Dec 30, 31 - Holiday Pops with B.J. Thomas
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

Got plans for New Years? Well, now you do. End 2004 with an evening of contemporary musical fanfare. B.J. Thomas joins the Austin Symphony Orchestra to offer a send off to remember as you remember the greatest hits with this multi-Grammy Award winner.

His impressive career that includes both pop and country classics such as: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head, Eyes of a New York Woman, I Just Can't Help Believin', (Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song and Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love.

Both shows are at 8:00 p.m. Plan to arrive early or stay late and enjoy a festive dinner at one of Downtown's terrific eateries.

For reservations and tickets for Holiday Pops head on over to austinsymphony.org

Dec 28-Jan 5 - They're Back! Tuna Christmas
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-7247, austintheatrealliance.org

It just wouldn't be Christmas in Austin without an uproarious ride into the quirky lives of Tuna, Texas' most prestigious and perverted citizens. It's the night before Christmas and all comic hell is about to break loose in Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. Master commedians, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams, portray all 24 denizens of this magical spot on the imaginary map of wackiness, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. Bring the whole family for this standard in holiday fun!

Also still running:

To 1/2/05: Esther's Follies Christmas Show, Esther's Follies, esthersfollies.com
To 1/2: Rockin' Christmas Party, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To 1/2: The Santaland Diaries, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To 1/21/05: The Polar Express, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com

For complete details on these shows, please go to the Calendar listing at downtownaustin.com

Dec 28, 30 - Musical Museum Experience
Bob Bullock Texas State History Musuem, 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, because you've never experienced the vanishing West like this before. This concert is free with exhibit admission - $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors/military, $3.00 for youths 5-18 and free for ages 4 and under.

It's never too late to find something spectacular at any of Downtown's glorious art galleries. Now on display:

To 12/30: Holiday Punch, Studio 107, 411 Brazos, #107
(512) 477-9092, studio107.com

To 1/2: Collecting Latino Art Exhibit & Sale
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress
(512) 480-9373, mexic-artemuseum.org

To 1/6: Xmas Expo, Gallery Lombardi, 910 W. Third
(512) 481-1088, gallerylombardi.com

To 1/16: Lounge!, Arthouse at Jones Center, 700 Congress Avenue
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

Dec 27-Dec 30 Winter Workshops for Kids - Sculptor to Be!
Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Road
(512) 445-5582, umlaufsculpture.org

Great fun for the kids during the holidays. Umlauf Sculpture Garden is hosting four Winter Break Workshops 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for children 8 - 11. A different material is taught by a different artist each day. Sessions are limited to 15 students and reservations are required. Fees are $17.50 per session or 4 sessions for $60. Sign up today for your sculptor to be!

On Stage
12/28-1/5 Tuna Christmas, Paramount Theatre, austintheatrealliance.org
To 1/2: Esther's Follies Christmas Show, Esther's Follies, esthersfollies.com
To 1/2: Rockin' Christmas Party, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To 1/2: The Santaland Diaries, Zachary Scott Theatre, zachscott.com
To 1/21: The Polar Express, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com
To 3/05: Bugs 3-D: A Rainforest Adventure, IMAX® Theatre, thestoryoftexas.com

The Music Scene
Dec 28, 30: Classical Concert Series, Bob Bullock Texas State History Musuem, thestoryoftexas.com
Dec 30, 31: Holiday Pops with B.J. Thomas, Palmer Events Center, austinsymphony.org

Gallery Watch
To 12/31: Holiday Punch, Studio 107, studio107.com
To: 1/2: Collecting Latino Art Exhibit & Sale, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 1/6: Xmas Expo, Gallery Lombardi, gallerylombardi.com
To 1/16: Lounge!, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 2/20: Andy Goldsworthy, Natural Installations in Japan, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org

Special Events, Workshops, Seminars, Meetings
12/27- 30: Sculptor to Be!, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, umlaufsculpture.org
31: New Year's Eve on 6th Street