We understand if you just want to sleep off all that turkey and pie. But really? You need to get off the couch, take off the sweatpants and put on some pants with belt loops so you can go out and explore the weekend's vast entertainment possibilities.
Why do you need to head out instead of stay in? Because it’s Christmas. Finally, those decorations that have been up in Target since Halloween are justified. This is the weekend to kill two turtledoves with one stone by getting some shopping done and having some fun while you’re at it.
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1
Black Friday could be one of the biggest scams in the retail industry. It might be fine if you’re just doing it for the sport of it, but is getting a slightly marked down Vizio worth waking up at the obscenely early hour you need to score one really worth it? Plus, your hard earned money should be spent on gifts that matter more than boring ol’ electronics. Spend it on something made with some love.
That’s exactly what you'll find at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, opening this Friday and keeping regular hours until the 11th hour on Christmas Eve. There you’ll find art, crafts and jewelry made by various independent Austin artists, as well as regularly scheduled art and music events. Not exactly stuff you can find at Best Buy.
A Christmas Story at ZACH Theatre
Starting Friday, there’s a good chance you’ll be watching A Christmas Story for the first time this month, and when Christmas approaches you’ll likely have seen it another 50 times or so. There’s no escaping this movie, because it’s just so perfect, but you can break the routine a bit this weekend with a special stage adaptation.
The ZACH Theatre should be your main spot to check out holiday-themed performing arts, and this live production of A Christmas Story is a great way to begin the season. Seeing Ralphie and his family come to life before you will give a new perspective on a Christmas classic, and getting you pumped for another 24-hour marathon on TBS.
Saturday, November 30
25th Annual Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade
Shopping and seeing A Christmas Story are a great way to get into the merry frame of mind for Christmas, but what really gets you ready is a parade, especially one that celebrates the spirit of giving.
It’s hard to believe that Chuy’s has been hosting its holiday parade for a quarter-century now, but it makes sense considering that it not only gives families a fun activity for a cold Saturday; it also teaches kids the importance of helping those who need help having a Merry Christmas. Bring the family out along with a new, unwrapped gift to donate to Blue Santa and enjoy the colorful assortment of marching bands, balloons and floats making their way downtown.
Saturday, November 30 – Sunday, December 1
Renegade Craft Fair Winter Market
Blue Genie is opening up this weekend, but since it will be open through most of December, don’t forget that the Renegade Craft Fair is back in town for its Winter Market. Artisans and vendors from near and far will fill the Palmer Events Center.
If you’re shopping for friends and family who love stylish wares and exquisite handmade goods, you’ll be pretty busy going back and forth between each craft market, but when Monday rolls around, you’ll be able to sit back and wait for Christmas without a care in the world.
Begin celebrating Christmas and the spirit of giving at Chuy's 25th annual Children Giving to Children Parade.
