It’s time to get your game face on and cast aside any remaining shred of mercy, because it’s the final weekend before Christmas. You’ll only have a few more days off of work to scramble for your final gifts, so godspeed with that, since everyone will be doing the same thing.
On the other hand, if you’re the type of person who took care of all of that nonsense on Cyber Monday, all you have to do is wait for the last of your packages to arrive. So what are you going to do with all of your free time? Here are the top weekend events to check out while everyone else is trying to survive World War Z and looking for the last PlayStation 4.
Friday, December 20 – Sunday, December 21
Okay, this is actually more for those looking for some last-minute shopping, but the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is worth checking out even if you just want to treat yourself.
The bazaar will feature more than 160 artists displaying various handcrafted wares, such as simple stocking stuffers or collectible artwork that can brighten up any home. It doesn’t matter which family member or what kind of friend you’re shopping for, because you’ll find something for him or her. If you somehow leave empty-handed, at least you'll have gotten to enjoy some music from performers like Jimmy Lafave, Marcia Ball, Alpha Rev and more. It’s better than hearing Frosty the Snowman one more time at Target.
The Wonder Bread Years at the Long Center
Austinite Pat Hazell has some serious entertainment chops working behind the scenes of Seinfeld and The Tonight Show, but he’s also an accomplished playwright, and he’s not too shy to stand in the spotlight. He returns to the Long Center for his new one-man show, The Wonder Bread Years.
Baby boomers will relive the glory days through a work that’s part theatrical performance and part stand-up routine, resulting in a fast-paced show that brings on the laughs with just a hint of nostalgia. And when you go to the Long Center this weekend, be sure to bring along items for the collection bins Caritas of Austin has put there to to help as many people have a happy holiday.
Don’t get stuck at another tedious office holiday party. The last weekend before Christmas is the best week to have a crazy holiday-themed party with friends and professional entertainers. You’ll find plenty of both during A Rebecca Havemeyer Christmas at the North Door.
One of Austin’s most beloved drag queens will teach us all the meaning of Christmas, or something like that. Really, it’s just a reason to get silly and unwind, especially if you’ve been shopping all day long, and you’ll have three chances to catch the show from Friday through Sunday.
Sunday, December 22
Cartoon Cereal Party: Christmas Edition
For another shot of nostalgia this weekend, put on your favorite jammies and prepare yourself for the bottomless cereal bowls of the Alamo Drafthouse. The Cartoon Cereal Party will get you into the spirit of Christmas with a show devoted to some of your favorite holiday-themed episodes of classic Saturday morning cartoons.
Spend just one more day with the likes of Ren & Stimpy, Animaniacs and that one episode of Batman: The Animated Series in which the Joker sings the alternate lyrics to “Jingle Bells.” That’s how you really have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Take care of your holiday shopping at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.
