DECEMBER FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

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1 Looking for something to photograph? Here are some suggestions. Drop in on any of the 50 plus clubs in Sun City (tennis, pickle ball, pottery, painting, stained glass, mahjong etc.) and take some pictures of your friends in action, they won't mind. In addition, look through the Sun Rays magazine for events and outings, any of which will bring great photo opportunities. Hey gang! It's that time of year, better get ready! DECEMBER FESTIVALS AND EVENTS 11/25/2017 Dec 1-2 Georgetown: 37th Annual CHRISTMAS STROLL The Magic of the Stroll is real and will bring memories on this 37th Annual Celebration. The Georgetown Square will be transformed into a genuine Christmas card come to life. It's a magical setting of a multitude of trees outlined with twinkling white lights, old fashioned lamp poles. It's the place to journey back in time as you wonder through Bethlehem Village. Have dessert with the Grinch Friday night only. Santa waiting to hear from both naughty & nice Saturday after the parade. Friday Dec 1st 5pm to 9pm Bethlehem Village, Early Shopping with 150 vendor, Bistro Food Court, Santa's Village, Dessert with the Grinch, Live entertainment. Saturday Dec 2nd. 10am to 8pm Parade Kicks off at 10am, Shopping from 150 vendors, Bistro Food Court, Bethlehem Village, Santa Photo Opportunity & live entertainment on 2 stages. See web site for stroll map and details.

2 Dec 1- Jan 1. Marble Falls: WALKWAY OF LIGHTS Y'all! The time has come, Walkway of lights is upon us! Beginning November 17th, and going through January 1st, Walkway of Lights will be open each night 6-10pm. Join us in Lakeside Park as we celebrate the holidays with over two million lights, 400 beautiful sculptures, photos with Santa, and so much more! Make the Walkway of Lights your new family tradition, and experience the magic year after year! Admission to Walkway of Lights is always free. Profits from concessions and Santa photos are used as fundraisers for local non-profit organizations. Dec 1-31 Johnson City: LIGHTS SPECTACULAR-HILL COUNTRY STYLE. Let There Be Lights, millions of them. Courthouse lighting ceremony. Proclaimed as "the Centerpiece of one of the biggest shows on the Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail" by Southern Living magazine with a courthouse that "shines brighter than the star of Bethlehem". The entire town is bathed in lights with 100,000 lights twinkling on the Blanco County Courthouse while Perdernales Electric Coop s Headquarters on Ave F boasts a lighted forest of over 1 million lights. Brilliant lighted holiday displays at Memorial Park on Main Street. Hayrides and carriage rides are available throughout the season. Fireworks. Each weekend, the Garden Club fills the Courthouse with Christmas ornaments and holiday crafts for purchase. See web site for more info. Dec 1- Jan 7. Galveston: ICE LAND * FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS * CIRQUE JOYEUX NOEL A total of eight Holiday Attractions, one venue. New Rainforest Holiday theme for 2017! Moody Gardens takes the holidays to a whole new level of cool! A skilled team of master ice carvers has charted your course for your journey through the rainforests of the world to see monkeys, beautiful birds, incredible butterflies, colorful orchids and so many wonderful creatures. Your hosts on this journey are the spectacular leaf cutter ants carrying Christmas lights and other decorations to a magical place. A giant ice slide takes you from the tree tops through to the forest floor, ancient ruins and rivers edge to prepare for the most joyous time of the year. Also be sure to check out Shivers Ice Bar! Admission price varies with day and attraction selected. Location: One Hope Blvd. See web site for ticket details and map.

3 Dec 1-22 San Antonio: FORD HOLIDAY BOAT CAROLING on the River Walk. You are welcome to enjoy the caroling for free from the banks of the river or while seated outdoors on one of the many patio's. Boats are decorated with lights, and loaded with popular Christmas Music and binders with music lyrics. Each boat can accommodate a maximum of 15 adults or 20 youth. Caroling boats book quickly- don't delay in booking yours! Location: Starts at Embassy Suites (River Level). Barges will make 1 lap around the River Walk horseshoe bend. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 6PM - 7PM and 7:15-8:15 Friday-Sunday 6PM - 7PM, 7:15pm-8:15PM, and 8:30-9:30PM See web site for booking a one hour private boating party. The Riverwalk is beautiful with all the Christmas lights during the Christmas season. Dec 1-30 Fredericksburg: EISBAHN OUTDOOR ICE SKATING Since 2008, Eisbahn has become an integral part of the Christmas season in Fredericksburg and the Hill Country. Eisbahn attracts hundreds of visitors, skaters, and spectators from local communities and metropolitan areas who come to Fredericksburg to share in our town s holiday spirit. Last year we welcomed more skaters than ever, and this year we are anticipating to break previous records! For many families, Eisbahn has become an annual family holiday tradition. Open Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Open Sundays 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Skating fee: $15.00 Come-and-go all-day pass Includes skate rental. Location: 122 West Main St. Dec 2. Leander: OLD TOWN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Ice Skating Rink, Christmas Market Place, Games, Petting Zoo, S'mores the Yule Fire, Pictures with Santa, Choir Performances, Band of the Hills, and so much more. Admission is free. Hours: noon to 8pm. Location, 100 north Brushy / /?type=1&theater Dec 2. Pearl: BLUEGRASS JAM & STAGESHOW. This monthly event starts around noon. This runs all afternoon and evening. Admission is free with donations boxes in the hallway to help with expenses and everyone is welcome! Jamming starts around noon and runs all afternoon and evening. Admission is free with donation boxes in the hallway. This is a fun and friendly Jam and Stage Show. It often draws over 400 people to listen and play in this little town of Pearl, Texas in the heart of the hill country. It is at an old school house that has been renovated...added heat & a/c. People jam in every room of the school house, in the halls, outside under the pavilion and under any shade tree you can find. Good home cooked food in the old school cafeteria...great pies. Location: Pearl Community Center (FM 183, 7 miles south of Purmela) See web site for a map.

4 Dec 5. Elgin: ELGIN HOLIDAY HOUSE WALK..Would you like to experience a house dressed to the nines for Christmas without the trips to and from the attic? Attend this year's Northeast Neighborhood Association Homes for the Holidays House Walk. "We have eight homes and a little warming house and a very small craft fair carefully curated. "Ideally, we have architectural diversity in these homes. There are two Queen Anne's and two Italianate houses, and two kinds of smaller houses. Hours: noon to 4pm Saturday the 5th. Registration on the day of the event will be at Advocate Sherman Hospital's atrium. 901 Center Street. Admission: Tickets bought on line before the event $15 for adults. Tickets purchased on the day of the event $20 for adults. See web site. Dec 7. Grapevine: 38th ANNUAL GRAPEVINE PARADE OF LIGHTS the largest lighted Christmas parade in North Texas. This Grapevine tradition features more than 100 lighted floats and marching bands. Look for Santa Claus on the last float. Come early to claim your spot along Historic Main Street to watch this exciting holiday event. Time: 7pm to 9pm. Location: Historic Downtown. Parade route North on Main St from Hanover Dr to Northwest Hwy. Staging Area Hanover Dr. Parade is free. See web site for parade map. Dec 7. La Grange: SCHMECKENFEST The 10th Annual Wassail Tasting & Christmas Extravaganza. Schmeckenfest is a true community event, which attracts visitors to the Square to sample over 25 different types of wassail (hot cider) made by various business owners and community leaders. The wassail competition brings the allure of the coveted honor of being named Schmeckenmeister. This small town Christmas festival also includes music, delicious treats sold by local nonprofit organizations. These festivities begin with a Christmas parade and lighting of the County Christmas tree on the Courthouse lawn. Hours: 5pm to 8pm Location: 151 N. Washington St. See web site for details. Dec Dec Dec Austin: 55th annual production of THE NUTCRACKER by the Austin Ballet Austin s annual production of the world s best-known ballet features hundreds of dancers, gorgeous sets and costumes, with all of the colorful characters, pomp and pageantry you adore and the Austin Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky s magical score. Held at the Long Center. 701 W Riverside Dr. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; matinees begin at 2 p.m. Admission price vary from $25 to $100 depending on seating and performance times. Valet parking is $18. See web site to purchase tickets and map to the location.

5 Dec 8-10 Tomball: GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET & FESTIVAL a free event celebrating Texas' German Heritage. With live music on five stages, street performers, a petting zoo and over 175 unique street vendors, this festival offers fun for the whole family. After getting your fill of bratwurst and sauerkraut at the market, attendees can head over to the museum district for free hayrides and Christmas light tours. Location; Market St & S Walnut St. Dec 9. Fredericksburg: KINDERFEST free program. Bring your stocking and celebrate Kinderfest with us on Saturday, December 9th from 9:30-11:30 am in the Pioneer Museum social hall and sanctuary. Kinderfest is a wonderful tradition that has been going on in Fredericksburg for over 40 years! Children 10 and under are invited to bring a stocking to hang on our fireplace. (The museum will happily provide stockings for any children who need one.) Then, the kids will head into the historic sanctuary to enjoy a Christmas story, fun and interactive songs, and a special Christmas craft. We might even get a glimpse of St. Nick himself. While the children are away, St. Nick and his elves will be working to fill the stockings according to German tradition... with nuts & fruit and candy for good children, and a switch or lump of coal for naughty children. Thankfully, all the children who attend Kinderfest are always known to be good, so the elves won't be needing any switches or coal. Hours; 9:30-11:30am Location: 312 W. San Antonio St. See web site... Dec 9. Fredericksburg: TANNENBAUM BALL. The Gillespie County Historical Society is having their 10th annual Tennenbaum Ball that has become THE elegant party of the season. It is a fabulous catered dinner, the finest wine beer and spirits, a silent and live auction featuring lavish trips and unusual items, ending the evening with a live band playing tunes for the rockin' out dance crowd. O Tannenbaum" is a German Christmas song. Based on a traditional folk song, it became associated with the Christmas tree by the early 20th century and sung as a Christmas carol. The lyrics were written in 1824 by the Leipzig organist, teacher and composer Ernst Anschütz. A Tannenbaum is a fir tree. The lyrics do not actually refer to Christmas, or describe a decorated Christmas tree. Instead, they refer to the fir's evergreen qualities as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness. Dance is at the St. Mary's Holy Family Center from 6:30*11:30 Call for tickets. Location 325 W. Main St.

6 Dec Austin: TRAIL OF LIGHTS What began as a small gathering in 1965 known as the "Yule Fest," a gift to the city of Austin from Austin Parks and Recreation Department, has now grown to be a community-wide celebration of the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home. In the 52 years since the first Yule Log was lit, the Trail of Lights has expanded to more than 40 displays, 2 million lights and holiday activities that create countless memories. Each new display, community performance and lighted tunnel has added a new layer to the holiday tradition and brought us together more as a community. Today, the Trail of Lights is one of the three largest events in Austin and receives national accolades while remaining a deeply cherished local tradition. Admission varies with date and entertainment. Selected nights have free general admission. A $15 Zip Fast Pass allows you to avoid the lines and large general crowd. Also allows one hour early entry before the general public. See web site for calendar of events and admission details. Dec 15. Kerrville: THE NUTCRACKER It s been 8 years since there was a Nutcracker at The Cailloux. Now, the Quenedit Dance Theater of San Antonio brings their award-winning production with lavish sets, gorgeous costumes, dozens of dancers and of course that beautiful music. With a price that makes it possible to bring the whole family, this one will sell out quickly. Be sure you have your seats in advance. Show time 7:30pm. Ticket prices are from $10 to $30. See web site for details. Dec 24. Georgetown: CHRISTMAS EVE Dec 25. Georgetown: CHRISTMAS DAY

7 Dec 26. Georgetown: DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS Dec Waco: TRAINS at the MAYBORN MUSEUM Join us as we welcome back the Central Texas Area Model railroaders and their trains. The extensive train setup will include elaborate scenes of bridges and trestles, cities and towns, and depict both the past and present. The young and young-at-heart will enjoy imagining the excitement of being a train engineer. Museum hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10-5 pm. Thursday 10-8 pm and Sunday 1-5 pm Closed Christmas Day. Address is 1300 South University Parks Dr. Museum admission adults $8 seniors $7. Web site. Dec Waco: RAM TEXAS CIRCUIT FINALS Don t miss all the thrilling rodeo action as the best cowboys and cowgirls from the Texas circuit compete for top honors at the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo. The RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo will be held December 28-30, 2017, at the Extraco Events Center. The action begins on Thursday, December 28 at 7:30 p.m. and continues nightly through Saturday, December 30. Spectators will enjoy seven rodeo events (bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tiedown roping and barrel racing) along with the fan favorite Mutton Bustin'. Ticket prices: Reserved Box Seats (age 3 & up) - $30 General Admission Balcony Seats (age 13 & up) - $10 in advance and $12 day of show. Location: Extraco Coliseum 4501 Bosque Blvd. See web site. Dec. 31 Georgetown: With all the insanity that goes with driving to Austin or the Metro-Plex for New Years it makes a great deal of sense to party here in Georgetown as the city has several locations open late for you to welcome in 2018 Or watch the ball drop at your local neighborhood party. Be safe and

8 Jan 1. In an effort to help promote photography this list of Festivals and Events is distributed to members of the photography club to provide a list of photographic opportunities' they previously may not have been aware of. Depending on your photographic interest, you will find, action, landscape, travel, street photography and other styles in this list. No matter where you go or how you get there have a good time and don t forget your camera. This will be a great year to get involved with the photography club. We are always in need of volunteers to assist in some activates. No mater your interest in photography, taking pictures of the grandchildren, landscapes or the insects that live in your garden, this will be a great year to go to some of the classes offered by the club and see how they do it Get involved.