December 7, 2017

THURSDAY Only

December 7….Lubbock Fun Club Singles "SOS" Monthly Dinner - Come and enjoy friends and food at Cattle Baron Steak and Seafood Restaurant. As always, let us know you are joining us, so they can have appropriate wait staff and seating! Please RSVP by email: sossingles45@yahoo.com or call Robbie (790-7578) or Jan (778-0419). Come have a great time and share a meal together! Tell a friend or bring a friend...but whatever you do, come join the fun with our group at Cattle Baron Steak and Seafood Restaurant., 8201 Quaker Avenue; 6:30 p.m.

December 7….Trans-Siberian Orchestra Presents: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve - Over the past 20-plus years, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become a critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum, musical powerhouse, and its annual winter tours a beloved, multi-generational holiday tradition. This tour, a completely updated presentation of TSO’s unforgettable “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” will visit more than 60 cities, for 100-plus performances, before concluding on December 30th. TSO's tour will be a celebration of art and accomplishments of the lauded group's late creator/composer/lyricist, Paul O'Neill, and his inimitable creation, which he dubbed "Rock Theater." Prior to his passing, O'Neill worked tirelessly with his close-knit team preparing an exciting new take on "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" for the 2017 tour. Fans will experience this exciting stage spectacle, including new awe-inspiring effects, and staging, certain to make the story even more engaging for fans. Purchase tickets at selectaseatlubbock.com, or call 806-770-2000 and in person at all area Select-a-Seat outlets. Prices: $48.50 & $58.50-balcony level, $65.50 & $78.50-lower level (service fees included). Visit www.trans-siberian.com for more details. United Supermarkets Arena, 1701 Indiana Avenue: 7 p.m.

December 7….Tommy Emmanuel: Classics and Christmas Tour- This Australian guitar master returns to the Cactus for a show that will feature one full set of Tommy Emmanuel’s solo classic acoustic songs, and one full set of Christmas favorites with Pat Bergeson, John Knowles CGP, and Annie Sellick. Ticket info Reserved floor seats $40-$45; standard balcony $35; limited box seats (which include concession refreshments with ticket) $80. Box office open 3:00-5:30 p.m. daily or call (806) 762-3233 or order tickets online at cactustheater.com. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY through SUNDAY

December 7 - 10….Cinderella -or- Prince Charming Gets the Boot: A West Texas Panto – This presentation is a ‘panto’, short for ‘pantomime’ which is not a silent show of mime-style acting, but rather a loud, whimsical, exceptionally fun free-for-all based on a popular family-friendly fairytale–in our case, Cinderella—full of contemporary songs, physical comedy, and audience participation. Its tradition is primarily British, but ours is written specifically for our audience in Lubbock. Filled with Lubbock-isms such as a King named King Kliffsbury, our brand new Lubbock panto is sure to have any Lubbockite of any age, giggling. Furthermore, this production is especially exciting because it’s currently garnering national attention. The playwright and director of our show, Adam Day Howard, recently had the honor of publishing an article entitled “PANTO: Could Britain’s Hottest Holiday Show Draw New Audiences to Your Theatre?” which graced the cover of Southern Theatre Magazine’s fall edition. In it, he mentions our show, the FIRST EVER West Texas Panto premiering here at Lubbock Community Theatre. To reserve tickets visit lubbockcommunitytheatre.org. Lubbock Community Theatre, 4232 Boston Ave; Thursdays – Saturdays: 7:30 p.m; Sundays at 2 p.m.

FRIDAY Only

December 8….New Neighbors Club Luncheon - The New Neighbors Club will host their monthly luncheon and program “Cruse into Christmas” presented by J. Cruse. Members, guests and interested individuals are welcomed. You do not need to be new to the Lubbock area to participate. Cost for the Luncheon is $15 and reservations are required. New Neighbors, is a 40 year old club and continues to offer many social activities such as Out to Lunch Bunch, Book Club, Movie Lovers, Bridge, Mahjong, various Card Games and other Interest groups. New Neighbors is also involved in several community service activities. For more information, contact Judy Carnes at (806)407-3028 or email: newneighbors@ymail.com Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway; 10:30 a.m.

December 8…. Weihnachtsfest: A Celebration of German Christmas Traditions - The Office of International Affairs invites you to a pre-Candlelight celebration. Weihnachtsfest will feature German Christmas traditions including a band, crafts, gingerbread cookies, and sausage.
In conjunction with the National Ranching Heritage Center's Candlelight at the Ranch. The first 25 people in attendance will receive a ticket for FREE hot chocolate redeemable during Candlelight at the Ranch. International Cultural Center located at 601 Indiana Avenue; 5 – 7 p.m.

December 8….The Lubbock Chorale Presents: Messiah Singalong and Locklair Gloria - The Chorale is thrilled to repeat a special community Messiah singalong concert. The Chorale will perform Christmas and holiday repertoire, followed by a performance of Part I (Christmas/Nativity portion) of Handel's beloved masterpiece Messiah, for which the entire assembled audience will be invited to join the Chorale in singing all six choruses, closing with a seventh chorus from Part II: The Hallelujah Chorus. Ticket sales will close at Select-A-Seat, online, and at our outlet locations at noon on Friday, December 8, 2017. Tickets can be purchased after this time at the door for a $5.00 upcharge. Hemmle Recital Hall, Texas Tech Campus; 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY

December 8 – 9….National Ranching Heritage Center: 39th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch - Visitors will experience a frontier Christmas when the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) celebrates its 39th Annual Candlelight at the Ranch. “The pathways of this historic park are lined with more than 4,000 luminarias and the entire park is lit as much as possible with only lanterns, fireplaces and campfires.” The annual event is free to the public with a minimum suggested $5 donation per family. VIP tickets costing $50 per carload (max 7 persons) are available for those seeking reserved parking and early admission at 6 p.m. To purchase VIP tickets, go to ranchingheritage.org/candlelight. Candlelight at the Ranch has become the signature event most associated with the NRHC as visitors experience what Christmas might have been like on the open prairie from 1780 to 1950. Holiday scenes will be recreated in 15 historic structures such as the 1838 El Capote Log Cabin, 1886 XIT Ranch headquarters, 1888 Matador Half-Dugout and 1909 Queen-Anne style Barton House. Visitors will have maps pointing the way to each structure, and they can download the NRHC app for specific details about each structure and a more guided experience. The lighted pathways will be wheelchair and stroller accessible as visitors pass cowboys camped out near their horses and brewing coffee over a campfire. Visitors will have maps guiding them to Santa Claus will be located in the Pitchfork Pavilion but will leave promptly at 9:30 p.m. Visitors can purchase refreshments in the decorated 6666 Barn and on the Campbell patio while they listen to Brazos West play Christmas music with a Texas swing. A new feature of this event is a pre-Candlelight party from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8 at the International Cultural Center (ICC) within walking distance of the NRHC. The ICC event will feature German Christmas traditions, including a band, crafts, gingerbread cookies and sausage. Candlelight visitors will no longer experience long entry lines but will enter through the front doors and proceed to the patio, where they can access park trails and buy kettle-corn. Visitors can choose in what order they see the historic structures, which lighted pathways they take, and when they exit the park prior to closing. Visit nrhc.ttu.edu to learn more information and see frequently asked questions about Candlelight at the Ranch. . For additional information, call (806) 742-0498 or view nrhc.ttu.edu. The National Ranching Heritage Center is located on the Texas Tech University campus at 3121 Fourth St; 6:30 to 9 p.m.

December 8 – 9….CovenantHealth Presents: Classic Cactus Christmas - Celebrate the season with us Cactus style! You'll enjoy old and new holiday classics performed by your favorite Cactus performers all backed by our incredible house band, the Rhythm Machine! Mark your calendars for this must-see show! Performers include longtime Cactus favorites and some new talents, too! For this show, we'll feature Baby Jade, Jeff Bailey, Craig Elliott, Kurt Kiser, Bethany Longoria, Tiffany Nelson, Mark Paden, Addie Bleu Short and Berklee Timmons. Tickets $25 for reserved floor; $20 for standard balcony seating; $50 for box seats (includes box ticket and concessions). Discounted tickets for children 12 and under also available for $10 - and these tickets can be ordered online for the first time this year as well by simply clicking on the desired seat and specifying adult or child seat. Box office open 3:00-5:30 p.m. daily or call (806) 762-3233 or order tickets online at cactustheater.com. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Ave; 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY and SUNDAY

December 8 and 10 (Repeats Dec. 15, 16)….Children and Adults Theatrical Studios Presents: "A Charlie Brown Christmas" - A Charlie Brown Christmas is a 1965 animated television special based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. Produced by Lee Mendelson and directed by Bill Melendez, the program made its debut on CBS on December 9, 1965. In the special, lead character Charlie Brown finds himself depressed despite the onset of the cheerful holiday season. Lucy suggests he direct a neighborhood Christmas play, but his best efforts are ignored and mocked by his peers. After Linus tells Charlie Brown about the true meaning of Christmas, Charlie Brown cheers up, and the Peanuts gang unites to celebrate the Christmas season. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Charles M. Schulz, directed by Pat Price. Tickets are $12.00. Go to www.catsplayhouse.com for reservations. Children and Adults Theatrical Studios, 2257 34th Street; House opens at 7 p.m. Performances start at 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY through SUNDAY

December 8 - 10 (Repeats December 15 - 24)....Santa's Land Drive-Thru Christmas Park in Tahoka - Admission is free, donations will be accepted to help keep the lights on. Everyone is invited to stop by and see the lights and Santa (please bring your camera). The park includes four acres of land, thousands of lights, 100 plus wooden cut outs, 15 blow-ups, tons of Christmas trees, and decorated antique car. Lots of new stuff this year. Visitors are able to stay inside their cars or get out and mingle while enjoying a warm fire and hot chocolate & cookies. Opening Night is Thanksgiving The train will be available opening weekend only. It will be at Santa's Land Drive thru Park November 23,24 &25 (Thursday-Saturday). It is free to everyone and all ages may ride. Lights will be on the 25th. If Santa is present he arrives at 6:30 and departs at 9 p.m. Lights out at 10 p.m. If you want to make sure Santa will be present please call (806) 891-1291 Or Check http://www.facebook.com/SANTASLAND79373. Tahoka, TX (30 miles south of Lubbock). Park is located at South 11th and Ave O (use Google map) just off of Hwy 87; Gate opens at 6:30 each night. Lights out at 10 p.m

SATURDAY Only

December 9….Pecan Grill's Breakfast with Santa - On December 9 from 8:00am until 10:00am Santa is making a special stop to Pecan Grill at Overton Hotel and Conference Center. Don't forget your camera and bring the family over to enjoy all your breakfast favorites. Our breakfast buffet features made-to-order omelets, breakfast meats, pancakes, fresh seasonal fruits and homemade breakfast pastries. Mark your calendars and call today for reservations, (806) 776-7010. $19.95 – Adults. $7.95 - Children 12 & under, and complimentary for 4 & under. Overton Hotel and Conference Center 2322 Mac Davis Ln; 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. .

December 9….LHUCA Presents: The Life and Art of Grant Wood with Christian Conrad - Grant Wood (February 13, 1891 – February 12, 1942). Prior to World War II, there existed in the United States a type of art known as Regionalism, which explored the rich open world of the Midwest. Grant Wood, one of the most renowned painters from this period, created images inspired by his home in Iowa. His famous painting “American Gothic” featured a farming couple in front of an iconic home; this work has become one of the most recognized American paintings in history. In his other paintings, Wood explores uniquely American topics, including our country’s history and the landscape that he knew all his life. Saturday Lectures at LHUCA is an informal conversation over the life and work of contemporary artists. It’s a stress-free opportunity to examine the art and ideas that underlie much of the modern art world. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and join the conversation. This event is free to the public. Join us for coffee and donuts! LHUCA, 511 Avenue K; 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

December 9…..The Roundtable presents: Parker, PhD "Harvesting the Wind and Sun:: Dr. San Francisco - Honors College College & Scholarship Donation" - Our luncheons are held at Hillcrest Country Club 4011 N Boston Ave, Lubbock. North on University past State Living Facility to Newcomb, left for about 4 blocks and you will come to the entrance of the Hillcrest Country Club at Boston and Newcomb. Meeting format: People arrive about 11 a.m. to start registering, pay for lunch and some socializing. Food service starts at 11:15 followed by introductions and announcements at 11:30.The speaker will start about11:50 and be finished with the program and questions from the audience by 1 p.m. The public is invited. Lunch/attendance is fifteen dollars ($15) per person. Limited menu includes beverage and dessert. There are no membership fees or dues associated with attending the functions. Any extra monies that you would like to contribute will go towards the speakers lunch and towards our Honors College Scholarship fund at Tech. Our Saturday luncheons are a great way to (1) learn more about current global/US/Texas/Lubbock issues and events, (2) meet other people in area who may become lifetime friends (3) feel more at home in Lubbock. Most wear business or business-casual attire. No RSVP is necessary. Show up whenever your schedule allows, feel free to bring a guest(s) and email this invitation to anyone you think might be interested. For more information email Marie Evans at this address: mevans1398@aol.com

December 9 (Repeats Dec.16)….FAO Workshop of Wonder at Bealls - This holiday season, Bealls, part of the Stage Stores family, in Lubbock invites customers to experience the wonder of iconic FAO Schwarz toys through family-friendly events. The “FAO Workshop of Wonder” events will take place in stores. Children will be treated to story time with Mrs. Claus or even Santa himself reading “Return to Wonder – Toys on Tour,” an exclusive FAO Schwarz story book, only available at Stage Stores. Each child will receive a coloring book to bring home the excitement of these events. Additionally, kids will be invited to participate in arts and crafts stations to create custom ornaments and holiday cards for the whole family. To top off the fun and save the holiday memories, families can step into the Winter Wonderland Photo Booth and say, “cheese!”At each event there will also be the opportunity to win an exclusive FAO Schwarz bear. Guests will have the chance to play with and purchase the famous FAO Schwarz Giant Dance Mat Piano, Ride On Roadster and a life-size bear. Customers can also shop for a good cause by taking home Stage’s exclusive FAO Schwarz branded plush Bears that Care, available in all stores. With the sale of each Bears that Care, $1 will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation with a minimum donation of $100,000. This event is FREE. Bealls, 6002 Slide Rd; 2 to 4 p.m.

December 9….Miracles Christmas Parade 2017 - The National Champion Texas Tech Cheer and Pom Squads have been named the Grand Marshalls for the 13th Annual Miracles Christmas Parade down Lubbock’s 34th Street. The colorful and exciting 20-member Cheer Squad and the 30-member Pom Squad captured their respective National Championships in April. It is their first national championships in school history. The free, family-friendly nighttime lighted parade will start at 6 p.m. at 34th and Ave Q and proceed west down 34th Street to Indiana Avenue. The parade theme this year is “March of the Toys” and a crowd of more than 30,000 spectators are expected for the colorful parade. The purpose and goal of the parade is to bring cheer to every spectator, participant, and organizers, and to provide families and individuals an event that will continue to build lasting holiday memories for everyone. Historically, families assemble early and even picnic and tailgate as part of this event. Parade information, participant rules and applications, are available on the web at www.miraclesparade.com. One special guest will be a parade participant, The Texas Tech Masked Rider. The Masked Rider is always a big hit with families and children for whom the parade is produced each year. This free parade features Santa Claus, who will be riding the final parade unit featuring the United States Marines. Marines will walk beside their trucks and collect unwrapped toys from spectators for their annual Toys for Tots campaign.

SUNDAY Only

December 10….3rd Annual Farm Charm Kids Christmas - Gather the family and get in the Christmas spirit at the Bayer Museum of
Agriculture! Take a ride on the tractor and wagon, take a picture with Santa or decorate an ornament. The museum will be open to tour while attendees enjoy refreshments and more. Donations are appreciated, and photos with Santa are $15. Bayer Museum of Agriculture, 1121 Canyon Lake Drive; 3 – 5 p.m.
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December 10….Search for Baby Jesus - This Christmas season step back in time at Search for Baby Jesus, as we walk through the events leading up to the birth of Christ. This indoor dramatization brings the Christmas story to life for families with Preschool to Elementary age children. There will be live animals, music, crafts & refreshments! Tours run until 7:30 pm and Search for Baby Jesus is FREE. For more information visit www.iabc.org or call 797-9704. Indiana Avenue Baptist Church, on the corner of 98th & Indiana Ave: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY through DECEMBER 23

December 10 – 23….Santa Land - Bring your children and grandchildren to Mackenzie Park and enjoy a 60-year Lubbock tradition! Children from Lubbock and surrounding communities are invited to Santa Land’s Opening Ceremony on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 6:00 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 60 years, and admission for all ages is free. Santa Land is open every evening from December 10-23, 2017, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. nightly. Approximately 50,000 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 6:00 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. Don’t forget to look for Bo, Santa Land’s very own Elf on the Shelf, each night and message your pictures of him to our Parks and Recreation Facebook page to enter a chance to win a $500 Gift Certificate from Academy Sports + Outdoors. 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 east of Avenue A and the South Plains Fairgrounds. For more information, contact Lubbock Parks and Recreation at (806) 775-2673 or (806) 775-2687, visit our website at www.playlubbock.com or follow us on Facebook. Mackenzie Park, 301 N Interstate 27; 6 – 10 p.m. nightly..

Looking Ahead in the Calendar....

December 12…Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
December 14…33rd Annual Ransom Canyon Tour of Homes
December 14-17….Ballet Lubbock Presents: The Nutcracker
December 15…Wendell Sollis and The Sidekicks All Stars
December 16….LHUCA: The Life and Art of Edward Hooper
December 16….FirstCare Presents: Classic Cactus Christmas
December 17 - 18….Caldwell Kids Christmas Celebration
December 19….An Evening with Lee Greenwood
December 20….Flying J Wranglers: White Mountain Christmas
December 22 -23….Classic Cactus 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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