Tyler

In Tyler, Santa will soon be parading, reindeer will soon be running and nutcrackers will soon be dancing.

Special events are on tap to celebrate the holiday season.


Nov 29: Jaycees Christmas Parade/Tree Lighting

More than 70 entries will be featured in the Jaycees Tyler Christmas Parade on Nov. 29, member Claire Cozad said.

Held in conjunction with the annual lighting of the city Christmas tree on T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza, the parade will step off at 6 p.m.

Bands, drill teams, cheerleading groups, dance troupes, antique cars, clowns, Shriners and dignitaries will be part of the procession.

"And, as always, (we are) saving the best for last - Santa Claus," Ms. Cozad said. "Santa will be driven by members of the East Texas Historical Fire Society on one of their classic fire trucks."

Also taking part will be this year's "Miracle Child," a child who has benefited from care at Mother Frances Hospital provided in part through funds raised during the Children's Miracle Network.

Immediately following the parade, the child, who has not yet been announced, will help flip the switch that lights the holiday tree on the square.

The parade will be staged at North Broadway Avenue and Bow Street with the help of the Tyler Amateur Radio Club. It will proceed south on Broadway Avenue, turn right on Ferguson Street, go around the square and then north on Spring Avenue.


Nov. 30-Dec. 2: TJC's "The Nutcracker"

Tyler Junior College Academy of Dance will present Tchaikovsky's classic ballet, "The Nutcracker" in performances at TJC's Wise Auditorium.

Full-length performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2.

A story-telling version for young children narrated by Tisa Hibbs is scheduled for 2 p.m. Dec. 2.

Tickets are on sale in the TJC cashier's office located in the White Administrative Services building.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for TJC students, senior citizens and children under age 12.

For more information, call the cashier's office at 903-510-2672.

The production is under guidance of director/first choreographer Jennifer Bailey and second choreographer Ashlie M. Contos.

Guest artists Arina Kolotova and Konstantin Kolotov, of Corpus Christi, will be in the leading roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.


Dec. 1: Tyler YMCA Reindeer Run

The Tyler YMCA has scheduled its annual Reindeer Run for Dec. 1. It will include a half-mile Family Fun Run at 9 a.m. followed by a 5K.

Both will start at the YMCA, 225 S. Vine Ave.

The Family Fun Run is free with a donation of canned food for East Texas Food Bank. For registration and 5K entrance fee information, call the YMCA at 903-593-7323.

The YMCA uses the event to raise money to provide scholarships for program participants. The YMCA is encouraging youth participation by recognizing elementary, middle and high schools with the most runners.


Beginning Dec. 2: Hudnall Planetarium's "Star of the Magi"

Tyler Junior College's Hudnall Planetarium will present "Star of the Magi" in showings beginning on Dec. 2.

Projected onto the planetarium's dome ceiling, the show tells the story of the journey of the Biblical wise men who visited Christ at his birth.

Show times are 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. Dec. 3. 9, 6 and 17.

Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. Group rates are available.

For more information, call 903-510-2312.


Dec. 8: Irish Tenors at Cowan Center

The acclaimed Irish Tenors will present a Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 in The University of Texas at Tyler's Cowan Center.

The trio has recorded best-selling albums and performed in major concert halls across the globe. In Tyler, they will be accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra.

Ticket prices vary and are on sale at the Cowan Center box office.


Dec. 9: Tyler Civic Chorale Concert

The Tyler Civic Chorale will present its "Community Festival of Lessons & Carols by Candlelight" at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6 at First Presbyterian Church, 239 Rusk St.

The music will feature holiday favorites presented in the style of King's College, Cambridge, England, according to information from the chorales Web site.