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Black Austin Democrats Annual Holiday Party

Kevin and Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole host Austin Democrats for a dinner honoring Jim Wick, Ada Harden, and David Escamilla for their work this year. 6-8pm. Free.

At the home of Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole, 4101 Wildwood

www.blackaustindemocrats.net, james.nortey@gmail.com

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

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

www.bluegenieartbazaar.com

Breath & Meditation

De-stress and recharge with a little structured breathing and thinking. Go online or call to RSVP. Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, 6:30pm.

Art of Living, 297-7950

www.keepaustinmeditating.org

Christmas Family Night

Start the seasonal tradition of forced familial bonding with live music, dancers, candle making, carriage rides, game booths, and a cavalcade of seasonal characters. 6:30pm. Free.

Downtown Round Rock, 341-3361

www.roundrocktexas.gov/home/index.asp?page=634

Ebenezer's Journey

It might be the standard story, but Pioneer Farms makes it an interactive experience with Bob Cratchitt, Tiny Tim, and the rest of the crew. Fri.-Sat., Dec, 7-8 & 14-15, 7pm. $12.

Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr., 837-1215

www.ebenezersjourney.com

Gifts That Give

Shop without guilt with fair trade and socially conscious jewelry, journals, shoes, clutches, T-shirts, backpacks, and more. Dec. 1-8, 11am-7pm. Free.

Pine Street Station, 1101 E. Fifth, 217-1384

www.the-good-collaborative.com

Global Holiday Bazaar

Ethically produced jewelery and gifts from around the globe vie for your holiday monies. Thu.-Fri., Dec. 6-7, 10am-4pm.

The Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr., 512/471-7324

www.blantonmuseum.org

Holiday Light Show

This local coffee shop has been stepping up its holiday light game for years. Every hour the lights and music explode with the spirit of the holidays. Through Jan. 1, 6pm-12mid. Free.

Mozart's Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., 512/477-2900

www.mozartscoffee.com

Holiday Lights Helicopter Tours

Tired of seeing our city all lit up for the holidays from the ground. Well, these short tours grants you a bird's eye view. Fridays & Saturdays through December. $125, 15-minute tour; $255, 30-minute tour.

Bud Dryden Airport, 10301 FM 969

www.austinhelicoptertours.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

VSA Texas Holiday Art & Gift Show

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.

AGE Building, 3710 Cedar, 454-9912

www.vsatx.org

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

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