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Free Homebuyer Education Workshop

Every fourth Saturday, the AAUE offers a workshop covering home-purchasing, mortgage-securing, and money management. Classes fill up quickly, so call to get on the waiting list. Personalized sessions are available. 10am-4pm.

Austin Area Urban League, 8011-A Cameron #100, 478-7176

www.aaul.org

Holiday Shopping Spree

Avoid the Black Friday crowds at a relaxed holiday shopping spree in the pavilion where more than 20 artisan vendors will be selling everything from chocolate truffles to jewelry. Make reservations by phone for brunch (11am-1pm) or lunch (1-4pm) in the bistro or call ahead for alfresco dining in the pavilion with wood-fired pizza and salad. 11am-5pm.

Flat Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery, 24912 Singleton Bend East, 512/267-6310

www.flatcreekestate.com

Santa's Ranch

Santa's tired of waiting for global warming to catch up at the North Pole. He's spending most of his pre-Christmastime among the 1.5 million lights of Santa's Ranch. Why not join him? Through Dec. 30, 6-10pm. $24 per car.

9561 N. I-35, New Braunfels (two miles south of Tanger Outlet Mall)

www.santasranch.net

Small Business Saturday

A festivus for the rest of us who don't want to wake up at some ungodly hour on Black Friday to trample our neighbors for a flatscreen. Stop by your local bookstores, record shops, etc. for deals today and all year. No place like Austin to shop local.

Whole Foods Market Ice Rink

It isn't easy getting into a Winter Wonderland mood in Texas. This little frozen oasis can help you forget about climate change for a little while. $10.

Whole Foods Market, 525 N. Lamar, 542-2225

www.wholefoods.com

ONGOING

Austin Farmers' Market

features fresh organic produce, meats, and cheeses straight from surrounding Texas farms, plus live music every week. Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Free.

Republic Square Park, 422 Guadalupe, 512/974-6700

www.austinfarmersmarket.org

Barton Creek Farmers Market

Expect local farm-fresh produce that belies its placement in a parking lot. Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Free.

Barton Creek Square, 2901 Capital of TX Hwy. S., 280-1976

www.bartoncreekfarmersmarket.org

Barton Springs Audio Tour

Take a self-guided tour of Austin's favorite swimming hole. All you have to do is download the audio files and map from the Save Our Springs Alliance website, and off you go.

Barton Springs Pool, 2101 Barton Springs Rd., 512/867-3080

www.sosalliance.org

Central Market Cooking School

Whether you need to brush up your knife skills or throw together a romantic Thai dinner for two, these guys have you covered year round with an eclectic array of classes spanning all skill levels.

Central Market North, 4001 N. Lamar, 512/206-1000

www.centralmarket.com/Cooking-School.aspx

Downtown Ghost Tours

offer nooks-and-crannies walking tours that spotlight the dead to bring Austin's history and geography to life. Fri.-Sat., 8pm.

853-9826

www.austinghosttours.com

Emancipet Free Days

This mobile spay/neuter clinic might be in your neighborhood today. Check www.emancipet.org to find out. Fri.-Sat., check-in begins 8am (first come, first served). Free.

587-SPAY

Helping Hands Center

needs strong, dependable males to help load/unload groceries twice monthly.

Helping Hands Center, 1151 San Bernard St., 472-2298