NOVEMBER

  November 5-6 - Georgetown
15th ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY ARTS & CRAFT FAIR... Sat 9am-4pm & Sun 11am-4pm. Two days with over 100 booths of exciting ideas for holiday giving. Don’t miss this one! For fifteen years, the crowds have come to enjoy some of the best shopping in Central Texas. Stay for lunch (food vendors on site). #2 Texas Drive, Georgetown (5 miles west of I-35 on Williams Dr. or FM2338). (512) 864-1207.

  November 10-20 - Brenham
UNITY THEATRE PRESENTS “THE TURN OF THE SCREW”... In a lonely English manor, a young governess caring for two recently orphaned children is haunted by tales of her dead predecessor. Are the ghosts real or a product of her fevered imagination? Based on Henry James’ novel. Performances: Thurs 7:30pm, Fri/Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm. Call the box office for ticket prices & reservations. Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. Downtown Brenham. (979) 830-8358. www.unitybrenham.org.

  November 12 - San Marcos
VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATION... Patriotism thrives in our streets and in our hearts as we pay tribute to military war heroes. San Marcos remembers military veterans with a parade at

  November 12 - San Marcos
VETERAN’S DAY DINNER DANCE... The evening features the big band sounds of the Sentimental Journey Orchestra, a silent auction, and a dance contest. Tickets at $40 per person include a BBQ dinner beginning at

  November 19-20 - Brenham
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR & TRUNK SHOW... Tour historic homes and shop for holiday gifts. Shopping 11am-5pm; home tours 1pm-4pm both days. Giddings Stone Mansion, 2203 Century Circle, Brenham. 1-888-BRENHAM, (979) 836-1690 or www.giddingsstonemansion.com.

  November 19-20 - Brenham
POINSETTIA CELEBRATION... Breathtaking poinsettias in different colors & sizes, plant seminars, Poinsettia Christmas tree, beautiful plants, entertainment & food. 10am-4pm. Ellison’s Greenhouse, 2107 E. Stone in Brenham. Call 1-888-BRENHAM, or visit www.ellisonsgreenhouses.com.

  November 26 - Anderson
TWILIGHT FIRELIGHT AT FANTHORP… Celebrate the holiday season with a journey back to the 1850s! Enjoy the ambiance of the candlelit inn, period music, living history, poetry, stagecoach rides and holiday fare. 4:30-7:30pm. Tickets sold in front of Courthouse 4:30pm-7:30pm. Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. (936) 878-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com. 

  November 26 - Comfort
CHRISTMAS IN COMFORT... Streets in the Downtown Historic District are closed, making room for over 100 arts and crafts booths, music, entertainment and food court. 10am till 9pm. Antique and specialty shops are also decorated for the season. Spectacular lighted evening parade. www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com. (830) 995-3131.

  November 30-December 3 - San Marcos
25th ANNUAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS... Lights, lights & more lights. Start your Christmas shopping early at the arts & crafts marketplace. Visit Santa's village, ride the carousel, view a live nativity scene, and enjoy delicious holiday favorites. The entire family gets into the holiday spirit by joining in all the fun-filled activities. Admission $4 age 10 & up; free for kids 9 & under. For more info:  www.toursanmarcos.com or (512) 393-8400.

DECEMBER

  December 1-12 - Flatonia
CHRISTMAS IN FLATONIA... Flatonia Chamber of Commerce invites you to fun holiday activities—Flatonia Christmas Village Lighting Dec 1, Christmas Market/Cookie & Candy Carnival at Civic Center (9am-4pm) on Dec 10, Flatonia’s Wonderful Winter Wine Walk at local businesses (5-9pm) on Dec 10, and Christmas Homes Tour (2:30pm-5:30pm) Dec 11. (361) 865-3920. Email: flatoniacofc@sbcglobal.net. www.FlatoniaChamber.com.

  December 2 - Brenham
DOWNTOWN BRENHAM’S CHRISTMAS STROLL & LIGHTED PARADE... Enjoy spiced tea or hot cider, entertainment & holiday shopping as you stroll the beautifully-lighted streets of Historic Downtown. The downtown lighted parade brings Santa to the Square at 6pm. Fun for the entire family. Free admission & free parking. www.downtownbrenham.com. 1-888-Brenham. 

  December 3 - Cameron
AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS! ... Join us for Cameron’s annual Christmas Parade for fun in the decorated historic square downtown. Eat lunch at food booths, listen to music and have your picture taken with Santa. Festivities start 4:30 pm, with parade at 5 pm. Recapture your childhood Christmas spirit with lights, music, floats and Santa! www.cameron-tx.com. (254) 697-4979.

  December 3 - Elgin
HOLIDAY BY THE TRACKS... Catch the holiday spirit in Historic Downtown Elgin! Before or after cutting your Christmas tree from one of two local tree farms, enjoy live music, caroling, shopping and children’s activities. There are also pictures with Santa and a lighted holiday parade at dusk. 10am-7pm. Only 19 miles east of Austin on Hwy 290. www.elgintx.com. (512) 285-4515.

  December 3-4 - Austin
WHEATSVILLE ARTS FESTIVAL... The 27th annual outdoor celebration of art is moving one block south. Featuring 100 artisans and a fine arts exhibit of original works in an array of mediums. Enjoy live music on three stages from 9am till 5pm. Admission is still free. This new venue is located at 2915 Guadalupe. (512) 944-2787. www.wheatsvilleartsfestival.com. 

  December 3-4 - Buda
BUDAFEST... Festivities to put you in the holiday spirit  include a Christmas parade, entertainment, carnival, and over 125 artisans selling handcrafted items of every type - jewelry, candles, holiday decorations, salsas, woodcraft’s, pottery and soaps -- to name but a few. Children also visit & take pictures with Santa. Downtown Buda. www.budafest.org. (512) 312-0084.

  December 3-4 - Hamilton
CHRISTMAS HAMILTON... Enjoy holiday events with on a Christmas parade (Saturday, 10am) and Holiday Tour of Homes (Saturday & Sunday). cofc@htcomp.net. (254) 386-3216. www.hamiltontexas.com.

  Dec 8-10 & Dec 15-17 - Canyon Lake  NORTH POLE VILLAGE ... Discover the magic of Christmas where children can write a letter to Santa, pet puppies, adopt a toy, go “fishing”, select library books, make crafts, decorate cookies, get their face painted, go on a hayride, see a nativity & sit on Santa’s lap! 6-9pm. CRRC Recreation Center, 125 Mabel Jones Dr., Canyon Lake, TX (830) 964-2324. www.crrcofcanyonlake.org.

  December 10 - Chappell Hill
CHAPPELL HILL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR & TEDDY BEAR PARADE... Tour beautiful country homes decorated for the holidays in the quaint country hills and town of Chappell Hill. Rudolph hands out prizes & Mrs. Claus has storytime at Teddy Bear Parade (3pm). Maps & tickets can be purchased day of the event. 10am-5pm. chmuseum@chappellhillmuseum.org.   www.chappellhillmuseum.org. 1-888-BRENHAM.

  December 11 - Burnet
CHRISTMAS AT FORT CROGHAN... CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME DROUGHT CONDITIONS!

  December 14-21 - Buda
BUDA TRAIL OF LIGHTS... Christmas cheer radiates throughout the season! Food, fun, and holiday splendor await visitors to enjoy a spectacular display of twinkling lights illuminating Historic Stagecoach Park with various Christmas scenes & themes. 6pm-10pm. www.ci.buda.tx.us. (512) 312-0084.

  December 18-19 - Independence
BETHLEHEM IN INDEPENDENCE ... Six area churches participate in this living nativity, 6pm-8pm. Enjoy caroling, hot chocolate & cookies, and a hayride. Free parking at Independence Town Square on FM 390. 1-888-BRENHAM. www.brenhamtexas.com.

JANUARY

  January 7-8, 2012 - Brenham
BRENHAM WINTER ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE ARTS SHOW... Antiques, collectibles, great finds! Join over 50 dealers of quality antiques, formal furniture, quilts, collectibles, country Americana & Texana at KC Hall. www.brenhamtexas.com, 1-888-BRENHAM. www.ruraltexasantiques.com. 

  January 28 - Round Top
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL-INSTITUTE MUSIC SERIES… The Synergy Brass Quintet performs, 3:00 pm. International Festival-Institute at Round Top, Hwy. 237 at Jaster Rd., Round Top. Call for admission & reservations: (979) 249-3129, or www.festivalhill.org.

FEBRUARY

  February 9-26 - Brenham
UNITY THEATRE PRESENTS “BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR”... Enjoy the story of the greatest allied ace of the “Great War” with music and poignancy. An accident-prone cavalryman and poor pilot finds glory in the sky and becomes the first Canadian to receive the Military Cross, Victoria Cross and Distinguished Service Medal. Performances: Thurs 7:30pm, Fri/Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. www.unitybrenham.org. (979) 30-8358.

  February 25 - Round Top
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL-INSTITUTE MUSIC SERIES... James Dick Piano Recital, 3:00 pm. International Festival-Institute, Hwy. 237 at Jaster Road.  Call for admission and reservations. (979) 249-3129, or visit www.festivalhill.org.

MARCH

  March 1-31 - Flatonia
PARADE OF QUILTS... Shop owners display a profusion of heirloom and contemporary quilts throughout downtown stores during the month of March. Flatonia is located at Exit 661on I-10, between Houston & San Antonio. (361) 865-3920. www.flatoniachamber.com. Email: flatoniacofc@sbcglobal.com.

  March 2,9,16,23,30 - April 6,13,20,27 & May 4,11,18,25 - Brenham
WINE DOWN AT PLEASANT HILL WINERY... “Wine Down” on Fridays on the deck and watch the sunset. Enjoy wine by the glass or share a bottle with friends. Cheese boards available. 3pm-sunset. Every Friday in March, April & May. Pleasant Hill Winery, 1441 Salem Road. (979) 830-VINE (8463). www.pleasanthillwinery.com. 

  March 3-4 - Washington
TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION... Free two-day historic celebration! Come celebrate the 176th anniversary of Texas Independence! Experience life in the Republic of Texas. Costumed re-enactors, period craft demonstrations, military encampments & Texas tunes, 10am-5pm. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. (936) 878-2214. www.birthplaceoftexas.com. 

  March 10 - Round Top
8th INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL AT ROUND TOP... Performances include Marco Tamayo, the Canadian Guitar Quartet, and Bandini-Chiacchiaretta Duo & the Round Top Philharmonia. Festival Hill Concert Hall, Hwy. 237 at Jaster Rd, Round Top. Call for admission/reservations: (979) 249-3129, info@festivalhill.org, or visit www.festivalhill.org.

  March 22-April 1 - Brenham
UNITY THEATRE PRESENTS “LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC”... On a train in 1940, May shares her seat with a young flyer, and they discover they’re from neighboring towns. He promises to take May to the next Nibroc Festival—and so begins an improbable romance. This story is about casual acquaintance leading to something lasting. Thurs 7:30pm, Fri/Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm. Call for tickets/reservations. Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. (979) 830-8358. www.unitybrenham.org. 

  March 31 - Flatonia
FLATONIA ART FEST & SPRING MARKET DAY... Join us downtown, and enjoy a day full of fun! Market with arts & crafts, jewelry, exotic plants, hand-crafted one-of-a-kind items & more! Food & drinks. Fun for the kiddos. Music. Welcome the Texas Independence Relay & cheer them on as they come. (361) 865-3920. www.FlatoniaChamber.com.

  March 31-April 1 - Brenham
PLEASANT HILL WINERY 15th ANNIVERSARY... Come celebrate with Pleasant Hill Winery. Wine tasting & anniversary cake. Pleasant Hill Winery, 1441 Salem Rd. in Brenham. Sat 11am-6pm & Sun noon-5pm. Free admission. (979) 830-VINE (8463), www.pleasanthillwinery.com, or info@pleasanthillwinery.com.

APRIL

  April 14-15 - Chappell Hill
OFFICIAL BLUEBONNET FESTIVAL OF TEXAS... Stroll through this historic town, and enjoy over 300 juried vendor booths of home decor, gardening, jewelry, pet accessories, children’s items and more. Plus great food, entertainment, music & fun in the heart of bluebonnet country. Listed in Texas High-ways Magazine as the #7 most popular event! Visit www.chappellhillmusuem.org, or call 1-888-BRENHAM.