OUT OF TOWN

by Eric A.T. Dieckman

LONE STAR HOLIDAY

Across the state, festive events make December days merry and bright

Over the river and through the woods, the holidays are a popular time for vacations, even short road trips to Grandmother's house. For many, stress and the holiday season go hand in hand, and even a weekend trip can seem to lead to the asylum.

Texas is a big state, and does offer Lone Star getaways this time of year. If you happen to be visiting the fam's hometown during the holidaze, these selected events are some fun things to do with them while you're there-or to do without them during a brief escape.

The City: Galveston

The Event: Dickens on the Strand

The When, Where, and Wherewithal: December 7-8; 409/765-7834 or 800/351-4237 or www.dickensonthestrand.org.

The Skinny: This marks the 29th year for a south-coast tradition. The Victorian-era holiday festival recreates Charles Dickens's London in a 10-block area of The Strand National Historic Landmark District. Expect costumed characters (including some from A Christmas Carol), parades, roving musicians, and vendors. Celebrating the Great Exhibition of 1851 this year, the annual Dickens fete is like the Rennaissance Festival, but colder and set during Queen Vikkie's day.

The City: Austin

The Event: Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

The When, Where, and Wherewithal: December 12-24, Austin Music Hall; www.armadillobazaar.com.

The Skinny: For nearly 30 years, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar has been home to one of the best artisan shows in the country. You will find more than the usual curios here. With gifts ranging from hand-woven rugs to giant fishing lure sconces to paintings to funky jewelry, something can be found to suit any taste. To ease your shopping/browsing nerves, an impressive lineup of keystone Austin musicians play every night of the bazaar and throughout the day on weekends. Peruse a hand-blown glass display while Tish Hinojosa performs in the background. Befriend some slackers, brunch with them the next day, then watch the bats at Town Lake with them that night. This is Austin, dammit.

The City: Dallas

The Event: Holiday at the Arboretum

The When, Where, and Wherewithal: November 29-December 31, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden; 214/327-4901 or www.dallasarboretum.org.

The Skinny: Sometimes we forget how accommodating Texas can be. In Minnesota, they prep for the holidays by shoveling snow out of their driveways so they can brave perilous traffic to seek a tree in below-zero weather. In Dallas, interior designers transform the stately historic De Golyer house and grounds at the Dallas arboretum into a winter wonderland. Transformed is the operative word here. Up North, winter happens on its own. We have to make the change down here in Texas, where it just might get so nippy out that we have to wear a long-sleeve shirt with our shorts.

The City: San Antonio

The Event: Fiesta de las Luminarias

The When, Where, and Wherewithal: December 6-8, 13-15, 20-22; 210/227-4262 or www.sanantonioriverwalk.com.

The Skinny: Most weekends this month, stroll up and down the River Walk. Find your favorite place that serves huge margaritas, the ones made with Everclear and served in mammoth goblets. Get a lime-strawberry swirl-red and green, Christmassy colors-to get in the right festive mood. Then at sunset, when 2,500 luminarias (candles in sand-filled bags) are lighted along the walkway, get up and stagger down the trail. The scene symbolizes the lighting of the way for the Holy Family's journey to Bethlehem, so you may feel a bit penitent about all that liquor.

The City: Corpus Christi

The Event: Harbor Lights Festival & Illuminated Boat Parade

The When, Where, and Wherewithal: December 7; 361/985-1555.

The Skinny: Looking for something a little more kid-friendly? How about a children's parade, a laser show, a gingerbread village, and fireworks? That should tide 'em over. This event also includes a 75-foot Christmas tree and an appearance by Ol' Saint Nick himself. Don't forget to view the life-size sculpture of Tejano songstress-hottie Selena facing the Gulf. Her famed tushy is so lifelike, it's scary. And of course, since this is Corpus, you can't leave out the fruits de la mer. 'Tis nigh impossible to find bad seafood in this coastal town. Santa and scampi? Now that's a holiday.

To find out more about what's going on in the Lone Star state, visit TravelTex.com. The search engine comes in quite handy. Also visit www.research.travel.state.tx.us/eventscaldec.asp.

Eric Dieckman compiled great holiday recipes from community cooks for "The Feasting Season" in the November issue.