Play Here's Activity Roundup for Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, including Electric Light Parade, 'Silent Sky,' 'Falling into Dance,' Christmas Open House, more

chip chandler

• Published on November 29, 2017 • Last modified on February 13, 2020

Center City's Electric Light Parade is Friday.
Photo by Ralph Duke

By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer

December comes roaring in with a slew of holiday traditions, including Amarillo's Electric Light Parade and PPHM's Christmas Open House, plus plays, dance and more.

Thursday

2017 Presents for Pets: Drop off a donation at La Chateau Pet Resort for a local rescue pet in need through Dec. 23. (8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, La Chateau Pet Resort, 8150 S.W. 77th Ave. 806-331-1100)

Harrington House holiday tours: The historic home's holiday tours will feature decorations designed by Helen Cole in the 1950s, a festive holiday dinner setting and designer gowns. Tours are conducted on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through Dec. 19, Harrington House, 1600 S. Polk. Free; reservations required. 806-374-5490)

Artistic Escapes: Learn to paint a Santa Claus at this event at Burn Studio. Adults-only, with BYOB and snacks. (6 p.m. Thursday, Burn Studio, 4111 Business Park Drive. $30. 806-535-4419)

Christmas in the Gardens: The glowing gardens officially open at Amarillo Botanical Gardens. This year's attraction will open Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 23. (6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through Dec. 23, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Free; donations accepted. 806-352-6513)

Nightmare Before Christmas: Paint a work inspired by the popular movie at Art Trek Studio. (6 p.m. Thursday, Art Trek Studio, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 60. $30. 806-559-7239)

Waterfield Christmas Walk: The Citadelle Gardens Christmas-lights exhibition celebrates the season nightly through Jan. 2. (6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Citadelle Gardens, 520 Nelson St. in Canadian. Free. 806-323-8899)

Wreath Making: Learn how to make a modern wreath decoration at Things Like Us. (6 p.m. Thursday, Things Like Us, 3313 S.W. Sixth Ave. $35. 940-395-1846)

Magical Snowman: Pain a holiday treat on a 12 x 12 canvas at Kudos Art Studio. (6:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Kudos Art Studio, 7406 S.W. 34th Ave., Suite 28. $20. 806-654-6173)

Nights of Lights at Enchanted Acres: The decked-out horse farm, which boasts more than 300,000 Christmas lights, will open for its second season. (6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday; continues Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 31, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 6505 S. Osage St. Admission $10 per car or $20 per passenger van or limo with more than 10 passengers; season passes available. www.drivethelights.com)

Ugly Christmas Party: Play games, wear ugly Christmas sweaters and take part in a group art project at Spirited Expressions, and bring your own food and beverages, including adult beverages. A portion of proceeds benefit Texas Panhandle Pet Savers. (6:30 p.m. Thursday, Spirited Expressions, 2600 Paramount Blvd., Suite G1. $15. 806-382-3404)

Falling into Dance: The West Texas A&M University dance department will perform. Check out my preview here. (7:30 p.m. Thursday; continues through Sunday. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $12 adults, $8 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Silent Sky: The Amarillo College Theatre Department will continue its season with this fact-based drama by Lauren Gunderson about a young woman, Henrietta Leavitt, as she attempts to find her place in the scientific world while working as an assistant at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s. Check out my preview here. (7:30 pm. Thursday; continues through Sunday. AC Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. $8 adults, $6 AC students, faculty and staff. 806-371-5359)

Friday

Inspirational Book Club: Join the discussion of Jane Kirkpatrick's This Road We Traveled. (9:30 a.m. Friday, Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

CASA Christmas Cram: The Amarillo Area Court Appointed Special Advocates will continue its toy drive for its 230 child clients in a four-day toy drive ending Dec. 2. Toys in original packaging and gift cards will be accepted. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, WalMart, 4610 S. Coulter St. 806-373-2272)

Holiday Silent Auction Luncheon: The Amarillo Women's Network will host its annual Holiday Silent Auction Luncheon, featuring Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson and council members Elaine Hayes and Freda Powell. (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Abuelo's banquet room, 3501 S.W. 45th Ave. Admission $20; due Nov. 28. 806-374-5058 or loretta.williams@suddenlink.net)

Relaunch Party: Participatory art studio Spirited Expressions will unveil a new name at a party with food from Thumpers and Purple Flamingo Popsicles. (4 p.m. Friday, Spirited Expressions, 2600 Paramount Blvd., Suite G1. $10. 806-382-3404)

First Friday Art Walk: The monthly stroll through The Galleries at Sunset Center will feature new works by several of the gallery owners. (5 to 9 p.m. Friday, The Galleries at Sunset Center, 3701 Plains Blvd. Free. 806-352-2706)

WT Festival of Lights: The West Texas A&M University campus is lit for the season in a party featuring caroling, cookies and hot cocoa. (5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Buffalo Fountain at WT Vaughan Pedestrian Mall. Free. 806-651-2000)

Christmas in the Gardens: The glowing gardens return to Amarillo Botanical Gardens on Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 23. (6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Free; donations accepted. 806-352-6513)

Christmas Open House: Enjoy an 1890s-style holiday in Pioneer Town, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas crafts and storytelling and more at this annual Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum event. (6 to 9 p.m. Friday; continues Dec. 2. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, 2503 Fourth Ave. in Canyon. Free with one can of food per person for High Plains Food Bank. 806-651-2244)

Electric Light Parade: Downtown Amarillo will bring on the glow at this annual event from Center City. The route begins at 11th Avenue and Polk Street and continues to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex for the lighting of the city Christmas Tree, a musical program and an appearance by Santa Claus. (6 p.m. Friday, downtown Amarillo. Free. 806-372-6744)

Trolley Express: Take an hour-long Christmas Light Tours of the Colonies and Candy Cane Lane. Reservations are required. (6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. nightly Friday to Dec. 23. Parties & Events, 3301 Olsen Blvd. Cost $15; free for ages 10 and younger. 806-359-0517)

Town Square Village light show: The southwest Amarillo subdivision offers light shows every hour between 6 and 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. (6 p.m. Friday; continues through Dec. 31. Town Square Village, 9200 Town Square Blvd. Free. 806-803-8178)

Waterfield Christmas Walk: The Citadelle Gardens Christmas-lights exhibition celebrates the season nightly through Jan. 2. (6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Citadelle Gardens, 520 Nelson St. in Canadian. Free. 806-323-8899)

Zoo Lights: The Amarillo Zoo's annual holiday celebration expands in a major way with lights nightly through Dec. 23 and events every Friday and Saturday. Weekend special activities include costumed animal Santa characters, kids games and activities, readings of Twas the Night Before Christmas and Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus and more. (6 to 8 p.m. Friday; continues through Dec. 23. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 3 to 12. 806-381-7911)

Bishop Hills lights: The annual holiday display is on view nightly through Dec. 25. (6:30 p.m. to midnight Friday; continues through Dec. 25. Northwest of Amarillo on Tascosa Road. Free; donations of cash and used eyeglasses will be accepted for Amarillo Downtown Lions Club. 806-418-4192)

Gingerbread House Workshop: A limited number of spots are open for this workshop at Kudos Art Studio. (6:30 p.m. Friday, Kudos Art Studio, 7406 S.W. 34th Ave., Suite 28. $25. 806-654-6173)

Nights of Lights at Enchanted Acres: The decked-out horse farm, which boasts more than 300,000 Christmas lights, will open for its second season. (6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday; continues Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 31, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 6505 S. Osage St. Admission $10 per car or $20 per passenger van or limo with more than 10 passengers; season passes available. www.drivethelights.com)

Rotary 100th Anniversary Celebration: The Rotary Club of Amarillo will mark the centennial of its Dec. 1, 1917, founding with a fundraising dinner, featuring Texas Sen. Kel Seliger (R-Amarillo) and other dignitaries. (6:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Tash Parish Hall at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 4100 S. Coulter St. $50. 806-352-3108)

Black Light Drag Queen Bingo: Drag queens will rule the roost at this new game night at City Studios. (7 to 10 p.m. Friday, City Studios, Suite 25 inside The Galleries at Sunset Center, 3701 Plains Blvd. Cost TBA. 806-282-6573)

Christmas Concert: The Amarillo Community Chorale will give its Come Messiah King holiday concert with special guests The Williamsons. (7 p.m. Friday, Washington Avenue Christian Church, 3800 S. Washington St. Free. 806-352-1442)

Tia McGraff & Tommy Parham: The Canadian wife-and-husband duo will perform for a Living Room Concert for High Plains Public Radio. (7 p.m. Friday, Fibonacci Space, 3306 S.W. Sixth Ave. Suggested donation $15. 806-367-9088)

Falling into Dance: The West Texas A&M University dance department will perform. Check out my preview here. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues through Sunday. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $12 adults, $8 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Silent Sky: The Amarillo College Theatre Department will continue its season with this fact-based drama by Lauren Gunderson about a young woman, Henrietta Leavitt, as she attempts to find her place in the scientific world while working as an assistant at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s. Check out my preview here. (7:30 p.m. Friday; continues through Sunday. AC Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. $8 adults, $6 AC students, faculty and staff. 806-371-5359)

Holiday Skate: Take the ice in the Amarillo Bulls arena following the Electric Light Parade. Limited number of rental skates available. (8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. $10; skate rental extra. 806-242-1122)

Eveline Rivers Christmas Project Drag Show: Amarillo's drag elite will give their annual benefit show at The 212 Club. (10 p.m. Friday, The 212 Club, 212 S.W. Sixth Ave. Cover. 806-372-7997)

Saturday

Breakfast with Santa: Devour goodies with Kris Kringle at this annual Discovery Center party, which also features a photo shoot with Mr. Claus, a family friendly breakfast, hands-on activities and more. (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive. $12 members and $17 nonmembers in advance, $14 member and $19 nonmembers at the door. 806-355-9547)

Breakfast with Santa: When your belly shakes like a bowl full of jelly, you have room for two breakfasts. Santa will join children ages 1 to 12 for a morning meal at Chick-Fil-A in Westgate Mall's Food Court. (9 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Chick-Fil-A at Westgate Mall, 7701 W. Interstate 40. 806-358-7221)

CASA Christmas Cram: The Amarillo Area Court Appointed Special Advocates will continue its toy drive for its 230 child clients in a four-day toy drive ending Saturday. Toys in original packaging and gift cards will be accepted. (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, WalMart, 4610 S. Coulter St. 806-373-2272)

Swisher County Christmas Arts & Crafts Show: Check out holiday shopping at this expo in Tulia. (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Senior Citizens Center, 619 S.E. Second St. 806-995-2296)

Christmas Extravaganza: This shopping expo will feature a variety of vendors. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, The Barn in the Meadow, 1800 W. McCormick Road. 806-290-6874)

Family Funday: Paint your magic Christmas elf in this family event at Burn Studio. (2 p.m. Saturday, Burn Studio, 4111 Business Park Drive. $20-$30. 806-535-4419)

Yard Art & Christmas Wreath: Paint a piece for your yard or wreath at Art Trek Studio. (6 p.m. Saturday, Art Trek Studio, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 60. Prices vary. 806-559-7239)

Christmas Open House: Dumas' Window on the Plains Museum and The Art Center will host a holiday get-together with Santa, Christmas music and refreshments. (Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Window on the Plains Museum, 1820 S. Dumas Ave. in Dumas. 806-935-3113)

Christmas Open House: Enjoy an 1890s-style holiday in Pioneer Town, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas crafts and storytelling and more at this annual Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum event. (1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, 2503 Fourth Ave. in Canyon. Free with one can of food per person for High Plains Food Bank. 806-651-2244)

Christmas in Canyon: Holiday festivities in Canyon include a visit with Santa from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Cole Community Center north entrance, 300 N. 16th St.; the Canyon Lions Club pancake dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cole Community Center south entrance; the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. down Fourth Avenue; and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony after the parade at the downtown square. (4 p.m. Saturday, various locations in Canyon. Free. 806-655-7815)

Christmas on the Square (Claude): Look for Christmas lights, music, singing, food, an ugly Christmas sweater contest, family fun of all kinds and a visit from Santa Claus at this event. (5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, downtown Claude. Free. 806-206-0841)

Christmas in the Gardens: The glowing gardens return to Amarillo Botanical Gardens on Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 23. (6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Free; donations accepted. 806-352-6513)

Christmas on the Square (Wheeler): Check out the lighting of Wheeler's downtown square, plus a live nativity scene, caroling, games and more. (6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Wheeler Chamber of Commerce, 505 S. Alan L. Bean Blvd. in Wheeler. 806-826-3408)

Princess and Prince Winter Ball: Vee Promotions and DJ RoRo will host this elegant evening for kids ages 14 and younger escorted by a family member. (6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The Party Suite, 4400 S. Washington St. Tickets $15 per couple; advance purchase required. Formal attire required.)

Trolley Express: Take an hour-long Christmas Light Tours of the Colonies and Candy Cane Lane. Reservations are required. (6, 7, 8 and 9 p.m. nightly Dec. 1 to 23. Parties & Events, 3301 Olsen Blvd. Cost $15; free for ages 10 and younger. 806-359-0517)

Town Square Village light show: The southwest Amarillo subdivision offers light shows every hour between 6 and 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. (6 p.m. Saturday; continues through Dec. 31. Town Square Village, 9200 Town Square Blvd. Free. 806-803-8178)

Waterfield Christmas Walk: The Citadelle Gardens Christmas-lights exhibition celebrates the season nightly through Jan. 2. (6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Citadelle Gardens, 520 Nelson St. in Canadian. Free. 806-323-8899)

Zoo Lights: The Amarillo Zoo's annual holiday celebration expands in a major way with lights nightly through Dec. 23 and events every Friday and Saturday. Weekend special activities include costumed animal Santa characters, kids games and activities, readings of Twas the Night Before Christmas and Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus and more. (6 to 8 p.m. Saturday; continues through Dec. 23. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 3 to 12. 806-381-7911)

Bishop Hills lights: The annual holiday display is on view nightly through Dec. 25. (6:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday; continues through Dec. 25. Northwest of Amarillo on Tascosa Road. Free; donations of cash and used eyeglasses will be accepted for Amarillo Downtown Lions Club. 806-418-4192)

Nights of Lights at Enchanted Acres: The decked-out horse farm, which boasts more than 300,000 Christmas lights, will open for its second season. (6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday; continues Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 31, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 6505 S. Osage St. Admission $10 per car or $20 per passenger van or limo with more than 10 passengers; season passes available. www.drivethelights.com)

Amarillo Bulls: Amarillo's hockey team will continue its season with a game against the Topeka Roadrunners. (7 p.m. Saturday, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St. $13-$23 adults, $9-$23 children. 806-242-1122)

Panhandle Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Association: Regional bluegrass pickers will perform in an open jam, this month featuring Bobby Giles & Music Mountain. (7 p.m. Saturday, 1220 S. Polk St. Free. 806-372-2826)

Pampa Civic Ballet's The Nutcracker: The Pampa dance company will stage its version of the Tchaikovsky ballet. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; continues Dec. 3. M.K. Brown Auditorium, 1100 W. Coronado Drive. Tickets $10. 806-663-9103)

Falling into Dance: The West Texas A&M University dance department will perform. Check out my preview here. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; continues through Sunday. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $12 adults, $8 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Silent Sky: The Amarillo College Theatre Department will continue its season with this fact-based drama by Lauren Gunderson about a young woman, Henrietta Leavitt, as she attempts to find her place in the scientific world while working as an assistant at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s. Check out my preview here. (7:30 p.m. Saturday; continues through Sunday. AC Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. $8 adults, $6 AC students, faculty and staff. 806-371-5359)

Sunday

Falling into Dance: The West Texas A&M University dance department will perform. Check out my preview here. (2:30 p.m. Sunday. WT Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. Tickets $12 adults, $8 students, free for WT students, faculty and staff. 806-651-2804)

Pampa Civic Ballet's The Nutcracker: The Pampa dance company will stage its version of the Tchaikovsky ballet. (2:30 p.m. Sunday. M.K. Brown Auditorium, 1100 W. Coronado Drive. Tickets $10. 806-663-9103)

Silent Sky: The Amarillo College Theatre Department will continue its season with this fact-based drama by Lauren Gunderson about a young woman, Henrietta Leavitt, as she attempts to find her place in the scientific world while working as an assistant at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s. Check out my preview here. (3 p.m. Sunday. AC Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street campus. $8 adults, $6 AC students, faculty and staff. 806-371-5359)

AC Concert Choir carols concert: The Amarillo College ensemble will give a seasonal performance. (4 p.m. Sunday, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1601 S. Georgia St. Free. 806-371-5340)

Christmas at West Texas A&M University: Sing a Song for the Glorious Season: The WT choirs and orchestras will join forces with the Canyon High School Chorale, violinist Yevgeny Zvonnikov and guest conductor Dongin Youn for a special holiday concert, which will be filmed for later broadcast on Panhandle PBS. (4 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free; tickets required. 806-651-2840)

Elf Canvas: Learn to paint this Christmas favorite on two sizes of canvas through Krista Marie Design at City Studios. (5 p.m. Sunday, City Studios, 3701 Plains Blvd. Suite 25. $25-$35. 806-282-6573)

Christmas in the Gardens: The glowing gardens return to Amarillo Botanical Gardens on Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 23. (6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Free; donations accepted. 806-352-6513)

Paws & Claus: Dogs and cats can get photos with Santa at Westgate Mall, plus free pet hors d'oeuvres from Cadence's Canine Creations. Pets should be leashed or in a crate. (6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Westgate Mall, 7701 W. Interstate 40. 806-358-7221)

Town Square Village light show: The southwest Amarillo subdivision offers light shows every hour between 6 and 11 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. (6 p.m. Sunday; continues through Dec. 31. Town Square Village, 9200 Town Square Blvd. Free. 806-803-8178)

Waterfield Christmas Walk: The Citadelle Gardens Christmas-lights exhibition celebrates the season nightly through Jan. 2. (6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Citadelle Gardens, 520 Nelson St. in Canadian. Free. 806-323-8899)

Zoo Lights: The Amarillo Zoo's annual holiday celebration expands in a major way with lights nightly through Dec. 23 and events every Friday and Saturday. Weekend special activities include costumed animal Santa characters, kids games and activities, readings of Twas the Night Before Christmas and Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus and more. (6 to 8 p.m. Sunday; continues through Dec. 23. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 3 to 12. 806-381-7911)

Bishop Hills lights: The annual holiday display is on view nightly through Dec. 25. (6:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday; continues through Dec. 25. Northwest of Amarillo on Tascosa Road. Free; donations of cash and used eyeglasses will be accepted for Amarillo Downtown Lions Club. 806-418-4192)

Nights of Lights at Enchanted Acres: The decked-out horse farm, which boasts more than 300,000 Christmas lights, will open for its second season. (6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday; continues Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 31, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 6505 S. Osage St. Admission $10 per car or $20 per passenger van or limo with more than 10 passengers; season passes available. www.drivethelights.com)

Winter Belly Dance Hafla: Amarillo belly-dancers will celebrate the season with a hafla, or informal gathering with food and dance. (8 p.m. Sunday, The 806 Coffee + Lounge, 2812 S.W. Sixth Ave. No cover. 806-322-1806)

Monday

Together We Can Holiday Food & Fund Drive: The annual food drive for High Plains Food Bank — which hopes to raise $200,000 and 125,000 meals — will run through Dec. 9. Donations of food and cash will be accepted. (9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday; continues through Dec. 9. Market Street, 2530 S. Georgia St. 806-374-8562 or hpfb.org/donate)

Holiday Skits: Youth staff from Amarillo Public Library will stage live adaptations of David Milgrim's Santa Duck and Maureen Fergus' The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold. (9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday; continues through Dec. 14. Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3089)

Tree Decoration: Make paper ornaments for the Southwest Branch Library tree following regular story-time classes. (10 a.m. Monday; continues through Dec. 8. Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Winter Path: Paint a snowy scene at Art Trek Studio. (6 p.m. Monday, Art Trek Studio, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 60. $25. 806-559-7239)

Waterfield Christmas Walk: The Citadelle Gardens Christmas-lights exhibition celebrates the season nightly through Jan. 2. (6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Citadelle Gardens, 520 Nelson St. in Canadian. Free. 806-323-8899)

Zoo Lights: The Amarillo Zoo's annual holiday celebration expands in a major way with lights nightly through Dec. 23 and events every Friday and Saturday. Weekend special activities include costumed animal Santa characters, kids games and activities, readings of Twas the Night Before Christmas and Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus and more. (6 to 8 p.m. Monday; continues through Dec. 23. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 3 to 12. 806-381-7911)

Bishop Hills lights: The annual holiday display is on view nightly through Dec. 25. (6:30 to 10 p.m. Monday; continues through Dec. 25. Northwest of Amarillo on Tascosa Road. Free; donations of cash and used eyeglasses will be accepted for Amarillo Downtown Lions Club. 806-418-4192)

Family Fun Night: Families can make enjoy games at this monthly event. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Amarillo Public Library East Branch, 2232 E. 27th Ave. Free. 806-342-1589)

Tuesday

Together We Can Holiday Food & Fund Drive: The annual food drive for High Plains Food Bank — which hopes to raise $200,000 and 125,000 meals — will run through Dec. 9. Donations of food and cash will be accepted. (9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday; continues through Dec. 9. Market Street, 2530 S. Georgia St. 806-374-8562 or hpfb.org/donate)

Holiday Skits: Youth staff from Amarillo Public Library will stage live adaptations of David Milgrim's Santa Duck and Maureen Fergus' The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold. (9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tuesday; continues through Dec. 14. Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3089)

Harrington House holiday tours: The historic home's holiday tours will feature decorations designed by Helen Cole in the 1950s, a festive holiday dinner setting and designer gowns. Tours are conducted on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday; continues through Dec. 19, Harrington House, 1600 S. Polk. Free; reservations required. 806-374-5490)

Tree Decoration: Make paper ornaments for the Southwest Branch Library tree following regular story-time classes. (10 a.m. Tuesday; continues through Dec. 8. Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Poinsettia Luncheon and Style Show: The Southwest Amarillo Garden Club will co-host this Amarillo Botanical Gardens fundraiser, which includes a style show from Sheryl Anderson Model and Talent Agency. (11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Tickets $35 or $50 with poinsettia; tables $280, $400 or $500. 806-352-6513)

An Evening with Stone Brewing: San Diego-based Stone Brewing, the ninth-largest craft brewer in the U.S., will be featured in a beer dinner at Imperial Taproom. (6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Imperial Taproom, 410 15th St. in Canyon. $60. 806-452-8004)

Nativity: Paint this holiday scene at Spirited Expressions, and bring your own food and beverages, including adult beverages. (6 p.m. Tuesday, Spirited Expressions, 2600 Paramount Blvd., Suite G1. $10. 806-382-3404)

Waterfield Christmas Walk: The Citadelle Gardens Christmas-lights exhibition celebrates the season nightly through Jan. 2. (6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Citadelle Gardens, 520 Nelson St. in Canadian. Free. 806-323-8899)

Zoo Lights: The Amarillo Zoo's annual holiday celebration expands in a major way with lights nightly through Dec. 23 and events every Friday and Saturday. Weekend special activities include costumed animal Santa characters, kids games and activities, readings of Twas the Night Before Christmas and Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus and more. (6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday; continues through Dec. 23. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 3 to 12. 806-381-7911)

Bishop Hills lights: The annual holiday display is on view nightly through Dec. 25. (6:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday; continues through Dec. 25. Northwest of Amarillo on Tascosa Road. Free; donations of cash and used eyeglasses will be accepted for Amarillo Downtown Lions Club. 806-418-4192)

Swoosh Christmas Tree: Create a stylized Christmas tree on an 8 x 10 canvas in this family event at Kudos Art Studio. (6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Kudos Art Studio, 7406 S.W. 34th Ave., Suite 28. $10. 806-654-6173)

Youth Art Show: Region 16 students from 17 middle and high schools will hang 150 works inspired by the American quarter horse in this annual art show at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum. (6:30 p.m. Tuesday opening reception; hangs through Jan. 6. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, 2601 E. Interstate 40. Museum hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; admission $7 adults, $6 seniors, $3 children 6 to 18 and free for members and children 5 and younger. 806-376-5181)

Holiday Storytime: Enjoy Pete the Cat stories and take photos with Santa Claus at this holiday event. (7 p.m. Tuesday, Amarillo Public Library Northwest Branch, 6100 W. Ninth Ave. Free. 806-359-2035)

Wednesday

Together We Can Holiday Food & Fund Drive: The annual food drive for High Plains Food Bank — which hopes to raise $200,000 and 125,000 meals — will run through Dec. 9. Donations of food and cash will be accepted. (9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday; continues through Dec. 9. Market Street, 2530 S. Georgia St. 806-374-8562 or hpfb.org/donate)

Holiday Skits: Youth staff from Amarillo Public Library will stage live adaptations of David Milgrim's Santa Duck and Maureen Fergus' The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold. (9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday; continues through Dec. 14. Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3089)

Tree Decoration: Make paper ornaments for the Southwest Branch Library tree following regular story-time classes. (10 a.m. Wednesday; continues through Dec. 8. Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Christmas Cross: Paint a wooden cutout at Art Trek Studio. (6 p.m. Wednesday, Art Trek Studio, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 60. $30. 806-559-7239)

Christmas Jack: Paint this "Nightmare"-ish holiday scene at Spirited Expressions, and bring your own food and beverages, including adult beverages. (6 p.m. Wednesday, Spirited Expressions, 2600 Paramount Blvd., Suite G1. $25. 806-382-3404)

Christmas Painting: This Let's Do Art event at Wolflin House will offer instruction on painting a holiday canvas and wine glass. (6 p.m. Wednesday, Wolflin House, 11925 S. Western St. $45. 806-447-0036)

Waterfield Christmas Walk: The Citadelle Gardens Christmas-lights exhibition celebrates the season nightly through Jan. 2. (6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Citadelle Gardens, 520 Nelson St. in Canadian. Free. 806-323-8899)

WT concert band: The ensemble will perform. (6 p.m. Wednesday, WT Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

Zoo Lights: The Amarillo Zoo's annual holiday celebration expands in a major way with lights nightly through Dec. 23 and events every Friday and Saturday. Weekend special activities include costumed animal Santa characters, kids games and activities, readings of Twas the Night Before Christmas and Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus and more. (6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday; continues through Dec. 23. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 3 to 12. 806-381-7911)

Bishop Hills lights: The annual holiday display is on view nightly through Dec. 25. (6:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday; continues through Dec. 25. Northwest of Amarillo on Tascosa Road. Free; donations of cash and used eyeglasses will be accepted for Amarillo Downtown Lions Club. 806-418-4192)

The Wall That Heals: The Wall, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will come to town in an event hosted by Panhandle PBS. A mobile education center will be on site, and attendees can pay tribute to those who fell in the conflict 24 hours a day. (opens 7 p.m. Wednesday; continues through 2 p.m. Dec. 10. John Stiff Memorial Park, 45th Avenue and Bell Street. Donations accepted. 806-371-5479)

WT symphonic band: The ensemble will perform. (6 p.m. Wednesday, WT Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall. Free. 806-651-2840)

Open Mic Comedy Night: Try out your stand-up act or enjoy the bravery of others. (9 p.m. Wednesday, Whiskey River, 4001 S.W. 51st Ave. No cover. 806-367-6163.)

Dec. 7

The Wall That Heals: The Wall, a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., will come to town in an event hosted by Panhandle PBS. A mobile education center will be on site, and attendees can pay tribute to those who fell in the conflict 24 hours a day. (continues through 2 p.m. Dec. 10. John Stiff Memorial Park, 45th Avenue and Bell Street. Donations accepted. 806-371-5479)

Together We Can Holiday Food & Fund Drive: The annual food drive for High Plains Food Bank — which hopes to raise $200,000 and 125,000 meals — will run through Dec. 9. Donations of food and cash will be accepted. (9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 7; continues through Dec. 9. Market Street, 2530 S. Georgia St. 806-374-8562 or hpfb.org/donate)

Holiday Skits: Youth staff from Amarillo Public Library will stage live adaptations of David Milgrim's Santa Duck and Maureen Fergus' The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold. (9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 7; continues through Dec. 14. Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Free. 806-378-3089)

Harrington House holiday tours: The historic home's holiday tours will feature decorations designed by Helen Cole in the 1950s, a festive holiday dinner setting and designer gowns. Tours are conducted on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 7; continues through Dec. 19, Harrington House, 1600 S. Polk. Free; reservations required. 806-374-5490)

Tree Decoration: Make paper ornaments for the Southwest Branch Library tree following regular story-time classes. (11 a.m. Dec. 7; continues through Dec. 8. Amarillo Public Library Southwest Branch, 6801 S.W. 45th Ave. Free. 806-359-2094)

Amarillo College Graphic Design Showcase: Students in AC's graphic design program will display their work for a week in the Common Lobby Art Gallery. (5 p.m. Dec. 7 opening reception; hangs through Dec. 14. Common Lobby Art Gallery between Concert Hall Theatre and Amarillo Museum of Art. Free. 806-206-0099)

Christmas Carols on the Lawn: Amarillo piano man Jason Patrick will perform at this sing-along event in Canadian with hot chocolate, cider and ladies-night shopping specials. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Second St. in Canadian. Free. 806-323-6234)

Christmas in the Gardens: The glowing gardens return to Amarillo Botanical Gardens on Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 23. (6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive. Free; donations accepted. 806-352-6513)

Christmas Painting: This Let's Do Art event at Wolflin House will offer instruction on painting a holiday canvas and wine glass. (6 p.m. Dec. 7, Wolflin House, 11925 S. Western St. $45. 806-447-0036)

Last-Minute Gifts: Paint wooden cutouts in a fundraiser for Eveline Rivers Christmas Project at Art Trek Studio. (6 p.m. Dec. 7, Art Trek Studio, 3701 Plains Blvd., Suite 60. $40. 806-559-7239)

Sultry Snowman: Paint this chill dude at Spirited Expressions, and bring your own food and beverages, including adult beverages. (6 p.m. Dec. 7, Spirited Expressions, 2600 Paramount Blvd., Suite G1. $25. 806-382-3404)

Tascosa Pops: The annual concert and dinner will feature Tascosa High School's orchestra and band, plus Harrington String Quartet violist Vesselin Todorov and flautist Helen Blackburn. (6 p.m. Dec. 7, Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Ballroom, 401 S. Buchanan St. Tickets $25; deadline is Nov. 29. 806-326-2662)

Waterfield Christmas Walk: The Citadelle Gardens Christmas-lights exhibition celebrates the season nightly through Jan. 2. (6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7, Citadelle Gardens, 520 Nelson St. in Canadian. Free. 806-323-8899)

Zoo Lights: The Amarillo Zoo's annual holiday celebration expands in a major way with lights nightly through Dec. 23 and events every Friday and Saturday. Weekend special activities include costumed animal Santa characters, kids games and activities, readings of Twas the Night Before Christmas and Yes Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus and more. (6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7; continues through Dec. 23. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 3 to 12. 806-381-7911)

Bishop Hills lights: The annual holiday display is on view nightly through Dec. 25. (6:30 to 10 p.m. Dec. 7; continues through Dec. 25. Northwest of Amarillo on Tascosa Road. Free; donations of cash and used eyeglasses will be accepted for Amarillo Downtown Lions Club. 806-418-4192)

Deck the Halls: Create a stylized holiday painting on an 16 x 20 canvas at Kudos Art Studio. (6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Kudos Art Studio, 7406 S.W. 34th Ave., Suite 28. $25. 806-654-6173)

Nights of Lights at Enchanted Acres: The decked-out horse farm, which boasts more than 300,000 Christmas lights, will open for its second season. (6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7; continues Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 31, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 6505 S. Osage St. Admission $10 per car or $20 per passenger van or limo with more than 10 passengers; season passes available. www.drivethelights.com)

Cookies and Cocktails: Decorate three Christmas-themed sugar cookies with complimentary spiked eggnog and cranberry white wine spritzers at The Ruffled Cup. Adults only, and space is limited. (7 p.m. Dec. 7, The Ruffled Cup, 3440 S. Bell St., Unit 130. $25. 806-318-3961)

Plaid Tidings: This Christmas-themed sequel to the musical revue Forever Plaid, which Amarillo Little Theatre staged in 2002, features a clean-cut quartet of prematurely deceased crooners getting one last chance to put on a show — this time, featuring holiday favorites. (7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; continues through Dec. 17. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Ticket prices vary. 806-355-9991)

Totally Sober in Texas Tour: Touring comic Kyle Pogue will perform with Jacob Erdman and Amarillo comic Skylar Potter. (8 p.m. Dec. 7, Leftwoods, 2511 S.W. Sixth Ave. Cover $3. 806-367-9840)

Ongoing

Amarillo Botanical Gardens: The gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays beginning Nov. 1. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children through eighth grade. Call 806-352-6513.
Amarillo Escape and Mystery: Attempt to escape a variety of themed locked rooms in 60 minutes at this attraction, 12208 Canyon Drive. It's open daily by reservation; games must be booked two hours in advance. Cost is $20, plus tax. Call 806-414-2382.
Amarillo Museum of Art: The museum, 2200 S. Van Buren St., features a trio of Vietnam exhibitions through Dec. 30. It's open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free. Call 806-371-5050.
Amarillo Public Library: Look for daily events for children (and book clubs for adults) throughout the fall at all branches. Call 806-378-3051.
Amarillo Railroad Museum: The museum, 3160 I Ave., is open 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Call 806-335-3333.
Amarillo Suite Escape: Visitors can attempt to escape from three rooms with rotating themes at this attraction, 715 S. Lamar St. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Cost is $20, plus tax. Call 806-640-3831.
Amarillo Zoo: The zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail, is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Admission is $4 adults, $3 seniors and $2 children ages 3-12, and free on Monday. Call 806-381-7911.
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum: The facility, 2601 E. Interstate 40, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays (closed holidays). Admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors, $4 veterans, $3 children ages 6 to 18 and free for active-duty military and children 5 and younger. Call 806-376-4811.
Bill’s Backyard Classics: The classic car and truck museum, 5309 S. Washington St., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older. Call 806-373-8194.
Cerulean Gallery: The gallery, 814 S. Taylor St., features Take It All In through Dec. 21. It's open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and by appointment Saturdays. Call 806-576-0063.
Don Harrington Discovery Center: The center, 1200 Streit Drive, is featuring Travel Adventures through Jan. 9. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays in the summer. Admission is $11 adults, $8 children and students (to age 22), military and seniors. Call 806-355-9547.
Extreme Laser Tag: Take aim at this indoor attraction, 2503 S.W. 45th Ave. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 2 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $13. Call 806-367-8954.
The Galleries at Sunset Center: The galleries, 3701 Plains Blvd., are generally open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Admission is free. Call 806-353-5700.
Harrington House: The historic home, 1600 S. Polk St., features free holiday tours through Dec. 19 conducted on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 806-374-5490.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area: The park, located 50 miles northeast of Amarillo near Fritch, is open 24 hours a day. The area also includes Area includes Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. Admission is free. Call 806-857-3151.
Palo Duro Adventure Park and Zip Line: This attraction, located near the entrance of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays after Labor Day, weather permitting. Call 806-488-2260.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The canyon, 12 miles east of Canyon on Texas Highway 217, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission $5. Call 806-488-2227.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum: The museum, 2503 Fourth Ave. in Canyon, is featuring The Great War and the Panhandle-Plains Region and A Picture from Home: Snapshots of the Great War on the Plains through Dec. 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays through August. Admission is $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children and free for members and children younger than 4. Call 806-651-2244.
River Breaks Ranch: This attraction, 7802 Durrett Drive, offers sporting clays, team roping, horse racing and more. Call 806-374-0357.
Southern Light Gallery: The art gallery, located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons on Amarillo College's Washington Street campus, is open 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 5:50 p.m. Sundays. Call 806-345-5654.
Texas Air & Space Museum: The museum, 10001 American Drive, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Admission is free; donations accepted. Call 806-335-9159.
Wildcat Bluff Nature Center: The center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission $4 adults, $3 seniors and children. Call 806-352-6007.
Xcape Room Warehouse: The newest escape room attraction, 714 S.E. 10th Ave., is open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays, 12:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission $25. Call 806-353-6353.

Chip Chandler is a digital content producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and on Facebook.