Blizzard! Forecast calls for 3 feet of holiday season events in Abilene
As you begin Friday to consider how much you ate Thursday, how the Cowboys fared against the Giants, where to shop, how to watch football or ... well, maybe you're back to work ... consider it a breather before the push to Christmas begins.
On the entertainment side, there is a lot planned.
A. Lot.
Including two Christmas concerts by A. Watson.
But that's later.
Santa arrived last weekend at the mall, so we are ready for the holiday.
Lights, lights and more lights
Beginning Friday is another run of Winter Lightfest, again at its winter wonderland of lights location on E.N. 10th Street. The almost monthlong event begins Friday evening and continues through Dec. 23. It's open weekends and then Dec. 19-23.
If you get tickets online, they're $12 for adults, $7 for youths and free to visitors 2 and younger. Prices at the gate are $15 and $10.
Lights will be twinkling against at the Abilene Zoo. "Christmas Celebration" is open from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 16-23 at Nelson Park, where visitors can ice skate, watch ice sculptures being crafted and see a live Nativity.
Tickets are $16 for adults and youths 3-17, who also get a cookie and reindeer craft. It's free to those 2 and under.
Next up is City Sidewalks, which is scheduled downtown Tuesday evening. The highlight is the 34th lighted parade, which will course through Pine and Cypress streets, as usual, but also wind through the South of Downtown Abilene area in the South Second and Oak street area.
More than 120 entries are expected. It's the biggest parade of the year in Abilene.
The parade theme is "A Polar Wonderland." That did not seem possible last summer, when it was 110 degrees. But here we are. The forecast for Tuesday is a pleasant evening.
The city Christmas tree will be glowing. Mayor Anthony Williams will flip the switch one last time - he recently announced he will not seek a third term, despite the joy of lighting the big tree. That begins at 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of City Hall, with tree lighting at 6:30
Revolution Strings will perform.
City Sidewalks will feel like the good ol' days this year. Because of the pandemic, the Abilene ISD did not participate in the event for the two past years. This year, however, all sorts of AISD music groups are scheduled at various venues.
The music, of course, includes a performance by Abilene Community Band under the Paramount Theatre marquee for about an hour before the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. There is no charge to stand or sit in lawn chairs to enjoy holiday favorites performed by the all-volunteer band.
Dec. 1-3 is busy
On Dec. 1, at the Wylie Performing Arts Center, it's country music star Travis Tritt performing a show that benefits Habitat for Humanity. And if you want a preview of this spring's Outlaws & Legends Music Festival, Micky & the Motorcars will be at Potosi Live on Dec. 1 for a show. Micky and the boys are among the groups lined up for the 12th annual outdoor music event.
On Dec. 2, it's "Christmas in the Garden: Welcome to Narnia!" The event will be presented twice - 5-6:30 and 6:30-8 p.m. - at Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden. The event will feature costumed characters, performances by BackBeat, the pop group from Chorus Abilene, crafts, Queen Susan's Archery, Dinner with the Beavers and Tea with Tumnus.
Those familiar with the C.S. Lewis book series will know how all that fits in.
The Grace Museum also has a kids' event planned - "Family Christmas at the Grace," from 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 8. Santa will take a break from the mall and be there, and crafts for all ages will be offered. You can create a card, reindeer necklace or headband.
Admission is free.
Also that night, it's "The Beauty of Christmas," this year's holiday show by Celebration Singers at the Paramount Theatre. It's a free event, and the auditorium usually is packed to hear songs of the season and enjoy the wit of emcee Larry "Guffaw" McGraw.
It's free, but donations to the volunteer group are appreciated.
On Dec. 3, again at the Convention Center but inside, it's the annual holiday performance by the Abilene Philharmonic with special vocal guests. There will be a shorter matinee geared for youngsters and a full performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Abilene Convention Center.
Last year's holiday show marked the symphony's return to its downtown venue after being away for much of the pandemic. But this year, construction at the north-side entrance is done, ensuring smooth access to the center. It's the south side that is under construction this year.
Two blocks away, back at the Paramount, it's a 7:30 p.m. showing of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." Regular movie prices apply.
Lots planned at the Paramount
The Paramount is a holiday hub, for sure.
On Dec. 7, it's the second live radio production of "A Christmas Carol" presented by public radio station KACU. It's from 7-9 p.m.
On Dec. 9-10 are showings of this year's holiday film, "It's a Wonderful Life." The movie starts at 7:30 each night.
On Dec. 11, after missing two years, a live performance of Handel's "Messiah" will be presented by Abilene Opera Association. A live orchestra directed by David Itkin, the conductor of the Abilene Philharmonic, will accompany singers.
Two nights later, Abilene Community Band will be inside the theater for its holiday show. It begins at 7:30 and is free, but donations also will be appreciated.
On Dec. 17, it's "The Return of the Nutcracker." It features William Lee Martin and is billed as a night of "holiday comedy, music & surprises." It begins at 8 p.m.
Aaron Watson, the country singer who calls the Abilene area home, is home for the holidays with two nights of "An Aaron Watson Family Christmas."
So, the popcorn will be popping at the downtown theater that soon will be counting down toward its 100th birthday.
But wait, there's more.
Also on the schedule ...
From 6-8 p.m. Dec. 3 at Zion Lutheran Church, the "Journey to Bethlehem Hymn Sing" is planned. The church is at 2801 Antilley Road. A soup supper follows the music.
It will be outside but if the weather is not cooperating, participants will journey indoors.
From Dec. 8-11, the Living Christmas Tree will be presented by Wylie Baptist Church. This effort began in 1982, so this is the 40th anniversary presentation by the southwest Abilene church. It;s titled "King of Glory."
At 7 p.m. Dec. 9, it's a "Baroque Christmas" at Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, the December offering in its Chamber Music Concert Series.
On Dec. 10, there are performances at 2 and 7 p.m. of "Once Upon a Christmas Eve" at the Abilene Convention Center, an annual event by Patty Harper School of Dance. Tickets are on sale from 9 a.m. -2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the studio, 3114 North First St.
And if you're sleigh is up for a short road - much shorter than what Santa has planned Dec. 24 - Michael Martin Murphey returns to Pioneer Hall in Anson for the first of three nights of the Texas Cowboys' Christmas Ball. He has the Dec. 15 show, while West Texas western swing king Jody Nix is on stage the following two nights.
While your are out, you can warm up if needed at The Center for Contemporary. There, Peggy Sheppard has her unique photos on display in the Bill and Alice Wright Photo Gallery. CCA is open Tuesdays-Saturday, and there is no charge to look.
And if you are up to touring the town to see holiday lights display, remember that the Hardin-Simmons campus will be aglow in lights.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Blizzard! Forecast is for 3 feet of holiday season events in Abilene
