Dec 14 A Scottish Christmas Featuring
Bonnie Rideout
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

From across the Highland moors into the castle drawing rooms and village squares, celebrate the many moods of A Scottish Christmas. Stirring music, sublime dance and sugar-plum fairies will fill the stage at the Paramount. This delightful show is presented by some of the most legendary Celtic musicians from both Scotland, North America, and Ireland. Featuring fiddler, Bonnie Rideout, this performance ignites the Christmas spirit.

Celebrate the holidays with Scottish carols, wassail tunes, and dance music. Traditional dancers add grace and excitement.

The Scotsman of Edinburgh has this to say about Bonnie - "Her exceptional control when bowing, her ornamentation and her marvelously rich double-stopped drones. produce an authentically moving, almost keening, sound."

Grab your seat for this musical cup of cheer, but don't delay, it's a sure sell-out!

Take a listen at what you'll be hearing at bonnierideout.com.

Dec 14-16 Get Your Christmas Giggles!

Esther's Follies, 525 E. 6th Street
(512) 320-0553, esthersfollies.com

Have a laugh, roll on the floor, be as merry as you can get this season at Esther's Follies. The Christmas comedy starts with The Twelve Days of Christmas with George W. Bush; Mrs. Claus sings The Santa Claus Lament, a bawdy rumination on life without her man at this time of the year; and Esther's star magician, Ray Anderson, levitates the Christmas Angels of the Follies! Add juggling, magic, the tap-dancing Grandmas, and you have a truly awesome Austin Christmas! Regular Showtimes: Thurs. 8:00 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 8:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. Call 320-0553 to reserve your seats today!

Dec 15, 16 The Shop Around the Corner
7:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Tragic magic. That's what this movie is all about, with loads of laughter thrown in for good measure. A man courts a woman who mesmerizes him - via a post office box. When they finally meet at "Matuschek's" - the gift shop around the corner - the sparks begin to fly: they can't stand each other! Of course, what neither knows is that she is the woman he has been romancing through the mail!

Dec 15, 16 A Christmas Story
9:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

You just have to see this face and you know the story of the Red Rider BB gun, the broken glasses, the gulped Christmas turkey. Ah, such is the classic tale of Ralphie!

Dec 19 Ghost in the Shell II:
Innocence (Inosense: Kokaku Kidotai), 2004
7:00 p.m.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 409 Colorado
(512) 322-0145 x 213, austinfilm.org

The last of Austin Film Society's Essential Cinema Series - "Sublime Lines: Japanese Anime," experts believe this to be simply one of the most visually sumptuous and intellectually provocative anime films ever made.

Dec 20 Super Happy Fun Monkey Bash 5
7:00 p.m.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 409 Colorado
originalalamo.com

Reaching the end of the year isn't just time for yuletide greetings, it also signals the start of Super Happy Fun Monkey Bash season. Every year, from January to November, Alamo Drafthouse amasses volumes of deranged video oddities that only the Japanese seem to be able to produce. Be on hand to behold this bizarre cinematic bash!

Still on Stage...

12/11: Danielson: A Family Movie, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, originalalamo.com
To 12/15: Fridays, Gorilla Theatre, The Hideout Theatre, hideouttheatre.com
To 12/22: The Ghost of Christmas Pasta, Spaghetti Warehouse, capcitymystery.com
To 12/23: The Nutcracker, Bass Concert Hall, balletaustin.org
To 12/23: Moneygo on 34th Street, The Hideout Theatre, violetcrownradio.com
To 12/31: Plaid Tidings, Zach Scott Groten Stage, zachscott.com
To 12/31: Rockin' Christmas Party, Zach Scott Kleberg Stage, zachscott.com
To 1/07: The Santaland Diaries, Zach Scott Arena Stage, zachscott.com
Ongoing: Happy Feet: The IMAX® Experience, Texas the Big Picture, Deep Sea 3D in the IMAX® Theatre; The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Dec 14 Caroling at Noon
12:00 p.m.
St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th
(512) 472-1196, stdave.org

Is there anything more beautiful than harp music? Sail away with it as the UT Harp Ensemble performs at this week's free holiday concert in St. David's historic sanctuary. Donations are accepted to benefit the Trinity Center, St. David's downtown outreach ministry. Lunch is available following the concerts at 12:30 at Cafe Divine for $6.00.

Dec 14 Classical Guitar
12:00 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church, 8th & Brazos
(512) 326-2575, cpcaustin.org

The classical guitar music of Mark Anthony Cruz is featured this week's Thursday Noonday
Concert.

Dec 14, 16 The Christmas Pops! Sing-Along
7:00 p.m.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 409 Colorado
originalalamo.com

Go Caroling Alamo Drafthouse-style! - You may never look at or hear your favorite holiday tunes in the same way again! $10.

Dec 14 EVR: e-flux video rental
Arthouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

All Day Screenings of Arthouse Staff Picks. Part of e-flux video rental a project by Anton Vidokle and Julieta Arand - a free video rental service, public screening room, and art film and video archive. Free Admission.

Dec 14 Blanton Book Club
6:00 p.m.
Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Immerse yourself in the life of a different artist each month. The Blanton Book Club makes connections between the subject, idea, or theme to a work in the collection or special exhibition. This month: read Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture by Ross King and discuss the far-reaching ideas of the Renaissance in art, culture and society. You'll find this month's book at BookPeople.

Dec 16 Young Artists @ Arthouse
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Arthouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

Art Exhibition and Reception. Join Arthouse to celebrate the inaugural Young Artists @ Arthouse class in their final exhibition. This free Saturday morning program allowed students living in East or Southeast Austin, to meet throughout the fall semester to develop their art portfolios and learn about career opportunities in the arts. Austin-based Eduardo Munoz Ordoqui has been their mentor. Students: Telvi Altamirano, Jose Ayala, Andrea Cabrera, Isaac Castelan, Mayra Chavez, Abigail Cedillo, Dominique Collier, Hubert Armando Moran, Crystal McLaurin, Krystella Rangel, Ericka Rivas and Alyssa Steele will have their works on display.

Dec 20 Holiday Favorites in the Museum
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4600, thestoryoftexas.com

Listen to holiday favorites performed by local musicians in the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall of Special Exhibitions. Unwind this busy holiday season with pleasurable sounds and the beauty of Miss Ima's Quilts - all in one space. FREE with exhibit admission.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 12/21: Gingerbread House Workshops, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 12/23: Beverly Penn: Weeds, d berman Gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 12/23: degrees of separation, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 12/24: RED 2006 Holiday Show, Wally Workman Gallery, wallyworkman.com
To 12/29: Feliks Topolski: Portraits of Britain's 20th c. Literary Greats, Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 12/30: take me to bed or leave me forever, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 12/30: Norman Mailer Takes on America, Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 12/30: The Unorthodox Taxidermy of Dr. Seuss, Art on 5th, arton5th.com
To 12/31: The Rug Hooking Project, Las Manitas Avenue Cafe, lapena-austin.org
To 1/3: Zita Raymond: Still Life's, Shoreline Grill, shorelinegrill.com
To 1/5: Animal Secrets, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 1/7: e-flux video rental (EVR), Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 1/7: Miss Ima's Quilts, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 1/13: Ancient Echoes, Lotus Asian Art & Antique Gallery, lotusasianart.com
To 1/14: Luca Cambiaso: 1527-1585, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 1/14: Heart Gallery Exhibit, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 1/19: The Avenue: Austin's Main Street Since 1839, Austin HIstory Center, cityofaustin.org/library/ahc
To 2/11: 15 Years of Gifts, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, umlaufsculpture.org
To 5/27: On the Plains: The Art of Frank Reaugh; Texas Capitol Visitors Center, TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com
To 5/28: Power to the People, LBJ Library & Museum, lbjlib.utexas.edu
Ongoing:
European Paintings from the Permanent Collection and America/Americas, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
Gems and Minerals, Texas Memorial Museum, texasmemorialmuseum.org

Dec 16 Homespun Holidays
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cesar Chavez and Lavaca
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

The holiday season brings winter crops and traditional cheer to the Austin Farmer's Market. The Austin Farmer's Market farmers and other vendors will have fresh produce, specialty foods (lots of samples), and holiday gift items. Free chef's demonstrations and live music round out the family events. Remember the new locationon Cesar Chavez and Lavaca with free parking at City Hall.

Dec 16, 17 The Artist's Market Holiday Art Fair
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
709 W. 6th
(512) 698-8099, theartistsmarket.com

The 6th Street Artist's Market is back in its original location at 709 W. 6th St. every weekend for the month of December. The Artist's Market is a festive outdoor art fair that featuring the work of of independent artists from Austin and Central Texas including paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography, jewelry, stained glass and much, much more!

Dec 16-17 Angels Over Austin
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (12/16) & 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (12/17)
First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity
(512) 478-2241, fbcaustin.org

An Austin Tradition - for children and adults - this is an entertaining and humorous, yet meaningful journey to numerous locations on the church grounds in search of the Christ Child. You'll also enjoy free food and plenty of music of the season, crafts and petting zoo.

Dec 16 Santa Claus is coming to town!
12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Miller Blueprint, 501 W. 6th Street, Austin, TX

Miller Blueprint welcomes Mr. and Mrs. Claus to their downtown location! All ages are invited to pose for a picture with Santa. Miller Blueprint's professionally trained staff will capture the image and provide you with a high quality digital print. Also, kids are invited to get their creativity flowing! A variety of media including collage, painting and drawing provided by Miller Blueprint will be available for kids to create Holiday Cards. Come join the fun!

Dec 17 Lessons & Carols
6:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca
(512) 478-5684, fumcaustin.org

Service of Lessons and Carols.

Dec 18 DANA Holiday Party
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Roaring Fork, 700 Congress
downtownaustin.org

The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA) would like to honor their rapidly growing membership at the year's final happy hour. All the members have helped make 2006 one of DANA's finest! Join your downtown friends and neighbors in a toast to 2007. Complimentary appetizers and drinks for DANA members. RSVP to rsvp@downtownaustin.org.

Dec 20 Light in the Midst of Darkness
7:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca
(512) 478-5684, fumcaustin.org

Service of Light in the Midst of Darkness - healing service at the winter solstice. This service will be held at the Murchison Chapel.

So Many Reasons to Celebrate the Season Downtown!

Here are ongoing special events for you and your family to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

To 12/23: Trail of Lights, Zilker Park, ci.austin.tx.us/tol/default.htm
To 12/24: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Austin Music Hall, armadillobazaar.com
To 1/14: Ice Skating, Whole Foods Market, wholefoodsmarket.com/stores
Wednesdays: Austin Farmer's Market, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Whole Foods Market

Dec 15 FedEx All American Tennis Shootout
7:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(866) 433-8849, gettix.net

The #1 ranked American in the world, James Blake will join the world's #1 doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan in the All American Tennis Shootout presented by FedEx on Friday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. The trio will also be joined by U.S. clay court champion Mardy Fish and James Blake's brother, Thomas, a former Harvard All-American. For Ticket information visit: gettix.net.

Dec 16, 17, 20 UT Basketball
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 477-6060, texasboxoffice.com

The Men's and Women's Longhorn Basketball teams want to see YOU at the Erwin Center as they take center stage on the national scene in this match against Texas State. Help pack the Erwin Center night in and night out and cheer the Horns on to victory! And don't miss this chance to get your seats to all of the Longhorns home games. Here's the line-up for this week:

12/16 at 3:00 p.m. - Men take on Texas State
12/17 at 12:30 p.m. - Women Longhorns vs. Tennessee
12/20 at 8:00 p.m. - Men to overwhelm Arkansas

Dec 17 Jingle Bell 5K
Auditorium Shores, Town Lake
maddtx.org

Join in a celebration of MADD's mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. All registration fees include a long-sleeved t-shirt, participation at event activities. Chip-timing available. Everyone welcome! Stick around afterwards for fun, food, friends, family and more!

Dec 17 Austin Toros vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce
3:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(512) 236-8333, austintoros.com

Join the Austin Toros Basketball team Sunday, December 17 for Faith and Family Fun Night as they take on the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Free team posters will be given away and local choirs will sing throughout the game. Fans who bring a canned food item or unopened toy can buy one ticket and get another free. For ticket information call (512) 236-8333.

Cesar Chavez - Wastewater Line Improvements Complete

Installation of the new wastewater line beneath Cesar Chavez, at the intersection of Congress Avenue, is now complete and traffic barricades have been removed. The final tie-ins to individual properties and the installation of associated manholes will require single lane closures. However, this work will be done on the weekends only and will not impact weekday traffic.

Through Dec. 23 Trail of Lights Shuttle Bus
Staging Area, 14th & Trinity
capmetro.org

Capital Metro will run a shuttle from the state parking garages on San Jacinto to the Zilker Park Trail of Lights. Two lanes of San Jacinto, between MLK and E. 13th Street, and two lanes of Trinity Street, between E. 12th St. and E. 15th Sts. will be closed each evening from 6:00 p.m. until midnight.

Dec 16 Austin Farmers' Market
Cesar Chavez and Lavaca
austinfarmersmarket.org

Because of construction near Republic Square, the Farmers' Market has temporarily moved from Republic Square to Cesar Chavez and Lavaca. From November 25 through March 2007, Cesar Chavez, between Lavaca and Congress, will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Dec 17 MADD's Jingle Bell 5K
Auditorium Shores
madd.org

Beginning at Auditorium Shores, the race will use the following route:
- North, across the Drake Bridge (S. 1st St.);
- East on Cesar Chavez;
- North on Congress and around the Capitol;
- South on Colorado;
- West on W. 3rd St.;
- South on San Antonio;
- South, across the Drake Bridge to the finishline.

The streets on the route will be closed at 7:30 a.m., and the event will begin at 8:45. Cross-street traffic will be allowed to cross the course when no runners are approaching the intersection. All streets will be re-opened by 11:00 a.m.

Looking ahead to the week of Dec. 21 through 27

Dec 26 Candlelight Holiday at the Governor's Mansion
11th & Colorado
463-5516, txfgm.org

Colorado Street, between 10th St. and and 11th St., will be closed from 3:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Dec 20 Arts & Entertainment Marketing Committee
8:30 a.m.
211 E. 7th Street, 7th Floor Conference Room
(512) 469-1766, downtownaustin.com/daa/whoweare

Chair: Nancy Burns, Staff Liaison: Cilla Temple