Austin 360 - 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

THIS YEAR,

Make Time FOR

Memories When you give the gift of a Long Center experience, you’re not just sharing entertainment—you’re creating memories with friends, opening a child’s mind or a special someone’s heart. There’s something for everyone at the Long Center.

Get your subscription now for UPGRADES! PERKS! Bonus Tickets! Pick 3 or more shows and save!

TheLongCenter.org

WORK OF ART These handmade Lunares cheese trays will add artistic flair to any party! Food safe for hot and cold items, they are guaranteed to never tarnish or break. Find a variety of handcrafted, artinspired gifts at the Blanton Museum Shop.$125. blantonmuseum.org/shop

AQUARIUM ADVENTURES An annual pass to the Austin Aquarium is an excellent choice for those on your Christmas list! A pass offers: • • • •

Unlimited visits to the aquarium Various member-only discounts on products and services Early VIP entrance on weekends and holidays Guest admission discounts, and more.

50% off for a limited time. Get yours now! store.austinaquarium.com/Memberships-s/1818.htm

SHOP AUSTIN-STYLE Shop for the perfect gift for your loved ones, or yourself! The Bazaar is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily Dec. 16-24 at the Palmer Events Center. Celebrate the season with fine art, live music and holiday cheer! Explore an array of handmade items while enjoying live local music and sips from a full bar. ArmadilloBazaar.com

An advertising supplement of the Austin American-Statesman

RE-INVENTING A CLASSIC Come see A Christmas Carol.

ZACH’s original and lively adaptation features a score that will rock the Dickens out of you! Blending classic carols like Joy to the World and Opera of the Bells with contemporary hits like I Wanna Dance With Somebody and Raise Your Glass, this holiday treat is a spirited ride through rhythm and time. zachtheatre.org.

512-476-0541 x1.

GIFTS THAT ROCK! From naturally healing Himalayan salt lamps to beautiful stone decorative pieces, natural stone jewelry and thousands of other crystals, minerals and fossils from around the world, Nature’s Treasures has the Earth’s most beautiful gifts. Save 15%-50% off your purchases from Nov. 28-Dec. 1. Take advantage of our other holiday specials throughout December. We’re open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Give the most unique gifts this holiday season! 4103 N. Interstate 35, between 38 1/2 and Airport Boulevard. 512-472-5015 NTROCKS.com

TEXAS TRIMMING Texas Treasures is a Radko ornament exclusive to Breed & Co. It features Santa dressed in a cowboy hat with a handful of yellow roses and a Texas bag of goodies that include the ACL sign, an oil well and the Alamo.

Breed & Co. has lots more holiday décor to make your home smile. Come by our two locations: Central Austin 718 W. 29th St., 78705 Westlake 3663 Bee Cave Road, 78746.

Breedandco.com

e h T e i d o o F

SNOW OVER AUSTIN Our Austin snow globe features the icons of Austin. Included are ZACH Theatre, The State Capitol, UT Tower, Penneybacker Bridge, Frost Bank Tower, Sixth Street Music District and the 2nd Street Area and, of course, the famous bats come out when you shake it.

Black musical base plays “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” A Sue Patrick Exclusive! $39.95. Sue Patrick, 5222 Burnet Road, #150.

512-452-7701

IF THE BOOT FITS...

Are you “a little bit country” or “a little bit rock and roll”? From styles that are classics to those that are a bit crazy, Allens Boots has the boot for you! You’ll find exclusive styles by brands you know and love like: Lucchese, Old Gringo, Frye, Justin and Ariat. They also offer Western wear, hats, fine leather bags, belts and other accessories that make great gifts. Find something for everyone at either convenient location, Round Rock or South Congress, or shop online with free shipping to avoid the crowds. allensboots.com

TASTE OF TEXAS Know a homesick Texan or anyone who just loves real Texas barbecue? County Line’s Air Ribs makes the perfect Holiday gift. We will ship legendary County Line barbecue anywhere in the U.S., so let Air Ribs do all the work and you take all the credit. airribs.com

THEY’LL FLIP FOR THIS Kerbey Lane Cafe offers seven delicious, easy-to-prepare pancake mixes that are a perfect gift idea for the holidays. Both adults and children will love to make their own Kerbey Pancakes at home.

We have five all-natural flavors: Pumpkin, Apple, Gingerbread, Buttermilk and Lemon Poppy Seed. For a gluten-free option, we have a tasty Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon and Gluten Free Gingerbread. Recipes on the boxes include how to make pancakes and waffles as well as cookies, bread and even muffins. Along with the mixes, we offer a variety of other gift ideas on our web store.

T-Shirts, Kerbey Lane Cafe Coffee and Coffee Mugs and Gift Cards oh my! Please visit our site at kerbeylanecafe.com/store to shop.

Happy Holidays from Kerbey Lane Cafe!

PERFECTION IN A BOTTLE Stressing about holiday gift-giving? The Austin Winery has you covered! Order a bottle from Austin’s boutique, urban winery and we’ll gift-wrap and ship it for you. With options between $15 and $50, the hardest decision you’ll make is choosing red or white. shop.theaustinwinery.com 9007 Tuscany Way, Suite 100A. 713-724-0942

Make a lifetime of memories with the gift of entertainment

by Jodi N. Gonzalez Statesman Content Marketing

This time of year finds people fretting over what to get for Mom, Dad, the spouse or the kids. Hours spent hunting for the perfect gift, one that they will use and treasure for years – or until it gets stuffed into the back of a closet somewhere. Instead, how about giving the gift of beautiful memories and the experience of art on stage? The Long Center for the Performing Arts has almost 20 shows and events on the schedule through May alone, from holiday stagings such as “Elf: The Musical” and “Sister’s Christmas Catechism” to traveling shows such as “Blue Man Group” and “Celtic Woman.”

Go for date night, take the kids for a fun family outing or make it a girls night out. The best presents you can give are those that live on forever. The Long Center offers a variety of packages that allow you to pick three or more shows, add parking and more. You can give gift certificates as well, so your loved ones can choose their own favorites. You can even make a donation that will help a disadvantaged schoolchild or person with special needs experience live theater.

For a full schedule of performances as well as packaging and pricing, go to TheLongCenter.org or call 512-474-5664.

Holiday Listings

These listings originally ran in the Austin American-Statesman Travel section on Sunday, Nov. 23.

By Mauri Elbel Special to the Austin American-Statesman Whether you are riding a train to the “North Pole” or taking in the sparkling sights lighting up the Hill Country, there is no better place to celebrate the holidays than in Texas. Just about every town in the Lone Star State brims with holiday festivals and events. Below are just a few not-to-miss celebrations to check off your list this season.

BASTROP Bastrop’s Lost Pines Christmas: Dec. 11-14 Celebrate Christmas in historic Bastrop with holiday-themed events like the River of Lights’ 120 lighted musical displays decorating the Colorado River Walk’s scenic half-mile promenade; Shop, Rock and Stroll the evening away as decorated downtown shops and restaurants serve up Christmas cheer and seasonal treats; and whirl and twirl around the Winter Wonderland’s Ice Skating Rink set up on Main Street. More at lostpineschristmasbastroptx.com.

GRUENE As the holidays roll around, Gruene is the place to hang your Santa hat. From taking photos with a Cowboy version of Santa to enjoying daily live music, this historic district rings in the holiday cheer loudly. Here are a few holiday happenings unfolding in Gruene, but you can find many more at gruenetexas.com/holidays.php.

unfolding throughout the day and witness the annual town lighting at 6 p.m. as Cowboy Kringle rides in on his horse to pass out candy canes. Get your holiday shopping done throughout the weekend at Gruene Market Days, which boasts 100 vendors selling unique Christmas gifts, crafts, items and foods.

BUDA Trail of Lights: Dec. 11-13, 18-21 Stroll through the spectacular display of twinkling lights and illuminated Christmas displays in Historic Stagecoach Park nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. at Buda’s Trail of Lights while enjoying an array of festive food and holidaythemed activities such as visiting with the big man himself in Santa’s Village. The event is free, but nonperishable food donations will be accepted for the Hays County Food Bank. For more information, call the City of Buda at 512295-7170 or visit ci.buda.tx.us.

34th Annual Budafest: Dec. 6-7 This free annual Buda bash is sure to get you in the spirit with a Christmas parade kicking off the two-day event, over 125 craft vendors, live music and, of course, appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus — all taking place from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days. More at budafest.org.

Strike a pose with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene’s own brand of Santa, who sits in the breezeway between the Grapevine and Gruene General Store. Check here for specific times: gruenetexas.com/kringlephotos.php.

GONZALES Winterfest Celebration: Dec. 5-7 Downtown Gonzales is the place to be on the first weekend of December with a slew of seasonal celebrations sure to make you feel merry and bright including a lighted Christmas parade, Santa’s Market, Stars in the Village, a Historic Homes Tour, a Jingle Bells Fun Run, a pet parade and an ice skating rink. More at gonzalestexas.com/event/winterfestcelebration.

13th Annual Gruene Pony Express Ride: Dec. 6 At 10 a.m., Gruene receives Pony Express riders from the Heritage Trail Ride Association of New Braunfels carrying a “Christmas Greetings” message from the governor. Stick around Gruene to take part in holiday events

HILL COUNTRY Texas Hill Country Christmas Lighting Trail: Nov. 28-Jan. 1 No region in Texas rings in the holiday spirit like the Hill Country. The Hill Country’s brightest event taking place this season is undoubtedly its famous Texas Hill Country

Pose with Cowboy Kringle: Nov. 23, 28-30, Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21

Regional Christmas Lighting Trail that takes place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s days. Nine communities — Bandera, Boerne, Burnet, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Johnson City, Kerrville, Marble Falls and Wimberley — offer sparkling sights and a multitude of merry events throughout the holidays. To view details of holiday happenings in each town, visit tex-fest.com/regional/index.htm.

FREDERICKSBURG From Fredericksburg’s historic Main Street ablaze with thousands of lights each evening to Marktplatz’ lighted winter wonderland featuring a 26-foot wooden Christmas pyramid hand-crafted in Germany and a Germanthemed 30-foot-tall Christmas tree, this is the best time of the year to flock to Fredericksburg.

Don’t miss the Lighting of the Christmas Pyramid and Christmas Tree at Marktplatz on Nov. 28; Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Skating from Nov. 28 to Jan. 3; Main Street’s Christmas Parade on Dec. 5; or the town’s 57th Annual Holiday Home Tour on Dec. 6. For a full listing of 2014 holiday events in Fredericksburg, visit VisitFredericksburgTX.com/holiday.

MARBLE FALLS/LAKE LBJ 24th Annual Marble Falls Walkway of Lights: Now-Jan. 1 Imagine over 2 million twinkling lights on 160 sculptures reflecting on the waters of Lake Marble Falls — or, better yet, make the 45-mile drive from Austin to see it all for yourself at the 24th Annual Marble Falls Walkway of Lights.

Take a leisurely lakeside stroll along Marble Fall’s picturesque shoreline to experience this self-guided winter wonderland walk that’s dazzled onlookers since 1991. Come early to dine and shop in Marble Falls before heading to Lakeside Park from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly, and be sure to bring your camera to capture photos with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

More at walkwayoflightstx.com.

PERFECT STORAGE The ideal storage organizer available in a number of sizes, configurations and finishes. Choose and customize these CRAFTECHNICA cabinets to keep all your craft supplies, tools and accessories close at hand. Models range from 18 inches to 49 inches high with a choice of 1-inch to 4-inch drawers and free drawer inserts for sewing threads and complete customization.

SEW MUCH MORE Anderson Lane at Shoal Creek. 512-452-3166

IT’S IN THE BAG

FOR THE CREATIVE ONE Try this package …

Janome Magnolia 7330 (MSRP $699) Sewing basket (in assorted colors; $40 value) Gift certificate toward any sewing class ($30 value) Sewing machine kit ($13.99 value) All for $425!

Financing available with no interest.

Northwest Sewing Center, 5448 Burnet Road, No. 1.

512-459-3961 nwsewingcenter.com

Consuela Signature Collection melds classic sophistication with modern-day femininity and features rich Italian leather, clean lines and exquisite detailing. The lavender-kissed alligator embossed silky soft leather boasts a zippered front pouch furnished with a credit card organizer and measures 7.5 inches wide, 6.25 inches high and 2 inches deep. $225.

Visit us at 910 Congress Ave. or visit us online consuelastyle.com

KEEP WARM IN STYLE Casual and lightweight natural and dyed rabbit vests with matching fringe. Ideal for the young and young at heart. $395.00 AlMar Furs Austin’s Exclusive Furrier 10435 Burnet Road, #109.

512-346-0375, almarfurs.com

r o F m i H

FOR THE GRILL MASTER From pits and grills to tool and gadgets, woods and thermometers, the best gifts for the outdoor cooker come from Barbeque Mercantile. Stop in at 5003 Burnet Road 512-371-3748 bbqmercantile.com

GET A BOOT UP

GETTING CLOSER TO THE GAME Give the gift that moves people and get $400 in accessories with purchase of Bad Boy Buggie. (Ambush iS shown.)

Visit Golf Cars of Austin in Buda today. 0% for 12 months WAC. golfcarsofaustin.com, 512-312-4115

The University Co-op has a 118-year history of promoting, enhancing and nurturing the highest cultural and educational traditions of the University of Texas, through service for and gifts to UT students and faculty. Profits from the sale of our most-wished-for holiday gift, the Lucchese Student Government Boot, benefit the Student Government Scholarship fund. Learn more and shop at univeristycoop.com, and at 2246 Guadalupe St., with free parking in the back on San Antonio.