Memorial Service for Rear Admiral Charles D. Grojean, USN (Ret.) - 1/3

Memorial service for Rear Admiral Charles D. Grojean, USN (Ret.) will be held in Fredericksburg, where Admiral Grojean served as the executive director of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation, which oversees the National Museum of the Pacific War. Admiral Grojean lost his battle with cancer on Monday, December 8, 2008. He was 85 years old – a true American hero. Please call 830/997-4379 for more information.

New Years' Eve Dances

New Year's Eve at Hondo's - 8 pm - Music by the Dust Devils - 830/997-1633

New Year's Eve Dance at Turner Hall - 103 W. Travis - 8:30 to 12:30 -music by Bubba Littrell and the Melody Mustangs. Tickets are only on sale in advance at Turner Hall on Wednesday evenings or by calling 830/997-2204 or 830/997-3936 and are $15 per person.

New Year's Eve Dance - Alegria Barn on Highway 16 S. - 8 pm - Ring in the New Year with the Fredericksburg Morning Rotary Club at their annual fundraising dance. Enjoy a buffet, dancing, open bar, a raffle and fun. There will also be a live and silent auction. Music be Spare Parts. This event is a major source for funds raised for the coming year. Some of the programs Fredericksburg Morning Rotary support annually include Cystic Fibrosis, Rotary Student Exchange, Fredericksburg High School student scholarships, Fredericksburg Boys and Girl's Club, Good Samaritan Center, Golden Hub and contribution to the International Rotary for the eradication of polio worldwide. Cost is $100 donation.

Trois Estates New Years Eve - FM 985 - The Trois Estate is celebrating New Year's Eve with an enchanted evening of gourmet food, music and wine. The celebration includes an elegant five course dinner and champagne toast. Music starts at 8:00PM and features Will Sexton, Bill Carter, Matt McCormack and Charles Trois. Cost is $75 per person. Please call 830/685-3415 for reservations.

New Year's Eve Ball - Nimitz Event Center - 340 East Main - 7:30 pm to Midnight - New Year's Eve Ball at the Nimitz with entertainment by Fiddlin' Frenchie Burke. Enjoy a balloon drop at midnight and watch the ball drop in Time Square at 11:00PM. There will be a cash bar and a champagne toast at midnight followed by a light breakfast with black eyed peas. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Nimitz Bookstore. Please call 830/997-4379 x289.

Luckenbach New Year's Eve Dance - Ring in the New Year at the world famous Luckenbach Dance Hall with music by Mike Blakely and Bo Porter. Please call 830/997-3224 or 888/311-8990 for more information

Stonewall New Year's Eve Dance - Dance into the New Year in Stonewall. Please call 830/644-2735 more information.

Rockbox Theater's "Cool Yule!" Show

Every weekend from November 14 - December 28, enjoy live funtabulous Christmas entertainment at Rockbox Theater. Hours- Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 4:30 & 8:00PM and Sundays at 1:30PM. Call 866/349-6688 or 830/997-ROCK for more information.

Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The only restaurants open today are:

Denny’s - 1035 S. Adams, open 24-hours

Double Jade Island - 504 E. Main, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Area Attractions Open Christmas Day:

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, located out FM 965 N.

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Hwy 16 S.

Gish’s Old West Museum, 502 N. Milam

Stagecoach Theater, 2254 S. US Hwy 87

Charlie’s Golf & Grill, 714 S. Washington (miniature golf only)

Christmas Parade Video from Fredericksburg Realty

Fredericksburg Texas Christmas Parade from Fredericksburg Realty on Vimeo.

Hill Country Military Ball - 12/20

The Nimitz Event Center, 340 East Main, invites Hill Country active duty military to the Military Ball. Please call 830/997-4379 x289 for reservations.

Ambleside School Christmas Candlelight - Dec 18

Join the students of Ambleside School as they host a Christmas Candlelight at 106 South Edison Street. There will be a music, bell choir, readings, with refreshments and childcare provided. This program is free and the public is welcome. Please call 830/990-9059 for more information.

Vereins Kirche Museum now closed on Sunday

The Vereins kirche museum, Fredericksburg's iconic octagon shaped building on Marktplatz, is now closed on Sundays. For more information calle 860-997-2835

Vereins Kirche Museum now closed on Sunday

The Vereins kirche museum, Fredericksburg's iconic octogan shaped building on Marktplatz,

Christmas at President Lyndon Johnson's Boyhood Home - 11/29

Lamplight tours of President Johnson's boyhood home at the LBJ National Historical Park in Johnson City from 6-9 pm as it would have been during the holiday season in the 1920's. Please call 830/868-7128 x231 for more information.

Canto Chamber Choir Concert Tonight

"Service of Lessons and Carols", a concert by the Canto Chamber Choir at 7:30 pm tonight at the Hill Country Evangelical Free Church, 107 E. Lower Crabapple Road. This concert will benefit the Good Samaritan Center. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at Grasshopper and Wild Honey, Fredericksburg Pie Company, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Peach Tree Tea Room and the Good Samaritan Center.

Artisans at Rocky Hill Annual Holiday Celebration

Join the Artisans at Rocky Hill family at 234 W. Main Street on Friday for an evening of Christmas cheer as they extend a warm and heart-felt thank you to the community and all art lovers for the support and love of fine craft and fine art. Please call 830/990-8160 for more information.

"Late Night Shopping" on Main Street December 12

Save Friday evening for “Late Night Shopping” on Main Street. There will be over 30 shops, stores, restaurants and galleries staying opening until 8:00PM. Please support these local businesses and join in the fun. Many of them will be offering discounts or will have food and wine in their stores and galleries to encourage you to get out and shop.

Christmas at The Theater - 12/11-14

Join the Fredericksburg Theater Company as they celebrate Season 12. FTC offers the magic of the holidays presenting a variety program with all the warmth of the Christmas message and some magic thrown in for the children. All performances are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30PM and Sundays at 2:00PM. Please call 888/669-7114 for tickets.

"Trunk Sale Bead Show" at J's Kreations

Sherry "Dancingfeather" will be teaching wirework classes the whole afternoon at J's Kreations, 215B W. Main Street. She is from San Antonio, Texas, who was featured in Step By Step Wire Jewelry Magazine last summer on her weaved Bezel Cabochon. There will be lots of gemstones, focal beads, copper beads, etc for sale. Please call 830/997-6970 for more information.

Fredericksburg Home Tour, Ball, and Christmas Market - 12/12-13

Guests can tour historic properties, dance at the Tannenbaum Ball, and shop at a German Christmas Market in Fredericksburg during the Gillespie County Historical Society's Preservation Weekend coming Dec 12 and 13, 2008.

Eight unique Fredericksburg properties will be open and decorated for the holidays. Properties will be open between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008. All are located in and around Fredericksburg.

Tickets for the tour are $25 per person. For an additional $18, visitors can reserve rides on the trolley that shuttles from door to door.

The Society hosts the Tannenbaum Ball on Friday, December 12, from 7:00-11:30 pm at Pioneer Pavilion, Lady Bird Johnson Park, Hwy 16 South of Fredericksburg. This year's theme is "Winter Wonderland," with entertainment by singer Linda Petty. Guests will enjoy cocktails and reserved dinner seating.

An added attraction at the ball this year is the new German Christmas Market. Just in time for Christmas, guests will find whimsical gifts such as poof fairies, knobstoppers, and music boxes. Live and silent auction items include wine tastings, romantic retreats, hunts, mystery dinners, and concert and opera tickets.

Reservations for the Tannenbaum Ball are $100 per person, and must be made by December 5.

Patrons can order tickets by any of four methods:

By phone - 830-997-2835

By mail - GCHS, 312 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

By email - Vickibeasley@austin.rr.com

In person - Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche, Historical Society office, Gastehaus Schmidt, Journey Lane Scrapbooking, Crenwelge Motors (Kerrville)

The Home Tour and Ball are the largest fundraisers for the Gillespie County Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve and tell the story of Fredericksburg’s unique cultural heritage.

New German Christmas Market - 12/13-14

Guests at this year's Tannenbaum Ball in Fredericksburg can shop for distinct and whimsical gifts at the new German Christmas Market, part of the Gillespie County Historical Society's Preservation Weekend, held Dec 12 and 13, 2008.


The Society hosts the Tannenbaum Ball on Friday, December 12, from 7:00-11:30 pm at Pioneer Pavilion, Lady Bird Johnson Park, Hwy 16 South of Fredericksburg. This year's theme is "Winter Wonderland," with entertainment by singer Linda Petty. Guests will enjoy cocktails and reserved dinner seating. The new German Christmas Market will help guests find new and interesting gifts, according to Linder Langerhans, Auction Committee Chair.


"Our new Christmas Market is another way for the public to support the Society in a fun way," Langerhans said. "These items are easy to pick up and make great Christmas gifts."


Committee members sought out unique items not available locally and that reflect playful themes. For example, Poof Fairies are 8" tall, frilly creations that sport whimsical messages such as "Poof - the kids are asleep" and "Poof - Dinner is ready." Varsity China features ceramic plates adorned with logos from major universities in Texas. Other gift items include Knobstoppers - vintage wine bottle toppers, and San Francisco music boxes.


Shoppers can also bid on their favorite live and silent auction items. Top offerings include a Houston Grand Opera Package, Santa Fe Retreat, Wine Tasting Party, Texas Bird Hunt, and a Murder Mystery Dinner.


"This wonderful event is the Society's major fundraiser for operation of the museum," Langerhans said. "Being there is great fun, with good music and good food."


On Saturday, Dec 13, the public can view eight unique Fredericksburg properties decorated for the season on the Holiday Home Tour. Properties will be open between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008. All are located in and around Fredericksburg.


Tickets for the tour are $25 per person. For an additional $18, visitors can reserve rides on the trolley that shuttles from door to door. Trolley seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to reserve early.


Reservations for the Tannenbaum Ball are $100 per person, and must be made by December 5.


Patrons can order tickets by any of four methods:

By phone - 830-997-2835

By mail - GCHS, 312 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

By email - Vickibeasley@austin.rr.com

In person - Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche, Historical Society office, Gastehaus Schmidt, Journey Lane Scrapbooking, Crenwelge Motors (Kerrville)


The Home Tour and Ball are the largest fundraisers for the Gillespie County Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve and tell the story of Fredericksburg’s unique cultural heritage.

Weinachten in Fredericksburg - Dec 5-7

Experience a small-town Christmas in Fredericksburg, located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country!

Weihnachten in Fredericksburg, a Christmas festival and market. Enjoy live seasonal entertainment, children's area and workshop, German food, shopping, gingerbread house display and the holiday spirit. Tour the Christmas Tree Forest and the beautifully decorated Marktplatz. This annual festival is free and is a Chamber of Commerce sponsored event. Hours are Friday 4:00 - 8:00PM, Saturday 10:00AM - 8:00PM and Sunday 12:00 - 4:00PM. Please call 830/997-6523 for more information.

"Tis the Season for Jewels" Artisans at Rocky Hill

Artisans at Rocky Hill, A Gallery of Fine Works, proudly announces “Tis the Season for Jewels” A Seasonal Trunk Show, showcasing six area jewelry artists, their creations and their techniques. This new Holiday event will introduce visitors, not only to the latest creations by these talented ladies but, also provide the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy the development of their work plus, purchase never before seen pieces. The Holiday Season is the perfect time of year for giving jewelry and custom creations can be made while you wait, or you may place an order, with delivery just in time for Christmas!

The Trunk Show, with artists in attendance and demonstrating their talent, is Friday from 10:00AM - 8:00PM, during First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg and Saturday from 10:00AM - 4:00PM. Jewelry artists unveiling their never-before-seen pieces and demonstrating their unique gift in the Trunk Show are Dottie Moon of Hye, Amber Nanni of Stonewall, Kathleen McBride of Boerne, Anne Britton of Pearland, Alexandra Nagy and Jackie James, both of Austin. “Tis the Season for Jewels” parallels two very special events in Fredericksburg, TX.: First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg and Weinachten in Fredericksburg. In addition, December 5th is also the kick-off of Fredericksburg’s community-wide Christmas celebration – Weinachten, which begins with a lighted parade at 6:00PM.

Artisans at Rocky Hill showcases artisans and craftsmen from the Texas Hill Country. Featured on a full-time basis are over 70 area artisans and craftsmen whose talents include paintings in oil, pastel, acrylic and watercolor, fine furnishings, wood turnings, pottery & ceramics, fused glass, gourd art, mosaics, copper and iron sculpture, mixed media, jewelry, and more. Recently relocated to 234 West Main Street in Uptown Fredericksburg, Artisans at Rocky Hill main focus is promoting education through demonstration along with providing a venue to showcase on a permanent basis the finest of talent in the Texas Hill Country. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00AM - 5:30PM. Please call 830/990-8160 for more information.

"Ringing in the Holidays" - December 5

The River City Ringers of San Antonio, performing at First Baptist Church, 1407 E. Main Street on Friday Dec 14 at 7 pm, is proud to present their 4th Annual "Ringing in the Holidays" concert. Under the new direction of Dr. Douglas Boyer, this will be a varied program of music for handbells, handchimes, percussion and voice that will set the mood for the Christmas season.

"Holiday Cookies From Around the World" Cooking Class

Give this year's holiday baking an international flavor with cookies from around the world at Fischer & Wieser's das Peach Haus, 1406 Highway 87 South on Saturday from 3-5 pm. Cost is $50 per person. Please call 512/905-7737 or email for reservations.

Pearl Harbor Survivors National Convention and Anniversary Reunion - 12/4-8

National Museum of the Pacific War is hosting the Pearl Harbor Survivors National Convention and Reunion, as they and the nation remember the anniversary of that tragic day. Please call 830/997-8600 for more information.