With the holidays approaching, there is no shortage of festive things to do in Austin. This weekend, celebrate the holidays with music.

The Austin Area Commission for the Arts will be hosting two concerts on Saturday: “TubaChristmas” and “At Christmas.”

This year marks the eighth “Tuba Christmas” performance in Austin. The annual event draws musicians from around the region and other states.

“It’s a great way to highlight instruments that are not in the front of the band and bring them to the forefront,” said coordinator Nancy Schnable.

Schnable said those who play the tuba, bass tuba, euphonium or sousaphone are welcome to come play in the show. There is a $10 participation fee, which goes toward the Harvey Phillips Foundation, for anyone who wishes to perform. Performers are asked to dress in holiday attire.

“Registration for performers begins at 8:30 a.m. and a one-hour rehearsal begins at 9 a.m.,” Schnable said. “We will provide a breakfast for the players.”

Schnable said that some players come year after year, while others are new to the performance.

Some festively decorate their tubas.

The performers are not the only ones who come from around the region. Schnable says that the band directors at Austin High School, Hayfield High School, Stewartville Middle School, and a conductor from Winona will take turns directing the show.

The performance begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Admission is free to the public.

“’Tuba Christmas’ shows are known around the world,” Schnable said. “We encourage people to dress festive and sing along.”

For more information, call 507-434-0934 or visit https://tinyurl.com/austintubas2017. For those who wish to participate, call  Schnable at 507-437-4563.

“At Christmas” is based on Mick Sterling’s comedic, dramatic and heartwarming show that resonates with the spirit of the season. Written and performed by alumni of The Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop and local favorites John and Lisi Wright, this show features Christmas songs performed in a refreshingly intimate way.

Tickets for “At Christmas” are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 507-434-0934 or visit https://tinyurl.com/atchristmasAustin.

Other weekend holiday events:

Friday, Dec. 1

• Hormel Historic Home Holiday Walk-In Tours, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Historic Hormel Home. Come enjoy the holiday decorations throughout the Hormel Historic Home. Free for members of the HHH, or $5 per person. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

• Festival of the Nativities, 5-8 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Enjoy lighted displays of nativities, Christmas music, children’s activities, refreshments. Free.

Saturday, Dec. 2

• Christmas Crafts – Session Two, 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Second of three sessions. For ages 12 and older. Registration opens September 29 at 9 am and must be done in person. Cost – $35; includes materials and refreshments. Refunds will not be offered. For more information, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org.

• Christmas Crafts – Session Three, 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Last of three sessions. For ages 12 and older. Registration opens Sept. 29 at 9 a.m. and must be done in person. Cost – $35; includes materials and refreshments. Refunds will not be offered. For more information, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org.

• Festival of the Nativities, 4-8 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Enjoy lighted displays of nativities, Christmas music, children’s activities, refreshments. Free.

Events Schedule

Friday, Dec. 1

• Defensive Driving Class, 9 a.m. to noon at the Mower County Senior Center. This is the refresher course for the 10 percent discount on insurance premium. Cost for members is $16, for non-members $19. For more information or to sign up, call 507-433-2370 or stop by the Senior Center front desk.

Saturday, Dec. 2

• Masonic Pancake Breakfast – Austin Youth Hockey Association, 9 a.m. to noon at the Austin Masonic Lodge. The Austin Masons host an all-you-can-eat pancake feed for $5 per person. Come and enjoy pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk and coffee.

• Kids’ Studio – Surprise Art Project, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Jenelle Cummings. For kids ages 4 – 14; cost $5. For more information or to sign up, call 507-434-0934.

Sunday, Dec. 3

• Annual Chili Cookoff, noon at the Austin Eagles Club. Tasting begins at noon, judging at the half-time of the Vikings game. Bring your pot of chili or just come watch the game and sample. Free.