By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer

What's there to be thankful for? This bountiful selection of activities and events around town through Wednesday!

Thursday

National Philanthropy Day: Area benefactors and others will be honored at the annual luncheon, held by the Texas Plains chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. (11:30 a.m. Thursday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tables $375 to $3,000; individual seats $50. 806-654-2599)

Downtown Lunchtime Book Club: Join the discussion of George Saunders' Lincoln in the Bardo. (12:15 p.m. Thursday, Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3054)

Wolflin Square Christmas Open House: Ring in the season with in-store specials, carolers and photos with Santa. (4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, The Shops at Wolflin Square, 1901 S. Georgia St. 806-355-6131)

Wine Down & Dessert Wars: Sample an array of wines and sweets at this Townsquare Media event. (6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Rex Baxter Building on the Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave. $15 advance, $20 at the door. 806-355-9777)

Lawrence D'Attilio lecture: The photographer, who's featured in Amarillo Museum of Art's ongoing Vietnam exhibitions, will speak about his work, which examines the modern state of the country. (6:30 p.m. Thursday, AMoA, 2200 S. Van Buren St. Free. 806-371-5050)

Merryvale Wine Pairing: Learn about the Merryvale slate of wines at this reservations-only dinner at Metropolitan. (6:30 p.m. Thursday, Metropolitan — A Speakeasy, 9181 Town Square Blvd., Suite 1201. Price TBA. 806-242-0117)

Transgender Day of Remembrance: The Open and Affirming Congregations of the Texas Panhandle will host this ceremony at Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. (6:30 p.m. Thursday, Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4901 Cornell St. 806-355-9351)

Festival of Trees: One-of-a-kind Christmas trees will be auctioned off at the annual fundraiser, which benefits Panhandle Community Services. (7 p.m. Thursday, Soncy Medical Center, 3501 S. Soncy Road. Tickets $20. 806-372-2531)

Much Ado About Nothing: The beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy comes to sparkling life in a production starring WT theater professor Royal R. Brantley as Leonato. Angel Garcia is a wonderfully funny, befuddled Benedick, with the iron-spined Kallie Scott a great foil as Beatrice. Sean Evan Jones, Chad Promise and Cheyenne Haynes also do strong work in supporting roles. Brantley, of course, is the real gem here, threading the needle of a difficult character who goes from bemusement to filal rage and back again. Director Stephen Crandall always shows a facility with Shakespearean works; Much Ado is no different, and its intimate staging in the Studio Theatre really works to its advantage. For more, check out my preview. (7:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through Sunday. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Friday

Parents Night Out: Dop off kids ages 4 to 11 for an evening of experiments. (5:30 p.m. Friday, Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive. $20 for first child and $15 for additional children for members, $25 for first child and $20 for additional for nonmembers. 806-355-9547)

Amarillo Bulls: Amarillo's hockey team will continue its season with a game against the Topeka Roadrunners. (7 p.m. Friday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. $13-$23 adults, $9-$23 children. 806-242-1122)

Sporting Clay Shoot Calcutta Auction: A two-day fundraiser for the West Texas A&M University Foundation begins with this dinner, featuring food from O.H.M.S. Cafe & Bar and an open bar. (7 p.m. Friday, J. Brex Company at Atrium Plaza, 619 S. Tyler St. $250; sponsorships available. 806-651-2663)

Amarilo Symphony: The orchestra will perform Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, Eroica, alongside contemporary American composer Kevin Puts' Symphony No. 2. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues Saturday. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $15 to $54, plus fees. 806-376-8782) 

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The students of Amarillo College Conservatory Theatre will stage this version of Barbara Robinson's perennially popular holiday tale about the Herdman siblings, the so-called "worst kids in the history of the world," and their unexpected involvement in their school Christmas play. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues through Sunday. Ordway Auditorium on the AC Washington Street campus. $12. 806-371-2921)

Eveline Rivers Foundation Benefit Dart Tournament: Take aim for this Amarillo Dart Association fundraiser at Western Horseman Club. (7:30 p.m. Friday; sign-up at 7 p.m. Western Horseman Club, 2501 E. Interstate 40. $10 entry fee. 806-676-8443)

Much Ado About Nothing: The beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy comes to sparkling life in a production starring WT theater professor Royal R. Brantley as Leonato. For more, check out my preview. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues through Sunday. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Saturday

Friends of the Amarillo Public Library Book Sale: Stock up your library with $5-per-bag books. (A Friends-only night is Friday.) (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library downtown branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. 806-378-3054)

Caprock Craft Extravaganza: Get some holiday shopping taken care of at this craft expo at Caprock High School. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Caprock High School, 3001 S.E. 34th Ave. Free. myra.robison@amaisd.org or andrea.cruz@amaisd.org)

Sporting Clay Shoot: A two-day fundraiser for the West Texas A&M University Foundation continues with this tournament, where participants will shoot 100 targets. (10 a.m. Saturday, River Breaks Ranch, 7802 Durret Drive. $250; sponsorships available. 806-651-2663)

Puppy Tales: Kids can practice their skills by reading aloud to therapy dogs. (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library downtown branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. 806-378-3054)

The Exterminating Angel: Thomas Adès’s surreal opera, based on Luis Buñuel's film, premieres on the The Met: Live in HD season. (11:55 a.m. Saturday, Cinemark Hollywood 16, 9100 Canyon Drive. 806-352-7411) 

Crafty Turkeys: Kids can enjoy Thanksgiving stories, games and crafts. (2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library downtown branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. 806-378-3054)

We Can Take It! The CCC in Palo Duro Canyon: Learn about the contribution of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the building of Palo Duro Canyon State Park in a presentation and hike down the CCC trail. Dress for the weather, wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Meet at El Coronado Lodge visitor center. (3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Yak and Yarn: This make-and-take craft program for ages 12 and older will teach how to make a simple hat. One skein of 8 oz. Red Heart Stellar yarn and a size K crochet hook are required. (3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Market & Mimosas: Sip on champagne cocktails and check out local businesses at this shopping expo at City Studios, featuring a DJ, live music, food trucks, dance demonstrations and more. (6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, City Studios, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 25. $5. 806-282-6573)

Master of Disguise Mystery Dinner: Attempt to solve a conundrum at this Hollywood-themed Amarillo Escape and Mystery dinner party. (6 p.m. Saturday, Wolflin House, 11925 S. Western St. $40; must book four days in advance. 806-414-2382)

Nutcracker Ball: Kick off the holiday season with this annual fundraiser for Lone Star Ballet, which includes a champagne fountain, appetizers, a fur show, a children's area, silent auction, dancing and a sales area with an array of nutcrackers. Dress is black-tie or holiday attire. (6 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $150 or $500; tables $1,000 to $10,000. ​806-372-2463)

Couples Night Dance Night: Cut a rug at this country-swing night at City Studios. (7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, City Studios, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 25. Price TBA. 806-282-6573)

Much Ado About Nothing: The beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy will get a revival in a production starring WT theater professor Royal R. Brantley as Leonato. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; continues through Sunday. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Sunday

Friends of the Amarillo Public Library Book Sale: Stock up your library with $3-per-bag books. (A Friends-only night is Friday.) (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Amarillo Public Library downtown branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. 806-378-3054)

Original Toy Run: This toy drive and parade for Salvation Army begins at Tripp's Harley-Davidson and ends at Advo Co. with a party featuring food, free beverage, prize drawings, music and more. (2 p.m. Sunday; registration at 11 a.m. Tripp's Harley-Davidson, 6040 W. Interstate 40, to Advo Co., 5241 S. Washington St. Entry fee $15, a new toy or both. 806-352-2021)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The students of Amarillo College Conservatory Theatre will stage this version of Barbara Robinson's perennially popular holiday tale about the Herdman siblings, the so-called "worst kids in the history of the world," and their unexpected involvement in their school Christmas play. (2:30 p.m. Sunday. Ordway Auditorium on the AC Washington Street campus. $12. 806-371-2921)

Much Ado About Nothing: The beloved Shakespearean romantic comedy will get a revival in a production starring WT theater professor Royal R. Brantley as Leonato. (2:30 p.m. Nov. 19. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $16 adults, $12 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Outside Mullingar: An awkward, shy man and a brittle woman who live on neighboring farms in rural Ireland deal with their aging parents and, belatedly, find love in this comedy by John Patrick Shanley (Doubt, Moonstruck). For more, check out my preview. (2:30 p.m. Sunday. Amarillo Little Theatre Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle. Tickets $19 adults, $16 students and seniors and $13 children Thursdays and Sundays; $21 adults, $19 seniors and students and $16 children Fridays and Saturdays. 806-355-9991)

AC Suzuki and orchestra fall concert: The Suzuki ensembles and the AC Chamber Orchestra will give a joint concert. (3 p.m. Sunday, AC Concert Hall Theatre. Free. 806-371-5340)

Monday

People and Places: A Hard Day's Night in Narnia: A collection of photos by Rik Andersen a Study Abroad trip to England are on view at Cornette Library, with an opening reception Monday. They'll hang through the first week of January. (4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, WT Cornette Library. Free. 806-651-2215)

Traditions: The Amarillo Wind Ensemble will give its first concert of the season, featuring works by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Johann Sebastian Bach, Percy Aldridge Grainger, Jean Sibelius, John Philip Sousa and more. (7 p.m. Monday, The Church at Quail Creek, 801 Tascosa Road.)

Tuesday

Amarillo College Suzuki solo recital: Students in the program will perform. (7 p.m. Tuesday, AC Concert Hall Theatre. Free. 806-371-5346)

WT jazz ensemble: The joint will be swinging. (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, WT Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

Wednesday

Canyon Driving Tour: Take a guided tour through Palo Duro Canyon State Park and learn about its flora, fauna, geology and history. Limited to first 14 people; a waiting list will be used, and passengers must be old enough to ride in van without a car or booster seat. Meet at the gatehouse. (11 a.m. Wednesday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Turkey Trek: Learn about the wild turkey population in Palo Duro Canyon State Park and hike along the canyon floor to find some. Dress for the weather and wear good hiking boots or shoes; no pets allowed, and cameras and binoculars are recommended. Meet at Chinaberry Day Use Area. (2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217. Free with park admission of $5. 806-488-2227)

Giving-of-Thanks Potluck: Celebrate Thanksgiving with this potluck dinner at Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. (6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road. 806-352-6007)

Ongoing

• Amarillo Botanical Gardens: The gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays beginning Nov. 1. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children through eighth grade. Call 806-352-6513.
• Amarillo Escape and Mystery: Attempt to escape a variety of themed locked rooms in 60 minutes at this attraction, 12208 Canyon Drive. It's open daily by reservation; games must be booked two hours in advance. Cost is $20, plus tax. Call 806-414-2382.
• Amarillo Museum of Art: The museum, 2200 S. Van Buren St., features a trio of Vietnam exhibitions through Dec. 30. It's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free. Call 806-371-5050.
• Amarillo Public Library: Look for daily events for children (and book clubs for adults) throughout the fall at all branches. Call 806-378-3051.
• Amarillo Railroad Museum: The museum, 3160 I Ave., is open 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Call 806-335-3333.
• Amarillo Suite Escape: Visitors can attempt to escape from three rooms with rotating themes at this attraction, 715 S. Lamar St. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Cost is $20, plus tax. Call 806-640-3831.
• Amarillo Zoo: The zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail, is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors and $2 children ages 3-12, and free on Monday. Call 806-381-7911.
• American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum: The facility, 2601 E. Interstate 40, is hosting its AQHA Photography Show through Nov. 25. It's open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays (closed holidays). Admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors, $4 veterans, $3 children ages 6 to 18 and free for active-duty military and children 5 and younger. Call 806-376-4811. 
• Bill’s Backyard Classics: The classic car and truck museum, 5309 S. Washington St., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older. Call 806-373-8194.
• Cerulean Gallery: The gallery, 814 S. Taylor St., features Take It All In through Dec. 21. It's open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and by appointment Saturdays. Call 806-576-0063.
• Don Harrington Discovery Center: The center, 1200 Streit Drive, is featuring Travel Adventures through Jan. 9. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays in the summer. Admission is $11 adults, $8 children and students (to age 22), military and seniors. Call 806-355-9547.
• Extreme Laser Tag: Take aim at this indoor attraction, 2503 S.W. 45th Ave. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 2 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $13. Call 806-367-8954.
• The Galleries at Sunset Center: The galleries, 3701 Plains Blvd., are generally open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is free. Call 806-353-5700.
• Harrington House: The historic home, 1600 S. Polk St., features free holiday tours through Dec. 19 conducted on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 806-374-5490.
• Lake Meredith National Recreation Area: The park, located 50 miles northeast of Amarillo near Fritch, is open 24 hours a day. The area also includes Area includes Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. Admission is free. Call 806-857-3151.
• Palo Duro Adventure Park and Zip Line: This attraction, located near the entrance of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays after Labor Day, weather permitting. Call 806-488-2260.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The canyon, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission $5. Call 806-488-2227.
• Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum: The museum, 2503 Fourth Ave. in Canyon, is featuring The Great War and the Panhandle-Plains Region and A Picture from Home: Snapshots of the Great War on the Plains through Dec. 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays through August. Admission is $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children and free for members and children younger than 4. Call 806-651-2244.
• River Breaks Ranch: This attraction, 7802 Durrett Drive, offers sporting clays, team roping, horse racing and more. Call 806-374-0357.
• Southern Light Gallery: The art gallery, located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons on Amarillo College's Washington Street campus, features Robert Hirsh's The Architecture of Landscape through Nov. 16. Gallery hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 5:50 p.m. Sundays. Call 806-345-5654. 
• Texas Air & Space Museum: The museum, 10001 American Drive, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Admission is free; donations accepted. Call 806-335-9159.
• Wildcat Bluff Nature Center: The center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors and children. Call 806-352-6007.
• Xcape Room Warehouse: The newest escape room attraction, 714 S.E. 10th Ave., is open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays, 12:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission $25. Call 806-353-6353.

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