THURSDAY
1. Watch a performance of "The Nutcracker"
Northwest Austin-based nonprofit Austin City Ballet presents the 17th Annual "Austin Children’s Nutcracker" at the Texas School for the Deaf. Performers range in age from 8 to 18 years. 7:30 p.m. (Thu.-Fri.), 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (Sat.) Admission varies. 1102 S. Congress Ave., Austin. www.austincityballet.org
2. Experience Shalom Austin’s “This is Hunger” Exhibit
“This is Hunger” is a nationwide mobile exhibit organized by MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, a national nonprofit organization aimed at ending hunger in the U.S. The exhibit brings an educational multimedia presentation on issues surrounding hunger. Registration is required. 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Free. Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, Austin. www.thisishunger.org
FRIDAY
3. Attend a baroque Christmas concert
Ensemble VIII, a baroque and renaissance voice ensemble presents, “Vivaldi Gloria—Christmas with Ensemble VII.” The performance features Ensemble VII’s vocalists backed by a chamber orchestra. 7:30 p.m. $10 (student admission),$35 (general admission), $45 (priority seating).St. Louis King of France Catholic Church Chapel, 7601 Burnet Road, Austin. www.ensembleviii.org
4. Celebrate the holiday season with kid-friendly event
Catch Air's Anderson Mill location hosts a Cookies & Crafts with Santa event that includes snacks, crafts and photo opportunities with Santa. 4-7 p.m. Admission varies by age. 13450 N. US 183, Ste. 107, Austin.
www.catchairparty.com/location/austin/
5. Enjoy more holiday festivities
Winter Wonderland at The Circuit features a 1-mile circuit of lights, a skating rink, a petting zoo, movies on the lawn and a tunnel of lights. Attendees can ride carnival rides and watch live music performances. 6 p.m. $16. Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle. www.thecircuit.com/winter-wonderland
TUESDAY
6. Give blood during a Red Cross blood Drive
The Red Cross puts in extra effort to attract blood donors during the typically slow month of December, a news release stated. A donation drive is hosted at the Doubletree Northwest Austin Arboretum hotel, but donors can also make appointments online. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free.Doubletree Northwest Austin Arboretum, 8901 Business Park Drive, Austin. www.redcrossblood.org
