Black Eyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff at Torre De Pietra Winery

It’s said in Texas that those who partake of the magical black eyed pea on New Year’s Day will benefit with good luck throughout the coming year. Torre di Pietra Vineyards wants to ensure good luck to all – along with great food, great music and plenty of fun. There’s no cost to attend – just bring your appetite! Help select the cookoff winner by purchasing a PEOPLE’s Choice Kit available for $5. Proceeds will benefit art education in area public schools. (Black eyed peas and cornbread will also be available for all attendees to sample, no PEOPLE’s Choice purchase required.) As always, Torre di Pietra Vineyards’ award-winning wines will also be available for purchase. Live music by John Arthur Martinez from 1 to 5 pm. 10 am to 6 pm.

Luckenbach New Year’s Eve Celebration 2014

Two-step in the New Year with live music by Thomas Michael Riley in Luckenbach, Texas, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop.  Ticket includes admission to the dance hall and champagne toast.  There are NO RESERVATIONS – first come, first served only.  A shuttle service from Fredericksburg Inn & Suites to be provided from 7:30 pm to 2:00 am.  Please check the website for more information as it becomes available.

Doors at 8 pm.  $35 per person. Call 830-997-3224 for more information.

First Day Hikes, Runs and Yoga at Enchanted Rock - January 1

Choose from the Loop Trail (4.5 miles), the Summit Trail (1.2 miles), Frontside Trail to Frog Pond (1.2 miles) or “The Other side of the Rock” Hike (approx. 2.5 miles).  These hikes will be going on every hour throughout the day starting at 9 am.  Yoga will begin at 7 am.  A separate “Run With the Ranger” on the Loop Trail will start at 9 am.  All hikes will begin at the Gazebo. Bring water and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the activity you choose whether it’s yoga, running or hiking.  Park entry is $7 per person; age 12 and under are free.  There is o cost to participate in any of these programs.

Reserve a spot for yoga by emailing patty@lizarddreamingyoga.com   Participate in “Run With the Ranger” by emailing Scott.Whitener@tpwd.texas.gov

Address: 18 miles north on RR 965
Phone: (830) 685-3636

New Years Eve Dance at Turner Hall - December 31

The Wagon Aces return to the Turner Hall, 103 West Travis Street, to ring in the New Year.  Dance in 2012 on December 31, from 8:30 to 12:30 at Turner Hall.  Tickets go on sale December 3, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Turner Hall located at 103 W Travis Street, Fredericksburg.  Tickets will be $20.00 per person.  Tickets will be sold at Turner Hall from 6 to 8 pm on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.  Any unsold tickets will be sold at the door on December 31 at 7 pm.  

For more information please call Nichole at 830-998-9019 or leave a message at the hall at 830-997-2204.

New Year’s Eve at Hill Top Cafe - December 31

Enjoy great food and live entertainment by Johnny Nicholas and Hell Bent featuring Cindy Cashdollar at Hill Top Cafe, 10661 N. US Highway 87.  Two shows:  early seating from 5 to 9 pm and late seating from 9 pm to 1 am.  Please call or visit the website for more information and to make reservations.

Call 830-997-8922 for more information.

New Year’s Blast at Rockbox Theater - December 26-31

Join us for our New Year’s show as we let you “Blast” out of 2014 and into 2015.  We’ll have special Tribute artists joining us in this show that will add just the right touch for letting you enjoy one more treat for the season.  We are taking the best of all of 2014 and putting it into one show!  You can’t miss this – it will be a Blast!  Please visit the website for a complete schedule of showtimes and to reserve tickets.

Friday at 8 pm; Saturday at 4:30 and 8 pm; Sunday at 3 pm; Tuesday at 8 pm; New Year’s Eve at 8 pm.  No show on Monday, December 29.

Adults $32-$42; youth $17.  Group rates available.

Address: 109 N. Llano
Phone: (830) 997-7625

The Auslander Winter Music Festival - December 26-1/3

Seven nights of live music at The Auslander Restaurant and Biergarten, 323 E. Main, from December 26 through January 3 (no music on December 28 or 29). Most performances are free. Complete music lineup available on the website. Music at 7 pm.

Candlelight Tour at the Pioneer Museum - 12/26

Tour the Pioneer Museum Grounds, 325 West Main.  There will be festive decorations and musical groups and refreshments.  Proceeds benefit the Gillespie County Historical Society.

5 to 7 pm.  $10 per person. Call (830) 990-8441 for details.

Zweite Weinachten

The Zweite Weihnachten Party takes place on Saturday, December 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 312 W. San Antonio Street. There will be plenty of refreshments like home baked goods like lebkuchen (kind of a gingerbread), apfel saft (warm spiced apple cider) and gluhwein (warm, spiced wine) to go along with some German Christmas music and gemutlichkeit.

Midnight Volksmarch - December 31

Begin 2014 with this Midnight Volkssport Walk. The evening begins at St, Jospeh Halle, 212 W. San Antonio Streetwith a reception at 11:00pm. The walk begins at midnight and must finish by 3:00am.

Christmas on “The Other Side of the (Enchanted) Rock” - December 25

Create a truly unique Christmas morning memory and join a park ranger on a hike to the other side of the Rock known as Little Rock.  See the park from a different perspective than the summit.  This hike is for those with an adventurous spirit that want a real treat for Christmas Day.

9:30 am. Call (830) 685-3636 for more information.

Boxing Day at Becker Vineyards - Dec 26

Fireside Readings, Holiday Hors d' oeuvres, and Yuletide Music are the centerpiece of the celebration of Boxing Day at Becker Vineyards. The event runs from 10 am to 5pm and admission is free. Call 830-644-2681 for more information.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting - LBJ State and National Park - Dec 21

Stonewall, Texas -Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park invite everyone to join in the Christmas cheer at their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 2. The public is invited to come join the Texas Hill Country in this special tradition started 45 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments and of course, the spectacular tree lighting. Step back in time to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm for cookies amid glowing lanterns and a traditional candlelit German Christmas tree. Call (830) 868-7128 for more information.

Luckenbach's Cowboy Christmas Ball - 12/20

Make sure your holiday plans include cuttin' a rug in the Luckenbach Dancehall to the legendary Gary P. Nunn!! He will be performing at this year's Cowboy Christmas Ball. It will surely be a night to remember! Advance tickets on sale now. The World Famous Luckenbach Dance Hall located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Made famous by Willie, Waylon and The Boys and local folklorist Hondo Crouch. Call 830-997-3224 for more information.

Silver Spur Gun & Blade Show - 12/19-20

A collection of guns, knives, ammo, jewelry, fishing, coins, gifts and collectibles at Gillespie County Fairgrounds on Highway 16 South. Buy, sell, trade or just browse. Hours are Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM and Sunday 10:00AM - 5:00PM. Admission is $5 for adults and 12 and under free. Please call 806/253-1322 for information.

Fredericksburg Community Orchestra Christmas Concert - December 19

The orchestra consists of community members of all ages and musical experience.  The mission of nonprofit Fredericksburg Community Orchestra is to promote string education in Fredericksburg and surrounding communities.  The Christmas Concert will be held at the Hill Country Evangelical Free Church, 107 E. Lower Crabapple Rd.

7 pm.  Free admission, but donations appreciated. Call (806) 549-2483 for more information.

URBANherbal Cooking & Gardening Classes: “Winter Soups, Sides and Salads” - December 20

“Winter Soups, Sides and Salads”.  11 am.  $75 per person.   Learn how to make hearty soups with sides and salads to ward off the winter chills and delight your palate.  Includes Tomato Basil Blue Cheese Soup, Harvest Chicken Soup, Fresh Baked Bread with herbal spreads, Winter Garden Salad and a sweet ending.

Contact URBANherbal to custom design your private class/party for a couple’s retreat, for your group or organization, bridal or baby shower. Our preset classes are small and intimate maximum of 10 participants. Cancellations must be made 72 hours before class date in order to obtain a refund. See our website for more details. Reserve you seat now!! wvarney@urbanherbal.com or 830-456-9667

St. Joseph's Halle Craft Sale - 12/13

This is a local arts and craft show held annually at St. Joseph's Halle, 212 West San Antonio Street in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Tannenbaum Ball - December 13

7th Annual event presented by the Gillespie County Historical Society.  Featuring a seated dinner catered by August E’s, open bar, dancing to live music by the Flyin GT’s and auction.  Please visit the website for more details as they become available.  At the St. Mary’s Event Center, 306 West San Antonio St..

7 pm. $175 per person. Call (830) 990-8441.

A Christmas Journey This Weekend

Bethany Lutheran Church, 110 West Austin Street, presents a drive- through performance of The Christmas Story on this Friday and Saturday, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Enter the church parking lot from North Adams Street. There is no admission fee.

Fredericksburg Theater Company presents The Sentimental Journey Orchestra Holiday Show - 12/11-14

Celebrate the holidays with the music of the fabulous Big Bands of the 1940′s . . . Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and more.  ”The greatest music from the greatest generation!” At the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 S. US Hwy 87.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sunday at 2 pm.  $29 adults; $12 for youth 17 and under. Call (830) 997-3588 for details or tickets.

Christmas in the Park at Enchanted Rock - December 13

Enjoy a Hill Country Christmas at legendary Enchanted Rock, 18 miles north of Fredericksburg on RR 965, where a variety of holiday-themed events will be happening throughout the day.  Start the day with an Enchanted Hike at 9:30 am where you will join Santa for a hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock.  At 4:30 pm, join Santa and his elves for an old-fashioned hay ride through the park.  Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies courtesy of Friends of Enchanted Rock.  At 7 pm, there will be a special Night Time Hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock with Santa Claus to ring in the Christmas season.  Hot chocolate will be served.

All day starting at 9:30 am. Call (830) 685-3636 for more information.

“Red Alert” Art Show at Fredericksburg Art Guild - 12/5-28

See how artist members of the Fredericksburg Art Guild interpret vibrant, attention-getting images. Opening reception on December 5 from 4 to 8 pm during First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg. Call 830-997-4949 for more information.

Canto Chamber Choir Christmas Concert - 12/8

Benefitting the Good Samaritan Center. ”Christmas Remembered” Christmas choral music including lessons and carols. Tickets will be available in advance at the Good Samaritan Center and Hill Country Evangelical Free Church. Tickets may be available at the door if not sold out. Event location is the Hill Country Evangelical Free Church, 1007 E. Lower Crabapple Rd. Call (830) 997-4991 for more information. 7:30 pm. $25 per person.

Texas Hill Country Wineries “Holiday Wine Trail” - December 5-24

The most coveted wine trail of the year! Vineyards and tasting rooms are cloaked in lights, warmth and holiday fun. Receive a collectible Christmas ornament and enjoy 1 – 3 complimentary tastes per person at each winery and special discounts on wine purchases. This is a self-guided wine trail to all 42 participating wineries. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online. Additional Christmas ornaments will be offered to wine trail participants at a 50% discount. During regular winery hours for 10 straight days. $60 per couple or $35 per single. Call 512-914-5561 for more information.

Kinderfest - Dec. 6

Children ages 10 years and younger are invited to Pioneer Museum for the annual Kinderfest. Come experience a local Christmas tradition. Children are invited to hang a stocking on the Kammlah House hearth for St. Nicholas to fill. Enjoy singing, story-telling, ornament making, refreshments and perhaps even a visit from Santa Claus! Hang stockings from 9:30 to 10 am. Program from 10 to 11 am. Free admission only for children 10 and under accompanied by a paid adult. $5 per adult; $3 students ages 11 – 17.

57th Annual Holiday Home Tour - 12/5

Christmas will be on display at seven unique homes, all on tour for the first time in Fredericksburg. This year’s tour features six historical homes and a grand ranch home. This is a self-guided tour; all homes will be decorated in their finest for the holidays. Pick up tickets and tour maps at the Pioneer Museum. Please visit the website for details and to purchase tickets online. Sponsored by the Gillespie County Historical Society.

11 am to 5 pm. $25 per person advance purchase; $30 per person after November 28. Phone: (830) 990-8441

Chamber Light the Night Christmas Parade & After Glow - 12/5

Enjoy this celebration of light, community and the Christmas spirit! Parade route includes both reserved and free seating. After Glow activities include children’s programming, shopping and local food and wine – all bathed in Fredericksburg’s spectacular Christmas lights! Parade route is on Main Street and starts at 6:30 pm. After Glow activites on Marktplatz from 3 to 10 pm. Photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 8 to 10 pm. Reserved parade seating cost is $15 first come, first served and tickets may be picked up at the Visitor Center. Attendees seated in the bleachers will be able to view the Laser Light Show which serves as the grand opening of the parade.

Fredericksburg Chorale Christmas Concert - December 6

A celebration of Christmas music including classic, folk, traditional and new compositions directed by Mark Hierholzer.  At historic St. Joseph’s Hall 212 West, San Antonio Street.

3 and 7 pm.  By donation. Call (830) 997-6869 for more information.

“Tis the Season for Jewels” Trunk Show at Artisans - 12/5

Showcasing the fabulous talents of our finest jewelry artists!  From noon to 8 pm during First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg. Artisans is at 234 W. Main St. Call (830) 990-8160 for more information.

Annual Pearl Harbor Day Recognition - 12/7

This memorial program at the National Museum of the Pacific War at 12:25 pm includes noted speakers, Pearl Harbor survivors, joint color guard, placing of the wreath, music and taps with a 21 gun salute. There is no charge for the program, with the standard admission for museum guests. Please call 830/997-8600 for more information.

Fredericksburg’s Weinstrasse “Holiday Celebration & Shopping Extravaganza” - December 07

Enjoy holiday shopping and great specials while visiting three great wineries!  Participating wineries are Inwood Estates, 4.0 Cellars and Mendelbaum Cellars.  Ticket includes three wine and food pairings at each of the three wineries, a crystal souvenir bordeaux wine glass and a special take home holiday gift!  There will be live entertainment at each winery and complimentary shuttle service will be provided by Inwood Estates.  Tickets available online.

Noon to 3 pm.  $35 per person. Call (830) 997-2304 for more information.

Classic Christmas Cinema at Fredericksburg Theater Company - 12/5

Join Fredericksburg Theater Company after the Christmas Parade at the Fredericksburg Theater Company for an evening of carols, popcorn, cocoa, wassel and holiday snacks.  Our feature film on the big screen and in glorious Technicolor will be “White Christmas” starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye!  Proceeds will benefit the Fredericksburg Theater Company.  At the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 S. US Hwy 87.

7:30 – 10:30 pm.  $10 adults; $8 children. Call (830) 997-3588 for more information.

Grinch’s Full Moon Hike to the Summit at Enchanted Rock - 12/6

Join park staff on an exhilarating hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock.  Once at the top, enjoy a reading of the classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  Get in the spirit and wear a Grinch stocking cap – bring your own or pick one up in the park store.

7 pm. Call (830) 685-3636 for details.

“Small Works” Art Show at Insight Gallery - 12/5-28

InSight Gallery, 214 W Main Street, is honored to host their annual Holiday Small Works Group Show featuring our unsurpassed gallery artists and special guests Jeremy Browne, Laura Robb, Christopher Blossom, David Mayer and Paul Kratter.   These small treasures are a perfect gift for the art lover in your life!  Opening reception on December 5 from 6 to 8 pm during First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg.