Austin "Keeps It Weird" During the Holidays
September 26, 2007 by Paris and John
Filed under Festivals
It might seem like a while until the holidays but Austin’s getting ready for over a month of special activities. In true Austin style, the city has plenty of live music and unique events that “keep Austin weird.”
Nov. 14-18
The Junior League of Austin’s A Christmas Affair presents “The Gift of the Magi” at the Palmer Events Center. You’ll find over 200 national merchants selling original art, jewelry and crafts during the four-day holiday market. Receptions, tea parties and private shopping events also highlight the schedule. Ticket prices vary.
Nov. 18
As part of a year-long celebration of Israel’s 60th anniversary as an independent state, the Jewish Community Association holds its Annual Chanukah Bazaar on Nov. 18 at the Dell JCC Community Hall. Other events continue through May 2008 in commemoration of Israeli independence.
Nov. 25-Dec. 11
Five Latino theater groups combine their creative talents to present a Latin Christmas story with La Pastorela: A Shepherd’s Story, Nov. 25-Dec. 11, at Tillery Street Theatre.
Dec. 1-2
Art aficionados celebrate the season early with Austin Museum of Art’s Holiday Arts Festival, December 1-2. Guests stroll the elaborately decorated gardens of Laguna Gloria to view sculpture and art while enjoying holiday cuisine.
Nov. 30-Dec. 30
Zachary Scott Theatre presents three special shows. Plaid Tidings brings the cast of hit the musical “Forever Plaid” back to the stage, November 30-December 30, for heavenly holiday harmonies that include tributes to the Chipmunks, Ed Sullivan and the Rockettes. Hilarity ensues with David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries, November 23- January 6. Rockin’ Christmas Party puts a big hair, rock ‘n roll edge on the traditional “Christmas Carol” story in this hit musical at Zach’s intimate Kleberg stage at 1510 Toomey Rd., November 23-January 3.
Nov. 30-Dec. 22
Kids and parents build a candy-covered holiday tradition at the Austin Children’s Museum’s Gingerbread House workshops, November 30-December 22. Real gingerbread, icing, gumdrops and candy canes provide the building blocks for this fun family event. Dates and times vary; more information is available at www.austinkids.org.
December
The 37th Street Lights (pictured) twinkle throughout Central Austin during the month of December. Neighbors work together for months stringing up lights to create a funky holiday display along 37th Street from Guadalupe Street to Home Lane. The street is open to vehicular traffic. But for the full, environmentally friendly effect, it’s best to park and walk.
Dec. 1
Experience a traditional German-Texan Christmas market and visit with St. Niklaus at the annual German Christmas Market in the historic German Free School at 507 E. 10th Street on Saturday, December 1. The German-Texan Heritage Society offers handmade and imported wooden and blown-glass German ornaments and other gifts. Enjoy refreshments, live music and German carols.
December
Even in Texas, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without ice skating on the Whole Foods Market Ice Rink. Skaters show off their skills—or hang on to the railing—throughout the month of December. Whole Foods also offers holiday cooking classes and chef demonstrations in the Culinary Center, located at the world headquarters store at Sixth Street and Lamar Boulevard. Check the website for schedule and details.
Dec. 1
The annual State Capitol Tree Lighting and KUT Holiday Stroll takes place on December 1 from 6-7 p.m. John Aielli, host of NPR affiliate KUT’s “Eklektikos,” leads the audience gathered around the tree at 11th Street and Congress Avenue in traditional carols. Festivities continue along Congress Avenue with entertainment, and merchants remain open late. More information is available at www.downtownaustin.com.
December
In yet another Austin tradition, the month-long Zilker Trail of Lights begins with lighting of the soaring Zilker Christmas Tree on December 2. The pedestrian Trail of Lights, featuring live music and Santa visits, transforms a mile-long stretch of Zilker Park into a twinkling wonderland from December 9-31.
Dec. 4
Noche de Fiesta Navidena celebrates Mexican Christmas traditions with folk art, flavorful foods and seasonal music at the Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Avenue.
Dec. 8-9
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center commemorates its 25th anniversary with Luminations: A Winter Celebration. Soft light glows from thousands of luminarias, torches and lanterns while music fills the night air. Children’s activities include storytellers and holiday crafts in the Little House. The gift shop is open for holiday shopping. Shoppers can check items off their list at the Wild Ideas gift shop.
Dec. 14-24
The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar keeps Austin weird with distinctive jewelry, fabrics, handmade goods, blown glass, paintings and prints from local and national artists. Relocated this year to the Austin Convention Center, the bazaar also features live music from some of Austin’s best local musicians and food vendors.
Dec. 1-23
Choreographed by Ballet Austin Artistic Director Stephen Mills, The Nutcracker pairs classic dance with a classic performance by the Austin Symphony Orchestra of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Clara and friends captivate audiences with an evening of magic in the Land of Sweets. The show runs December 1-23 at the Paramount Theatre.
Dec. 4
Austin Symphony teams up with Chorus Austin to ring in the season with the masterpiece Handel’s Messiah. Riverbend Center provides a traditional Hill Country setting for the concert.
Dec. 11
At Riverbend Centre, Austin Symphony invites families and friends to sing holiday favorites with a full orchestra during its annual Christmas Sing-a-long. The event is free, but tickets are still required to join in the fun.
Dec. 22, 29
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum presents Musical Favorites in the Dog Trot Cabin, December 22 and 29. Local musicians perform toe-tapping Texas fiddle music on the porch of a dog trot cabin in the first floor exhibit gallery.
Dec. 31
The humor of the holidays is perhaps best captured by Esther’s Follies Christmas and New Year’s shows. The over-the-top Christmas Show features Esther’s classics as well as holiday specials and magic tricks by Ray Anderson, dubbed the best magician in the Southwest. The New Year’s Eve performance also includes a full buffet with a champagne toast at midnight. Esther’s Follies is located at 525 E. Sixth St. Check the website for dates and details.
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve invites families to come downtown and welcome 2008 with First Night Austin. This alcohol-free festival encourages “out with the old, and in with the new,” with art, ritual and festivity. The city’s plazas, storefronts and parks serve as a background for dance, music, film/video, poetry and visual art.
Jan. 8-13
The merriment keeps on going with Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and their zany cast of much-loved characters from Tuna, Texas when they present A Tuna Christmas at the Paramount Theatre.
For More Information:
• call the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau at (866) GO-AUSTIN
• visit www.austintexas.org
Photos courtesy Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau
37th Street Lights, photo: Barton Wilder
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker, photo: Amitava Sarkar
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