The Weekenders: Events for Austin Families, December 11-13, 2009

Rockin’ Tzedakah!- Listen to live music by Assist and the Sunrunners, enjoy a Kosher style dinner for the kids and adults, dancing and a good time! Friday, 5:30- 8:00pm. $11 adults, $6 kids with a $32 max per family. ECP Village, 2700 Anderson Lane, Bldg. 6, Suite 602.

Skating on the Plaza- Join us for our most exciting holiday attraction, Austin’s first and only outdoor ice skating rink on our rooftop plaza! Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am- 10:00pm with the last skating session beginning at 9:00pm. Tickets, $10 per person for one hour, includes skate rental. Whole Foods, 525 N. Lamar Blvd.

Central Market Music on the Patio- Gather your friends and family for FREE live music, enjoy a drink and some food on the patio while the kids play on the playscape.  Friday and Saturday from 6:30- 9:00pm and Sunday from 12:30- 3:00pm. Central Market,  4001 N. Lamar Blvd.

A Christmas Carol- With a few twists on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, Scottish Rite Children’s Theatre presents A Christmas Carol. Written for young audiences with original music and songs by Michael McKelvey, the interactive play teaches the values of kindness and sharing. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge sits alone counting his cash and is visited by friendlier, funnier versions of the ghosts of Christmas Present, Past and Future. The ghosts show Scrooge the errors of his crotchety ways and help him make an overnight transformation from grouchy to grateful! A perfect holiday treat for children ages 2- adult. Celebrate the end of the week with special Family Friday performance at 7:00pm! Saturday, 10:00am and Sunday at 2:00pm. Tickets, $10 adults, $7 children. Scottish Rite Children’s Theatre, 207 W. 18th Street.

Second Saturdays are for Families- Explore the colorful, bold world painted by Texas artist David Bates in the exhibition David Bates since 1982: From the Everyday to the Epic. Then, draw your own animals and create a big, bright world using paint sticks! $7 for the entire family, $5 for member families. Saturday, Noon- 4:00pm. Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress Ave.

Holiday Lights Spectacular- Light shows begin on the hour beginning at 6:00pm Friday and Saturday night. Entertainment is at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30pm. FREE!! Southpark Meadows, 9300 IH-35 South.

Gingerbread House Workshops- Fun for the entire family! Experience the thrill of making a mess in someone else’s kitchen! Kids and parents will love covering themselves in sugar icing while building a gingerbread house with real, soft gingerbread baked right here in Austin! Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For times and open spots, check website. Must register. $30 member/ $35 non-member. Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado Ave.

The Invincible Czars Kids’ Dance Along- Join the band and Wicked Cricket Dance Theatre for dancing, props and costumes. Adults, $8; kids, $3. Saturday, 3:00pm. Jovita’s, 1619 S. First Street.

The Nutcracker- If the music sounds sweeter than sugarplums, the dancers seem lighter than air, and the snowflakes sparkle more brightly than ever before, you’re not dreaming. After all, experiencing the 47th annual production of Austin’s holiday tradition is sure to be an exceptionally festive feast for the senses. Ballet Austin’s production of The Nutcracker is Texas’ longest running production of this classic and with a different “celebrity” playing the role of Mother Ginger in each performance, every show guarantees an extra bit of memory-making merriment. Saturday, 7:30pm and Sunday, 2:00pm. The Long Center for Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside Dr.

Zilker Tree Holiday Festival- Enjoy a 1/2 mile of holiday lights, visit Santa’s House and a post office, food, beverages, arts and crafts and the Zilker Tree! Saturday, 6:00- 10:00pm. FREE!! Parking, $10 per car. Zilker Park.

Winter Tales and Tunes- Join Austin Public Library’s own Literature LIVE performance troupe as we share stories and songs this holiday season that will warm your heart and bring family cheer to all. FREE!! Saturday, 2:00pm.  Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe.

Sara Hickman Christmas Concert- Sing along as multi-award singer/ songwriter, tireless humanitarian and marvelous mom Sara Hickman takes the stage for a holiday musical performance that offers fun and appeal for children and adults alike. Sara’s gifted musical abilities and joyful, sonorous voice make this a “must see” Christmas season concert with songs for the whole family to enjoy. Saturday, 11:00am and 1:00pm shows. $12 adults, $9 children. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Rd.

Holiday Stroll and Christmas Parade- Enjoy old town holiday shopping, a classic car show, a parade, kid activities, and the tree lighting. FREE!! Saturday, 10:00am- 8:00pm.The parade begins at 6:00pm at Railroad and Main Street. Downtown Pflugerville.Book Box Storytime- Each Saturday, a guest will sing songs, read stories and then wrap it all up with a fun arts & craft project! FREE!! Saturday at Noon. Beth’s Book Box, 15803 Windermere Dr., Pflugerville.

Christmas Around the World- Learn about 19th Century Christmas celebrations around the world. featuring live music, food, crafts, and more. Saturday, 4:00- 9:00pm. Adults, $10; Children, $8 with a $40 max per family. Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr.

Santa’s Workshop- Enjoy music, games, yule fire, arts & crafts and of course….Santa Claus. Hot cocoa will also be available for $1 and you can get your picture taken with Santa for $2. Bring an unwrapped toy for Blue Santa and receive a free cup of hot cocoa. Bring the whole family for what promises to be a festive evening. FREE!! Saturday, 6:00- 8:00pm. Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Pkwy.

Holiday Ho-Down- Enjoy an interactive concert for kids by the Groundwork Music Orchestra and a silent auction. $10 per adult, $25 per family. Saturday, 3:00- 5:00pm. Ruta Maya Coffee Shop, 3601 S. Congress Ave.

Crafts for Kids- Brings the kids, ages 3 and up, to make a Holiday Card Holder! FREE!! Saturday between 11:00am- 3:00pm. Lakeshore Learning Store, 9828 Great Hills Trail.

BookKids Storytime- Local author, Jamie Bynum, will be reading from her book The Twelve Days of Christmas in Texas. FREE!! Saturday, 11:30am. BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.

Sunday Morning Kid’s Show- Enjoy a FREE show featuring Be Groovy, Be Green. Sunday, 10:30am. Ruta Maya Coffee Shop, 3601 S. Congress Avenue.

Storytime at the Library- Enjoy a FREE storytime. Sunday, 1:00pm. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe.

Science Sunday- Join Pam Cook of the Texas Materials Institute at UT and her students as they bring big ideas down to a small-sized audience using a variety of hands-on activities. Sunday, 3:00-5:00pm. $6.50 adults, $4.50 kids under 2 (museum admission free on Sunday from 4:00- 5:00pm!) Austin Children’s Museum, 201 Colorado Ave.



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