December 10, 2009

THURSDAY

December 10….Lubbock Garden and Arts Center Open House - Join the GAC for an afternoon full of holiday fun, food and entertainment and meet and greet with some of the instructors for the spring classes. Also, enjoy shopping at the new gift shop for Christmas items such as creative mosaics, screen printings, matted paintings, books, jewelry, cards, and an array of wood carvings and items from Kenya, all of which are reasonably priced. Free and open to the public. For more information call (806) 767-3724. Lubbock Garden and Arts Center, 44th and University; 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

December 10 (Opening Night; continues through Dec.23)….Santa Land - For the 53rd consecutive year, Santa Land will light up the Lubbock night with Christmas trees, children singing, twinkling lights and Santa and Mrs. Claus ready to hear the Christmas dreams of area children. An opening ceremony to welcome the Clauses, light the 60-foot Christmas tree, and officially open Santa Land will be held on Thursday, December 10 at 6 p.m. Children from Lubbock and surrounding communities are invited to be a part of this special evening. Santa Land is open fourteen consecutive nights, and as always, is free to the public. More than 30,000 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 Santa and Mrs. Claus. For visits with Santa, parents are encouraged to bring their children early in the evening as the line is stopped on busy nights at approximately 9 p.m. or earlier depending on the crowd. Enjoy live entertainment most evenings from 6:30-8 p.m. Hot chocolate and other refreshments are available for sale at the concession stand. Parents are welcome to bring cameras and video 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 from the east Broadway entrance into Mackenize Park just past Ave. A and the fairgrounds; 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

December 10….Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Concert – This 60-piece orchestra founded in 1996 by Paul O'Neill, incorporates progressive rock, symphonic metal, and heavy metal, with influences from classical music. The TSO has performed renditions of traditional Christmas songs and these have been among their most popular works. They are also known for their elaborate concerts, complete with a full light show and dozens of pyrotechnics that are synchronized with their performance. Call Select-A-Seat at 806-770-2000 for tickets. United Spirit Arena, 1701 Indiana Avenue; 7:30 p.m.

December 10….The Hallelujah Chorus Presents: Holiday Mem'ries - This Holiday Season the Hallelujah Chorus, Directed by Dr. Wayne Hinds, presents a beautifully arranged, 90 minute Christmas concert "Holiday Mem'ries" featuring your favorite Christmas music. This wonderfully directed group will feature special guest performers, back by popular demand, the Otwell Twins of "Lawrence Welk" fame. Get into the holiday spirit this season with the glorious harmonies of the Hallelujah Chorus. Tickets $20.00, groups of 20 people or more $15.00. Cactus Theater,1812 Buddy Holly Avenue; 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY through SATURDAY

December 10, 11, 12….Live Night in Bethlehem - Your family is invited to travel back in time to the ancient city of Bethlehem to explore an unforgettable marketplace full of camel rides…pottery making...a stable full of animals...chatting with “Joseph and Mary” as they hold their newborn baby and more! This is one event your family won’t want to miss and best of all it is completely free. For more information visit www.wpclubbock.org or call 799-3621. Westminster Presbyterian Church, corner of 33rd & Indiana; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. nightly.

THURSDAY through SUNDAY

December 10, 11, 12, 13….Internet-Only Ticket Pre-Sale for “The Wizard of Oz” - Celebrity Attractions announces a special opportunity to purchase the best seats in the house for it's January 22-23 performances of it's stage presentation of the timeless family classic. In addition, the company will donate a portion of the proceeds from this pre-sale to the local Ronald McDonald House. To purchase your tickets, click here to buy online at selectaseatLubbock.com

December 10, 11, 12, 13….“The Nutcracker” - Ballet Lubbock is proud to present The Nutcracker, a ballet that has become a beloved holiday tradition on the South Plains. Don't miss out on this holiday tradition that delights audiences of all ages. Tickets are assigned seating and priced at $16 and $20. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theater, 1501 Mac Davis Lane. December 10-11 at 8 p.m., December 12 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; December 13 at 2 p.m.

FRIDAY

December 11….New Neighbors Club Luncheon - Bill Meadors, retired Lubbock High librarian, will review Elmer Kelton's "Christmas At the Ranch." The book will take you back in time to catch a glimpse of Christmas traditions as they were in the 1930s and '40s. Cost $13. Call Mamie Hunt for reservations, 792-8541. Lubbock Women's Club, 2020 Broadway; 10:30 a.m.

December 11….CASA's Holidays of Hope for Kids - CASA of the South Plains will hold the 5th annual "Holidays of Hope for Kids" Extravaganza at Lubbock's newest conference venue - The Overton Hotel. The event will include a luncheon, children's fashion show, appearance by Mrs. Texas International 2009...plus a holiday wreath auction! Tickets are $35 and may be purchased online at www.lubbockcasa.org or by calling 806-763-CASA. Overton Hotel, 2322 Mac Davis Lane; 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

December 11….Moondance Market: Art After Dark – It is a marvelous night for a moondance...the nighttime preview of the Downtown Art Market. Imagine strolling downtown and shopping at night with crisp air, wonderful art and produce; a throwback to the old days...a night in the neighborhood. There will be some of your favorite vendors as well as a few new ones this weekend. Kick off your gift giving season by shopping locally. Give the gift of handmade or hand raised items this year and get double satisfaction. Support local art and farmers. McPherson Cellars and LaDiosa are two new vendors in December with gift bagged bottles of wine, wine accessories and some delicious new foods that will be available. Visit http://the-downtown-art-market.blogspot.com for more information. Tornado Gallery, 1822 Buddy Holly Avenue; 6 p.m.- 10 p.m.

December 11 (repeats December 16, 18, 23)….Cactus Family Christmas - Carry on the tradition this holiday season with the 16th Annual Cactus Family Christmas celebration...featuring your favorite stars of the Cactus Theater. Of course, there couldn't be a Cactus celebration without the loveable Cactus Cuties, Itty Bittys and the phenomenal Lubbock Texas Rhythm Machine. Come get into the spirit of the season with an enchanting mixture of music ranging from wonderfully nostalgic Christmas favorites to contemporary Christmas hits. Sensational Christmas decorations provided by Holland Gardens will transform the Cactus Theater into the perfect cozy and at-home atmosphere in which to cuddle up and enjoy the magic of Christmas. As an added bonus, Slaton Bakery, the official bakery of the Cactus Theater, will provide delicious Christmas treats and cookies for all. Come and be a part of the Cactus Christmas magic this holiday season. Tickets: $25.00. Cactus Theater, 1812 Buddy Holly Avenue; 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY and SATURDAY

December 11-12….“Beauty and the Beast Jr.” - Hub Performing Arts School brings you this timeless favorite! You will love seeing all the numbers from the movie and will fall in love with the songs they didn't include. Three great shows to choose from. Perfect for the entire family and sure to spark the holiday spirit. Attend the Miracles Parade and end it with a warm performance of a great show! Tickets are reserved seating and can be purchased at 795-7344 or an hour before each show at the door. $10 adults $5 students. OL Slaton Middle School, 32nd & Ave. Q.; Friday: 7 p.m., Saturday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

December 11-12….Silver Bells and Golden Spurs: The 31st Annual Candlelight at the Ranch - Experience the annual Candlelight at the Ranch celebration at the National Ranching Heritage Center. The museum and historical park annually hosts the holiday event, where visitors walk down luminaria-lighted paths into Christmas scenes from life on the open prairie. Some 8,000 people annually attend this living history, holiday event. Admission is free, but a donation of $2 per family is appreciated. Visitors at Candlelight at the Ranch will notice the incorporation of music into traditional event features. This was made possible through the partnership of the Texas Tech School of Music with the National Ranching Heritage Center. Carolers will be located in several buildings singing music that is appropriate to the specific structure they are located in. For example, Spanish lullabies will be sung at Los Corralitos, German hymns at Hedwig’s Hill and a fiddle band will be playing for dancers in Las Escarbadas. A chorus will entertain visitors in the Pitchfork Pavilion, music will be played in the Four Sixes Barn, and a bell choir will perform in the Main Gallery. Members of the West Texas Children’s Chorus will be performing in several of the locations. Traditional activities throughout the museum and historical park include period-dressed volunteers re-enacting holiday preparations and celebrations from the late 1700s to mid 1900s. Events occur in such diverse structures as the train depot, a sharecropper’s cabin, a half-dugout, a German-style dog trot house, an XIT division headquarters building, the one-room schoolhouse, a Spanish compound and the two-story, 1909 Barton House. For additional info contact Emily Arellano, event coordinator, (806) 742-0497 ext. 238. National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth Street; 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

December 11-12 (repeats Dec. 18-19)….CATS Playhouse: “Rented Christmas / The Ghost of Christmas Presents” - Enjoy this Christmas play written by Norman A. Ahearn Jr. and Yvonne Ahearn / Pat Cook and directed by Peter Contreras II. Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $6 for children, students, and seniors. For more information call 792-0501. CATS Playhouse, 2405 34th; 6:30 p.m.

December 11-12 (repeats Dec. 18-20)….“A Christmas Carol” - A musical adaptation for the stage based on the classic holiday tale by Charles Dickens. Book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Michel Legrand. Directed by Jay Young and musical direction by Jacob Miller. Starring John Davis as "Scrooge." Price: adults $15.00; children 12 & under $10.00; students, seniors, military, groups $13.00. For tickets or more information call 806-495-4005 or visit www.garzatheatre.com. Garza Theatre, 226 East Main Street; December 11, 12, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m.; December 20th at 2:30 p.m.

FRIDAY through SUNDAY

December 11-13….“Babes in Toyland” – The Lubbock Community Theatre presents this wonderful musical for the Christmas season with stage direction by John Packard. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and may be purchased online at www.lubbockcommunitytheatre.org or by calling the office at 749-2416. Season tickets will not be accepted for this show. Lubbock Community Theatre, 4230 Boson Avenue; Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 – 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13 – 2 p.m.
SATURDAY

December 12….Downtown Art Market – A once-a-month market held in the Tornado Gallery Garden and spreading on to Buddy Holly Avenue. The Downtown Art Market is an effort to unite artists of all genres, musicians, writers, potters, actors, painters, gardeners, chefs, cooks, singers, dancers, hackers, tinkerers, renewable energy gurus and philosophers...to buy, sell, trade, talk...even teach their arts and skills in a communal space. It is free and open to the public. McPherson Cellars and LaDiosa are two new vendors in December with gift bagged bottles of wine, wine accessories and some delicious new foods that will be available. For more information visit http://the-downtown-art-market.blogspot.com. The Downtown Art Market, 1820 Buddy Holly Avenue; 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

December 12….Lubbock Community Theatre’s 1st Annual Kringle Mart - Unique and homemade arts, crafts, gifts and one of a kind works by local artisans and vendors. Stop by and see something unique and different and maybe find just the right gift for someone on your list this year! This is a fundraiser for LCT. Lubbock Community Theatre, 4230 Boston Avenue; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

December 12….Vintage Holiday Home Tour - This is a can’t miss for anyone who enjoys getting decorating ideas, seeing cutting edge home design, and state-of-the-art home style. Five homes in Vintage Township will be on the tour. Rather your fancy is Louisiana French, Greek, Victorian, or Traditional you are sure to enjoy all of the charm these homes have to share. This is a ticketed event and tickets can be purchased for $20 in the Vintage Information Center. The tour is open to the public.11410 Trafalgar Ave; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

December 12….Holiday Open House at the Lubbock Municipal Museums - The Buddy Holly Center and Silent Wings Museum invite the public to a Holiday Open House. Come and enjoy a day full of shopping, hot cider, holiday cookies, and children's activities all in the spirit of the holidays. If you are searching for a special and unique holiday gift, look no further than the gift shops at the Lubbock Municipal Museums. Both shops carry various items to suit any taste and style, including CDs, DVD's, assorted apparel, mugs, books, memorabilia, keepsakes, games, and much more! Also, remember to bring a new toy to donate to the United States Marine Corps Reserves "Toys for Tots" toy drive and receive one free admission to either Municipal Museum for each toy donated. The toy drive is a wonderful way to make a child’s Christmas memorable. All toys will be given to local children in need this holiday season. Buddy Holly Center, 1801 Crickets Avenue and Silent Wings Museum, 6202 N I-27; 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

December 12 (repeats Dec. 21)….Decorate Cookies for Santa - Kids of all ages come on down and have some fun decorating cookies to save for the big night—Christmas Eve! The jolly old elf, Santa himself will be here to take pictures with you and oversee the festivities! There will be a drawing amongst those attending for the chance to win one of two 5 cookie Christmas bouquets! Cost is only $10 to decorate two cookies and have your picture made with Santa. Party times are one hour each (1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.) and they fill up quickly. Reserve your spot by calling 794-6992. Cookies by Design, 3310-82nd Street.

December 12….5th Annual Miracles Christmas Parade – Come join the magic of Christmas and the excitement of the season during the Miracles Christmas Parade. 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. There will be a "Toys for Tots" campaign conducted by the U.S. Marines and the Miracles Christmas Parade. Families will be invited to bring toys to the parade. 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. Over 40,000 people are expected to attend this year. The parade route begins at 34th Street and Toledo and runs 2.4 miles east to University. Walking groups will end at Boston. The parade will step off at 6 p.m. and reaches the review area at 6:30 p.m. and should be over by no later than 9:30 p.m.

December 12….David Gaschen Christmas Concert - David Gaschen has become a worldwide, renown vocalist and performer and he just happens to be a native of Lubbock. He made his Broadway debut as the lead in "Phantom of the Opera" in November of 1999 and has performed the role over 1,300 times. David's previous performances at the Cactus have left the house on their feet in applause. You won't want to miss this opportunity to share the joy of Christmas with David. Tickets are $30.00. Cactus Theater,1812 Buddy Holly Avenue; 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

December 13….“Have You Heard? - A Christmas Musical” - Everyone is invited to celebrate Christmas at this family event. This is a free community concert....but in the spirit of giving, everyone who attends is asked to bring canned goods in support of Mission Lubbock. For more information please visit www.fbclubbock.org or call 806.747.0281. First Baptist Church, Broadway and Avenue V; 6 p.m.

December 13….Westwinds Brass Band Scholarship Concert – Come and enjoy this concert with Phil Anthony, conductor. Admission is free. Donations appreciated for band scholarships. Hemmle Recital Hall, Music Building on the Tech campus; 7:30 p.m.

December 13….The Flying J Cowboy Christmas - The Flying J Wranglers from Ruidoso, NM and the Cactus Theater proudly bring you the annual Flying J Wranglers' Cowboy Christmas. This wonderful group spends summers performing at the Flying J Ranch, and then touring and recording during the rest of the year, selling out the spectacular Spencer Theater in Ruidoso, and bringing their fabulous cowboy Christmas music to the Cactus Theater. The Flying J Wranglers' holiday show features rich melodious western yodeling, vocals, fiddle and guitars in a program of traditional favorites and new and classic western/cowboy Christmas songs, instrumentals and homespun comedy. For a really special holiday treat, catch the lighthearted antics of the Wranglers this holiday season. Tickets $25.00. Cactus Theater,1812 Buddy Holly Avenue; 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY

December 14….LFC Young Singles Dinner (Age Group: 30s/40s ) – All singles in this age group are invited to come join the fun....and be sure to bring friends to share in a meal and a good festive time together. Caprock Café, 34th and Indiana; 6:30 p.m.
Here's a MONDAY Exclusive for Lubbock Fun Club Members!

WEST CRUST | Artisan Pizza Pies, 6012 82nd St, Suite A (just east of Iola) is offering our members 1/2 price pizza pies (that's for whole pizzas, folks!) and also extending a 1/2 price lunch special this Monday, the 14th, from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Fun Club members just state that you are "with the fun club" when ordering and you'll get the deals!
Another Special Coupon for Our Lubbock Fun Club Members....


Some restrictions apply. See details below:

This coupon is good for $5 off on every coach ticket purchased on from December 10th through December 16th, 2009. Tickets are limited, and this offer is good only as long as tickets remain available. Buy your tickets at the box office window at Lubbock Water Rampage (located at 66th and Milwaukee) between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily.

Last Week's Ticket Winners....

The winners of two (2) pairs of tickets to "The Nutcracker" were Mandee R. and Lori N. of Lubbock. And the winner of the Family 4-pak to “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” was Amanda A. of Idalou.

The Weekly Ticket Giveaway!

This week we have two (2) pairs of tickets for the Garza Theatre’s presentation of "A Christmas Carol" during next week's performances December 18–20. The winners will be able to choose the performance date of their choice (as available).

To enter this random drawing, email us at info@lubbockfunclub.com and be sure to put the word "Carol” as your subject title.

Please be sure to include your daytime contact info in the body of the email so we may get the tickets to you easily. We'd like to know if you live in Lubbock or in the surrounding area, so please include your hometown info. The deadline is Sunday at midnight and winners will be contacted Monday morning.

Please, for all contests, we request that you only enter the weekly contest once each week to be fair to everyone.

"Thanks and good luck to all!"

Got an idea especially for the ladies?
steph@lubbockfunclub.com

Got an idea to promote something just for the guys?
shane@lubbockfunclub.com

Special event coming up? Send us the details!
info@lubbockfunclub.com

Go to CALENDAR OF EVENTS for even MORE fun things to do!

LOOKING AHEAD....

Dec. 19…......Michael Martin Murphey's "Cowboy Christmas"
Dec. 19.....….Pictures with Santa and a Mini
Dec. 20.........Cactus Kids Christmas
Dec. 20…......8th Annual Caprock Celtic Christmas
Dec. 21-22….Sanders Family 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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If you are having trouble seeing the photos, read our online version

If you are having trouble seeing the photos, read our online version.