December 10, 2015

THURSDAY Only

December 10….31st Annual 2015 Ransom Canyon Christmas Tour of Homes - This year’s tour features four beautifully decorated homes plus the Ransom Canyon Memorial Chapel. Proceeds: Benefit the Ransom Canyon Memorial Chapel & Gardens. Door prize: Fabulous gift basket. Tickets: $12.50 each or 5 for $50.00 in advance at the following locations:
Ransom Canyon City Hall @ 24 Lee Kitchens Drive 829-2470
The Slatonite @ 139 S. 9th Street in Slaton 828-6201
Offices of Drs. Ed & Lisa Wentz @ 4013 84th St. in Lubbock 794-8124
American Bank of Commerce Bank @ 50th & Memphis 775-5000
Christian Brothers Automotive @ 6207 82nd in Lubbock 794-1200
Tickets also may be purchased after 5:30 p.m. the night of the event for $15.00 @ the Ransom Canyon Fire Station at 1 Ridge Road. Maps are available. To purchase tickets, please contact Jamie Thomas @ 829-2351. For additional information, please contact Carol Farris 829-2637. 6:30 to 9 p.m.

December 10….Cactus Theater: Tejas Brothers - After performing in the fall of 2006, the Tejas Brothers quickly became the subject of big conversation around the stockyards of Fort Worth. Within a few short years, they earned the respect as one of the best live acts in Texas. The group’s debut CD, TEJAS BROTHERS, was recognized as the 7th most played album for 2009 by the Americana Music Association. The Tejas Brothers use the stage like a weapon, attacking your heart and poking at your funny bone. Their sound is unique, yet familiar…it’s like something brand new on top of something we’ve all known and loved forever. Once you’ve experienced a show, you’ll never want to miss another. They’ve played at the Cactus earlier this year, earning standing ovations and rave reviews. Their humor and good time music will have you rolling in the aisles! We’re very happy to have them back to do their very special Christmas show. We guarantee you a night of Christmas music like you’ve never heard before! Please contact the box office at 806-762-3233 to reserve tickets. Reserved seating. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY through SUNDAY

December 10 - 13 (Repeats Dec.15 - 23, 26)….The Polar Express - The Polar Express™ returns to the West Texas & Lubbock Railway, recreated to match all the sights and sounds of the beloved story. Picture the excitement of children dressed in pajamas with golden tickets clutched in their hands as they board the train and prepare to embark on their journey to the North Pole. The story begins when the Conductors calls “All aboard” and punches children’s golden tickets. Little faces will peer out the train’s windows as we pull out of the station on our way to the North Pole. Each guests will hear the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack as the story reading begins and the book’s characters come to life. Dancing chefs will serve hot cocoa and cookies to all riders in a merry fashion as the doubting hobo wanders through the train. The train stops where children will behold the magic of the North Pole from their warm train seats. With a jolly “Ho, ho, ho” Santa waves to everyone and climbs aboard where he will greet each child and present them with the iconic silver sleigh bell (only believers can hear its ringing). Christmas carols will be sung as we return back to the station after a memorable ride that sets the tone for the whole holiday season. Join us in this annual event sure to become one of your family’s treasured traditions. For complete information or to purchase tickets visit https://www.westtexaspolarexpressride.com/ . Wolfforth Depot Station, 103 North Steck Ave, Wolfforth, TX. Departure times: 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. NOTE: Not all departure times occur on each operating day.

December 10 - 13….Ballet Lubbock: “The Nutcracker” - It just isn’t the holidays without Ballet Lubbock’s annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This timeless and magical story of Clara, who dreams that her new toy nutcracker solider has come to life, will delight audiences of all ages. From an epic battle with the Rat King to the magical land of sweets presided over by the Sugar Plum Fairy, this is one performance you won’t want to miss! This year’s performances will feature Ballet Lubbock favorites Bethany Lowrie and Amar Ramasar as well as the rest of the Ballet Lubbock Company. Come find your inner sugar plum fairy and join Ballet Lubbock for Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, a Lubbock Holiday Tradition. More snow (of course), more magic, more pyrotechnics, more family tradition, more memories, and more Nutcrackery goodness. Tickets on sale at Select-A-Seat: www.selectaseatlubbock.com or 770-2000. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theater, 1501 Mac Davis Lane; Dec 10th , 11th: 7 p.m., Dec 12th: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec 13th: 2 p.m.

FRIDAY Only

December 11….New Hope Church Parents Night Out - New Hope Church is offering a free parents night out. This is child care from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Friday December 11. All caregivers have had background checks. Children will have corn dogs for super with fruit and lemonade. Our children’s church pastor will be doing a presentation for the kiddos. They will also be able to participate in a Christmas-themed craft and we will be showing the film "Inside Out" for the remainder of the evening. We ask that anyone interested please RSVP so that we can ensure there is enough staff as well as supplies and food. For reservation call 806-778-2859 or 806-745-4593. New Hope Church, 10701 Indiana Av; 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

December 11….New Neighbors Christmas Program and Luncheon - Bear Mills, local author, writer and journalist will present “The True Story of St. Nicholas” during the New Neighbors Club annual Christmas Programand Luncheon. Communication and inspiration are two themes that describe the biography and writings of author Bear Mills. Bear is also the co-author of “Death Knocking, Life Calling”: The amazing true story of Randy and Mary Ann Gallaway,” an inspirational non-fiction autobiography about Lubbockite Randy Gallaway who was given up for dead following a horrific electrical accident at an industrial site when he was only 18. You do not need to be a member or new to Lubbock to participate in this event. Cost for the luncheon is $15 and reservations are required. For reservations or additional information about New Neighbors organization or the Christmas program, contact Mary Valentini, 799-4450 or newneigbors@ymail.com. Lubbock Women’s Club, located at 2020 Broadway; 10:30 a.m.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY

December 11 - 12….37th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch - Visitors to the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) will step into a “living Christmas card” when the 37th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch recreates a 19th century frontier prairie holiday. Just as pioneer ranches had no electricity, the pathways and historic structures will be lit only with lanterns, fireplaces, campfires and 3,500 illuminarias,” The annual two-night event requires the help of more than 150 volunteer Ranch Hosts, many of whom dress in period-appropriate clothing and recreate Christmas scenes in 15 historic structures dating from the 1780s to the 1950s. The volunteers will be preparing holiday food, stringing popcorn to decorate trees, playing music—anything a family might have done in that day and time,” Hodges said. “Even the train depot will have travelers waiting for the train. In the Four Sixes Barn, visitors will be able to enjoy hot chocolate, cider and cookies while they watch Ranch Hosts dance to the fiddle music of the Kothman Family. Carolyn Benitez, queen of the Bar None Rodeo Association in Plainview, will be Santa’s helper as children visit with Santa in the NRHC main museum gallery while Brazos West provides cowboy Christmas music. Santa Claus has to leave promptly at 9:30, so families with children should plan to come early. The historical park tour ends in the museum gallery where families not only have access to Santa but also to unique gift items at Cogdell’s Store. Candlelight at the Ranch is free to the public, but there is a suggested $2 donation per family. For additional information, call 806.742.0498 or email julie.hodges@ttu.edu. National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth Street; 6 to 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY

December 11 - 13 (Repeats Dec. 18 - 24)….Santa's Land Drive-Thru Christmas Park - We would love to invite you to stop by and see the lights and Santa and Mrs. Claus (please bring your camera). The park includes four acres of land, 1/2 mile of driving paths, thousands of lights, 100 plus wooden cut outs, 15 blow-ups, tons of Christmas trees, and 3 decorated antique cars. Visitors are able to stay inside their cars or get out and mingle while enjoying a warm fire and some hot chocolate. Admission is free, donations will be accepted to help keep the lights on. If you want to make sure Santa will be present call (806) 891-1291 or see facebook.com/SANTASLAND79373. Tahoka, Texas (30 miles south of Lubbock). Park is located at South 11th and Ave O (use Google map) just off of Hwy 87 Open at 6:30 p.m. Lights out no earlier than 10 p.m.

December 11 - 13….. Lubbock Community Theatre: Coney Island Christmas - Pulitzer Prize-winner Donald Margulies weaves together nostalgia, music and merriment in this new seasonal classic. A holiday show for people of all ages and all faiths, Coney Island Christmas introduces us to Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl who (much to her immigrant parents’ exasperation) is cast as Jesus in the school’s Christmas pageant. As Shirley, now much older, recounts the memorable story to her great-granddaughter, the play captures a timeless and universal tale of what it means to be an American during the holidays. Directed by Alan Winner. Rated G. To purchase tickets visit http://lubbockcommunitytheatre.org/. Lubbock Community Theatre, 4232-B Boston St; Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

FRIDAY and SUNDAY

December 11 and 13….CATS: "A Christmas Story" - Based on the beloved 1983 holiday movie, written by Jean Shepard and Phillip Grecian, the story follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. The show is directed by Lisa Hernandez and Talor Milburn. Tickets can be bought online at http://www.catsplayhouse.com/ or at the theater. Children and Adult's Theatrical Studio, 2257 34th St; Performance dates are December 11th at 7:30 p.m. and December 13th at 2 p.m.

SATURDAY Only

December 12…..7th Annual Santa Paws - Santa wants to meet your furry friend! Bring your pet to get his picture with Santa. Photos are $2 each and include a holiday card or pet owners can bring their own camera. The whole family can also be in the picture for a complete “family” portrait. Other activities include providing microchips for dogs at a cost of $10 per dog, vendors and prizes. Admission is free, and dogs must be on a leash at all times and have proof of current vaccinations. Hodges Community Center, 4011 University Ave; 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

December 12….Christmas Craft Fair - We will have vendors for Christmas shopping, booths still available to anyone who would like to rent a booth. There will be a silent auction as well as concession stand and pictures with Santa. Entry to the craft fair is free!! Please contact Amber Hays for any additional info at abschool@suddenlink.net or 806-778-2859. New Hope Church, 10701 Indiana Av; 9 am – 3 p.m.

December 12….Second Saturday Program: Wreath Making Workshop - We cut fresh greenery and other natural materials from the Arboretum grounds. You bring your favorite ribbon and other specialty decorations to add to your creation. You leave with a finished holiday decoration for your home! Plus, we will be serving up hot apple cider, cocoa, snacks and the guidance you need to learn how to make your own holiday decorations from natural materials! Suggestions of what to bring: children’s ornaments, battery-powered lights, dried flowers, empty picture frame, tabletop urn or other container to make a table centerpiece. Suggested Donation $5.00 Lubbock Memorial Arboretum, 4111 University Avenue; 10 a.m.- 11 a.m.

December 12….Holiday Wonderland at the Science Spectrum - Join the Science Spectrum for this Free family friendly event that has become a favorite local Holiday tradition! Holiday Wonderland is geared for families with children ages 2 to 12. All event activities are FREE, other than standard OMNI film and museum admission. PBS Kids screenings of Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas & Nature Cat are free to the public, but have limited seating. Standard admission ticket rates will apply for the OMNI Theater films and the Science Spectrum Museum. Want to play in the Museum? Bring two cans of food per person in donation to the South Plains Food Bank and receive $1 off Museum admission this day only! For additional event information visit www.sciencespectrum.org or call 806-745-2525.

Enjoy these activities:
• Free photos with Santa Claus. (B.Y.O.C. - Camera)
• Enjoy FREE Screenings of PBS Kids Nature Cat & Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas in the OMNI Theater
• Visit the Science Spectrum’s Holiday Train display, giant Christmas Tree, and other festive decorations.
• Enjoy “Cool” Holiday Science Experiments and Demonstrations
• Decorate and Eat your own Gingerbread Men.
• Make your own Scientific Holiday crafts
• Sip hot Cocoa and Spiced Cider
• PBS Kids App Station
• Meet Curious George!
PBS Kids OMNI Theater Screenings:
10:15am – PBS Nature Cat (30 minutes)
11:45am – PBS Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas (59 minutes)
1:45pm – PBS Nature Cat (30 minutes)
3:15pm – PBS Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas (59 minutes)
Science Spectrum Museum, 2579 S. Loop 289; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

December 12….It is Near to My Heart Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair – Come and shop for your perfect Christmas gift and help benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Southwest. Entry is FREE to the public, raffle will be held throughout the day with proceeds benefiting RMHC. Science Spectrum, 2579 SW Loop 289; 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

December 12….2015 Miracles Christmas Parade – All are invited to celebrate the holidays during the annual Miracles Christmas Parade. Spectators start gathering early in the evening to get the perfect spot to watch marching bands, fire trucks, families, beauty queens, horses, dozens of decorated floats, honored guest and much more. The parade is free to spectators who enjoy picnics, “parade-gating” with a cookout with family and friends, or just sitting in lawn chairs or vehicles along the route. This event is family friendly and draws thousands of visitors from throughout the South Plains and Lubbock. The primary reason for the parade is to give back to the community and to promote an atmosphere of family fun, family entertainment, and togetherness. Each year, the parade will benefit the United States Marines “Toys for Tots”. Each year, we will work to make Christmas a magical season for families on the South Plains, and a time of sharing with those in need. The U.S. Marines will march along the route and collect toys from the attending families. Together, the citizens of Lubbock and surrounding communities will “Fill the Float”. Hot chocolate, coffee, and hot apple cider will be sold at various locations along the parade route to benefit Lubbock charitable organizations. Including Lubbock Independent School Bands. An official parade website has been created at www.miraclesparade.com and is the source for official parade information. For more information, please call Andy Turner, Parade Chairman, at 806-771-0045. This year, the parade starts off at 34th Street and Avenue Q and heads west to Indiana Avenue beginning at 6 p.m. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots program..

December 12….2015 Caprock Celtic Christmas - A treasured annual event in the South Plains holiday calendar, Celtic Christmas is a fundraiser for the Vernacular Music Center Scholarship. Singers, players, dancers, storytellers, and more gather to perform traditional repertoires of the season. For tickets visit www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-caprock-celtic-christmas-tickets-19475657215. Maedgen Theatre, Texas Tech Campus; 7 p.m.

December 12….."Cactus Family Christmas" - Continuing our Cactus tradition, we are proud to once again present our "Cactus Family Christmas". Join the Cactus stars, along with our newest faces from 2015, as they "don" the stage for a spectacular Christmas celebration presenting traditional holiday classics as well as contemporary favorites. These concerts always sell out, so get your tickets early. Please contact the box office at 806-762-3233 to reserve tickets. Reserved seating. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY and SUNDAY

December 12 - 13….Discover the Dinosaurs - Come experience up to 40 moving and replica museum quality Dinosaurs. Discover the Dinosaurs is for the entire family, and especially kids, to explore the mystery of pre-historic life in an environment of learning, discovery, and fun. Discover the Dinosaurs is a unique hands on exhibit that consists of up to 40 moving and replica museum quality dinosaurs that gives you the opportunity to actually get close and touch the dinosaurs! Beyond the exhibit, additional fun activities are available for kids of all ages, which make spending the day with the dinosaurs a great experience for the entire family. Tickets on sale at Select-A-Seat: www.selectaseatlubbock.com or 770-2000 or may be purchased at the door. For more info visit online at discoverthedinosaurs.com/. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Exhibit Hall, 1501 Mac Davis Lane; 10 a.m.

SUNDAY Only

December 13….Cactus Theater: Flying J Wranglers - Celebrate Christmas the western way! Join the Flying J Wranglers for an evening of great music, humor and yuletide cheer as they sing and play a mix of western, spiritual and popular Christmas classics. Featuring six outstanding musicians and vocalists, The Flying J Wranglers are: James, a singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist; his wife Cindy, a distinguished three-octave vocalist and WMA National Western Style Yodel Champion (and comical sketch character); the renowned multi-instrumentalist Randy, (guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro and vocals); cowboy Chaney on upright bass and vocals; fiddler and vocalist Corinna, and baritone vocalist Greg. Please contact the box office at 806-762-3233 to purchase tickets. Reserved seating. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

Santa Land: 58 Years Strong
Outdoor Village Opens Annual
2-Week Run in Mackenzie Park

December 10 - 23….Santa Land - Bring your children and grandchildren to Mackenzie Park and enjoy a long-time Lubbock tradition! Children from Lubbock and surrounding communities are invited to Santa Land’s Opening Ceremony on December 10 at 6 p.m. Lubbock City Council members will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus from the North Pole, turn on the Christmas lights in this winter village, and officially open Santa Land. Lubbock Parks and Recreation has hosted Santa Land for the past 58 years, and admission for all ages is free. Approximately 46,000 people visit Santa Land each year to see the festive holiday village with its huge lighted Christmas tree, animated displays, bonfires, traditional holiday scenes, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Each evening at 6 p.m. during this 14-night event, a sleigh with tiny reindeer bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to Santa Land to hear the Christmas wishes of area children. Youth this year can look for Bo, Santa Land’s very own Elf on the Shelf and have a chance to win an iPad Mini 2 sponsored by Betenbough Homes. Families will enjoy live entertainment most evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Hot chocolate and other refreshments are available for sale at the concession stand. Parents are welcome to bring cameras to take photos of their children with Santa at no charge. For those who forget their cameras, keepsake digital photos may be purchased for $5 each. The entrance to Santa Land is located off of the East Broadway entrance into Mackenzie Park just east of Avenue A and the South Plains Fairgrounds. Open nightly 6 - 10 p.m.

Last Week's Trivia Winner(s)

The question: In the motion picture "The Polar Express", what word did the conductor punch into the "know-it-all's" ticket?

Answer: The know-it-all kid's ticket is punched "Learn".

Winners: Mary B. and Alissa H....both from Lubbock

This Week's TRIVIA CONTEST....

This week, 2 winners will be chosen to receive a Family 4-pack to ride the Polar Express! To win these tickets, answer the trivia question below and email it to us using the fun phrase "Ride This Train" at:info@lubbockfunclub.com

Be sure to include your DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER so we may get the tickets to you easily. We'd like to know if you live in Lubbock or the surrounding area so please include your hometown info.

Deadline for this contest is Sunday evening and the winners will be notified Monday by noon.

The Question: While on the train, the young boy main character does something, and then exclaims, "I've wanted to do that all my life!" What did he do?

Good luck to all!

Looking Ahead in the Calendar....

December 15….LSO: Holiday Chamber Concert
December 18 - 19….Celebrity Attractions: “Ragtime”
December 18-20….Auditions for Moonlight Musicals 2016
December 19….Wildlife Center Annual Holiday Open House
December 19….Foxhole Christmas

Many more UPCOMING FUN THINGS TO DO are listed on our website...lots further out than the weekly postcard. Click here to go to our CALENDAR OF EVENTS for more info on these activites and MORE>

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