Are you spending your Christmas in Austin this year? Every year the city plays host to many festive shows and events throughout the holiday season. From the Zilker Trail of Lights to Ice Skating on the Plaza at Whole Foods Market, these 10 events are just a sampling of the many things to do and see in Austin this time of year.

Zilker Trail of Lights
Thru 12/23, Zilker Park
www.ci.austin.tx.us/tol/default.htm

Skating on the Plaza
Thru 1/1, Whole Foods Market (6th & Lamar)
www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lamar/index.html/

 Santa vs. The Snowman 3D: IMAX
Thru 12/31, Bob Bullock Museum
http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/

Ballet Austin: The Nutcracker
Thru 12/23, Paramount Theatre
http://www.balletaustin.org/

Holiday Pops: Simply Sinatra
12/30-31, Palmer Events Center
www.austinsymphony.org/newspress/pr_Sinatra.asp

Hill Country Lighting Trail
www.tex-fest.com/regional/default.htm

37th Street Lights
(37th St. between Guadalupe and Home Ln.)
www.austin360.com/event/events2/etc/userEventDisplay.jspd?eventStatus=Approved&eventid=152625

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Thru 12/24, Austin Convention Center
www.armadillobazaar.com

Rockin’ Christmas Party
Thru 12/30, ZACH (Riverside & S. Lamar)
www.zachscott.com/stages/rockin.html

First Night Austin 2008
12/31, Downtown Austin
www.firstnightaustin.org

photo provided by: yummiec00kies

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• E.A.S.T [EAST AUSTIN STUDIO TOUR]

Take the free, self-guided tour of over 200 East Austin art studios. The theme this year is reduce your speed. What better way than to take the tour on your bicycle. Pedi-cab service will also be avalable.  Saturday, Nov 17-18, 10am-5pm. http://www.eastaustinstudiotour.com/

• ART & WINE TRAIL

This tour features seven galleries, three wineries and one weekend of beautiful Hill Country scenery. Sat-Sun, Nov 17-18, 10am-5pm. http://www.artandwine.org/

• BARACK OBAMA: COUNTDOWN TO CHANGE EVENT

Hear Barack speak at The Backyard. Sat., Nov. 17, 3pm. 13101 Hwy. 71 W,  $25 http://www.barackobama.com

• 5TH BIRTHDAY PARTY, DOWNTOWN AUSTIN FARMER’S MARKET

Have a piece of birthday cake and celebrate the 5th season of the Downtown Farmer’s Market. Nov 17, 9am-1pm. Fourth and Guadalupe at Republic Square Park http://www.austinfarmersmarket.org/

• MACY’S CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

The Domain is ringing in a new holiday tradition this year with the lighting of the 40 ft Macy’s Christmas tree. Carriage rides, fireworks and live music to accompany. Sat., Nov. 17, 6pm. The Domain 11410 Century Oaks Terrace #210 www.austin360.com/calendar/events2/etc/userEventDisplay.jspd?eventStatus=Approved&eventid=148763

• TILING WALLS AND FLOORS CLINIC

Getting ready for those Fall home improvement projects? Hone in your skills this Saturday. Nov 17, 11am. All Home Depot locations. Register online. http://www.homedepotclinics.com/

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I’ve mentioned before, what attracts me to downtown Austin is that there’s something unique and  different to experience almost everyday. The conversations with people you meet, the condo developments going up and the events going on… this weekend is no exception. From noon to 6pm this Saturday you’ll find a pet-centric design competition taking place in the 2ND Street District. So what is it you ask?   

30 Designers, 30 Doghouses

“The 2ND Street District is pleased to announce Barkitecture Austin 2007, a doghouse design challenge benefiting local Austin animal rescue groups.

30 Austin architecture and design firms have been invited to unleash their creativity while working under a set of guidelines: The doghouses must contain some recycled and sustainable materials.

Awards for distinguished doghouse designs and winners of the silent auction will be announced at 6pm at Design Within Reach (200 W. 2nd Street). Several participating architects and designers will also be on hand to discuss their creations. Winning doghouses will be on display at Design Within Reach for the rest of the weekend.”

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Take a 4 minute tour of Downtown stopping at a few key destinations including, Waterloo Records, Fado Irish pub, BookPeople and 6th street. Enjoy.

Provided By: jellybeanempire

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 We’re not moving, simply growing that’s all. We launched our presence on MySpace earlier this week. Feel free to come on over and be our friend. Listen to some good tunes,  browse through pictures of Austin’s latest urban (re)developments and see if we have any friends in-common.  If you like what you see, don’t be shy… leave us a note on our comment wall.

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