• Shop for distinctive wine, lavender, and culinary-themed gift items at Becker Vineyards‘ (three miles west of Stonewall, off Highway 290 West; 830/644-2681) annual Christmas in the Vineyard event. Nov. 23-25: Friday, noon-6pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, noon-6pm.
• Legendary UT football coach Darrell K. Royal will serve as grand marshal of the Chuy’s annual Children Giving to Children Parade. Bring the family out to see the five gigantic inflatable parade balloons (Strawberry Shortcake, Bob the Builder, Hello Kitty, the Coke Polar Bear, and Oscar the Grouch), famous children’s characters, marching bands, floats carrying Ray Benson & Asleep at the Wheel, Zach Scott‘s Rockin’ Christmas Party singers and dancers, beloved children’s entertainers Joe McDermott and Sara Hickman, and Santa Claus himself. The parade begins at the Capitol, progresses down Congress Avenue, turns west on Sixth, and ends at Guadalupe. The procession will come to a halt near the end to allow spectators to donate toys that will be distributed by Blue Santa during the holiday season. For more info on the parade and the kinds of toys needed, go to www.chuysparade.com. Saturday, Nov. 24, 11am.
• The holiday season is the perfect time to learn about pairing malty craft-brewed beers with fine chocolates. North by Northwest Restaurant & Brewery (10010 Capital of TX Hwy. N., 467-6969) director of brewing education Mary Thompson will explain the complexities of pairing beer with exquisite, handcrafted chocolate truffles prepared by Executive Chef George Powell. $35 per person, reservations suggested. Monday, Nov. 26, 7pm.
This article appears in November 23 • 2007.