Photo by Joe OlivieriThe Thinkery, the new Austin Children's Museum, held a preview on Nov. 21. The museum opens to the public on Dec. 7 in the Mueller development.
An Austin children's museum is hosting gingerbread house–making workshops through Dec. 24.
The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave., in the Mueller neighborhood is accepting one-hour reservations for children to gain access to everything they need to build their own gingerbread house that may be taken home.
There are separate gingerbread workshops available for children age 5 and younger. All participants may visit the rest of the children's museum after the workshop concludes.
The sessions cost $24 for members and $28 for nonmembers. 512-469-6200. www.thinkeryaustin.org
OTHER EVENTS:
DEC. 18—"An English Christmas Tradition," the second show in Ensemble VIII's 2014–15 season, includes carols based on the traditional service from King's College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that has become an annual Christmas highlight throughout the world. 7:30 p.m. $10–$45. St. Louis Catholic Church chapel, 7601 Burnet Road. 800-838-3006. www.ensembleviii.org
DEC. 19—The "Turn Blue" world tour stops in Austin to promote The Black Keys' eighth studio album. Special guest St. Vincent joins the Grammy Award–winning rock duo from Ohio. 8 p.m. $35–$75. Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River St. 512-471-7744. www.uterwincenter.com
DEC. 20—The official Blue Santa representing the Austin Police Department's Operation Blue Santa—a nonprofit outreach program run by the Austin Police Department, the Austin Fire Department, Austin Energy, Austin Water Utility and the Texas National Guard—delivers donated toys and meals to needy families' homes. The event features live entertainment and food for participating volunteers. 7 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. Blue Santa Warehouse, 4101 S. Industrial Drive, Ste. 260. www.bluesanta.org
DEC. 21—"Disney Junior Live on Tour: A Pirate & Princess Adventure" awaits attendees of this family-friendly show, a live stage performance featuring characters from "Sofia The First" and "Jake and the Never Land Pirates." The event also includes an interactive preshow performance featuring Doc McStuffins. 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. $20–$55. Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River St. 512-471-7744. www.uterwincenter.com
DEC. 21—The Newcomers Hanukkah Party hosted by the Jewish Community Association of Austin includes latkes and sufganiyot, or jelly donuts, for attendees who have recently moved to Austin. The event is for Austin newcomers to learn about the area and the Dell Jewish Community Center. Jay Rubin, CEO of the Jewish Federation, and JCC Executive Director Shelly Prant provide information about the center. 4–6 p.m. Free. Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane. 512-735-8000. www.shalomaustin.org
