This weekend in Austin!!!

DANCE^

The Nutcracker (Dec. 8-23) In the 50 years that Ballet Austin has produced The Nutcracker, thousands have escaped to a winter wonderland and gotten lost in the beauty of the dancing and the magic of the story. Whether you're a first-timer or a longtime fan of this production, you’ll be pinching yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Drive, 476-9151, balletaustin.org

COMEDY

Mike Epps (Dec. 7) Comedian and actor Mike Epps got his start in the 2000 film Next Friday, written and directed by Ice Cube. He gained popularity for his role as Black Doug in The Hangover and with the 2009 release of his comedy/hip-hop album Funny Bidness: Da Album. Epps is currently performing around the country for his I’m Still Standing tour. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., 472-5470, austintheatre.org

EXPOS/TOURS

Holiday Home Tour (Dec. 8-9) The Georgetown Heritage Society’s annual Holiday Home Tour is back this year with some exciting changes. Not only can you enjoy beautiful homes dressed up in holiday style, but you can also join other revelers for a pancake breakfast in your festive pajamas on Dec. 8. The first annual, family-friendly “Pajamas and Pancakes” holiday breakfast includes a photo opportunity with some of Santa’s elves, story time and holiday crafts. Various locations, 869-8597, georgetownheritagesociety.com

BENEFITS

Keep Austin Beautiful Benefit Night (Dec. 9) Join fellow Austinites for sushi rolls and rice bowls to raise funds for Keep Austin Beautiful. A portion of the evening’s proceeds go to cleaning, beautifying and protecting the Austin environment. Roll On Sushi Diner, 5350 Burnet Road, Ste. 2, 391-0617, keepaustinbeautiful.org

FAMILY

A Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 9) The Austin Chamber Music Center presents this live performance of the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas, composed by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. Classics like “Linus and Lucy” and “The Christmas Song” will be played by Artistic Director Michelle Schumann on piano with accompaniment by bassist Utah Hamrick and drummer David Sierra. Antone’s, 213 W. Fifth St., 454-0026, austinchambermusic.org

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