NOVEMBER

  October 31-November 1 - Gruene Historic District/ New Braunfels
26th ANNUAL TOUR DE GRUENE BICYCLE CLASSIC... Participants enjoy a leisurely ride through the Texas Hill Country or competitive time trials with prizes for the best course records. Celebrity slow race & antique/classic bicycle show at Gruene Hall in Gruene Historic District. www.tourdegruene.com. Call (210) 828-6856 to register.

  November 1-December 5 - Kerrville
ANNUAL TEXAS FURNITURE MAKERS SHOW... Statewide competition and juried show of the finest custom furniture makers in Texas (began Oct 15). Items available for purchase. Free admission. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett in Kerrville. (830) 895-2911. www.kacckerrville.com.

  November 7- Washington
“COOKING SCHOOL”... Have you ever wondered how women used to feed their families in the 1850s? Participate in a rare opportunity to cook, eat & do dishes in an old-fashioned kitchen. This class through Brenham Community Education is limited in size. 9am-3pm; fee $35 per person; reservations required; deadline is Oct 30. Call (979) 277-6533 or (936) 878-2213. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

  November 7 - San Marcos
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION... Patriotism thrives in our streets and in our hearts as we pay tribute to military war heroes. San Marcos remembers military veterans with a parade at 10:00am. Free admission. For more information, visit www.toursanmarcos.com, or call (888) 200-5620.

  November 7-8 - Georgetown
13th ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY ARTS & CRAFT FAIR... Sat 9am-4pm & Sun 11am-4pm. Two days with over 90 booths of exciting ideas for holiday giving. Don’t miss this one! For ten years, the crowds have come to enjoy some of the best shopping in Central Texas. Stay for lunch (food vendors on site). #2 Texas Drive, Georgetown (5 miles west of I-35 on Williams Dr. or FM2338). (512) 864-1209.

  November 7-8 - Bergheim / Boerne
6th ANNUAL CASA MEREDITH HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS OPEN HOUSE... Holiday Shopping in the Hill Country in Bergheim, off Hwy 46. Holiday decor, photo albums, wearing apparel, hand-bags, jewelry, gifts, baked goods, wedding accessories and more. 830-229-5573. Find map and 15% discount coupon on web-site: www.OlgaMeredith.com. 

  November 14 - San Marcos
VETERANS DAY DINNER DANCE... The evening will feature the big band sounds of the Sentimental Journey Orchestra, a silent auction, and a dance contest. Tickets at $30 per person includes a BBQ dinner. The Dinner begins at 6:00 pm, followed by dancing from 7:30-11:00 pm. Location: Center Hangar at San Marcos, TX Airport. For more info: www.toursanmarcos.com  or (888) 200-5620.

  November 21-December 31 - New Braunfels
FESTTAGE HOLIDAYS... Over six weeks of events include Downtown Lighting, Gruene Market Days, Weihnachtsmarkt, Showcase of Arts & Crafts, Schlitterbahn’s Christmas, Tour of Homes, Christmas Along the Corridor, Visit With St. Nicholas, Wassailfest, Candlelight Tour, Gospel Brunch, Caroling on the Plaza, “Art for the Holidays” Art Show, and more! (800) 572-2626.

  November 21-22 - Brenham
POINSETTIA CELEBRATION... Breath-taking poinsettias in different colors and sizes, plant seminars, Poinsettia Christmas tree, beautiful plants, entertainment, and food. 10am-4pm. Ellison’s Greenhouse, 2107 E. Stone in Brenham.  Call (979) 836-6011, or visit www.ellisonsgreenhouses.com. 

  November 21 - Kerrville
HOLIDAY KICK-OFF IN KERRVILLE... Festive events and family fun include Nut-cracker in the Hills: www.kpas.com; and Holiday Lighted Parade, Courthouse Lighting, caroling and Santa’s arrival. (830) 792-3535.

  November 21-22 - New Braunfels
OLD GRUENE MARKET DAYS... 10am-5pm. Enjoy 100 fine artist & craft vendors featuring uniquely crafted items in Gruene’s Historic Shopping District Annual Christmas Fundraiser, plus photos with Cowboy Kringle. www.gruenemarketdays.com. (830) 832-1721.

  November 21-22 - Brenham
HISTORIC HOMES TOUR & TRUNK SHOW... Tour historic homes and shop for holiday gifts. Admission $10 good for both days. Shopping Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1pm-4pm; home tours 1pm-4pm both days. Giddings Stone Mansion, 2203 Century Circle, Brenham. 1-888-BRENHAM, (979) 836-1690 or www.giddingsstonemansion.com.

  November 27-28-29 - Elm Mott
HOMESTEAD CRAFT FAIR... The 21st annual heritage fest over Thanksgiving Week-end provides fun for the whole family! Horse-drawn hayrides, homestead crafts, restored 1760’s gristmill, family music, horse farming demos, homegrown foods, barn raising, blacksmithing, chair-making & more. Fri & Sat 10am-9pm; Sun noon-5pm. Free admission. www.HomesteadFair.com. (254) 754-9600. 

  November 28 - Anderson
TWILIGHT FIRELIGHT AT FANTHORP… Celebrate the holiday season with a journey back to the 1850s! Enjoy the ambiance of the candlelit inn, period music, living history, poetry, stagecoach rides, and holiday fare. 4:30-7:30pm. Tickets sold in front of Courthouse 4:30-7:30pm. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. (936) 878-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

  November 28 - Comfort
CHRISTMAS IN COMFORT... Streets in the Downtown Historic District are closed, making room for over 150 arts and crafts booths, music, entertainment and food court. 10am till 9pm. Antique & specialty shops are also decorated for the season. Spectacular lighted evening parade. (830) 995-3131. www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com.

DECEMBER

  December 1-31 - Washington
CHRISTMAS IN THE REPUBLIC... Learn about Christmas from a multicultural perspective in the Showers-Brown Discovery Center for children. Explore the contributions of German, English, African American and Hispanic cultures to Texas holiday traditions. 10am-5pm. Star of the Republic Museum, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, FM1155.  (936) 878-2261, ext. 234. www.starmuseum.org.

  December 3-5 - San Marcos
23rd ANNUAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS... Lights, lights and more lights. Start your Christmas shopping early at the Texas marketplace. Visit Santa’s village, ride the carousel, view a live nativity scene, and enjoy delicious holiday favorites. The entire family will get into the holiday spirit by joining in on all the fun-filled activities. Free admission. For more info: www.toursanmarcos.com or (888) 200-5620.

  December 3-6 - Brenham
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY”... Adapted from one of the most popular holiday movies, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, this heartwarming classic is perform-ed as a 1940’s live radio broadcast. Five actors perform all the parts and produce all the sound effects at Unity Theatre in Brenham. Thursday 7:30pm, Friday & Saturday 8pm and Sunday 4pm. Call for ticket prices & details: www.unitybrenham.org. (979) 830-8358.

  December 4-5 - Brenham
HOLIDAY STROLL AND PARADE... Enjoy spiced tea or hot cider, entertainment and holiday shopping as you stroll the beautifully-lighted streets of Historic Downtown Brenham. The downtown lighted parade (Sat, 6pm) brings Santa to the Square on Saturday. Fun for the entire family. Free admission & free parking, Friday 59pm & Saturday 10am-5pm.  www.downtownbrenham.com. (979) 836-3339 or 1-888-Brenham.

  December 4, 5, 11 & 12 - Salado
17th ANNUAL “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” ...Dickens’ famous Yuletide story adapted & directed by Harry Sweet at 7pm each night at Tablerock’s outdoor amphitheater on Royal Street. Tickets at the gate starting at 6:30pm: $10 adults, $5 students & $3 children. Con-cession opens at 6:30. Tickets also available online: www.tablerock.org. (254) 947-9205.

  December 5 - Round Top
TCHAIKOVSKY’S NUTCRACKER BALLET... Presented by the Festival-Institute at Round Top and danced by children for children of any age! Performance begins at 4:00pm. Produced by Ovation Austin. Call for tickets and information: (979) 249-3129, or visit www.festivalhill.org.

  December 5 - Georgetown
28th GEORGETOWN CHRISTMAS STROLL... Victorian carolers, artisan demonstrations, seasonal musical entertainment, arts & crafts booths, photos with Santa, holiday merchant showcase, and  afternoon parade. Noon-8pm. Historic Courthouse Square. www.thegeorgetownsquare.com (512) 868-8675.

  December 5 - Elgin
HOLIDAY BY THE TRACKS… Catch the holiday spirit in Historic Downtown Elgin! Before or after cutting your Christmas tree from one of two local tree farms, enjoy live music, caroling, shopping and kid’s activities. There are also pictures with Santa and a lighted holiday parade at dusk. 10am-7pm. Only 19 miles east of Austin on Hwy 290.

  December 5-6 - New Braunfels
GRUENE CHRISTMAS MARKET & FESTIVAL... Enjoy 100 fine artist & craft vendors, 25 specialty shops & restaurants in Gruene’s Historic District. Photos with Cowboy Kringle, Live Music, Entertainment & the Town Lighting Ceremony at 6pm Saturday. www.gruenemarketdays.com (830) 832-1721.

  December 5-6 - Austin
WHEATSVILLE ARTS FESTIVAL... This outdoor festival welcomes 75 artisans featuring original works in an array of mediums. Enjoy live music 10am to 5pm. Located at Wheatsville Co-op, 3101 Guadalupe. (512) 478-2667.

  December 10-12 & Dec 17-19 - Canyon Lake
NORTH POLE VILLAGE... Discover the magic of Christmas where children can write a letter to Santa, pet puppies, adopt a toy, go “fishing”, select Library books, make a craft, decorate cookies, get their face painted, go on a hayride, see a nativity and sit on Santa’s lap! 6pm-9pm. CRRC Recreation Center, 125 Mabel Jones Dr., Canyon Lake, TX. (830) 964-2324. www.crrcofcanyonlake.org. 

  December 12-13 - Chappell Hill
CHAPPELL HILL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR & TEDDY BEAR PARADE... Tour beautiful country homes decorated for the holidays in the quaint country hills and town of Chappell Hill. Rudolph hands out prizes and Mrs. Claus has story-time at Teddy Bear Parade (3pm). Maps & tickets can be purchased day of the event. 10am-5:30pm. chmuseum@chappellhillmuseum.org. (979) 836-6033. www.chappellhillmuseum.org.

  December 12 - Burnet
CHRISTMAS AT FORT CROGHAN... Costumed interpreters present the heritage of Fort Croghan with holiday decorations typical of the late 1800’s period. 5:30-8:30pm. Free admission & free parking. (512) 756-8281.

  December 12 - Washington
AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS ...Come share a traditional Christmas with the Jones family at their annual gathering of friends & neighbors. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a sampling of 1850s music and dancing. Noon-6pm. Barrington Living History Farm, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, FM 1155. Call for fees. (936) 878-2213 or visit www.BirthplaceofTexas.com.

  December 12 - Burnet
BURNET ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL ON THE SQUARE... Come do your Christmas shopping with us on Burnet’s Downtown Square. There will be arts and crafts vendors, a parade, pictures with Santa, and Main Street Bethlehem—a live nativity scene put on by First Baptist Church. Saturday, 9am-9pm. For more info: Burnet Chamber of Commerce: www.burnetchamber.org. (512) 756-4297, or info@burnetchamber.org.

JANUARY

  January 30, 2010 - Round Top
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL-INSTITUTE MUSIC SERIES… The Synergy Brass Quintet, 3:00 pm. International Festival-Institute at Round Top, Hwy. 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top. Call for admission & reservations (979) 249-3129, or visit website www.festivalhill.org.

FEBRUARY

  February 5-6 - Brenham
HERITAGE PIECES QUILT SHOW... Judged quilt show with 150-plus quilts, special exhibits, vendors, demonstrations, door prize, silent auction and quilts for sale. Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday 10am-4pm. Fireman’s Training Center in Brenham. Email: fqgquilters@sbcglobal.net.

  February 12-14 - Kerrville
CHOCOLATE FANTASY WEEKEND …Foodies wanted! Events include a fund-raising banquet Friday with a chocolate-colored diamond pendant as the live auction centerpiece. Chocolate boxes available for $10 purchase on Saturday. Chocolate Fantasy Extravaganza on Sunday, 1pm-4pm, with chocolate buffet, fountains and more! Kerr Arts & Cultural Center at 228 Earl Garrett. www.kacckerrville.com. (830) 895-2911.

  February 27-28 - Washington
TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION... Celebrate the 174th anniversary of Texas Independence! Historic re-enactors portray life in 1836 through period craft demonstrators and music. Visit with Texas authors and historians at the Washington Emporium Gift Shop. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, FM 1155. 10am-5pm both days. Free admission. (936) 878-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

MARCH

  March 6 - Rockdale
4th ANNUAL TEJAS ART AND BOOK FESTIVAL AND QUARTERLY MARKET DAY... Entertainment downtown with authors and book reviews in the City Library and Art in Wolf Park, activities at historic I&GN Depot all day, car show, arts/crafts in booths throughout town. www.rockdalechamber.com. Call Rockdale Chamber of Commerce:  (512) 446-2030 for more details.

  March 6 - Round Top
6th INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL AT ROUND TOP… Performances include Minneapolis Guitar Quartet, Flavio Sala, and ProTango Duo. Festival Hill Concert Hall, Round Top, Hwy. 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top. Call for admission & reservations: (979) 249-3129, info@festivalhill.org or www.festivalhill.org.

  March 27-28 - Washington
“TRUE TEXAS WOMEN”... Explore the lives of women who helped to settle Texas. Relive those hectic days as Texas evolved from a Mexican colony to an independent republic and ultimately the 28th state in the Union. Barrington Living History Farm, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, FM 1155. Sat 10am-4pm and Sun 11am-4pm. Call for fees. (936) 878-2213. www.birthplaceoftexas.com.

APRIL

  April 30-May 1, 2010 - Salado
13th ANNUAL GOSPEL FESTIVAL... Be blessed Friday (6pm-9pm) & Saturday (9am-9pm) by the best Christian singers, bands, groups, trios, duets & soloists in Central Texas. Food booths, drinks, gift booths, dessert booths open daily. Tickets: $5/adults, $3/child 12 & under. Tickets sold at gate. Jim & Alvalin Woodul (254) 634-4658 or jimwoodul@aol.com.  v