All Cities

Dec 12–Feb 20: The Art Guys: Cloud Cuckoo Land—the Houston duo of Michael Galbreth and Jack Massing have been devising harebrained projects together since they met as students in the early eighties: They’ve sold ad space on their suits, traipsed through the city with leaf blowers, made a Pop Art grid out of Kraft Singles, and even put their own future cremated remains up for auction (there were no bidders) all in the name of art. For full write-up see In the Chute. Thru Dec 29: Sandria Hu: Smoke and Ash—Hu’s abstract collage-and-painting works, which she constructs from fragments of found objects, have been called “landscapes of the mind.” Thru Jan 9: Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections—who would imagine that dusty, moth-eaten chef garments could be viewed as art? This traveling exhibit comprises two hundred vintage aprons, as well as photographs and text in story form, and looks beyond mere pieces of cloth to the women who donned them and the greater symbolism an apron represents. Open Tue & Wed 10–5, Thur 10–8, Fri & Sat 10–5. Gen adm $6; senior citizens, military & students with ID $4; children 4–12 $3, 3 & under and members free (Thur after 5 everybody free). thegracemuseum.org

Zebras and jaguars and giraffes, oh, my! More than five hundred animals—representing some two hundred species—make their home here, including two black rhinos, the newest residents. The addition of these young males is a special treat, not to mention a humbling reminder of the devastating effects of poaching, since fewer than four thousand are surviving today. Open daily 9–5. Gen adm $4, senior citizens $3, children 3–12 $2, 2 & under free. abilenetx.com

Housed in Shakelford County’s first permanent jail, the museum’s collection includes pre-Columbian and Asian art, as well as modern American and European works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Amedeo Modigliani, and Henry Moore. Thru Jan 4: A Cell of One’s Own: Denny Pickett—a Midland native, Pickett spent time in New York City before settling in the small farming community of Granger. As a painter, he has moved from total abstraction to expressionistic plein-air landscapes, which you can see here in the inaugural series in the OJAC’s upper galleries; also, James Abbott McNeill Whistler: Realism in Print—assembled by a Beaumont physician, this collection of twenty etchings and three drypoint engravings represents a visual tour of several major Western European cities as seen through the eyes of the renowned nineteenth-century expatriate. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Sun 2–5. Free. theoldjailartcenter.org

Dec 6: Del Castillio; $15. Dec 12: Clay McClinton Band; $8. Dec 13: Los Pinche Gringos; $6. Dec 20: The Doug Moreland Show; $8. Dec 27: Dave Gonzalez and the Speed Kings; $8. Dec 31: Brown Betty; $15. At 10 (except Dec 6 at 9). railroadblues.com

Thru Feb 1: The Treasures of Tutankhamen—learn the story of British archeologist Howard Carter’s discovery of the teenage king’s tomb as you peruse the photographic panels of this educational display. Open Tue & Wed 10–5, Thur 10–9, Fri 10–5, Sat & Sun 1–5. Free. amarilloart.org

Named by early cowboys who happened upon a den of wildcats living under the bluff, this wilderness escape is just a few minutes from downtown Amarillo and features more than six hundred acres of rolling grasslands threaded with nature trails aplenty. Run through wildflowers popping up through tall grasses; spy on lizards, hawks, quails, and many other species of wildlife; and inspect the still-visible wagon ruts that date back to when the land was part of the historic Santa Fe Trail. Nature center open Tue–Sat 9–5. Trails open from sunrise to sunset. Gen adm $3, senior citizens & children 3–13 $2, 2 & under free. wildcatbluff.org

Fruitcakes—in this family comedy, spiked fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, a runaway kid, and a Christmas hog named Buster all come together to bring you a rich serving of holiday spirit with a decadent twist. Dec 4–21. Thur at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2 & 5:30. $10–$15. theatrearlington.org

If your idea of paradise requires a rod, a reel, and a boat, then a trip to the fisheries center is a ticket to heaven. This 107-acre complex includes a visitors center; 300,000 gallons of aquaria; a freshwater fishery museum; a fishing Hall of Fame; a stocked casting pond, where visitors can fish for free with tackle and bait furnished; a wetlands trail; and a production fish hatchery. Open Tue–Sat 9–4, Sun 1–4. Gen adm $5.50, senior citizens $4.50, children 4–12 $3.50, 3 & under free. tpwd.state.tx.us

Dec 9: Handel’s Messiah. Beth Cram Porter, soprano. Leah Lewis, mezzo. Casey Finnigan, tenor. William Parcher, bass. David Stevens, guest conductor. At 8. $15–$35. (Riverbend Centre, 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy.) Dec 16: Christmas Sing-Along—for the last two decades the symphony has extended the holiday spirit to Austinites with this free sing-along concert. Carlton Dillard, guest conductor. At 8. Free, but tickets required for entry. (Riverbend Centre, 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy.) Dec 30 & 31: Holiday Pops featuring the Flying Karamazov Brothers—these four extraordinary jugglers are known to fling jokes as deftly as they do bowling pins, swords, and plungers. At 8. $30–$45. austinsymphony.org

The Nutcracker—this rendition of the holiday classic, with choreography by Stephen Mills, music by Tchaikovsky, and accompaniment by the Austin Symphony, is a Central Texas tradition. Dec 6–23. Call for times. $15–$71. balletaustin.org

Christmas at the Carillon with Eliza Gilkyson—equal parts sacred and secular music, this year’s holiday performance is sure to one-up last year’s since Gilkyson, one of the most respected singer-songwriters in folk and Americana circles, is lending her voice. Dec 6–10. Mon–Wed at 8, Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2:30. Dec 6: Our Lady of Victory Cathedral, 1309 E. Mesquite Ln, Victoria; $20–40. Dec 7, 9 & 10: The Carillon, 2630 Exposition Blvd, Austin; $65. Dec 8: The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr, Austin; $16–$50. conspirare.org

Dec 19 at 4 & 7: Playhouse Disney Live!; $20–$50. Dec 30 & 31: Radio City Christmas starring the world-famous Rockettes. Tue at 4 & 7:30, Wed at noon & 3:30. $25–$72. uterwincenter.com

Dec 6: Pinocchio—the traditional folktale of Gepetto and his “real boy” comes to life. At 11 & 1. $12 & $15. Dec 7: Jose Feliciano—the Latin pop master, who has six Grammys to his name, is known for his soulful singing and his way with a guitar. At 6 & 8:30. $36–$76. Dec 9: Michael Martin Murphey—the Dallas-born cowboy poet, who found pop success with hits like Wildfire and Carolina In the Pines, continues the Cowboy Christmas tradition he started in 1987, transporting audiences back to the Old West with song and story. At 7 & 9:30. $30–$71. Dec 11: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder—Skaggs has gone from bluegrass to country and back to bluegrass in a career that spans more than thirty years. At 7 & 9:30. $40–$86. Dec 20: Bobby Whitlock and CoCo Carmel featuring David Grissom—Bobby Whitlock, the soulful keyboardist of Eric Clapton’s group Derek & the Dominos, and CoCo Carmel, a sassy sax player who played with Billy Preston and Dr. John, present their 2008 release, Lovers. At 7 & 9:30. $36.50–$52.50. oneworldtheatre.org

Dec 11: Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison Holiday Show—Texas country music's favorite couple presents their fifth annual holiday show at the Paramount, featuring favorites from their Christmas album, Happy Holidays. At 7. $31.50–$44.50. Dec 17: Christmas with Aaron Neville & His Quintet—get merry with members of New Orleans's first family of funk. At 8. $31.50–$57.50. Dec 19: Bob Schneider—the Austin-based singing-songwriting god will be recording his new DVD live at the Paramount. At 8. $23.50–$44.50. austintheatre.org

Dec 4 at 9: Electric Touch; call for price. Dec 5 at 10:30: The Wood Brothers featuring Chris Wood of Medeski Martin and Wood; call for price. Dec 10 at 9: Brendan James; $10. Dec 11 at 9: The Laughing; $8. Dec 14 at 9: Ours; $13–$15. Dec 17 at 9: Eleanor Whitmore with Chris Masterson of Son of Volt; $8–$10. Dec 18 at 10: The Blue Hit; $8–$10. Dec 19 at 10: Sounds Under Radio; $10. Dec 20 at 9: Carousel Cabaret Presents Un-Wrapped, A Holiday Variety Show; $10. stubbsaustin.com

Dec 4–6: Jim Gaffigan: Sexy Tour—the popular comedian known for his clever observational jokes (Hot Pockets!) and his frequent late-night talk show appearances, is taping his latest Comedy Central special. Thur at 8, Fri & Sat at 7 & 10. $43.25. Dec 13: Golden Dragon Acrobats—direct from Cangzhou in China’s Hebei province, these performers, who have been training since youth, have been touring the U.S. for nearly thirty years. At 4 & 7:30. $24.50–$51.50. austintheatre.org

Thru Jan 11: Rapture in Rupture—four young artists from across the country intend to stir your emotions with their works that explore space and the margins that exist between multiple dimensions. Open Tue, Wed & Fri 11–7; Thur 11–9; Sat 10–5; Sun 1–5. Free. arthousetexas.org

Thru May 30: All Systems Go—with global warming a hot-button issue, it makes sense to teach the youngest among us about public transportation. Whether it’s by bus, train, bicycle, car, or on foot, get your family to the museum to learn all about getting around. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $6.50, children 12–23 months $5.50, 11 months & under free (Wed 5–8 donate what you can; Sun 4–5 everybody free). austinkids.org

Thru Feb 8: Workers: Photographs by Sebastião Salgado—reviving the “concerned photographer” genre, the artist uses his black and white photographs to shed light on the isolated and neglected. From famine-stricken refugees in the Sahel to the indigenous peoples of South America, this exhibit—divided into six categories: agriculture, food, mining, industry, oil, and construction—covers the daily grind of laborers; also, The Texas Chair Project—the tradition of artists trading art amongst themselves dates back to the French Impressionists. With this in mind, Texas artist Damian Priour created a hundred miniature chairs made of glass- and fossil-embedded limestone and mailed them to a hundred other Texas artists, asking for a chair of their own making in return. The only condition? That it fit into the same eight-inch-by-eight-inch box that Priour sent. Thru Sep 27, 2009: Laguna Gloria Grounded—the twelve green acres of Laguna Gloria that overlook Lake Austin have inspired many to create art, and this exhibit has collected some of it; paintings, drawings, brass sculptures, watercolors, and photographs are on display in the villa of the recently renovated grounds (AMOA-Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th; museum open Tue–Sun 10–4; grounds open Mon–Sat 9–5, Sun 10–5; free, but $3 donation suggested). Open Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 10–6; Thur 10–8; Sun noon–5. Gen adm $5, senior citizens & students $4 (everybody $1 on Tue), children 12 & under free; first Sat pay what you wish. amoa.org

With the recent completion of its second building, the Edgar A. Smith Building, the Blanton can now officially boast that it’s the largest university art complex in the country. The new addition, situated just across from the Mari and James A. Michener Gallery, which opened in April 2006, houses a full-service café (serving flatbread pizzas, fresh-tossed salads, sandwiches, coffee, and more), an expanded museum shop, three classrooms, and a 299-seat auditorium, as well as the museum’s administrative offices. Thru Jan 18: Reimagining Space: The Park Place Gallery Group in 1960’s New York—composed of five sculptors (Mark di Suvero, Peter Forakis, Robert Grosvenor, Anthony Magar, and Forrest Myers) and five painters (Dean Fleming, Tamara Melcher, David Novros, Edwin Ruda, and Leo Valledor), this group of artists made up a prominent cooperative gallery in sixties New York. Unfortunately, because they worked outside the predominant movements and philosophies of their day, they have rarely been acknowledged since. This exhibit serves to reacquaint viewers with their unique treatment of space and their active involvement with contemporary cultural issues; also, The New York Graphic Workshop, 1965–1970—founded by three young Latin American artists in New York with the goal of redefining printmaking, the NYGW was a crucial episode in the history of the American and Latin American Conceptual movement of the sixties and seventies. This exhibit features more than a hundred prints, drawings, and mixed-media works from the era. Thru Feb 22: WorkSpace: Marcelo Pombo—one of the greats to emerge from the nineties art scene in Argentina, Pombo is known for his use of industrial paint and sparkling polishes to create fantasy worlds that combine graphic design, comic culture, geometric abstraction, and surrealism. This exhibit features six new large-scale paintings. Thru Mar 8: Alternate Worlds: The Visionary Artist in Texas—August 27 marked what would have been the hundredth birthday of the Reverend Johnny Swearingen (1908–1993), one of the most-lauded and inspired of Texas’s outsider artists. In celebration of his life’s work, the Blanton presents objects and works on paper from its own collection by Swearingen and other Texas artists with similar visions, including Eddie Arning, John Banks, Hector Alonzo Benevides, Carl Dixon, Peter Drgac, Mark Cole Greene, and Ike Morgan. Open Tue–Fri 10–5, Sat 11–5, Sun 1–5 (every third Thur 10–9). Gen adm $7, senior citizens $5, students with ID & youths 13–21 $3, children 12 & under, UT staff, faculty, and students free (Thur everybody free). blantonmuseum.org

Thru Jan 4: Cowboys and Presidents—with his strong accent, his swagger, and his choice phrases, President George W. Bush has honed an image not unlike that of the heroes of the American West. But presidential cowboy obsession dates all the way back to Theodore Roosevelt. This one-of-a-kind exhibit will explain the origin of the president-as-cowboy depiction and present many amusing artifacts, including Benjamin Harrison’s Longhorn chair; Theodore Roosevelt’s personal photo album of his ranch; Calvin Coolidge’s cowboy outfit and electric exercise horse; Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Roy Rogers spurs; Lyndon B. Johnson’s famed Stetson; Ronald Reagan’s cowboy boots, adorned with a map of Texas; Bill Clinton’s childhood drawings based on the film High Noon; and W’s own Saddle of Independence, given to him in memory of the 9/11 attacks. Open Mon–Sat 9–6, Sun noon–6. Gen adm $7; senior citizens, military & college students with ID $6; youths 5–18 $4; children 4 & under and museum members free. thestoryoftexas.com

Items in the permanent exhibit range from a Gutenberg Bible and the world’s first photograph (taken in 1826) to Gertrude Stein’s pen. The center also houses some thirty million literary manuscripts, including those by James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and Tennessee Williams. Thru Jan 4: The Mystique of the Archive—both the archiving of our culture and the culture surrounding archives themselves are illustrated in this exhibit, which seeks to explain the aura of mystery and discovery of such treasures. Learn how collections are acquired, accounted for, catalogued, and preserved; also, A Cabinet of Drawings—in recognition of the medium used for both simple sketches and refined master works, the museum dipped deep into its extensive holdings to select these drawings created by internationally recognized artists, architects, designers, scientists, and literary greats. To highlight the versatility of this art form, the works will be presented in mini-exhibitions grouped by theme and artistic intent that will include preliminary drawings, designs, book illustrations, illustrated letters, landscapes, and portraiture. Open Mon–Wed 10–5, Thur 10–7, Fri 10–5, Sat & Sun noon–5. Free. hrc.utexas.edu

Thru Jul 20: To the Moon: The American Space Program in the 1960’s—as Senate majority leader, LBJ co-sponsored the legislation that created NASA. This exhibit honors the centennial of LBJ’s birth and takes a deeper look at the era of the space race. Open daily 9–5. Free. lbjlib.utexas.edu

Dec 6: Noche de Fiesta Navideña 2008—spend an evening enjoying the beauty of visual arts, the flavors of traditional Mexican foods, and the sounds of seasonal music at this annual celebration (from 6 to 9; call for prices). Thru Feb 8: Serie Print Project #15—each year, the museum exhibits the new serigraph (silk screen) prints from the established and emerging artists working with the Serie Project, a non-profit Latino arts organization in East Austin. Thru Mar 1: Creando Fuerza: Cambio y Permanencia / Creating Strength: Change and Permanence—held in conjunction with the fifteenth anniversary of the local Serie Print Project, this exhibit presents works from Latino printmaking workshops across the U.S. Open Mon–Thur 10–6, Fri & Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $5, senior citizens & students $4, children 12 & under $1, museum members free. mexic-artemuseum.org

NBA Development League. Dec 1 at 7:30: Erie Bayhawks. Dec 3 at 11: Dakota Wizards. Dec 5 at 7:30: Idaho Stampede. Dec 9 at 11: Sioux Falls Skyforce. Dec 12 at 7:30: Colorado 14ers. Dec 13 at 7:30: Albuquerque Thunderbirds. Dec 21 at 3: Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Dec 26 at 7:30: Tulsa 66ers. Dec 27 at 7:30: Los Angeles D-Fenders. For prices, call or go to austintoros.com.

Mingle with art collectors and music lovers as you peruse a diverse collection of paintings, jewelry, photographs, toys, metalwork, clothing, and more at the thirty-third installment of this beloved bazaar. Dec 12–24 from 11 to 11. Weekdays before 7 $3; evenings & weekends $6. armadillobazaar.com

The streets, buildings, and facades of downtown will be decorated with specially commissioned works by local artists during this celebration of the arts, which also features a family festival, a grand procession down Congress Avenue, and a midnight finale near Town Lake. Dec 31. For schedule, prices & locations call or go to firstnightaustin.org.

Zilker Park's mile-long display of more than 41 lighted scenes begins with the lighting of the Zilker Tree, a 150-foot-tall "moon tower" decorated with 3,309 bulbs (Dec 7 at 6). Other festivities include an opening night parade and a 5K run. Dec 14–23. Open daily 7–10. Call for schedule. Free. cityofaustin.org/tol

This Sustainable Food Center project features fresh, locally grown produce and flowers, eco-friendly products, occasional chef demonstrations, children’s activities, and live music, now at two locations. Open Sat 9–1 (Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe) & Wed 4–8 (Triangle Park, 46th between Guadalupe & Lamar). Free. austinfarmersmarket.org

Austin’s oldest building on its original site and the Republic of Texas’s only foreign diplomatic outpost, the legation was built in 1841 for French charge d’affaires Alphonse Dubois de Saligny. Open Tue–Sun 1–5 (last tour at 4). Gen adm $5, senior citizens $3, students & teachers $2. frenchlegationmuseum.org

The center’s expansive grounds feature courtyards and landscaped gardens showcasing native Texas plants. Dec 5–7: Wild Ideas Shopping Event—discounts, book signings, special events, exhibits, and demonstrations by artists are all part of this three-day event (Fri & Sat 9–5:30, Sun noon–5). Dec 13 & 14: Luminations—bring your own camera for a photo-op with Frosty and take part in holiday activities as the gardens sparkle with thousands of lights (from 6 to 9; adm to center is free). Thru Dec 14: Linda Calvert Jacobson—this Central Texas wildflower artist’s bright paintings put a splash of spring into the fall air. Open Tue–Sat 9–5:30, Sun noon–5:30. Gen adm $7; senior citizens & students $6; children 5–12 $3; 4 & under and Wildflower Center members free. wildflower.org

The statehouse, dedicated in 1888, was completely restored in 1994. Open Mon–Fri 7 a.m. –10 p.m., Sat & Sun 9–8. Free tours Mon–Fri 8:30–4:30, Sat 9:30–3:30, Sun noon–4 (call ahead for groups of 10 or more).

The Capitol Visitors Center (11th & Brazos, 512-305-8400), located in the 1856 General Land Office Building, houses historical exhibits. Open Mon–Sat 9–5, Sun noon–5. Free.

Located on 33 acres and often referred to as “the jewel in the heart of Austin,” this green oasis features theme gardens, such as rose, herb, and Japanese, which are interconnected with streams, waterfalls, and Koi-filled ponds. Of special note is the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, a two-acre habitat with cretaceous plants, gar-filled streams, live reptiles, dragonflies, and butterflies that was created after dinosaur tracks were discovered on the site in 2002. Open daily from 7 to 7. Free. zilkergarden.org

Thru Jan 4: Eating Your Friction—the first solo museum exhibition of rising talent Howard Sherman is a bold introduction. The Houston native’s works are marked by his abstract handling of paint and the incorporation of referential materials such as bumble bees, gnashing teeth, and other graffiti-style objects. The contrasting elements “are so wrong together that they start to seem right, combining to create a hostile and humorous expression,” says Sherman. Ongoing: Somethin’ Out of Nothin’: Felix “Fox” Harris—for more than twenty years, the self-taught artist from Beaumont crafted totem-like sculptures made of recycled materials that he displayed in his yard. His original homesite is recreated here with this permanent installation of 26 of his totems and two mural-size photos by renowned photographer Keith Carter. Open Mon–Fri 9–5, Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5. Free; $2 donation suggested. amset.org

The oil industry is integral to the life, business, history, and myth of Texas, and this museum tells the state’s unique story of having access to ample petroleum and other energy sources through interactive exhibits and special events. Open Tue–Sat 9–5, Sun 1–5. Gen adm $2, senior citizens & children 6–12 $1, 5 & under free. texasenergymuseum.org

Thru Jan 31: Visioning Beauty: The Paintings of Ella K. MeWhinney—the Holland, Texas, native is known for her luminous watercolors of vibrant flowers and other still-life subjects. Open Tue–Sat noon–5. Free. bellcountymuseum.org

Eleven communities in central Texas—Boerne, Burnet, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Goldthwaite, Johnson City, Llano, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Round Mountain, and Wimberley—kindle the holiday spirit with shimmering courthouses (Johnson City), a sparkling shoreline festooned with 130 twinkling sculptures (Marble Falls), Christmas markets (Fredericksburg), and more. Thru Jan 4. For schedule & prices, go to tex-fest.com or visitboerne.org.

Roam the trails of this hundred-acre preserve and observe four distinct ecosystems (riparian forest, live oak savannah, tall-grass prairie, and spring-fed marsh). Nature Center open Mon–Fri 9–5, Sat 9–1. Trails open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. Free. cibolo.org

Eleven communities in central Texas—Boerne, Burnet, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Goldthwaite, Johnson City, Llano, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Round Mountain, and Wimberley—kindle the holiday spirit with shimmering courthouses (Johnson City), a sparkling shoreline festooned with 130 twinkling sculptures (Marble Falls), Christmas markets (Fredericksburg), and more. Thru Jan 4. For schedule & prices, go to tex-fest.com or burnetchamber.org.

The deep limestone recesses of this show cave (one of seven in the state), which were etched out by underground streams millions of years ago, aren’t too claustrophobic and are a sublime 68 degrees or so year-round. Learn all about the cavern’s natural formations on the ninety-minute daily tour, or—if you’re brave enough—reserve a spot for the more exclusive Wild Cave Tour. For tour schedule & prices go to longhorncaverns.com.

The town’s population can swell from 3,500 to an estimated 300,000 when more than 5,000 dealers migrate to Canton to hawk their wares, which range from vintage postcards to jars of pickled figs to exquisite antique brooches. Though Monday has evolved into a misnomer over the bazaar’s 150-year history—once held on Monday, it’s now held from Thursday through Sunday—the methods of the savviest shoppers have always remained the same: Go early, wear sensible shoes, bring cash, and learn how to bargain! Free; parking $3–$5. Held the Thur–Sun preceding the first Monday of every month from 8 to 6. firstmondaycanton.com

Thru Jan 4: Studer and Johnston: Treasures of the Panhandle—both C. Stewart Johnston and Floyd Studer helped to further the field of archeology; Johnston made many significant finds in the Panhandle, and Studer, an amateur archeologist who was a charter member of the PPHM, donated his noteworthy collection to the museum. Thru Feb 15: Don Ray Retrospective—the artist, whose work has been featured in a number of publications, depicts Western landscapes, the Civil War, and historical events that happened in the Panhandle Plains region. The exhibit spans his entire career from the late fifties through 2006, and includes works in oil, watercolor, and bronze. Thru Mar 1: The Santa Fe Collection—these sixty contemporary Navajo textiles, which date from 1971 to 1996 and are noted for their bold colors and intricate designs, were donated by an anonymous couple. Thru Mar 29: Telling Stories, Connecting Lives: PPHM Celebrates 75 Years—this special showcase highlights past exhibits, examines how artifacts connect people to the environment around them, and honors the role the PPHM has played in providing this connection. Open Mon–Sat 9–5, Sun 1–6. Gen adm $10, senior citizens $9, children 4–12 $5, 3 & under free. panhandleplains.org

What was once a nondescript valley filled with mesquite and oak trees is now a stunning mile-and-a-half-long gorge. Carved out by a powerful surge during the 2002 flood, the insta-gorge is one of the state’s hottest ecotourism destinations and is now open to the public via weekly guided expeditions. But there’s a waiting list for the three-hour jaunt, so sign up now. Tours every Saturday; reservations required. $10. canyongorge.org

The refurbished core exhibit, which focuses on George H. W. Bush’s biography and presidential legacy, includes audio tours; a replica of the White House Situation Room with a special exhibit on the Gulf War; and a mock-up of the Oval Office, where visitors can have their photos taken while seated behind the president’s desk. Thru Aug 23: Beyond the Moon: NASA’s Continuing Mission—from mankind’s early fascination with the heavens to the first walk on the moon, the museum, in partnership with the Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, continues the story with large-scale models of Apollo, the Skylab, a space shuttle, and the International Space Station, as well as a shuttle simulator, original shuttle equipment, and interactive programs. Open Mon–Sat 9:30–5, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $7, senior citizens & military $6, youths 6–17 & college students with ID $3, TAMU and Blinn students free with ID, children 5 & under free. bushlibrary.tamu.edu

The Nutcracker—let yourself be transported into the classic fairy tale via the magic of Tchaikovsky’s score and the stunning set. Dec 13–20. Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2. Call for prices. corpuschristiballet.com

The Dorothy Shaw Bell Choir presents Home for the Holidays—no sound ushers in the Christmas season quite like the ringing of bells. Experience this age-old tradition as the choir performs holiday favorites. At 8. For prices call or go to ccsymphony.org.

The Dallas-born cowboy poet, who found pop success with hits like Wildfire and Carolina In the Pines, continues the Cowboy Christmas tradition he started in 1987, transporting audiences back to the Old West with song and story. Dec 10 at 7:30. $15–$30. michaelmartinmurphey.com and pac.tamucc.edu

Party with all of your favorite Disney pals when the Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission to find their friends. Be on the lookout for Mickey, Pooh, Tigger, Darby, Handy Manny, and more! Dec 26 at 12:30. $16–$45. americanbankcenter.com

A Christmas Carol—nothing awakens the Christmas spirit more than Charles Dickens’s classic. Thru Dec 21. Fri & Sat at 7 (Nov 30 and Dec 14 & 26 at 2). Gen adm $16, senior citizens & military $13, children $6. harborplayhouse.com

Thru Dec 31: Superficial: An Exploration of the Surface of a Painting—these eighteen paintings by local and national artists (including Benito Huerta, Frank Stella, and Sydney Yeager) utilize unexpected materials and use traditional materials in novel ways. Thru Jan 4: Leaded: The Materiality and Metamorphosis of Graphite—from minimalist drawings to sculptural pieces, these fifty works are grouped into three categories: graphite as content, graphite as transformative agent, and graphite as sculpture. With sixteen artists represented, including the Art Guys, James Busby, Hsin-His Chen, and Sarah Lovitt, this exhibit brings out the best in the material we think of only as pencil lead; also, Focus on Photography—a complement to the Ansel Adams exhibit, this showcase of works from the AMST’s permanent collection includes images by Barbra Riley, Mary Lee Edwards, Keith Carter, Kate Breakey, and Cole Weston, to name a few. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Sun 1–5. Gen adm $6, senior citizens & active military $4, students $2, children 12 & under free. artmuseumofsouthtexas.org

In almost fifty years the CCM has accumulated more than 87,000 artifacts and 40,000 photographs with a unique focus on the cultural and natural history of South Texas. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $11.50, senior citizens & military with ID $9, children 5–12 $6, 4 & under free (Sat children 12 & under free until noon). ccmuseum.com

Thru Jun: Texas Women, Texas Waves—all too often cast aside or labeled as “bikini chicks,” female surfers are the focus of this exhibit. Open Mon–Thur 10–7, Fri & Sat 10–10, Sun 11–5. Free. texassurfmuseum.com

Central Hockey League. Dec 4: Arizona Sundogs. Dec 11: Laredo Bucks. Dec 18: Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Dec 19: Odessa Jackalopes. Dec 23: Odessa Jackalopes. Dec 27: Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. At 7 (except Dec 27 at 7:45). $11.50–$26.50. ccrayz.com

The 180-acre center features nine floral exhibits, plus trails, birding overlooks, and boardwalks that will take you through vast areas of protected natural wetland and native habitat. Open Mon–Sun 9–5. Gen adm $5; senior citizens, military & students with ID $4; children 5–12 $2; 4 & under and members free. stxbot.org

Visitors can view two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins housed in a 400,000-gallon lagoon, plus river otters, stingrays, and anacondas. And now you can watch as hawks, owls, falcons, and parrots swoop and soar in the newly opened Hawn Wild Flight Theater. The aquarium also presents Tortuga Cay, a naturalistic lagoon and sanctuary for sea turtles. Watch rare species, including Kemp’s ridley, hawksbill, and green turtles, through viewing areas both above and below the water. Open daily 9–6. Gen adm $14.95, senior citizens & military $13.50, children 3–12 $9.95, 2 & under free. Parking $4. texasstateaquarium.org

Three Redneck Tenors Christmas—three singing cousins (Billy Bob, Billy Joe, and Billy Billee) add a little lite beer to their Puccini and finish up with Ave Maria Dixie. Dec 16 at 7:30. $15–$25. pwfaa.org

Dec 19: Lil Wayne with T Pain, Keyshia Cole, and Gym Class Heroes. At 7. $39.75–$125.75. americanairlinescenter.com

Dec 2 & 3: It’s a Wonderful Christmas with Michael W. Smith—this Grammy Award–winning contemporary Christian singer/songwriter leads the symphony in songs for the season. At 7:30. $35–$89. Dec 4–6: Christmas Pops. DSO Chorus. Ron Raines, vocalist. Richard Kaufman, principal Pops conductor. At 8. $27–$110. Dec 11–21: The Stories of Christmas: A Christmas Celebration—the DSO brings you an evening of holiday favorites, including performances by a children’s choir, Dickens carolers, and a visit from Santa. Call for times. $15–$105. Dec 26 & 27: The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller—this "eighteenth-century rock band” blends rock, acoustic, and electronic music to whip up spirited Christmas tunes. At 8. $35–$110. dallassymphony.com

Dec 3 at 8: My Brightest Diamond. Dec 5 at 8: Asylum Street Spankers. Dec 6 at 8: Stanton Moore Trio. Dec 12 at 9: Kelly Willis and Bruce Robinson Holiday Show. Dec 13 at 1 & 8: The Polyphonic Spree Holiday Extravaganza. Dec 18 at 8: ohGr. Dec 19 at 8: Billy Joe Shaver. Dec 26 & 27 at 8: Todd Snider. Dec 29 at 8: Hays Carll. Dec 30 at 8: The Gourds. Dec 31 at 8: Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights. For prices call or go to granadatheater.com.

Dec 3 at 8: Anthony Hamilton; $30–$55. Dec 4 at 8: Blue October; $35.50–$75.50. Dec 7 at 8: Buddy Guy with Tom Hambridge; $26.50–$95.50. Dec 8 at 8: Colbie Caillat; $23–$45. Dec 9 at 7: Secondhand Serenade and Cute is What We Aim For; $18.50–$35. Dec 9 at 9: Brendan James with Jonathan Clay; $10. Dec 15 at 8: Back in Black and Appetite for Destruction; $10–$30. Dec 15 at 8: Ours; $15. Dec 26 at 8: Edwin McCain; $20–$50. Dec 27 at 8:30: Bob Schneider; $21.50–$50. Dec 28 at 8: 1100 Springs; $13.50–$40. Dec 29 at 8: $47.50–$97.50. Dec 30 at 8:30: Old 97’s; $25.50–$50. Dec 31 at 8: Cross Canadian Ragweed, Wade Bowen, and Mickey & the Motorcars; $75.50–$200. hob.com/dallas.

Dec 2 at 8: Duran Duran with Your Vegas; $49.50–$125. Dec 5 at 5:30: How the Edge 102.1 Stole Christmas with Death Cab for Cutie, Snow Patrol, Shiny Toy Guns, Cold War Kids, and Carolina Liar; $19.50–$49.50. Dec 6 at 4: 97.1 The Eagle presents XXXmas with Hinder, Buckcherry, Drowning Pool, Rev Theory, Hollywood Undead, and In This Moment; $39.50. Dec 14 at 8: Toby Mac and Relient K; $28. nokialivedfw.com

The Nutcracker—for years, families have relied on Tchaikovsky’s two-act fairy tale to distract them from long lines at the mall and eggnog hangovers. Despite being on the brink of bankruptcy a few months ago, the TBT has raised enough money to keep its season—and this beloved tradition—afloat. For full write-up see In the Chute. Dec 23–28. For times & prices, call or go to texasballettheater.org.

Dec 13 & 14: Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters—based on the award-winning children’s book by John Steptoe, this stage adaptation tells the tale of two very different sisters who journey to meet the king. At 1:30. $14–$23. (El Centro Theater, 801 N. Main.) Thru Dec 21: Madeline’s Christmas—celebrate the season in Paris with the famous little firecracker. Based on the book, this musical adventure is sure to bring cheer to your holiday. Fri at 7:30, Sat at 1:30, Sun at 1:30 & 4:30. $14–$24. Thru Dec 23: Santa’s Holiday for Strings: A Puppetry Extravaganza—utilizing multiple styles of puppetry, Kathy Burks’ nationally celebrated troupe brings Santa, Frosty, Christmas trees, penguins, and more to life in this unique celebration. Fri at 7:30, Sat at 1:30, Sun at 1:30 & 4:30. $14–$24. dct.org

The Goat, or, Who Is Sylvia?—when a prominent architect reveals, at the peak of his career, that he is in love with a goat, everyone he knows reacts with disdain. This critically acclaimed play by Edward Albee takes a deep and unsettling look at the concept of who we are allowed to love and the limits of tolerance. Thru Dec 13. Wed–Sat at 8, Sun at 2. $15–$30. kitchendogtheater.org

Trysts in Toledo—in the late 1600’s, witty cloak-and-dagger romances were all the rage. In the fashion of those novels, this play follows the romantic confusions of a houseful of young nobles and their roguish servants in a dizzyingly complex plot ripe with sarcasm and silliness. Dec 11–Jan 18. Thur at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2:30 & 8, Sun at 2:30 & 7:30. $20–$40. theatre3dallas.com

Eurydice—described as “a luminous retelling of the Orpheus myth,” Sarah Ruhl’s version of the classic love story is told through the eyes of its heroine, who dies on her wedding day and must journey to the underworld. Thru Dec 13. Wed & Thur at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8:15. Wed & Thur $15, Fri $20, Sat $25. undermain.org

Dec 5–Jan 3: Going Native: The Holiday Group Show—the ten artists featured here present works in a range of mediums, from sculptures made of aluminum and wire to hand-drawn mandalas. Open Wed–Sat 11–4 & by appt. Free. dahliawoodsgallery.com

Thru Mar 15: Take Your Time: Olafur Eliasson—from light-filled environments to walk-in kaleidoscopes, this internationally acclaimed exhibition (Time magazine named it one of the year’s best) takes you through the first full-scale survey of Eliasson’s work. The Copenhagen-born artist believes that “being emotional does not imply just feelings, but also a social responsibility,” a sentiment he injects into his installations, large-scale immersive environments, freestanding sculptures, and photographs. For full write-up see In the Chute. Thru May 17: Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs—this lavish showcase of 130-plus antiquities first opened stateside in 2005, but now the boy king’s bling is back for an encore. There are some cool, older-than-Moses pieces to ogle, many plucked from the young ruler’s tomb—like his dazzling diadem and the golden dagger that lay atop his mummified body. You’ll see a trove of personal items too, such as his child-size throne (he was only nine or so when he came to power), an elaborately decorated mirror, and even a fancy dog collar (pharaohs: they’re just like us!). (Mon–Thur: gen adm $27.50, senior citizens & college students $24.50, youths 6–17 $16.50, museum members $22.50, children 5 & under free. Fri–Sun & holidays: gen adm $32.50, senior citizens & college students $29.50, youths 6–17 $16.50, museum members $22.50, children 5 & under free.); also, Opening Tutankhamen’s Tomb: The Harry Burton Photographs—follow up the Tutankhamen exhibit with a peek at forty of Burton’s photographs, which chronicle the discovery of King Tut’s untouched tomb. Open Tue & Wed 11–5, Thur 11–9, Fri–Sun 11–5. Gen adm $10, senior citizens $7, students with ID $5, children 11 & under free (Thur 5–9 & first Tue of every month everybody free). dallasmuseumofart.org

Thru Jan 31: Sarah Lucas—defiant. Playfully symbolic. Comically blatant. Bawdy. Lucas’s work is all of these. She satirizes the stereotype of the macho male in Little Man Big Willy, questions what a female artist should look like in Self-Portrait with Skull, and addresses anatomical differences in Untitled (couple), which makes use of a raw chicken and a large sausage. A leading figure of the Young British Artists, Lucas is provocative, to say the least. Open Tue–Fri 10–6, Sat 11–4. Free. gossmichaelfoundation.org

Thru Dec 13: Alex Rubio: Exodus—inspired by Aztec religion and mythology, the prophecies of Nostradamus, and popular doomsday movies like The Day After Tomorrow and I Am Legend, the San Antonio native’s apocalyptic imagery also draws heavily on biblical references. Rubio’s painting The 4 Horsemen, in Dallas for the first time, is a contemporary take on pestilence, famine, war, and death; also, Alex de Leon: Divided We Stand—de Leon, who was born in Edinburg and raised in San Antonio, conveys pointed social commentaries through his art. This particular installation, which uses materials such as cardboard to create representations of human settlements, is an interpretation of the isolation of social classes in America; also, Sally Warren: Traces—the San Antonio-born artist bases her graphite drawings of abstracted mountains on scenic commercial photographs. Her final product, which she describes as a “lacy topography,” aims to preserve the fragility and elusiveness of colorful natural rock formations. Open Wed–Sat 11–9. Free. the-mac.org

Thru Dec 2: From Manet to Miro—featuring 65 drawings by some of the most important artist of the last two centuries, this exhibit spans the history of modern and contemporary drawing from Francisco Goya to Lucien Freud. And it’s the first time this incredible collection has been shown in the U.S. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Thur 10–8, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $8, SMU students, faculty & staff, and children 12 & under free (Thur 5–8 everybody free). meadowsmuseumdallas.org

The result of the 2006 merging of the Dallas Museum of Science and History (established in 1936), the Science Place (established in 1946), and the Dallas Children’s Museum (established in 1995), the MNS occupies three structures in Fair Park: the Nature Building, which houses hundreds of artifacts and mammal specimens; the Science Building, where you’ll find more than two hundred hands-on exhibits (everything from the Dental Gallery to the Little Urban Farm); and the city’s only public planetarium. The newest permanent gallery, Your Incredible Body, is an interactive exploration of why and how our body does what it does, from sneezing and sweating to digesting food and thinking. Open Mon–Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $8.75; youths 12–18, students & senior citizens $7.75; children 3–11 $5.50; 2 & under free. natureandscience.org

Thru Jan 4: In Pursuit of the Masters: Stories From the Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection—to mark the center’s fifth anniversary and to honor its late patrons, the Nasher presents this comprehensive exhibit of the couple’s collecting philosophy, which features several of their never-before-seen masterpieces. Open Tue & Wed 11–5, Thur 11–9, Fri–Sun 11–5. Gen adm $10, senior citizens $7, students $5, children 12 & under and museum members free. nashersculpturecenter.org

The museum, located in the former Texas School Book Depository, chronicles the life and death of President John F. Kennedy. Cameras that recorded the events at Dealey Plaza on Nov 22, 1963, are on permanent display. Open Mon noon–6, Tue–Sun 10–6. Gen adm $13.50, senior citizens & youths 6–18 $12.50, children 5 & under free. jfk.org