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Christmas Roundup: Activities to keep you Ho-Ho-Ho'ing all season long

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chip chandler
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The Electric Light Parade is set for Friday.
Photo by Ralph Duke
PLAY HERE

By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer

Parades, light tours, parties and more are ready to be unwrapped this holiday season. Read on for your ultimate guide to Christmas in the Panhandle.

 

Ongoing

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  • The Waterfield Christmas Walk is open from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1 at the Citadelle Gardens, 520 Nelson St. in Canadian. Admission is free. Call 806-323-8899.
  • Harrington House has decked the halls in '50s fashion for its annual holiday exhibit, on view through Dec. 15 at the historic home, 1600 S. Polk St. Sybil B. Harrington's gowns from designers such as Bob Mackie, Bill Blass, Pierre Balmain and others also are on view. Free tours are by appointment only on the half hour between 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 806-374-5490.
  • More than 200,000 lights are on view nightly from 6 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 23 at Christmas in the Gardens at Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Each night features live music as well from a variety of schools and performing groups. Call 806-352-6513.
  • The new Nights of Lights at Enchanted Acres horse farm, 6505 S. Osage St., boasts more than 300,000 Christmas lights. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 31 (excluding Christmas Day). Admission is $10 per car or $20 per passenger van or limo with more than 10 passengers. 
  • The new Town Square Village, 9200 Town Square Blvd., has strung 400,000 lights around its main section and offers light shows every half hour between 6 and 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 31. Call 806-803-8178.
  • Several other Amarillo neighborhoods also offer optimal Christmas light viewing, including Gainsborough Road in the Belmar neighborhood, Wolflin, Sleepy Hollow, The Colonies and elsewhere. Tours are informal — meaning, just drive through the neighborhoods on your own after dark.

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Nov. 30

  • Christian singers Trent and Shellie Monk, who perform together as We Are the Monks, will give a free concert at 6 p.m. Wednesday in "The Link" on the fourth floor of the education building at First Baptist Church, 1208 S. Tyler St. Call 806-373-2891. 

 

Dec. 1

  • Amarillo Escape & Mystery, 12208 Canyon Drive, will feature The Christmas Caper from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1. The holiday-themed escape asks two to 10 players to help Santa escape his safe. Cost is $20 each, plus tax. Call 806-570-5067 or 806-282-8433 or email amarilloescapeandmystery@yahoo.com.
  • Trolley Express will offer Christmas Light Tours at 6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. nightly from Thursday through Dec. 23. Tours last about 45 minutes each and travel from Parties & Events, 3301 Olsen, through the Colonies neighborhood and back. Admission is $15 or free for ages 10 and younger. Call 806-359-0517.
  • Western singer Michael Martin Murphey will bring his Cowboy Christmas Ball back to town for a 7 p.m. Dec. 1 performance at the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian, 9151 E. Interstate 40. Tickets are $45 in advance or $50 for front seating, or $35 in advance or $40 for general seating. Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse will provide dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are an additional $30. Call 806-335-3175 for reservations; tickets are selling quickly, said Charles Ritchie, the Kwahadi museum's director.
  • "Weird Al" Yankovic joins the RiffTrax guys for a rebroadcast of the RiffTrax Holiday Special Double Feature of the 1964 turkey Santa Claus Conquers the Martians and some odd holiday shorts. They'll both screen at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Amarillo Star 14, 8275 W. Amarillo Blvd.

 

Dec. 2

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  •  
  • Center City of Amarillo will kick off the holiday season with the annual Electric Light Parade at 6 p.m. Friday through downtown Amarillo. The Songs of the Season parade will feature more than 70 lighted entries traveling north on Polk Street from 11th to Third Avenue. The lighting of the city Christmas tree, a performance by the Golden Spread Men's Chorus and an awards presentation will be held following the parade at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St. Call 806-372-6744. Center City has canceled tonight's Electric Light Parade because of the forecasted rain and snow, according to Executive Director Beth Duke. The tree-lighting ceremony will be rescheduled.
  • Carol of Lights begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Buffalo Fountain on West Texas A&M University's Vaughan Pedestrian Mall. The event is free.
  • Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum's Christmas Open House returns for a 38th year from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the museum, 2503 Fourth Ave. in Canyon. Activities include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, storytelling, cookie decorating, live holiday music and more. Admission is free with one can of food per person to benefit High Plains Food Bank. Call 806-651-2244.
  • The annual Bishop Hills Christmas lights will be on view from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays and 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays through Dec. 25. Admission is free to drive through the village, located northwest of Amarillo on Tascosa Road, but donations of cash and used eyeglasses will be accepted for Amarillo Downtown Lions Club. Santa Claus will hang out on the porch of 11 Nottingham on Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 22 and 23. Call 806-418-4192.
  • The 212 Club will host its annual Eveline Rivers Christmas Project benefit drag show at 10:30 p.m. Friday at the club, 212 S.W. Sixth Ave. Cover is $7. Call 806-372-7997.

 

Dec. 3

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  • Kris Kringle comes back to town for the annual Breakfast with Santa event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive. Admission includes a family-friendly breakfast, a photo with Santa (additional photos with Santa are $15 each), selfies, hands-on Christmas and science activities and more; advance tickets are $15 each or $10 for Discovery Center members through 4:30 p.m. Friday, or $17 each (or $12 for members) at the door. Call 806-355-9547.
  • Ruffles & Rust Expo will hold a pop-up Christmas show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at San Jacinto Christian Academy, 501 S. Carolina St. Cost is $5 for ages 13 and older. Call 806-231-9822.
  • The Tulia Chamber of Commerce's Christmas in Tulia activities begin at 9 a.m. Saturday with Breakfast with Santa at First United Methodist Church, 119 N. Briscoe St., and the annual arts and crafts show in the Senior Citizens Center, 619 S.E. Second St. Other activities include a silent auction and book signing at 10 a.m. at the Swisher County Museum, 127 S.W. Second St.; a free Christmas movie at 1 p.m. at Royal Theatre, 118 S.E. Second St.; cookies and hot chocolate with Santa at the Santa Fe Depot; and the annual light parade at 7 p.m. Call 806-995-2296.
  • Lake Meredith Aquatic and Wildlife Museum, 104 N. Robey Ave. in Fritch, will host its annual Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Call 806-857-2458.
  • Artist Mike LaFleur will be featured at the annual Christmas Open House in Palo Duro Canyon, as will Ann Coberley, who'll sign copies of her book Meditations on Palo Duro Canyon. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and benefits Partners in Palo Duro Canyon. Call 806-488-2506.
  • The holiday classic A Christmas Story will screen at noon Saturday at United Artists Amarillo Star 14, 8275 W. Amarillo Blvd.
  • Amarillo Public Library's Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave., will throw a Winter Party from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday featuring a screening of A Charlie Brown Christmas, snacks, crafting and more. Call 806-359-2094.
  • Christmas in Canyon events include a visit with Santa from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday and the Canyon Lions Club Christmas Pancake Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cole Community Center, 300 N. 16th St.; the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. down Fourth Avenue, and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the square following the parade. Dinner is $5 each; other events are free. Call 806-655-7815.
  • Fritch's Christmas Light Parade and Gala begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Fritch City Hall Annex, 104 N. Robey Ave. Call 806-857-3143.
  • Palo Duro Metro Chorus will present its Christmas Wishes concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at New Life Foursquare Church, 5515 S.W. 50th Ave. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for Amarillo Teen Christmas. Call 806-672-5898.

 

Dec. 4

  • St. Paul United Methodist Church, 4317 W. Interstate 40, will offer a performance of Handel's Messiah at 10:50 a.m. Sunday during services. Call 806-352-5615.
  • Artist Kenneth Wyatt will host a meet and greet from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at his Amarillo gallery, 7306 S.W. 34th Ave., Suite 12. Call 806-995-2239 or 806-803-9265.
  • West Texas A&M University choirs and symphony orchestra will team up for a pair of holiday concerts, I Heard the Bells, at 4 and 7 p.m. Sunday in Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. More than 200 musicians, including Ascension Academy High School Choir and First United Methodist Church of Canyon's Handbell Choir, will perform a program of carols and holiday music. Also featured will be violinist Rossitza Goza, organist Raenell McDonough and narrator Royal R. Brantley. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Call 806-651-2840.
  • Amarillo College Concert Choir will perform during a Christmas service at 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1601 S. Georgia St. Call 806-376-6316.

 

Dec. 5

  • High Plains Food Bank's Together We Can holiday food and fund drive runs Dec. 5 to 10 at Market Street, 2530 S. Georgia St. The food bank requests financial donations, canned vegetables, canned meats, canned pasta sauces, pasta, peanut butter, boxed dinners, rice and beans. Call 806-374-8562.
  • Amarillo Public Library's Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave., will feature holiday skits based on popular children's books Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present and Christmas with Morris and Boris at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 5 to 8 and Dec. 12 to 15. Call 806-378-3089.

 

Dec. 6

  • Amarillo Public Library's North Branch, 1500 N.E. 24th Ave., will host a pajama-party screening of The Polar Express at 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Call 806-381-7931.

 

Dec. 7

  • The lighting of the city Christmas tree (which was postponed from Dec. 2), will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Santa Claus will arrive about 4 p.m. and the tree-lighting ceremony will be at about 5:45 with Mayor Paul Harpole and City Council members. Call 806-372-6744.
  • The DryLand Dreamers will perform at a Christmas sing-along and potluck dinner from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road. Admission is $5. Call 806-352-6007.

 

Dec. 8

  • The Amarillo College Christmas tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8 on the Oeschger Family Mall on the Washington Street campus.
  • The annual Tascosa Pops concert and dinner begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets are $25; deadline is Dec. 1. The performance by Tascosa High School's orchestra and band also will feature guest orchestra conductor Mark Bartley of West Texas A&M University and narration by Billy Talley. Call 806-326-2662.

 

Dec. 9

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  • Amarillo Women's Network will host its annual Christmas and Scholarship Auction Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Abuelo's banquet room, 3501 S.W. 45th Ave. KAMR/KCIT's Meaghan Collier will be the featured speaker, and the Angel Band of First Presbyterian Church will perform. Cost is $20; reservations are due Dec. 6. Call 806-374-5058. 
  • The fifth annual Zoo Lights event will light up the Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail, from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 and 16 to 23. Stroll through the zoo to see holiday displays, costumed animal characters, kids games, nightly readings, crafts and more. Admission is $4 for ages 13 to 61, $3 for seniors and $2 for children ages 3 to 12. Call 806-381-7911.
  • The Northside Toy Drive  Black Tie Affair will run from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 9 at Vintage Autohaus, 8201 W. Amarillo Blvd. Admission is an unwrapped toy or cash for the donation tree, or $300 for a reserved table for 10. The event will feature cocktails, casino games, live music from Natural Change and hors d'oeuvres. Call 806-676-7482.
  • Amarillo Activity Youth Center's  Christmas Banquet begins at 7:30 p.m. at the center, 816 S. Van Buren St. Tickets are $10; reservations are required and due by Dec. 5. Call 806-373-2292.
  • Lone Star Ballet's traditional staging of The Nutcracker is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 9, 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 10, and 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets are $13 to $48, plus fees. Call 806-378-3096.

 

Dec. 10

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  • Martha's Home will provide free photos with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at Liberty Tax, 3610 S. Washington St. Donations of paper goods and personal care items also will be accepted. Call 806-372-4035.
  • National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation will screen at noon Dec. 10 at United Artists Amarillo Star 14, 8275 W. Amarillo Blvd. Warn the family.
  • PetSmart, 2800 S. Soncy Road, will offer pet photos with Santa Claus from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 and Dec. 17 and 18. For a $5 donation to the SPCA, customers will receive a 4x6 color photo of their pet. Call 806-622-0555.
  • The annual Texas Panhandle Tuba Christmas concert will begin at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 inside the northeast entrance to Westgate Mall, 7701 W. Interstate 40. The concert — which organizer Jim Hutson describes as "kind of like the county fair — it gets bigger and better every year" — is expected to feature more than 100 low-brass players performing holiday tunes. An open rehearsal begins at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 12 in the Amarillo High School band room, 4225 Danbury St., and lunch will be provided. Call 806-358-2137.
  • Amarillo Fellowship Church, 8425 S. Bell St., will stage its Celebrate Christmas holiday production at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 and 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 11. Call 806-463-1232.
  • The Door Christian Fellowship Church, 708 S. Dumas Ave. in Dumas, will stage The Grinch: A Tale of a Growing Heart at 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Cash donations will be accepted. Call 806-930-2682.

 

Dec. 11

  • The Hood Mass Choir — made up of members from 15 Amarillo churches, according to organizer Donnell Hill — will give its 23rd Christmas in the Hood concert at 5 p.m. Dec. 11 in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. "We have always done it at churches, but it had gotten so large, so we decided we needed a larger place," Hill said. Tickets are $5. Call 806-378-3096.

 

Dec. 12

  • Amarillo Public Library's East Branch, 2232 S.E. 27th Ave., will host a paper-crafting session to teach how to make origami stars for ornaments at 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Call 806-342-1589.
  • The Amarillo Wind Ensemble will give a free 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 concert in the Amarillo College Concert Hall Theater on the Washington Street campus. Call 806-371-5340.

 

Dec. 13

  • Amarillo Youth Choirs will give its Songs of the Season concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at Paramount Baptist Church, 3801 S. Western St. Tickets are $10 or $5 for ages 8 and younger; they're available at the choir's office, 203 S.W. Eighth Ave., Suite 303. Call 806-372-1100.

 

Dec. 16

 

Dec. 17

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  • Home Alone will screen at noon Dec. 17 at United Artists Amarillo Star 14, 8275 W. Amarillo Blvd. Make sure to bring the kids — all of them, even Kevin.
  • The Amarillo Symphony hopes to launch a new Christmas tradition with its Happy Holiday Pops concerts at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets are $19 to $55, plus fees. Call 806-376-8782 or 806-378-3096.
  • Don Harrington Discovery Center's Let It Snow holiday light show will expand this year to add matinee hours. Showings are set for 2 and 4 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18, 2 p.m. Dec. 19 to 23, and 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Dec. 21 to 23. Matinee tickets are $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers, plus center admission fees; evening tickets are $4 for members and $6 for nonmembers. Call 806-355-9547.
  • Amarillo Public Library's Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave., will host a Yak and Yarn Club session to teach how to make crochet gifts from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Call 806-259-2094.
  • Palo Duro Canyon will host a Christmas in the Canyon Balloon Glow from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17, featuring several hot-air balloons, performances by The DryLand Dreamers and Oakdale Elementary School honor choir and more. Admission is free with a donation of a nonperishable food item after 4 p.m.; regular park entry fees will apply before 4 p.m. The glow will take place at the Mack Dick Group Pavilion. Call 806-488-2506.

 

Dec. 18

  • The Humane Society of Deaf Smith County will hold a holiday bazaar and craft show from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Hereford Community Center, 100 Avenue C. Call 806-363-6499.
  • Jingle Jam, a concert featuring singers Devlon Jones, Chana Smith, Melia Roberts and others, is set for 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 18 at In This Moment, 707 S. Polk St. The event also will include hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets are $15 each or $25 for couples and are available at Da Spot Barbershop, 1102 W. Amarillo Blvd. Call 806-679-2615.
  • First Baptist Church's annual Christmas concert will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19 at the church, 1208 S. Tyler St. Admission is free. Call 806-373-2891.
  • A Winter Solstice hafla belly-dancing event is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 18 at The 806, 2812 S.W. Sixth Ave. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Call 806-322-1806.

 

Dec. 19

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  • The Flying J Wranglers will bring their Cowboy Christmas show back to Amarillo for a 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 performance at Amarillo Little Theatre, 2019 Civic Circle. Tickets are $25; ALT members get a 10 percent discount. Call 806-355-9991.

 

Dec. 21

  • Amarillo native Kristin Key will celebrate the release of her new holiday album, It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Kristin, at her annual Home for the Holidays show at 10 p.m. Dec. 21 at Hoots Pub, 2424 Hobbs Road. Cover is $10. 

 

Dec. 23

 

Dec. 24

  • It's a Wonderful Life will screen at noon Dec. 24 at United Artists Amarillo Star 14, 8275 W. Amarillo Blvd. 
  • Austin's Texas Pub, 3121 S.W. Sixth Ave., will throw an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at 10 p.m. Dec. 24 featuring DJ Gemini; there's no cover charge. Call 806-803-9063.

 

Dec. 27

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  • Mannheim Steamroller will bring its Christmas tour back to Amarillo for a 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 show in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets are $25 to $65, plus fees; Panhandle PBS supporters who pledge $100 will get a ticket and a meet-and-greet pass. Call 806-378-3096 for tickets or 806-371-5479 to pledge.

 

 

 

Chip Chandler is a digital content producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and at www.facebook.com/chipchandlerwriter on Facebook.