Need something Austin-y (art, jewelry, prints, clothing, etc., whatnot, and then some) for a loved one this year? More than 125 artists and artisans will help you with your gifting conundrums. Special events occur throughout the month of December, so shop early and often. Through Dec. 24, 10am-10pm, everyday. Free.
The Marchesa Hall & Theatre, 6406 N I-35, 454-2000
This class (along with downsizing your trash cart) is part of the city's offer to get you a rebate ($75 value) on a home composting system. 6:30-7:30pm. Free.
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)
A rep from Capital/Apple Records discusses the remastering of these classic records for the new Beatles vinyl collection. You'll also get to hear some highlights from those albums on some of the finest audio equipment in town. 7pm. Free.
Whetstone Audio, 2401 E. Sixth #1001, 512/477-8503
Support local artists with disabilities and get some holiday shopping done at the same time. Braille cards, prints, ornaments, books, and original art all await your holiday dollars. Through Dec. 24, Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm. Free.
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.
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
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.
The Carver is the first museum in the nation to feature a permanent exhibit honoring Juneteenth. Up all year round, the museum's core exhibit is dedicated to the history and evolution of Juneteenth, told through a combination of visual and interactive activities. Mon.-Fri., 10am-4pm. Free.
George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina, 512/472-4809
Keeping the Lights on at Casa de LuzThe iconic Austin eating-and-meeting place dearly wants to continue pursuing its macrobiotic mission – but can't quite seem to comply with public safety codes
Review: Man of SteelThis new Superman flies without a lot of emotional baggage, which is mostly a good thing though the character could stand a bit more dramatic heft.
A Call for Separate Cycling InfrastructureAustin's current cycling infrastructure (or real lack thereof) is a dangerous Frankenstein's monster of sorts, one hobbled together from a ...
Media, Pa., Break-In Shocking: While much of the information about the FBI’s COINTELPRO program recounted in “The Facts Were Immaterial” were somewhat or ...
Perry's Blackmail ThreatGovernor Perry has followed through with his blackmail threat to veto funding for the district attorney's Public Integrity Unit. I ...
Competitive PricingI have a little story I wrote that I hope you will enjoy. A barber comes into town and sets ...
Perry Working for the DemocratsI hope Austin Chronicle readers will join me in congratulating Rick Perry for his veto of legislation to provide Texas ...