THURSDAY
"Of Mice and Music—AJazz Tap Nutcracker" runs Dec. 8-18.[/caption]
1. "Of Mice and Music—A Jazz Tap Nutcracker"
The show is a rhythm tap and jazz spin on the beloved yuletide story, “The Nutcracker.” Of Mice and Music unites the company’s professional dancers with the rising stars of its pre-apprentice youth company, Visions in Rhythm. The show continues until Dec. 18.
2, 7 p.m. (depending on date). $13.50-$34. Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin. 512-474-5664. www.thelongcenter.org/event/mice-music-jazz-tap-nutcracker/
FRIDAY
2. "Austin Children’s Nutcracker"
The 16th annual production of the holiday classic features dancers ages 8-18 from Austin City Ballet, which is based in Northwest Austin. The production runs until Sunday, then again from Dec. 16-18.
2:30 or 7:30 p.m. (depending on date). Free (age 3 and younger), $15 (age 4-11), $25 (age 12 and older). Dougherty Art Center Theater, 1110 Barton Springs Road, Austin. 512-291-2310. www.austincityballet.org
SATURDAY
3. Explore Asia: Holiday Storytime & Crafts
Participants enjoy a winter wonderland of tales with holiday-themed storytime and make their own crafts based on the books afterward.
1-3 p.m. Free. Asian American Resource Center, classrooms 4 and 5, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin. 512-974-1700. www.austintexas.gov/aarc
4. Holiday fun at Domain Northside
Domain Northside hosts free family events this weekend at the Northside Lawn, located west of Nordstrom, from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday and noon- 4 p.m. Sunday. The events include children's activities and a special Saturday performance by the band GOO, made up of sixth-graders Gavin, Oscar and Oliver, who perform orginal songs and covers of new wave and classic rock songs. The performance starts at 2 p.m.
5. Trail of Lights
The opening of the holiday event on Dec. 10 is free and open to the public, and the trail includes more than 40 displays, 2 million lights and holiday activities. Tickets are also available for a preview party Dec. 9. The event continues until Dec. 23.
7-10 p.m. Free entry (Dec. 10-16), $3 (Dec. 17-23), $75 (Dec. 9 preview party). Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin. www.austintrailoflights.org
6. Winter Wonderland at Jollyville Elementary School
The inaugural event includes pictures with Santa Claus and the Jollyville school mascot Jaguar Elf, cooking decorating, snacks, crafts, an ice sculpture demonstration, music and dancing. Children under 12 years old will get a gift bag. 1-4 p.m.
Free. Jollyville Elementary School. 6720 Corpus Christi Drive, Austin.
SUNDAY
The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run takes place Sunday.[/caption]7. Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation’s long-running Jingle Bell Run features activities for the entire family, and participants are encouraged to wear a holiday-themed costume.
3 p.m. (registration and festivities), 5 p.m. (race). $20-$23 (1-mile run), $28-$30 (5K, age 12 and younger), $35-$40 (5K, age 13 and older). Camp Mabry, 2200 W. 35th St., Austin. 512-800-4060. www.jbr.org/austin
