Christmas in the City 2015

A kickoff to the holiday season Early November temperatures may have belied the fact, but we are on the verge of celebrating the holiday season. And in Austin that can mean only one thing: It’s time for Christmas in the City.

This year marks the 27th anniversary of a holiday tradition that started in the heart of our community, downtown Austin. The Christmas in the City Kickoff remains the first of what has become a series of events that spans from the day after Thanksgiving through Dec. 20. All told, over 80 businesses are now involved from all across our community.

And they’re all inviting you to join in the celebration.

We have four major events in the Christmas in the City lineup, this year, starting with the Kickoff downtown, Friday, Nov. 27. Christmas in the Northwest will be held the following Tuesday, Dec. 1 and Christmas in the Southwest is Thursday, Dec. 3.

Austin’s east side has joined the holiday parade by organizing Christmas in the

Sandy Forstner Austin Area Chamber of Commerce executive director

East, Wednesday, Dec. 2. Eleven businesses are offering a variety of entertainment along 11th Street Northeast (near Jim’s Market Place Foods), 10th Drive Southeast and near the airport. Santa Claus will fly in to the Austin Airport for that event and visit with children at the Mower County Humane Society.

You can’t have a holiday celebration without Santa Claus, sleigh rides, music or holiday treats. Christmas in the City has all that and much more. There’s a time, place and date that works into everyone’s schedule. So join in the fun, bring the family down and see what’s in store for Children’s entertainer and magician Jim Jayes entertains families as they wait to see Santa Claus at Christmas you.

And be sure to come back, and in the City last year. Herald file photos do all your holiday shopping right here at home in Austin. friends and neighbors. They Christmas in the City activities Main St., and is also posted on These stores have what you need. support our community. is available in printed form the Chamber’s website at www.

They’re people you know, your A complete calendar of all at the Chamber office, 329 N. austincoc.com.

Christmas in the City Kickoff

Downtown Austin 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 27

J

oin Santa and his elves for the holiday parade and lighting ceremony. Meet at corner of First Avenue Northwest and Main Street at 5:30 p.m. and march to Town Center stage. Free glow sticks distributed by Chamber Ambassadors.

Featured Entertainment •On stage: Austinaires under the direction of Brian Johnson; Taylor Bliese and Master of Ceremonies, Dick McIntosh.

Sound provided by Imagery Sound.

•In Town Center: Free photos with Santa by Mary Landherr Photography. Musical Entertainment including the Ecumenical Bell Ensemble & Reminisce. Enjoy the magic of Jim Jayes.

•On Main Street: Free horsedrawn sleigh rides and Kaptain Kirby Train Ride s. Check out the Austin Fire Department Fire Truck & Sparky. See Merry Elf and other holiday characters walking the streets throughout the night. Enjoy free hot chocolate from the Salvation Army Canteen.

In-Store Activities Austin ArtWork Center: Free face painting by Matchbox Theatre.

B&J Bar & Grill: Free ooey-gooey S’mores served outside.

Belles and Beaus Bridal & Formal Wear: Watch our “live” models, enjoy free hot cider and Donut Connection doughnut holes.

Bendixen Jewelry: Warm up with hot apple cider and Christmas treats. 20 percent off all in-stock merchandise.

Coffee House on Main: Stop in for a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Talk with Power 96 Radio and record your “Innocent Christmas Wishes” for Santa. Interviews to air on Power 96 & KQAQ970AM during the month of December.

Donut Connection/Kaleidoscoops: Free one small ice cream cone and/or one medium cup of coffee.

Downtown Pawn Shop: Hot

Christmas in the Northwest

18th Ave. Northwest and surrounding area 4-7 p.m. Dec. 1st

Dancers perform scenes from “The Nutcracker” in the Jane Taylor Academy of Dance Christmas Shows in the Pacelli High School auditorium last year. The show is returning to the Paramount Theatre this year.

Jane Taylor Academy of Dance Christmas Show 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Historic Paramount Theatre: Scenes from

the Nutcracker and other holiday songs and dances will be presented. Suggested donation $2 per person.

Krista Kahle and her daughter Rachel Kahle watch the Christmas in the City procession down Main Street last year. cider & cookies. 10 percent off everything in store.

El Mariachi: Christmas treat bags for the kids.

Evenson’s Hallmark: Holiday Open House, In-store specials and treats.

Flippin Furniture: The store will be filled with holiday décor. In-store specials and holiday treats.

Hastings Shoes: Open House-10 percent discount storewide. Enjoy treats.

InnoVision Eyecare: Stop in

for cookies and apple cider.

Life Safety 4-U/Poet’s Heart: BandAids and candy for all.

Drawing for kids and adults.

Lou’s Forever Framing: Free photo ops with “life size cutout elves” plus more.

Novedades Cristal: Enjoy a Free cup of “Ponche.” Browse our store for those special Christmas items.

Philomathian Religious Books & Gifts: 15 percent discount on merchandise 11/23-11/28. Treats for the

kids.

Piggy Blues BBQ: Holiday Gelato samples (egg nog, pumpkin pie, candy cane, mint oreo). Register to win an “American Girl” doll or $50 in Piggy Blues Gift Cards.

Rydjor Bike: Help us kick off the Holiday Season.

Serving hot apple cider.

Kids can decorate their own sugar cookie. In-store specials all season.

Twice is Nice: 20 percent off all gifts, 11/27 & 11/28.

Store decorated to the brim with lots of decorating ideas to make your home a special place for the holidays.

Three floors of merchandise that would make excellent Christmas gifts.

VFW Club: Ventura Highway, 8 p.m.-close. Great listening & dancing music.

Bring donation of canned or boxed goods for local food shelves.

Welcome Center: Stop in for treats.

Willow Cove: Browse for gift ideas and register to win a handmade sign.

Yoga Studio: Crafts for kids, snacks, & coupons.

Applebee’s: Get your picture taken with Santa and register to win 1 of 2 $25 gift cards to be given away.

Arby’s: Stop in for Christmas treat & craft. Register for drawing.

Bremer Bank: Enjoy train rides from Kaptain Kirby and warm up inside with cider and treats.

Dolan’s Landscape Center: “Feed the Birds” Make a Pine Cone bird feeder and enjoy cookies & cider. Register for prize drawing.

Double K Specialty: Christmas in the Barnyard.

Special in-store discounts during promotion. Sign up for prize drawing.

Games People Play: Join us for homemade donuts & holiday face painting.

Register for two $50 gift cards to be given away.

Get a jump start on holiday shopping with 25 percent off entire store (excluding Bruins).

Great Clips: Come in for face painting and register for a prize drawing.

Hy-Vee: Cookie decorat-

ing (in the dining area) and enjoy free hot cocoa.

Perkins: Free Kids Meal with paid adult meal- all night.

Pizza Ranch: All children 10 & under eat free with a paying adult. Register for drawings. Candy canes for the kids.

Shopko: Legend of the Gingerbread Man ornament craft. Enjoy hot cider, punch and cookies. Register for prize drawing.

Spam Shop: Temporary tattoos for all kids. 25 percent off all regular priced items from 4-7 p.m.

Stadheim Jewelers: Win prizes in our holiday coloring contest. Serving holiday treats.

Usems: Make your own Christmas ornament. Register for prizedrawing.

Walmart: Horse-drawn sleigh rides for the whole family.

Wendy’s: Drawing for a girls & boys bike. Decorate your own sugar cookie.

Free hot chocolate & hot apple cider, fake tattoos, plus more.

Nathan Rembao, 3, and his sister Rachel Rembao, pet the horses giving sleigh rides at the Walmart parking lot during Christmas in the Northwest last year. The horses were owned by Don Konken, who has done the sleigh rides for about 20 years.

Christmas in the City

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

Celebrating the season

Christmas in the Christmas in the City kicks off the Yuletide season in Austin East 11th Street Northeast and surrounding area 4-7 p.m. Dec 2

Eagles Club: Come in and decorate your own ornament while enjoying free hot apple cider and coffee.

Free gift bags for kids.

Hoot & Ole’s Tavern: Stop in for a bag of popcorn.

Ivy’s Ink Tattoo: Kids face painting.

Jim’s MarketPlace Foods: Come in for Christmas cookies. Enjoy horse drawn sleigh rides in parking lot.

New Dimension Electronics: Stop in for a candy cane.

Star Liquor: Adults stop in for a Hot Tottie sample.

Thoroughbred Carpets & Flooring: Christmas theme photo booth.

10th Drive Southeast 4-7 p.m. Dec 2

Trimble’s Cycle Center: Stop by for refreshments.

Enjoy snowmobile rides and “Moon Glow” (weather permitting).

Y Waste Removal: Stop in for cookie decorating.

Mower County Humane Society and surrounding area 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec 2

Mower County Humane Society: At 5:30 p.m. see Santa fly in to the Humane Society with the help of Austin Aeroflight. Get a photo with Santa, listen to the Austinaires sing, register for prizes, and bid on four auction items to support Mower County Humane Society.

Independent Management Services: Come in for a Christmas craft, face painting, coloring sheet and register for a prize drawing.

Listen to Christmas music while enjoying cookies and hot cocoa.

Holiday Events Nov. 21: Hormel Historic Home, Holiday Open House 1-4 p.m. Tour the elaborately decorated home. Enjoy entertainment throughout the day.

Shopping spree with area craft and product vendors.

Traditional Cranberry Cake w/Butter Sauce will be served. $10 per person.

Nov. 21: Hormel Historic Home, Light the Peace Garden Family Event 5-8 p.m. Join us to celebrate the lighting of the Peace Garden. Event includes a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus, crafts, professional photo opportunities, soup & cookies. Performance by Elvis Tribute Artist, Brad Boice. $5 per person,$25 per family.

Nov. 21-22: Berg’s Nursery, Holiday Open House, Holiday décor, fresh Christmas trees and greens galore.

Stop in for special pricing on indoor gifts & décor as well as sampling tasty treats for all. (Saturday 9-5 p.m. / Sunday 12-4 p.m.)

By Jason Schoonover

jason.schoonover@austindailyherald.com

Santa Claus is about to soar into east Austin and other spots around town.

Not only is Austin’s annual Christmas kickof f coming with next Friday’s Christmas in the City, but the annual string of holiday events is expanding with the first Christmas in the East.

The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas in the City kickoff celebration in downtown Austin next Friday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by the annual Jane Taylor Academy of Dance Christmas Show with scenes from “The Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

Then on Dec. 2, Austin will host its first Christmas in the East, with Santa flying in to Austin Municipal Airport around 5:30 p.m. for an event at the Mower County Humane Society.

Overall, about 11 businesses and organizations will participate in the inaugural Christmas in the East: the animal shelter and Independent Management Services from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while others on 11th Street Northeast like Jim’s MartketPlace

Sterling Shopping Center and surrounding area 4-7 p.m. Dec. 3 Apollo Liquor: Come in and enjoy wine tasting and a meat tray.

Berg’s Nursery & Landscape: Check out our barnyard friends and the petting zoo from 5-7 p.m.

Bursch Travel: Stop in for Nov. 27-30: Dolan’s Landscape Center, Holiday Open House Find a great selection of fresh trees, wreaths, roping and other holiday items. Refreshments served. Sign up for door prizes.

Nov. 28: Berg’s Nursery, Holiday Arrangement, 2 p.m. Create a holiday arrangement using live plants and holiday greens.

Participants will create and take home a festive holiday arrangement. Ages 12 & up. $45 per person.

Nov. 30-Dec. 4: U.S. Bank Children’s Coloring Exhibition. Stop in to pick up a page to color, return by 12/3 and receive a gift.

Colored pages will be on display at U.S. Bank.

Nov. 30-Dec. 18: U.S. Bank Toys for Tots Donation Box: Drop off your toys or cash donations.

Dec. 1: First Farmers & Merchants Bank, Holiday Open House 9-4 p.m.

Come join us for cider and treats.

Dec. 2: Golden Tress Salon & Day Spa, Holiday Open House 5-8 p.m. 20 percent off all retail, gift card promos, door prizes, vendors.

Riley Clayton tells Santa Claus what he wants for Christmas during Christmas in the City last year. Herald file photos

Foods and the Eagles Club and 10th Drive Southeast businesses like Trimble’s Cycle Center and Y Waste Removal will host festivities from 4 to 7 p.m.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm from those members over there,” Austin Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandy Forstner said.

“They haven’t been part of it before. They’ve seen it succeed in other areas, and they’re putting their best foot forward, that’s for sure.”

Along with Christmas in the East, Christmas in the Northwest will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1, followed by Christmas in the Southwest from 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 3, and Christ-

mas in the County at the Mower County Historical Society from 3 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 12, which will include its presale bake sale from 4 tot 6 p.m. on Dec. 11.

In all, more than 80 businesses and organizations are expected to participate in the events. Like in past years, Forstner expects Christmas in the City to be the largest of them all on Nov. 27, at it serves as Austin’s start to the holiday season.

“It’s become a tradition here in Austin,” said Forstner, who added many people make it a part of their holiday weekend.

W h i l e m u ch o f t h e downtown celebration will be the same as past years, there will be three

sleighs for sleigh rides instead of two to make for shorter waits. The Jane Taylor Academy of Dance Christmas Show will retur n to the Paramount after moving to Pacelli Catholic School last year due to scheduling, and Forstner was pleased to see it return to downtown.

“It just really works a lot better for other events when it all works like this,” Forstner said.

But overall, a big part of all the chamber’s Christmas in the City events is to promote local businesses. While some sales occur during the celebrations, a big goal is to bring shoppers into stores to see what’s available and to promote spending and

Christmas in the Southwest

some fresh popcorn and register for one of two giveaways. Adults: One night stay at Best Western Bloomington; Children: Bag of goodies, including Disney DVD. Cornerstone Church: Come jump in our inflatables, make Christmas crafts and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.

Dec. 3-5: Austin Public Library, Holiday Book Sale.

Thursday 3:30-6 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m., Saturday 10-2 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of the Library in partnership with Barnes and Noble. All new materials for gift giving.

Books, calendars, journals, games. Free gift wrap.

Dec. 4: U.S. BANK, Holiday Open House 9-5 p.m. Enjoy cookies, cider & coffee. View children’s holiday artwork.

Dec. 5: Christmas Time Countdown, (open area on 4th Ave. NE) 12-4 p.m.

Gather around the colossal Christmas tree and enjoy cookies, coffee & hot chocolate. Children Christmas train rides, local Boy Scouts selling fresh Christmas trees. From 3-5 p.m. participate in Karoke caroling contest where Santa will say whose been good or bad. Awards for best & worst to receive $100 Everything Hobby shopping spree. Children of all ages are invited to visit Santa and his Elves.

Dec. 5: Tendermaid Chili Warm Up. 11-5 p.m. Step inside to enjoy some

D&G Ace Hardware: Stop in and enjoy cookies for all.

Habitat ReStore: Enjoy Gingerbread cookie decorating & music. KellerWilliams Preferred Realty: Enjoy Christmas festivities and goodies. Collecting Toys for Tots.

McDonalds Restaurant: (Oakland Ave) Come enjoy

scrumptious hot chili at one of Austin’s oldest traditions. $3.25 cup, $3.75 bowl.

Dec. 5: Hometown Holiday Tree Show (open area on 4th Ave. NE). 12-4 p.m.

Take a stroll through a winter wonderland and view Christmas trees beautifully decorated by local organizations and businesses.

Trees will be donated to local families following event. Please bring a non-perishable food item for local food shelf.

Dec. 5: Merry Tuba Christmas 6th Annual at Historic Paramount Theatre 2:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Austin CVB-Enjoy holiday music performed by nearly 50 tuba, sousaphone, baritone & euphonium players from around the Midwest.

Free to public. $10 for players.

Dec. 7: ArtWorks Center Retail Gallery, 5:30-8 p.m.

Christmas shopping with gift registry, wine bar, and treats.

Dec. 7: Willow Cove, Holiday Pallet Sign Workshop, 6-8 p.m. Craft your own 10x18 Holiday pallet sign.

Fee $20. Sign, paint &

Ronald McDonald, Christmas coloring, holiday crafts, and free sampling.

Moline Awards & Engraving/United Pack & Ship: Stop in and create a tasty Santa or Nutter Butter Reindeer treat.

Sterling Drug Main Street: Free picture with Santa from 4-7. All children will receive a Free gift from Santa.

stencils provided. Limited to 20 people. Call for details or to register 507440-0301.

Dec. 10: Home Federal Savings Bank, Holiday Open House 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Come join us for some holiday cheer with coffee, hot apple cider, holiday cookies and great conversation. Dec. 10: Community Learning Center, Santa Workshop, Enjoy Santa, music, stories, book fair, photo booth and fun activities.

Dec. 11: Accentra Credit Union Anniversary Open House 9-5 p.m. Join us as we celebrate our anniversary with holiday refreshments. We’ll be giving away prizes and drawing for the $500 Grand Prize winner of Find the Fives.

Dec. 11: Bremer Bank, Holiday Open House - Both locations 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Stop in for coffee, cider and cookies.

Dec. 11-12: Mower County Historical Society, Christmas in the County. Friday 4-6 p.m, Saturday 3-7 p.m.

Christmas bake sale, silent auction with hundreds of items, a multi-prize raffle, wagon rides and chili

buying locally.

“It’s the celebration of the community, its a celebration of the season, but it at the same time thanks people for shopping locally,” Forstner said.

Along with the Christmas in the City events, o t h e r h o l i d ay eve n t s include the Christmas Time Countdown/Holiday Tree Show in the open area along Fourth Avenue Northeast from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5, Merry Tuba Christmas at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Paramount, the Christmas at Home shows featuring Austin Public Schools talent at the Paramount at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, and Bridget’s Dance Conservatory’s “Alice in Wonderland” at 5 p.m. on Dec. 20 in Austin High School’s Knowlton Auditorium, just to name a few.

Though the main portion of Oak Park Mall closed after the sale to HyVee, Younkers is bringing Santa Claus back to the mall area. Santa Claus will be at Younkers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 5. Manager Randy Forster encouraged people to bring their cell phones or cameras for photos.

“Were anticipating that will be a big event,” he said.

Sterling State Bank: Horse drawn wagon rides in the parking lotco-sponsored

by Overby Orthodontics & Re/Max Results. Come in and enjoy some cookies and warm or cold apple cider. Enjoy performances from the Austin Big Band, playing a variety of holiday music. All kids can make a Christmas craft. supper. Bring the kids to see Santa & Mrs. Claus. All proceeds benefit Mower County Historical Society.

Dec. 11-13: Games People Play, Holiday 3 Day Sale Entire store (excluding Bruins merchandise) 25 percent off regular prices.

Dec. 18: Hormel Historic Home, Christmas at Home Dinner & Show 5:30 p.m.

Dinner followed by holiday show, featuring musicians from the Austin Schools, Alumni and faculty. Includes exclusive musical performance. $30 adult/$15 students under 18.

Dec. 18-19: Christmas at Home-Historic Paramount Theatre. Three unique showcases of local talent presented by the Austin Public Schools Music Program; Dec.18 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15 adults, $5 students.

Dec. 20: Bridget’s Dance Conservatory presents “Alice in Wonderland” a delightful ballet with students ages 3 to 18. 5 p.m.

AHS Knowlton Auditorium. Come with us on an adventure to Wonderland.

Admission $10.