austin
Celtic Festival 2002
Two days of music, dance, art and cultural events at Fiesta Gardens.
Cultural Heritage Fair includes a Scottish Games competition.
Children's Fair features arts and crafts, music and dance shows,
storytellers, puppets, and games. Vendor's Fair includes merchants
selling clothing, carvings, recordings, musical instruments, art,
imports, crafts, food and beverages. Tickets $7 per day in advance,
$10 at the gate. Under age 12 or over age 65 free. Tickets on
sale at Things Celtic, 911 N. Lamar. Details: 512-498-4908 www.austincelts.org.
- Nov. 2-10 Christmas at
Caswell House
See article on page
26.
- Nov. 2-17 Texas Renaissance
Festival
See article on page
20.
- Nov. 8-10 (F-Su) Settlement
Home Charity
Garage Sale
This 27th annual event
benefits the Settlement Home, a nonprofit residential treatment
center, therapeutic group home and foster family program that
has cared for abused and neglected children for more than 85 years.
This year the Garage Sale moves to the new Palmer Events Center
with doors opening at 10am daily. The Garage Sale features an
extensive selection of house wares, collectibles, antiques, books,
furniture, clothing, toys, games, linens, holiday items, sporting
goods, office equipment and more, all donated by households and
stores from across the city. Admission is $4 per person Friday,
$3 Saturday and $1 Sunday. The "Bag 'n' Box Sale" on
Sunday afternoon lets you tote home all the stuff you can get
into a grocery bag for $1, and $3 to $5 per box, depending on
size. Details: 512-450-0043 or 512-453-3609.
- Nov. 8-10 Gathering of
the Clans in Salado
It's the 41st year for
competition and games as some sixty clans take up residence in
tents on the Robertson Ranch in Salado (west frontage road of
I-35, opposite the Salado Inn). Bagpipes, singing, and dancing
are highlights of the gathering billed as a family weekend. Panels
of Scot experts will judge contests in Highland dancing, piping,
drumming and pipe bands. Visitors will enjoy the tattoo, an exchange
of melodies between pipe bands. Take in the Finger Tip Supper
on Friday and the Tartan Ball on Saturday. Some 30 Scottish vendors
offer food, clothing, and more. No pets or alcohol. Details: 1-254-947-5232.
- Nov. 9 (Sa) Air Show and
Dinner Dance in San Marcos: Gathering of Memories
The Commemorative Air Force is putting on an exciting airpower
demonstration featuring the great airplanes of WWII, including
a simulation of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, flyovers
of bombers, fighters, transports and trainers, a Korean War aerial
sequence, acrobatics, plus the latest military aircraft, including
the F-16 Falcon and US Army Blackhawk and Apache helicopters.
The gates open 8am and the air show will go from noon till 5pm
at San Marcos Municipal Airport, located on Highway 21. From Austin,
go south on I-35 and take Exit 205 in San Marcos. Turn east on
Highway 80 and go one mile, then turn left on Highway 21 and proceed
two miles to the airport. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children
6-12 at the gate. After all that aerial excitement, kick back
that evening for a dinner and dance featuring a USO-type show
in the huge, wooden WWII hangar, with the Sentimental Journey
Orchestra playing the sounds of Glenn Miller under the nose of
a B-25 bomber. The evening's entertainment also includes an air
raid, dance contest, and dance demonstrations by several groups.
Period dress is encouraged but not required. Dinner goes 6-7pm,
with dancing to follow until 11pm. Get dinner-dance tickets by
mail, $30 per person. Send check or money order and self-addressed
envelope to Colonel Patrick Moore, 20809 Jumper's Delight Lane,
Pflugerville TX 78660. Details: E-mail patrick.moore@juno.com,
call 830-964-2461 or visit www.realtime.net/centex/GOM2002.htm.
- Nov. 9-10 (Sa-Su) Taylor
Garden Club Christmas
Bazaar
It's the 30th annual
celebration, featuring nearly a hundred arts and crafts vendors
set in a holiday theme. Saturday 9am to 4pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm
at Naomi Pasemann Elementary School, 2809 North Drive, Taylor.
Don't miss the Sunday lunch, 11:30am to 2pm with turkey and dressing
fixed up special by Catering by Mopsie. Admission $1. Details:
Jamie Kirkpatrick at 512-365-2955.
- Nov. 14-16 (Th-Sa) Searching
for Santa and
Finding Hope
Austin's Carl Anderson
presents an inspirational monologue chronicling his twenty years
portraying Santa, presenting the humor and heartbreak that children
share when visiting this age-old mythical figure. This is a show
for adults and older children. Performances 8pm nightly. Tickets:
Thursday pay what you will. Friday and Saturday $12 adults, $10
students and seniors. Reservations recommended for this popular
holiday show. Hyde Park Theatre, 511 W. 43rd St. in Austin. For
reservations and information, call Anderson at 512-320-8536.
- Nov. 14-17 (Th-Su) Texas
Book Festival
See article this page.
- Nov. 15-17 Kerrville Quiet
Jazz Festival
The festival starts
with a Quiet Jazz Dinner at designated restaurants throughout
Kerrville 7-9pm Friday. Saturday afternoon brings a jazz concert
at Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel, 2033 Sidney Baker, 11am to 1pm. Then
travel to the Inn of the Hills Ballroom, 1001 Junction Highway,
to enjoy another jazz concert 1-5pm. Top it all off with a Quiet
Jazz Brunch on Sunday at Inn of the Hills or Y.O Ranch Resort
Hotel. Details: 1-830-792-9830.
- Nov. 16 (Sa) Tales of
the North Pole with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Santa and the missus
spin stories of grumpy elves, demanding dragons and the magic
of the North Pole, featuring Austin's Carl Anderson and actress
Peyton Hayslip. Performances 11am and 2pm at Hyde Park Theatre,
511 W. 43rd St. in Austin. Admission $5 for ages 3 and up. Limited
seating. Reservations and information: Call Anderson at 512-320-8536.
- Nov. 16-Jan. 10 Santa
vs. The Snowman in 3-D
It will be snowing on opening
day at the Bob Bullock State History Museum when this 3-D movie
hits the gigantic IMAX screen. With the voices of Jonathan Winters,
Ben Stein and Steve Oedekerk, the kids can't go wrong on this
story of a lonely Snowman who discovers the magical wonders of
Santa's village, only to be chased away when he sets off the perimeter
alarm. With a running time of just thirty minutes, it ought to
be perfect for even the littlest children. 1800 N. Congress Ave.
at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. For show times and ticket
information, call 512-936-IMAX or go on-line at www.TheStoryofTexas.com.
- Nov. 21-24 (Th-M) A Christmas
Affair
See article on page
26.
- Nov. 22-24 Weihnachtsmarkt
in New Braunfels
The Sophienburg
Museum and Archives presents its annual German Christmas shopping
event to usher in holiday festivities. Unique gift selections
from distinctive merchants, a cafe serving delicious homemade
foods, and a beautifully decorated New Braunfels Civic Center.
Admission fee good for all three days. Details: 1-830-629-1572
or www.nbcham.org/weihnachtsmarkt.htm.
- Nov. 22-24 Mariachi Vargas
de Tecalitlán
Extravaganza
in San Antonio
This three-day event
includes a mariachi jam on Friday, mariachi competition on Saturday
and vocal competition on Sunday, with the latter event featuring
the internationally renowned Mariachi Vargas at 7:30 pm. Municipal
Auditorium, Rivercenter Mall, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio.
Details: Muñoz Public Relations 210-225-3353.
- Nov. 22-Dec. 31 Walkway
of Lights in
Marble Falls
Catch the view from
above as you drive into Marble Falls on the Highway 281 Bridge,
then park just west of the bridge in Lakeside Park and take a
stroll through a million tiny, twinkling lights on sculptures
that reflect on the sparkling waters of Lake Marble Falls. Open
6-10pm. Free. Details: Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce 1-800-759-8178
or www.marblefalls.org.
- Nov. 29-30 (F-Sa) Dickens
on Main in Boerne
Stroll through old Boerne in the evening and enjoy live music,
plays, food, decorated stores, period costumes, carriage rides
and more. Main Street. Details: Boerne Chamber of Commerce at
1-888-842-8080, Retail Merchants Association at 1-830-816-1796
or www.boerne.org.
- Nov. 29-Jan. 1 Lights
Spectacular in Johnson City
Millions of lights
will fire up the night skies in one of the state's largest displays.
The centerpiece is 100,000 lights on the Blanco County Courthouse,
and the celebration of wattage is joined in by local homes, businesses
and churches as well. The Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters
shows off an amazing 900,000 lights as well and hosts a Winter
Wonderland with 275,000 lights. The courthouse will be open weekends
6-9pm to show off the giant Christmas tree and quilt display.
The courthouse lights go on 5:30pm nightly. Details: 1-830-868-7684
or www.lbjcountry.com.
- Nov. 29-Jan. 5 The Santaland
Diaries
The play that began
as a monologue by author David Sedaris on NPR became a smash-hit
comedy that Zachary Scott Theatre Center delights audiences with
season after season. The role of The Little Macy's Elf, the employee
who participates in the rituals of Christmas and observes all
with gimlet eye, is played to the hilt by Martin Burke. It's a
laugh-till-you-cry event geared to adult audiences. On the Arena
Stage. Tickets $26 Thursdays, $28 Fridays & Sundays, $31 Saturdays.
Tickets 512-476-0541, ext. 1. Details: <info@zachscott.com>
or www.zachscott.com.
- Nov. 30 (Sa) Chuy's Christmas
Parade
See article on page
23.
- Nov. 30-Dec. 1 (Sa-Su)
Victorian Christmas Festival
on Sixth Street
See article this
page.
- Nov. 30-Jan. 1 Wimberley
Creekside Christmas
Stroll the historic
square and surrounding area on the banks of Cypress Creek and
visit antique shops, country craft stores, art galleries and eateries
in this charming Hill County village, which will be twinkling
each night with merry Christmas lighting. Details: Wimberley Chamber
of Commerce and Visitors Center 512-847-2201 or www.wimberley.org/creekside.html.
- Dec. 1 (Su) Carols on
the Terrace
The Umlauf Sculpture
Garden and Museum hosts this event, which is free for those who
bring a child's toy for Blue Santa. (Santa will come by to collect
the presents.) Enjoy mulled cider, cookies and live music in the
beautiful gardens. Without a toy, admission is $3.50 for adults,
$2.50 for seniors and $1 for students. Free under age 6. 2-4pm.
605 Robert E. Lee Road (off Barton Springs Road, adjacent to Zilker
Park). Details: 445-5582 or www.umlaufsculpture.org.
- Dec. 1-Jan. 1 Lights of
the Blackland
Rev up your engine
and get ready to follow the Trail of Lights through the historic
towns of the Blackland Country. Known for their historic buildings,
graciousness and old-world charm, the communities of Bartlett,
Granger, Hutto, Taylor, Thrall, Thorndale, Coupland, Elgin and
Bastrop invite you to tour their towns along US Highways 79 and
95, east of I-35. For a full schedule of entertainment, activities
and events, or more information, call the Taylor Chamber of Commerce:
512-365-8485.
- Dec. 5-7 (Th-Su) Sights
and Sounds of
Christmas in San Marcos
Visit Santa's Village,
ride the carousel, view a live nativity scene and enjoy delicious
holiday treats. Get in the holiday spirit by whirling under the
spectacular sixty-five-foot, triple-layered tree of sparkling
lights. Shop for unique gifts at Texas Natural Marketplace featuring
more than fifty booths of items Made in Texas by Texans. Learn
about churning butter, blacksmithing, calf roping and campfire
cooking at Night in Old San Marcos. Watch Sehawe Indian Dancers.
Pet a camel. Three performance venues with entertainment nightly.
Free admission. Free parking at Southwest Texas State University's
Strahan Coliseum. Free shuttle runs 5-11pm. Events run 6-10 pm
nightly. From Austin, take I-35 south to Exit 206, Aquarena Springs
Drive, and follow the signs. Details: 512-393-8430.
- Dec. 5-8: Christmas at
the Carillon
This annual candlelit
event includes three performances in Austin's "miniature
cathedral," plus another in First English Lutheran Church.
The program features Grammy Award-winning special guest Cynthia
Clawson in a magical mix of traditional holiday carols and innovative
surprises. Craig Hella Johnson will lead Conspiare, a professional
ensemble of thirty professional singers from around the United
States, and Clawson through a musical journey of inspiration and
exploration. Performances in The Carillon, 2630 Exposition 8pm
Thursday, Friday and Sunday, plus a 2:30pm matinee Sunday. The
First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis, will host performances
2:30pm and 8pm Saturday. Tickets $35. Details: 476-5775.
- Dec. 6 (F) Cowboy Christmas
Ball in Round Rock
This annual fund-raiser
for the Morning Kiwanis Club of Round Rock features Dave Alexander's
13-piece western-swing band, singer Leon Rausch and legendary
Texas fiddler Johnny Gimble. The $25 admission includes a barbecue
dinner. Scoot your boots 7pm to midnight. Old Settlers Park at
Palm Valley, on US Highway 79 east of Round Rock (Exit 253 from
I-35). Tickets: 512-244-7445 or mail checks to Morning Kiwanis
Club, PO Box 214, Round Rock TX 78680. Details: e-mail Earl Palmer
at epalmer@austin.rr.com
or call 512-244-7445.
- Dec. 6-8 (F-Su) Wild Ideas:
The Festival
The Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower Center hosts this three-day event in which visitors
can shop for holiday ornaments, apparel, unique gifts and much
more. It's tax-free on Saturday and Sunday. Details: 512-292-4200
or www.wildflower.org.
- Dec. 6, 13 & 20 (W)
Polar Express
Storybook Special
The Austin Steam
Train Association is running special Twilight Flyers each Wednesday,
as children dressed in their pajamas board for a two-hour trip
into Santa's wonderland. The Polar Express, a Caldecott Award-winning
book written by Chris Van Allsburg, comes to life on these special
runs. A young boy rides a magic Christmas Eve train to the North
Pole and receives the first gift of Christmas from Santa. These
journeys are extremely popular, so early reservations are advisable.
Board at 7pm in Cedar Park at the Capital Metro Park & Ride
facility behind Albertson's Food & Drug, corner of US Highway
183 and FM 1431. One adult is required for each three children.
Tickets $22 per person. For reservations or information, call
512-477-8468. Details: www.austinsteamtrain.org.
- Dec. 6-15 Weihnachten
in Fredericksburg
A Christmas Festival
and Market starts with Santa's parade down Main Street December
6. Christmas Market will be open December 6-8 and 13-15. Christmas
Tree Forest all ten days. Details: 1-866-TEX-FEST.
- Dec. 6-21 Caroling in
the Caverns (F & Sa)
Enjoy a caroling tour of Natural Bridge Caverns, just north of
San Antonio. Carolers perform different music in each room of
the group tour, which lasts about an hour. Tour groups start approximately
every half hour 6-8 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Adults (age 13 and
older) $20; children 4-12, $12; seniors 60 or better, $18. From
I-35, head west on Natural Bridge Caverns Road (FM 3009) for about
8 miles. Details: 1-210-651-6101 www.naturalbridgecaverns.com.
- Dec. 7 (Sa) Holiday Sing-Along
and State Capitol
Tree Lighting Ceremony
John Aielli, host of KUT-FM 90.5's popular Eklektikos, will
lead the sing-along 6-6:45 pm, during which time Texas Governor
Rick Perry or another luminary will throw the switch to light
the tree. Free. Details: Downtown Austin Alliance 512-469-1766
or www.austin360.com/partners/daa.
- Dec. 7 (Sa) Trail of Lights
5K in Zilker Park
Participants will
get a sneak preview when the Trail of Lights is illuminated for
this fun run. Runners will gather at the Zilker Moon Tower Tree
for the race beginning 6:30pm. Details: www.runtex.com.
- Dec. 7 (Sa) Holiday Swing
This year's annual
fund-raiser for Project Transitions features a USO theme, with
two stages and two dance floors, one featuring the music of the
Sentimental Journey Orchestra, the other with The Studebakers,
who specialize in singing the tunes of the forties and fifties.
A silent auction will include more than 250 items, and there's
a martini bar. Tickets are $40 in advance ($45 at the door) available
at Project Transitions office, Top Drawer Thrift Store, BookWoman,
Sparks and Tape Lenders Video. The evening starts with swing-dance
lessons at 7pm led by Valerie Ryan of Quicksilver Dancers, then
the bands will play 8pm to midnight. Dell Jewish Community Center,
7400 Hart Lane. Details: 512-454-8646 or www.projecttransitions.org.
- Dec. 7 (Sa) Christmas
Parade of Lights in Taylor
100 lighted entries
travel down Main Street in a parade that includes marching bands,
horses, tractors and fire trucks. 7 pm. Details: 512-352-6364
or www.taylorchamber.org.
- Dec. 7 (Sa) A Timeless
Christmas in Johnson City
Enjoy 1869, 1920
and modern-day Christmases in one "timeless" night.
This frontier holiday at the Johnson Settlement, the boyhood home
of President Lyndon B. Johnson, includes a chuck wagon camp under
the stars and homemade decorations in the original dogtrot cabin.
Seasonal music and free refreshments. Oil lamps provide the only
illumination during the 1920s open house. A visit to Pedernales
Electric Cooperative's dazzling display completes the festive
experience. 6-9pm, Johnson Settlement and LBJ Boyhood Home (Avenue
G and Elm Street). Details: 1-830-868-7128, ext. 244.
- Dec. 7 (Sa) Country Christmas
in Fayetteville
This quaint little town
gets all dressed up for the holidays, featuring a historic home
tour, carriage rides, wagon rides, entertainment, a town-wide
Christmas decorating contest and, of course, Santa. This year
also features Texas Authors on the Square, as writers will be
on hand 11am to 6pm to sign books. And it's free. Details: 1-979-378-4281.
- Dec. 7 (Sa) Candlelight
Tour in New Braunfels
This event showcases
a different Christmas event at each site, with traditional German
refreshments. 5-8pm. Tour three museums for $3 (children under
18 free with parent), including the Sophienburg Heritage Village,
Conservation Plaza, and Texas Handmade Furniture museums. Details:
Michelle Oatman 1-830-629-1572.
- Dec. 7-8 (Sa-Su) Two Festivals:
Two Choirs: Music for Chanukah and Christmas
The Capitol City
Men's Chorus presents music of great power and beauty to usher
in the holiday season, featuring the music of two choirs and selections
from the great Jewish composer Salamon di Rossi. 8pm Saturday
and 4pm Sunday at University Baptist Church, Guadalupe and West
22nd Streets, Austin. Tickets $12 call BoxOfficeTickets.com at
1-800-494-8497. Details: 512-477-SING.
- Dec. 7-8 (Sa-Su) Gruene
Christmas Market Days
More than 125 vendors
present uniquely crafted items, antiques and packaged Texas-made
food and special Christmas items. Photos with Cowboy Kringle.
Entertainment, restaurants and more than twenty-five permanent
shops. 10am to 6pm. Gruene Historic District. Details: 1-830-629-6441.
- Dec. 7-8 (Sa-Su) Dickens
on the Strand in Galveston
See article this
page.
- Dec. 7-15 (Sa & Su)
Texas Hill Country Wine Trail
Start your holiday
festivities with a trip to wineries dressed for the season and
filled with wines for gifts, holidays, and special dinners. The
event runs for two weekends. The purchase of a Grapevine Wreath
for $30 plus tax buys an ornament to decorate the wreath from
each of the 15 wineries on the tour. The wineries will be doing
special food pairings, barrel tasting, art shows and special releases
for new wines. Wineries on the trail blanket an area as far west
as Fredericksburg, as far north as Lampasas, as far south as New
Braunfels and as close to Austin as Oak Hill's Cana Cellars Winery
& Vineyard. To purchase a wreath, call 1-830-868-2321. Or
mail a check or money order for $34.02 to Hill Country Wine Tour,
PO Box 1480, Johnson City TX 78636. Details: See www.texaswinetrail.com.
- Dec. 7-21 Christmas Underground
at Longhorn Cavern
The carols will
certainly ring out in this unique setting, with all the more pleasure
added by food and games. Wednesdays and Saturdays 3-5:30pm in
Longhorn Cavern State Park. The cave is sixty-eight degrees year
round. The Park is located about six miles west and six miles
south of Burnet on Park Road 4, off US Highway 281. Adults $15.58,
teens 13-19 and seniors $14.58, children 2-12 $10.58. Reservations
required. Details: 1-877-441-2283 or 512-756-4680 or www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/longhorn/longhorn.htm.
- Dec. 7-22 The Nutcracker
Ballet Austin's adaptation of this holiday favorite
this year will be its 40th annual production of this classic tale,
featuring performances by hundreds of local children and local
celebrities starring as Mother Ginger. All performances will be
in Bass Concert Hall on the University of Texas campus. shows
are scheduled for Friday and Saturday December 7-8, Friday through
Sunday December 13-15 and December 20-22. Tickets $17-$75 through
Star Tickets at 512-469-SHOW or on-line at www.startickets.com.
- Dec. 8 (Su) Christmas
Carolfest
The Austin Chord Rangers,
Austin's premier men's a cappella chorus, hosts this free annual
event in the State Capitol Rotunda. Noon to 1pm. Details: E-mail
Emil Ottis at ejottis2@hotmail.com
or call 512-477-SONG.
- Dec. 8 (Su) Circle of
Light
Tina Marsh and CreOp Muse productions present a multicultural
holiday program featuring songs and stories from Christmas around
the Americas, the African celebration of Kwanzaa, the Jewish observance
of Hanukkah, the Hindu festival of Diwali, and the Muslim observance
of Ramadan. A colorful melding of music, dance and stories for
the whole family. Sunday at noon. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee
Caves Road. Tickets: $17 adults, $15 children. 512-469-SHOW or
www.startickets.com.
Details: 512-330-9500 or www.oneworldtheatre.org.
- Dec. 8-23 Trail of Lights
2002
See article on page
25.
- Dec. 11-22 Rockin' Christmas
Party
The award-winning cast of Zachary Scott Theatre Center will shake,
rattle and roll down Santa Claus Lane at the Paramount Theatre.
It's a glossy, glitzy sleigh ride through MoTown and YoTown for
the Ho-Ho-Holidays, and great fun for all ages. 713 Congress Ave.
Tickets $22.50 to $39.50 through Star Tickets 512-469-SHOW or
www.startickets.com.
Details: 512-476-0541 or www.zachscott.com.
- Dec. 12-24 Armadillo Christmas
Bazaar
See article on page
22.
- Dec. 13 (F) Caroling on
the Plaza New Braunfels
Music and singing to set the holiday mood begins 6pm at the Downtown
Plaza. Details: 1-830-625-2385 or www.nbcham.org.
- Dec. 13-14 & 19-22
Christmas by Candlelight at Pioneer Farm
An evening of old-fashioned
fun can be yours with a visit to Austin's Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer
Farm. Visitors will gather at the front gate to be escorted to
an awaiting hayride to begin their journey to a Texas holiday
of long ago. Lamplight will beckon them to a reading of 19th century
holiday stories, carols sung around an old pump organ, the smell
of gingerbread baking on the wood-burning stove, a hoedown complete
with traditional holiday music and dancing in the loft of the
big barn. The Farm is at 11418 Sprinkle Cut Off Road in northeast
Austin. Hayrides start 6:30pm each night, departing every ten
minutes. Admission is by reservation only, $10 per adult, $5 per
child twelve and younger. Free for ages two and younger. To reserve
your ticket for fun, call 512-837-1215. Credit cards accepted.
- Dec. 13-15 Yule Fest at
Zilker Botanical Garden
See the gardens lit
with thousands of lights, then come inside for free hot chocolate
and cookies. Don't forget to visit the gift shop for handmade
ornaments. Friday through Sunday, 6-9pm, 2220 Barton Springs Road
in Zilker Park. Free admission. Details: 512-477-8672 or www.zilker-garden.org.
- Dec. 13 (F) Christmas
Family Night in
Round Rock
Enjoy a visit from Santa,
seasonal music, arts & crafts, food, and more. Main Street
will be decked out with scores of booths set up by nonprofit organizations
to give children free Christmas treats, including food, refreshments,
balloons and other goodies. Two performance areas will host live
entertainment. It's all free. Sponsored by the City of Round Rock.
Details: Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department 512-218-5540.
- Dec. 14 (Sa) M.A.D.D.
Jingle Bell 5K and Kid's K at Auditorium Shores
This holiday fun
event is suitable for the whole family, with proceeds to benefit
Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 5K starts 8:30am, Kid's K 9:30am
at Austin's Auditorium Shores, 422 W. Riverside Drive. $15 untimed,
$17 chip timed, $5 for Kid's K. Register on-line through Dec.
11 at www.runtex.com or call
RunTex 512-472-3254.
- Dec. 14 (Sa) Christmas
Candlelight Tour in
Fredericksburg
One of the highlights
of the Gillespie County Historical Society's calendar is Preservation
Weekend, during which the Candlelight Tour is a major fund-raiser.
The self-guided tour this year permits access to fifteen historic
structures in and around Fredericksburg, including the Vereins-Kirche
(Society Church), the first public building in Fredericksburg,
dating to 1847; the Pioneer Museum Complex, Fort Martin Scott,
the Old County Jail, Saint Barnabas Chapel, Guadalupe Mission
and eight private residences. All these places will be open 2-8pm.
$25 per person. Tickets: 830-997-2835. Details: www.pioneermuseum.com/2002hometourhouses.htm.
- Dec. 14 (Sa) Holiday Rhapsody
This is the 5th
annual fund-raiser for Wright House Wellness Center, the only
nonprofit agency in Central Texas providing holistic therapies
to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and hepatitis C. The festive
evening's entertainment includes dancing, great company and incredible
food. There's a VIP Champagne Social 6-7pm for $50 and general
admission 7-11pm for $30, all at Metropolitan Community Church
at Freedom Oaks, 8601 S. 1st St. Details: 512-467-0088 or www.thewrighthouse.org.
- Dec. 14 (Sa) Christmas
at Ole' Fort Croghan in Burnet
Come celebrate the
season as our ancestors once did at Fort Croghan, established
in 1849 as one of the first US outposts established to protect
settlements from hostile Indians. Enjoy Christmas cookies and
hot cider as you stroll along the path lighted by luminarias and
experience Christmas as it was in the 1800s. The restored cabins
of Fort Croghan are decorated with boughs of fresh greenery. The
Museum has more than 1,200 historic artifacts on display. 5:30
to 8:30pm, and it's free (donations accepted). From Austin, take
I-35 north to Georgetown, and take the Burnet-Taylor exit. Head
west on Highway 29 to Burnet. The Fort is four blocks past the
historic district on Highway 29. Details: 512-756-8281 or www.fortcroghan.org.
- Dec. 15 (Su) A Classic
Christmas in Round Rock
Roving carolers
in 19th century costumes will entertain starting at 2pm while
you enjoy wassail and dessert. At 3pm the concert starts in the
ballroom as the 120 voices of the Round Rock Community Choir sing
with an accompanying orchestra. Austin Marriott North, 2600 La
Frontera Blvd. in Round Rock. The $15 admission covers both concert
and dessert. For tickets, call 512-255-5458. For more information,
visit www.rrcconline.org.
- Dec. 16 (M) Jingle Bell
Ride
This bicycle ride will cover
a distance of about 32 miles, starting at 6:30pm from the Bicycle
Sport Shop, 1426 Toomey Road in Austin. See the Trail of Lights
by bike! It's free. Riders must wear a helmet and have a working
headlight and rear reflector, which is the law in Austin. For
more information, visit www.bicyclesportshop.com
or call 512-477-3472.
- Dec. 20 (F) The Christmas
Attic:Trans-Siberian Orchestra in San Antonio
The second part
of the rock-opera Christmas Trilogy features the music of Paul
O'Neill, Robert Kinkel & Jon Oliva. Performance 8pm at SBC
Center, located on I-35 in San Antonio. Tickets $31-$51 through
Ticketmaster: Call 512-494-1800 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Details: www.trans-siberian.com.
- Dec. 20-24 The Last Chance
Christmas Bazaar
More than 125 vendors
will assemble in Austin's brand new Palmer Events Center for your
shopping pleasure. Live music by local Austin entertainers will
fill the place with the holiday spirit, and Santa will be on hand
for the kiddies to enjoy. Open 11am to 11pm daily, except Christmas
Eve, when closing at 7pm. Admission $2 before 6pm, $3 after, kids
under 10 free, seniors half-price. Details: Roadstar Productions
512-441-9015 or
www.roadstarproductions.com.
- Dec. 31 (Tu) Twilight
Flyer's New Year's Eve Special
The Austin Steam
Train Association hosts an entirely different way to bring in
the New Year with an adult-oriented, five-hour getaway under the
night sky. Live entertainment and an open bar are included in
the ticket price of $125 per person. Board 8pm in Cedar Park at
the Capital Metro Park & Ride facility behind Albertson's
Food & Drug, corner of US Highway 183 and FM 1431. For reservations
or information, call 512-477-8468. Details: www.austinsteamtrain.org.
- Dec. 31 (Tu) New Year's
Eve on Sixth Street
Bring the holiday
season to a grand close by being on hand for the raising of the
star that marks the start of the New Year. Free. Details: Roadstar
Productions 512-441-9015 or www.roadstarproductions.com.
Ken Martin likes to recall
what author Garrison Keillor has to say about our country's most
notorious holiday: "A lovely thing about Christmas is that
it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together."
You may e-mail Ken at editor@goodlifemag.com.
Joust
in Time for Something Different, Enjoy Renaissance
If you're ready for something
truly different this holiday season, step back into the 16th century,
when times were simpler. Stroll down shaded cobblestone pathways
and encounter jugglers, minstrels and fortunetellers en route to
works of pottery, sculpted metal, and woodcarving in more than 300
shoppes at the Texas Renaissance Festival each weekend through November
17.
More than 3,000 entertainers,
shoppe keepers, and even ticket takers don period costumes and speak
the tongue of lords and ladies, paupers and wenches. Rose gardens,
maypoles, and dragons dot the festival landscape where visitors
enjoy continuous entertainment on twenty-seven stages, and may select
from 200 performances daily, including comedy, juggling, sword fighting,
acrobatics, music and dancing. See demonstrations of glass blowing,
armor crafting and bookmaking. Thrill to the thunder of hoof beats
and clash of lances as knights in armor do full-contact combat three
times a day at the highly popular Royal Joust.
This year's celebration centers
on the Glories of Spain. Not only will King Ferdinand and Queen
Isabella visit, but also Spanish Conquistador Cabeza de Vaca, who
is credited with the discovery of Texas and with being the only
conquistador who did not kill the native population. In keeping
with this theme, this year's festival will offer Spanish and Mexican
arts and crafts, the finest blades from Toledo, Spain, and the best
fabrics and garments from Mexico. At mealtime, you can eat like
royalty by reserving your place at the Feast of Conquistadors, a
sumptuous six-course meal that includes unlimited beer, wine and
other beverages ($89 per person, which includes gate admission and
a commemorative take-home chalice). Or opt for international cuisine
at the sixty food-and-beverage shoppes.
Kids will go gaga at Sherwood
Forest, offering more games and rides than ever. Adults will want
to wander amidst the water garden, featuring a score of fountains
and statues surrounded by hundreds of water flowers, or stroll through
the rose garden. And each day's fun ends with the Royal Fireworks
above Tournament Field.
The Texas Renaissance Festival
goes on rain or shine each Saturday and Sunday from 9am to dusk
in Plantersville, an easy drive from Austin. Take US Highway 290
East to Brenham, then State Highway 105 to Navasota and on to Plantersville.
Parking is free, and free camping is available as well. Tickets
are available in advance at $18 for adults and $8 for children from
Star Ticket outlets including Albertson's, on-line at www.startickets.com
or www.texrenfest.com, or
by calling 1-800-458-3435. At the gate, admission is $21 per adult
and $10 per child. For more information, call 1-800-458-3435, 281-356-2178,
or 936-894-2516; or visit www.texrenfest.com.
The
Stars of Texas Literature Shine at Texas Book Festival
This may be the Lone Star State
but the luminaries of Texas literature will be anything but lonely
when the Texas Book Festival celebrates their contributions to our
rich cultural heritage, November 14-17.
This annual celebration of all
things literary draws the state's best writers and their fans for
four nights and three days of events. Since it's a major fund-raiser
to benefit the public libraries of Texas, there are some high-dollar
events included to fatten the coffers but, because it's also a celebration
of culture and literacy, there are plenty of free events as well.
Things get underway Thursday,
November 14, with Bon Appetit, Y'all, featuring cookbook signings
by celebrity chefs and plenty of fine food prepared by Austin's
best chefs. Hosted in the home of Deborah and Tom Green, the noshing
runs 7-9pm. Tickets are $150 per person.
Friday morning will bring notable
children's authors presenting programs in several Austin schools,
with each child receiving a signed book. That night comes the keynote
event, the First Edition Literary Gala emceed by Kinky Friedman,
a black-tie affair at the Austin Marriott at the Capitol 6:30-10pm,
with readings by Robert Caro, Dagoberto Gilb, Walter Mosley and
E. Annie Proulx. Tickets are $350 per person. That same night, 7:30pm
to midnight, catch the free After Hours highlighting fresh voices
and slam poetry at The Hideout, 617 Congress Ave.
Saturday morning at 10:30 in
the House Chamber of the State Capitol comes the Bookend Award Ceremony,
honoring Bill Wittliff and Bud Shrake for their lifetime contributions
to Texas literature. Readings and Panel Discussions by more than
a hundred authors will be held in the State Capitol and Capitol
Extension 10:30am to 4pm Saturday and again on Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Outdoor events will be held Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 11am
to 5pm, to include book signings and sales, poetry readings, the
Children's Chapter events for kids, musical entertainment, and more
than eighty vendors.
Saturday night 7-10pm at the
Austin Music Hall comes The Author's Party, in which book lovers
can mingle with their favorite authors at this Texas casual event,
featuring live music, buffet dinner, and cash bar. Admission is
$35 per person.
During the entire four-day Festival,
Voces Americanas, a free-standing exhibit from the Texas Council
for the Humanities Resource Center, will be on display to celebrate
Latino writers and their books in twenty colorful panels of photographs
and text.
For tickets, call 512-320-5451.
For more information, call 512-477-4055, e-mail bookfest@worldnet.att.net,
or visit www.texasbookfestival.org.
Armadillo
Bazaar Continues Austin Christmas tradition
It started as a financial life
preserver for the Armadillo World Headquarters and to get the street
vendors from The Drag, across from the University of Texas, inside
and out of the unpredictable December weather. The Armadillo World
Headquarters had opened in 1970 as a hippie music hall and cultural
center and while it drew an audience of rednecks and music lovers
of all stripes, its survival was always in doubt. As it turned out,
the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, now celebrating its twenty-seventh
year, has outlived the demise of its namesake by more than two decades.
 While
the music of the Armadillo World Headquarters' final show has long
since faded, that same kind of music thrives at the Armadillo Christmas
Bazaar. The star-studded lineup of musical talent makes this shopping
trip unlike anything you've ever experienced, unless you've immersed
yourself in this made-in-Austin tradition before. There will be
live music by more than twenty acts this year, something for every
taste, so if you have a mind to you can schedule your gift shopping
to coincide with performances by your favorite entertainers.
Once again, the Austin Music
Hall at Third and Nueces is the site of the Bazaar, which will feature
works by more than 150 artists, including paintings, drawings, photographs,
sculpture, jewelry, toys, leather goods, glass works, weavings,
clothing, pottery, books, carvings, puppets, puzzles, posters, toys
and woodwork. The majority of the artists live in the Austin area,
although a number come from all over the country to exhibit their
wares. You can choose from a wide variety of distinctive gift items
in every price range, while shopping in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
"It's an adventure,"
Bazaar Producer Bruce Willenzik says of shopping at the Bazaar.
"People have the chance to find unusual gifts and meet the
artists who created them. We require exhibitors to debut their newest
and best work, so there's something new to discover at each booth."
The shopping fun starts December
12 and runs right through Christmas Eve, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Admission is $2 weekdays till 7 p.m., $4 evenings and weekends,
free for children under 12.
There's plenty of nearby pay
parking lots for daytime shopping and free covered parking nights
and weekends. Admission $2 weekdays before 7pm and $4 evenings and
weekends.
For more information, call 512-447-1605
(after 11am, please) or visit the web site (which shows a map and
parking information) at www.armadillobazaar.com.
Parade
Kicks off Victorian Christmas on Sixth Street
You can't miss when the big
annual Chuy's Children Giving to Children Parade gives the kids
an hour of thrills and the satisfaction of helping others, before
turning your attention to one of the season's biggest outdoor holiday
shopping events, the Victorian Christmas on Sixth Street.
The parade starts 11am, Saturday,
November 30, at the State Capitol, 11th and Congress, and heads
south to 6th Street, where it turns right and proceeds to the finish
on Guadalupe. Giant holiday balloons will fill the air while festive
floats, famous children's characters, spectacular marching bands,
cool classic cars, and Santa amble down the main street of Texas.
Bring a toy to donate to Operation Blue Santa when, at a designated
time during the parade, Santa's helpers will line the parade route
to help spectators give their toys. All these toys will be distributed
to another child just in time for the holidays. For more information
about the parade, call 1-888-439-2489 or visit www.chuysparade.com.
The Victorian Christmas kicks
off as soon as the parade winds down, as Austin's historic entertainment
district is transformed over Thanksgiving weekend into an 1890s
Christmas wonderland, with more than 150 booths decorated to fit
the theme and all vendors wearing period costumes. Children's and
traditional Christmas music provides the backdrop as barbershop
quartets, hand bell groups, choirs, harpists, classical guitarists,
and flutists entertain. The streets will swell with roaming minstrels,
stilt walkers, unicyclists, belly dancers, square dancers and magicians.
A Children's Carnival will include hair braiders, face painters,
a petting zoo, little Rudolph, elves and more. As night falls, the
booths will light up with lanterns.
As if all that isn't enough
excitement, don't miss the Old Wild West reenactment of theatrical
gunfights, bank robberies, saloon brawls, jail, corral, Indian teepees,
saloon girls, cancan girls, and a foot-stompin' hoedown with audience
participation.
The Victorian Christmas runs
11am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday, November 30 and December 1. Free
admission. There's plenty of parking in the area for easy access.
For more information, call Roadstar Productions at 512-441-9015.
Dickens
on the Strand to Celebrate 1851 Exhibition
Join in the fun in this crown
jewel of a holiday festival, when bobbies, Beefeaters and the Queen
herself will be on hand to recreate Victorian London. For an entire
weekend of December 7-8, hundreds of costumed vendors and performers
will provide a look at the pomp and pageantry of the British Empire
with a special focus on The Great Exhibit of 1851 and the recreation
of Charles Dickens' London, including characters right out the pages
of A Christmas Carol.
 Centered
on a ten-block area of Galveston's The Strand National Historic
District, the festival will include three parades and free, nonstop
entertainment on the festival's six stages, plus strolling carolers
and roving street musicians, bagpipers and other entertainers.
Galveston's only guaranteed
annual snow will fall at 10am Sunday when 30,000 pounds of ice are
used to create a winter wonderland. But that's only one of many
activities for children. There's Her Majesty's rare collection of
exotic creatures from the Royal Menagerie to pet, ponies and elephants
to ride, and the Piccadilly Circus to enjoy, not to mention Scrooge's
Scavenger Hunt.
The array of year-round restaurants
and shops will be joined by more than 150 costumed vendors peddling
their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with tasty
delights and Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, and much
more. When you tire of shopping, tour the nearby Texas Seaport Museum
and the 1877 Tall Ship Elissa (not a replica but the original iron-hulled,
three-masted sailing ship), all free with admission to Dickens on
the Strand.
The entire weekend is hosted
by the Galveston Historical Foundation, and proceeds benefit continued
efforts to preserve The Strand National Historic Landmark District.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the gate. Children under six
and those dressed in Victorian costume admitted free. For more information,
call 1-409-765-7834 or visit www.dickensonthestrand.org.
The web site also lists countless related special events during
the annual blowout celebration.
Some
of the Best Fun Abounds at New Braunfels' Wurstfest
Neither hellacious storms nor
high water floods have been able to dampen the growth of what began
in 1961 as the Sausage Festival, an ode to the local sausage-makers
who even back then produced 152 tons of this stuff annually. While
the mouth-watering food and good German beer drew just 2,000 people
that first year, the Wurstfest has attracted crowds of more than
165,000 people at times, many of them from foreign lands. Fans gladly
make the annual pilgrimage to nosh on traditional fare and dance
to polkas and oompah bands. For more than three decades has been
the music headlined by accordionist Myron Floren of Lawrence Welk
TV Show fame, who will be back again this year for multiple performances.
 The
fun kicks off Friday, November 1, with a Comal Community Band Concert
starting at 4pm. The official opening ceremony, the "Biting
of the Sausages," is at 5:15pm, followed by a Polka Contest
at 6pm. From there on, they get things in gear with live entertainment
on three separate stages till late, with the last acts starting
at 10:30pm. After that, there's a rip-roaring celebration daily,
right through Sunday, November 10, with more music and fun than
anyone could possibly stand. There are plenty of other events tied
in as well, including foot races, motorcycle rallies, tours, craft
shows, regattas, museums, art shows, and you name it, with live
entertainment daily starting at 11:30am till late in every evening.
From Alpine yodeling to foot-stomping polkas, the Wurstfest is the
place to kick up your heels and have a blast.
The Wurstfest grounds are just
inside Landa Park on the banks of the Comal River. From I-35, take
the Walnut Street exit. Drive north on Walnut about two miles to
Landa Street and turn right. The Festival grounds will be just past
the second light, at the entrance to Landa Park. Admission is free
till 7pm on opening day, then $8. For more information, call 830-625-9167
or 1-800-221-4369. Check out the truly mind-boggling list of activities
for each day on the web site at www.wurstfest.com.
Trail
of Lights Explodes on Austin's Skyline
Of all the traditions
associated with Christmas, none are more likely to draw admirers
than setting up a blazing array of electric lights, and when it
comes to setting up dazzling displays, few can rival Austin's annual
Trail of Lights.
Like a signal flare portending
great events to come, advance notice of this year's Trail of Lights
comes at
6:30pm Sunday, Dec. 1, when
the switch is thrown to light the Zilker Tree. The light-bedecked
moonlight tower stands 155 feet tall and glows with the warmth of
more than 3,300 bulbs, serving as a beacon to those who want to
home in on the main event that starts a week later.
The Grand Opening for the Trail
of Lights Festival follows on December 8 with a parade featuring
a Travis High School Marching Band, Santa Claus, Austin Mayor Gus
Garcia, Austin City Council members and other guests riding in horse
drawn carriages. At 7pm, Mayor Garcia and Dell Computer Corporation
CEO Michael Dell will cut the ribbon to officially open the 2002
Trail of Lights, an event that drew more than 213,000 visitors last
year. Then, Mayor Garcia and the winner of the Zilker Tree Coloring
Contest senior division (eight to ten year olds) will cut the ribbon
to open Santa's House. The Central Texas Balloon Association will
host the annual balloon glow as part of the opening celebration.
Live entertainment will greet
visitors every night December 8-23, as dancers, musicians, storytellers,
choirs, comedians, theatre troupes and more enliven the night air.
The Trail of Lights, featuring a mile-long walk through 325,000
lights, will be open 7-10pm nightly. (For those who can't walk the
trail, tram service may be reserved by calling 512-480-3049.)
Operation Blue Santa gives attendees
the chance to share the holiday joy with the less fortunate by providing
collection sites at the entrance and near the entertainment stage
for new, unwrapped toys appropriate for children ages 12 and younger.
Visitors may utilize the limited
parking in Zilker Park for $5 per car-entering the park from MoPac
Expressway-but riding the Capital Metro shuttle is highly recommended.
The shuttle departs from the state parking lots at 17th and San
Jacinto (round trip fee $2 for adults, $1 for children 6-12, free
for children 5 and younger). Bus service starts 6:45pm each evening.
The last bus to the Trail of Lights starts at 9:30pm, and the last
bus back leaves 10:45pm each evening. Admission to the Trail of
Lights is free of charge. For more information, call 512-974-6700
or visit the web site at www.ci.austin.tx.us/tol
or www.cityofaustin.org/tol.
Shop
for great causes at Caswell House and A Christmas Affair
November in Austin gives shoppers
a chance to find something wonderful gifts and also do a lot of
good for two longtime mainstay Austin charities.
The Austin Junior Forum, women
volunteers supporting those in need across Greater Austin, hosts
the annual Christmas at Caswell House, an Open House and
Gift Shop November 2-10. Each year, local interior designers donate
their decorating talent to transform the 102-year-old Caswell House
into a celebration of the season.
Guests will enjoy tours (be
sure to keep an eye out for the resident ghost), tearoom lunches,
a romantic candlelight dinner, a rockin' wine-and-cheese party and
more. The event is generously supported by local caterers who provide
a delicious experience for lunch each day and the candlelight dinner.
Local musicians deliver incredible gifts of song for each lunch,
dinner and party.
You'll find unique gifts made
by artisans from near and far, and baked goods straight from the
AJF's award-winning cookbooks to take home for the holidays. Or
get your portrait taken by photographer Melissa Brown. Proceeds
benefit Austin Junior Forum grant recipients, which include a wide
array of deserving community nonprofit organizations.
Christmas at Caswell Hour hours
are 10am to 3pm Monday through Saturday, 11am to 3pm Sunday. Admission
is $5 per person. The Caswell House is located at 1404 West Ave.
at 15th Street. For more information, call 512-472-1305 or visit
www.austinjuniorforum.org.
A Christmas
Affair, the Junior League of Austin's 27th annual holiday shopping
extravaganza, will be held November 21-24 at Austin's new Palmer
Events Center, all decked out as an enchanted forest in keeping
with this year's theme, A Royal Holiday.
More than 200 merchants will
offer their wares. Expect to find a range of gifts suitable for
everyone, including jewelry, home and garden accessories, autographed
memorabilia, holiday decorations and more. Tickets are $10 per guest,
$10 per stroller, or $18 for two days. Early shopping is available
9am to noon Thursday for $45 per ticket, and reservations are required.
The Royal Market opens for all others from noon Thursday till closing
at 9pm. Friday hours 10am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 11pm, and Sunday
11am to 5pm.
The shopping days will be preceded
by The Coronation Ball on Wednesday, November 20, 7:30-11pm. Tickets
for this black-tie affair are $125 per person for the feast and
open bar.
A Christmas Affair raised more
than $1 million in 2001 for contributions to the Austin community,
benefiting dozens of Central Texas agencies. For tickets all 512-323-0668.
There are other very special events daily, which you can find out
about by calling 512-467-8982 or visiting the web site at www.jlaustin.org.
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