Sing Along, Stroll Along and Light Up Your Holidays!
Dec 4, State Capitol, 11th & Congress
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com

Get in the spirit of the season Austin style. Please join the Alliance and John Aielli, Austin's favorite radio (KUT) host, for an evening of holiday strolling, singing and tree lighting. This year's John Aielli's Holiday Sing-Along and Capital Tree Lighting Ceremony happens Saturday, December 4 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on the south steps of the State Capitol. Come early and stay late to be a part of the Congress Avenue Holiday Stroll from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Merchants and museums will be open to welcome revelers.

In the spirit of giving, several Congress Avenue property owners will be accepting small donations ($2) to the Capital Area Food Bank in exchange for convenient parking.

• 301 Congress Avenue - enter at Brazos after 3rd
• 100 Congress Avenue Visitor Lot - enter off Cesar Chavez
• Littlefield Mall Parking Garage - enter at Brazos & 5th

Bring additional food items to put under the tree. All gifts will go to feed those less fortunate this holiday season.

We look forward to seeing you and your family at the festivities. For more information, please visit downtownaustin.com or kut.org.

Still Running

To 12/18: The Toys Take Over Christmas, Scottish Rite Theatre, secondyouth.com
To 1/2/05: The Santaland Diaries, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To 1/13/05: The Polar Express, IMAX Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com

Scrooge Like You've Never Seen Him Before
Dec 1-19, State Theater, 719 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatrealliance.org

This is not your expected version of the Christmas classic. You know the story, but in Hum Bug - A Christmas Carol, an ensemble of Austin's most talented thespians puts a whole new, super-charged spin on this Dicken's yuletide tale, adapted by Neil Bartlett. Bring the kids to one of the unforgettable performances at the State Theater and discover why The Observer calls this production simply "Magical."

Esther Makes Folly of Everything Jolly
Dec 1-Jan 1, Esther's Follies, 525 E. Sixth Street
(512) 320-0553, esthersfollies.com

Leave it to the masters of slapstick and satire to turn the whole holly jolly holiday scene into uproarious hilarity that would leave even Santa hooting something other than "Ho-Ho-Ho". Esther's Follies Christmas Show offers comedy chills, frills and spills. The feast of funny happens throughout December. Make it just one more reason to visit Sixth Street during the Holidays.

Unbound Leaps
Dec 2-5, Dougherty Arts Center
1110 Barton Springs, (512) 385-2835

The director of Ballet East Dance Company has created a kaleidescopic musical revue of dance artistry and choreographic thrills with UNBOUND, a dance extravaganza featuring internationally acclaimed artists on stage at the Doughterty Arts Center, December 2-5. The music and majesty of the moves will keep you on your toes.

Rockin' and Rollin' Down Santa Claus Lane
Dec 2-Jan 2, Zach Scott Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd
(512) 476-0541, zachscott.com

For the first time in its history, Zach's Rockin' Christmas Party holiday extravaganza rocks and rolls on, at and through the Zleberg Stage for an extended celebration. Join the award-winning cast as you shake, rattle and roll down Santa Claus Lane with new songs and a glitzy sleigh ride through MoTown in YoTown that will have you crying for mo.

Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats
Dec 4, Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatrealliance.org

In between gasps, you'll be hearing lots of "oohing" and "aahing." The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats turn the Paramount stage into something of a circus as they tumble, juggle and literally fly through the air. Great fun for all ages. Two performances, 3:00 and 7:30 p.m.

The Nutcracker
Dec 5-21, Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 476-2163, balletaustin.com

It's one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Central Texas and around the world. Ballet Austin's 42nd Annual Production of The Nutcracker is a must see for the entire family. With innovative dance choreography by Stephen Mills, this classic tale is set to the timeless music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky as performed live by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

The One and Only Los Lobos with Del Castillo
Dec 2, Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatrealliance.org

You'll hear everything from selections from their latest CD The Ride to other Los Lobos favorites. Show will feature special guest Del Castillo.

Community Caroling at St. David's
Dec 2, St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th
(512) 472-1196, stdave.org

Break out in song during your lunch hour on Thursdays. Stop by St. David's Episcopal Church for some good old fashioned carol singing. You'll be treated to guest choirs from Downtown churches and soloists from The Parish Choir. This is a free event, including parking.

A Baroque Christmas Beyond Bach
Dec 2-3, Central Christian Church, 1110 Guadalupe
(512) 314-5532, austinsingers.org

Experience traditional holiday music as you rarely hear it. The Austin Singers perform Baroque music including works by Victoria, Palestrina and Sweelinck, as well as selected Christmas carols from the Renaissance period.

Cantus - Amazing Vocalists
Dec 5, Hogg Auditorium, 24th & Whitis
(512) 477-6060, utpac.org

Their voices are powerful instruments quite literally. The UT Performing Arts Center offers you an incredible experience with the presentation of Cantus, one of America's finest vocal ensembles whose voices blend to create amazing music. The nine young men perform beloved Christmas carols and other holiday music. If you appreciate choral music, you don't want to miss this one!

Ansara Fine Jewelry Trunk Show
Dec 2, F8 Fine Art Gallery, 1137 W. 6th Street
(512) 480-0242, f8fineart.com

Looking for something uniquely distinctive for a holiday gift? Then you'll want to head to F8 for this show of signature fine jewelry by Ansara. You'll find pieces that are as unconventional as they are breath-taking for perfect one-of-a-kind gifts.

The Joys of Tax-free Holiday Shopping
Dec. 2, Women and Their Work, 1710 Guadalupe
(512) 477-1064, womenandtheirwork.org

Hundreds of drawings and cut-out black paper by artist Ann Glazer turn the gallery into a huge puzzle to be solved. Enjoy this and the joys of "Tax-free" shopping in the gallery gift shop! Reception: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Exhibit runs through Dec. 23.

A Gallery of Fine Artists
Dec. 2, Guadalupe Arts Center, 1705 Guadalupe
(512) 473-3775, guadalupearts.com

The annual Tenants Show of more than 35 artists show all the diversity of this talented community. Reception: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Exhibit runs through Dec. 18.

Holiday Punch
Dec. 2, Studio 107, 411 Brazos, #107
(512) 477-9092, studio107.com

Studio 107 presents Holiday Punch, and the works of these artists will really knock you out! Reception: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Exhibit runs through Dec. 31.

Lombardi's Xmas Expo
Dec. 2-Jan. 6, Gallery Lombardi, 910 W. Third
(512) 481-1088, gallerylombardi.com

It's not Noah's ark -- try Noah's Art! Gallery Lombardi's Xmas expo features roughly two of every medium and zillions of artists of every stripe, You're sure to find the perfect stocking stuffer or exquisit one-of-a-kind -- from fridge magnets to masterpieces. Reception: Dec. 2, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Exhibit runs through Jan. 6.

Star-Struck Workshops for Kids
Dec 4, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

This one is just for kids, grades 1-8. They'll be making Star Serving Plates while you shop around Downtown. Registration is required for these $6, two-hour workshops. Call 936-4649 to sign up. FYI: Another one is being held on December 17.

Musical Museum Experience
Dec 4, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

Live classical music will accompany you as you wander through the history and art of the Go West exhibit. The Live Classical Concert Series takes place from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and it will be a lively stroll you won't soon forget.

Winter Jewels
Dec. 4, d berman gallery, 1701 Guadalupe
(512) 477-8877, dbermangallery.com

Welcome winter with a visit to the d berman gallery for this delightful jewel-like exhibit of small works of art. Gallery talk December 4 at 1:00 p.m. Exhibit runs through Dec. 23.

Make a Mess, Build a Gingerbread
Dec 4, 5, 8, Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2494, austinkids.org

Cover yourself and your kids in sugar icing -- and everything nice -- as you build your own gingerbread house. Gingerbread House Workshops are happening throughout the month, so go to austinkids.org to make plans to create a candy-covered holiday tradition.

Still on Display

Blanton Museum of Art, 23rd & San Jacinto, (512) 471-7324, blantonmuseum.org

To 12/13: Roz - A Video
To 12/22: The Blanton Builds Your New Museum
To 12/23: Twister: Moving Through Color
To 12/22: 500 Years of Prints and Drawings

Economic Development Committee
Dec 7, 12:00-1:00 p.m., Southwest Tower
211 E. 7th Street, Conference Room 111

Council Member Brewster McCracken will present the proposed guidelines for new Commercial Design Standards to be implemented citywide. Come hear what is proposed and give feedback. For more information, see http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/development/commercial_design.htm. RSVP to Julie Fitch at julief@downtownaustin.com or 469-1766, and indicate whether you would like a box lunch for $5.00.

Looking for Funky Workspaces

Do you or someone you know spend your days or nights in a funky, crazy, creatively cool or undeniably hip office, cubicle or carved out workspace? The Alliance is looking for distinctive spaces Downtown to profile in our new TV show which premiers this spring. Hey, can we make you a star? Please summit your nominations to daa@downtownaustin.com with the subject line "Crazy Cubicles."

MADD Jingle Bell 5K
Dec 4, 1st St. & Riverside
(512) 835-8844, madd.org/tx/heart

MADD-Heart of Texas Chapter hosts the Jingle Bells 5K Run/Walk and Kid's K as a fun way to involve the community in their effort to end drunk driving and underage drinking. Jog to madd.org/tx/heart for details and to register.

MADD Jingle Bell 5K
Dec. 4,

The right lane only will be closed on the following streets for this event:

• Riverside Drive (westbound), between S. First and Lamar
• The Lamar Blvd. bridge (northbound)
  
• Sandra Muraida
• Cesar Chavez (westbound) between Sandra Muraida and Stephen F. Austin Dr. (AKA the Austin High turn-around)
• Cesar Chavez (eastbound) between Stephen F. Austin Dr. and S. First
  
• The S. First St. bridge (southbound)

A street closure permit has been issued from 7:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., although organizers expect the race to finish by 9:30 a.m.

The Music Scene
2: Los Lobos Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org
2: Caroling at Noon, St. David's Church, stdave.org
2: Thursday NoonDay Concert Series, Handbell Ensemble, Central Presbyterian Church, centralpresbyterian.org
2-3: Austin Singers: Baroque Christmas Beyond Bach, Central Christian Church, austinsingers.org
5: Cantus Holiday Choral Program, Hogg Auditorium, utpac.org
5-6: Huston-Tillotson College Choir Holiday Concert, Huston-Tillotson College, htc.edu

On Stage
To 1/2/05: The Santaland Diaries, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To 1/13/05: The Polar Express, IMAX Theatre, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
1-19: Hum Bug - A Christmas Carol, Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org
1-1/2/05: Esther's Follies Christmas Show, Esther's Follies, esthersfollies.com
2-3: UNBOUND Ballet, Dougherty Arts Center, (512) 385-2835
2-1/2/05: Rockin' Christmas Party, Zach Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
4: Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats, Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org
5-21: The Nutcracker, Bass Concert Hall, balletaustin.com
To 3/05: Bugs 3-D: A Rainforest Adventure, IMAX®Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com

Gallery Watch & Museum Musings
To 12/13: Roz - A Video, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 12/22: Twister: Moving Through Color 1965-1977, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 12/22: The Blanton Builds Your New Museum, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 12/22: 500 Years of Prints and Drawings, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
2: Ansara Fine Jewelry Trunk Show, F8 Fine Art Gallery, f8fineart.com
2: Holiday Tax Fee Day, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
2-18: Tenant's Show, Guadalupe Arts Center, guadalupearts.com
2-31: Holiday Punch, Studio 107, studio107.com
2-1/6: Xmas Expo, Gallery Lombardi, gallerylombardi.com
4,5: Museum Stores Holiday Sale, Various locations, austinmuseums.org
4: Star-Struck Holiday Workshops, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
4: Classical Concert in Go West Exhibit, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
4,7,8: Gingerbread Workshops, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org

Special Events, Workshops, Seminars, Meetings
4: John Aielli's Holiday Sing-Along and Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony, downtownaustin.com
4: Congress Avenue Holiday Stroll, downtownaustin.com
4*: MADD Jingle Bell 5K, madd.org/tx/heart
4: Frohliche Weihnachten Ya'll Christmas Market, 507 E. 10th St, gths.net
5*: Zilker Tree Lighting, Zilker Park, 974-6700, ci.austin.tx.us/tol/events.htm
7: Economic Development Committee, Southwest Tower, rsvp@downtownaustin.com


* This event involves Downtown Street closings. For more details, visit: ci.austin.tx.us/roadworks