Entertainment
Electric Light Parade among festive events, entertainment coming up for holidays
Center City’s Electric Light Parade set for Friday, Dec. 6
Center City’s annual Electric Light Parade will welcome the holiday season in downtown Amarillo on Polk Street, starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. This year’s theme is “Parade of Trees.”
“We are expecting more than 60 floats with all kinds of creative Christmas trees,” said Beth Duke, Center City executive director, in a news release about the parade, for which Xcel Energy is the title sponsor. Floats will compete for cash prizes donated by Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, and Carpet Tech is the official Santa sponsor.
The parade route begins at 11th Avenue and Polk Street and ends at Fourth Avenue and Polk Street. Because the Electric Light Parade is a nighttime parade, this is a no-candy parade for safety reasons. The motorcycle unit of the Amarillo Police Department will lead the parade, followed by elected officials from the city of Amarillo and Potter County. ABC7News, who will broadcast the parade live, is sponsoring a Christmas Toy Drive for the Northside Toy Drive. Donations may be dropped off at the ABC7News stage at the Courtyard by Marriott at the Historic Fisk at 724 S. Polk St. during the parade.
For questions about the parade, contact Center City of Amarillo at 372-6744 or e-mail info@centercity.org .
Christmas in Canyon to be held Dec. 7
Christmas in Canyon, sponsored by the Canyon Chamber of Commerce and presented by the Canyon Economic Development Corporation, is set to take place Saturday afternoon, Dec. 7. Festivities showcasing the Canyon charm include choirs, shopping, food, a parade, Santa and more.
Local businesses participating in the holiday shopping experience include Thompson’s at 405 16th St.; Ranchers Storefront, Blessed Buffalo, Restoration Chic, Creek House Honey Farm, Canyon Popcorn Co, Marsha Clements Art, H&R Flowers & Gifts, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, and Hampton Inn & Suites, all located along Fourth Avenue in Canyon; as well as Lavender Lane, 414 15th St.; and Hideaway & Uplift Spa and Canyon’s Edge, both on Fifth Avenue.
Amarillo College Theatre presents Pulitzer Prize-winning drama ‘Proof’
The Amarillo College Theatre Arts Program in December will present “Proof,” an award-winning drama that explores how the fine line between genius and mental illness affects family dynamics.
The play, which has been described as a mystery, a love story and a psychological thriller all in one, features a cast of four and takes place on the back porch of a house in Chicago’s Hyde Park. “Proof” won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. “This is a well-constructed play,” Ray Newburg, assistant professor of theatre arts and the show’s director, said. “Our students seem up to the challenge for it, and we wanted to seize on that. It’s poignant and topical.”
Performances will take place AC’s Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street Campus, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-7 and at 3 p.m. Dec. 8. Because the theatre is “experimental” in nature, the set has been fashioned in such a way that the back porch focal point extends into the surrounding audience.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students (college or high school) and AC employees and can be purchased at the door or online. Groups of 10 or more are entitled to $6 seats if purchased at least 24 hours in advance.
Christmas in the Sky returns to Hodgetown
The OccuNet Company and Fairly Group are inviting everyone in the Amarillo community to the fourth annual “Christmas In The Sky” celebration at Hodgetown, home of the Amarillo Sod Poodles, on Friday, Dec. 13, with the gates opening at 6 p.m. and festivities beginning at 7 p.m.
Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be four concession stands open for guests to enjoy complimentary holiday treats including hot chocolate, milk and cookies.
The venue will be turning into its very own North Pole complete with dazzling decorations and interactions with Christmas characters, including pictures with Santa. Guests will be treated to Amarillo’s first Christmas-themed drone show featuring 300 drones, followed by an exciting fireworks display and new and exciting surprises. They’ll also be celebrating cherished Christmas memories on the jumbotron; share yours by submitting it to annas@sodpoodles.com by Dec. 10. Cameron James Smith will also be doing a special Christmas Performance leading up to the fireworks and drone show starting at 6 p.m.
For more information, contact the Amarillo Sod Poodles front office at (806) 803-7762.
Panhandle PBS announces premiere of ‘The West Texas Boys’
Panhandle PBS is excited to announce the premiere of “The West Texas Boys,” a new documentary feature about the Peña brothers from Dimmitt, Texas, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.
“The West Texas Boys” tells the inspiring story of six brothers – the Peña brothers – who transitioned from migrant farm laborers to Regional Mexican musicians. The film captures their brief but remarkable rise to success and the unbreakable bond that sustained them through it all. It also redefines the “American Dream” through the resilience and perspective of a Mexican-American family from West Texas.
“A lot of people think our story’s about a band,” said Gilbert Peña. “But really, it’s about a bunch of brothers never giving up.”
“The West Texas Boys” has received national and international recognition. The film was named Best Documentary at Indie House Film Festival in Barcelona, Spain, an official selection for Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, and Viva Texas Film Festival in Victoria, Texas, and many more. Support for “The West Texas Boys” was provided by the Amarillo Area Foundation Arts and Culture Fund and the Dr. Kent T. Roberts and Ilene Roberts Balliett Foundation.
Following the Dec. 5 premiere, the documentary will be available on Panhandle PBS Passport and the Panhandle PBS YouTube channel. For more information, visit panhandlePBS.org/WestTexasBoys or call our office at (806)371-5479.
Cinergy holding special movie screenings, deals in November
Cinergy Amarillo, located at 9201 Cinergy Square, has lots in the works for the month of November. Remaining movie premieres for the month include “Moana 2” (Nov. 29).
On Nov. 30, the Breakfast Event features “Moana 2,” and Nov. 27 will have Moana Kids Packs, as well as “Wicked” popcorn tubs and 44-oz. cups. Guests can enjoy Holiday Cocktails – Santa’s Kiss Nov. 27-Dec. 31.
For more including upcoming deals and specials for Elite Plus Members, see cinergy.com.
Amarillo Opera presents 3 Redneck Tenors Dec. 6
The Amarillo Opera presents the 3 Redneck Tenors at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are on sale as of Nov. 1 and will be available online on the opera’s website, https://www.amarilloopera.org/ or over the phone at 806-372-7464.
For the 3 Redneck Tenors Christmas show with Matthew Lord, Blake Davidson and Grace Lord, the singing angels in the trailer park will be dashing through the snow just in time for some down home Christmas cheer and a night of music and laughs. These stars are ready to rock your holidays with classic, pop and deep-fried fest of musical delights with music arranged by award-winning composer Craig Bohmler.
Lone Star Ballet to continue season with ‘The Nutcracker’ in December
The Lone Star Ballet presents its annual production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” from Dec. 12 to 15 at the Amarillo Civic Center. Scheduled show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday.
The huge, multi-state family-oriented production of the mystical “Nutcracker” showcases students from many states and brings in patrons from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona. The popular production has been a Christmas gift to all who come to enjoy. The seasonal spectacular features beautiful music of Amarillo Symphony along with a sparkling array of glittery props and costumes. A timeless tale of Christmas magic portrayed in only the way Lone Star Ballet could do. In addition to the production, the Lone Star Guild sells highly collectible nutcrackers every year.
For more information, visit the ballet’s website, or the Amarillo Civic Center’s website.
Happy Holiday Pops concerts set for Dec. 20, 21
The Amarillo Symphony will present its annual Happy Holiday Pops concerts on Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21.
Come share your favorite holiday music with family and friends during the symphony’s sparkling celebration with carols, classics and a sing-a-long, featuring guest conductor Christopher Confessore, guest ensemble the Amarillo Master Chorale, storyteller Dolores Hydock and vocal soloist Caleb Clark.
For Heroes Night on Dec. 20, veterans and first responders get a pair of free tickets and discounted tickets for friends and family. For more information, visit amarillosymphony.org .
African Children’s Choir to perform in Amarillo Dec. 29
The internationally acclaimed African Children’s Choir will be performing at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29 at Eastridge Baptist Church, 1300 Evergreen St. in Amarillo.
The African Children’s Choir is celebrating its 40th anniversary. As it embarks on this milestone celebration during its U.S. tour, the choir will continue to offer its heartwarming performances of popular children’s tunes, traditional spiritual songs and vibrant African cultural pieces. From ages 8 to 11, each child in the choir has faced significant hardship, often with limited access to education. Yet, through the choir, these children gain life-changing opportunities for education and personal growth, becoming beacons of hope for their communities.
In honor of this special 40th anniversary, the choir invites communities to experience their performances and be part of their mission to bring hope through music. No tickets are required, though donations are appreciated to continue the choir’s impactful work. For more information, visit africanchildrenschoir.com.
Amarillo set to have its first ever LEGO convention in January
Amarillo will have its first ever LEGO convention when the Amarillo Brick Convention arrives at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex on Jan. 4 and 5. According to organizers, it will be the ultimate event for LEGO lovers of all ages, and tickets are expected to sell out.
A portion of the proceeds will be going to Creations for Charity, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that buys new LEGO sets for underprivileged children around the world during the holidays. For the Amarillo convention, professional LEGO artists from around the U.S. will display their LEGO creations and meet with fans. Attendees will be able to get creative in the Construction Zone, as well as live builds to watch and engage with. Galleries will also have life-sized LEGO models on display. Other attractions include LEGO merchandise for sale, as well as a Star Wars Zone, Castle Build Zone, and a Fan Zone. Advance tickets are $14.99 online at www.brickconvention.com/amarillo .
Theo Von coming to Amarillo Civic Center in March
Thursday, comedian and podcast host Theo Von announced his widely popular comedy tour Return of the Rat is coming to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex on March 30, 2025. Tickets went on sale online on the panhandletickets website Nov. 11.
Theo Von grew up in the stray animal belt of southern Louisiana. He was a child there and became anadult slowly there. He can be seen and heard weekly on his widely popular podcasts that garner millions of listens/views a month This Past Weekend, and King and the Sting. Theo’s new comedy special Regular People was filmed at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., and is now streaming on Netflix.
In the spring of 2020, Theo completed his two-year Dark Arts Tour, which took him across America, Australia, and Europe, and another country. He’s currently on the road with his Return of the Rat Tour. If you want to know how Theo is doing, he is probably doing the best he can, which varies. He currently resides in Nashville and Los Angeles. Gang.
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