The wrapping paper is put away, the sounds of carols are slowing down, the Christmas ham is in the fridge and you are thinking about traveling. That sounds like fun. Here are some ideas for you…

ITALY
The Gladiators will play in the Kiwanis Classic in Corsicana Dec. 29-31. The Lady Gladiators will travel to to Corsicana as well and play in the Varsity Christmas Tournament at Navarro College Dec. 29-31.

GRAPEVINE
Lone Star Christmas, Dec 1-Jan 3 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center on Lake Grapevine. Check out their website or call 817-778-1000.

ROUND TOP
New Year’s Eve Gala, Dec 31 at the International Festival Institute at Round Top. Check out their website or call 979-249-3129.

WICHITA FALLS
Midwestern State University-Burns Fantasy of Lights Dec 5-Jan 1. Truly dazzling sight with a host of storybook characters, including Cinderella, Dumbo, Flipper, Humpty Dumpty, Peter Pan, Raggedy Ann, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Three Little Pigs and more. MSU campus. Please see their website or call 940-397-4352 for more information.

Texas Monthly suggests the following:

AUSTIN
AUSTIN TOROS NBA Development League. Dec 26: Tulsa 66ers. Dec 27: Los Angeles D-Fenders. At 7:30. For prices, call or go to their website. Austin Convention Center, 4th & Red River (512-236-8333).

DALLAS
LONE STAR CIRCUS Celebration: Le Cirque—forget twinkling lights, hot apple cider, and caroling. This year’s holiday highlights are the acrobats, aerialists, hand balancers, jugglers, and clowns that make up this Dallas-based troupe of international circus performers. Dec 27—31. Mon & Tue at 7:30, Wed at 5:30 & 9:30, Sat at 7:30, Sun at 2 & 7:30. $24—$44. You are welcome to see their website. Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman (214-740-0051).

EL PASO
MOSCOW BALLET Great Russian Nutcracker—the magic of Tchaikovsky’s score, whimsical storytelling, and the richness of Russian classical dance will transport you into the classic fairy tale. Dec 26 at 3 & 7. $23.50 or $63.50. Check out their website. Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza (915-534-0689).

FORT WORTH
CASA MANANA Annie—everyone’s favorite curly-headed cutie belts out some of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life”, “Easy Street,” and “Tomorrow.” Dec 23—28. Tue & Thur at 7:30, Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2 & 7. $30—$75. For more information see their website. Bass Performance Hall, 4th & Calhoun (817-332-2272).

Robert Earl Keen Dec 30 at the Bass Performance Hall. Would like to look at more information? See their website or call 817-212-4280 or 877-212-4280.

Bell Helicoptor Armed Forces Bowl Dec 31. Postseason college football game at TCU’s Amon Carter Stadium. Check out their website or call 817-810-0012.

HOUSTON
BAYOU BEND COLLECTION AND GARDENS This early-twentieth-century home and garden, built originally for Miss Ima Hogg and donated to the Museum of Fine Art, Houston in 1957, offers an expansive collection of Americana art, fascinating architecture, and beautiful gardens. Thru Jan 4: Yuletide 2008—add a sprinkling of history to your holiday cheer as Bayou Bend gets decked out for the season with festive lighting in the gardens, decorated rooms in the mansion, candlelight tours on select Fridays, and entertainment and refreshments. House open Tue—Thur 10—2:45, Fri & Sat 10—7, Sun 1—5. Gen adm $10, senior citizens & and students with ID $8.50, youths 10—18 $5, 9 & under free. Gardens open Tue—Sat 10—5; Sun 1—5. Gen adm $3, children 9 & under free. For more information, go to their website. 1 Westcott (713-639-7750).

SAN ANTONIO
MAJESTIC THEATRE Dec 23—28: CATS—the Jellicle cats gather for their annual junkyard meeting in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. Tue—Thur at 8, Fri & Sat at 2 & 8, Sun at 2 & 7:30. $10.50—$62.50. See their website. 224 E. Houston (210-226-5700 or 210-224-9600).

Valero Alamo Bowl, Dec 29. Postseason college football game at the Alamodome. See their website or call 210-226-BOWL or 210-224-9600.

Celebrate San Antonio, Dec 31. New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks, live music. food, family activities and more. Downtown on Alamo Street. Check out their website or call 210-212-8423.

MIDLAND
MUSEUM OF THE SOUTHWEST Thru Dec 30: Christmas at the Mansion—ornately decorated for the Christmas season, the mansion receives regular visits from Santa, features the “Southwest Express” train exhibit, and hosts special luncheons and teas throughout the month. Open Tue—Sat 10—5, Sun 2—5. Free; suggested donations: $3 for adults, $1 for children. For more information please see their website. 1705 W. Missouri (432-683-2882).

THE ICE RINK AT WOODLANDS Lace up your skates for a spin around the ice rink during the tenth anniversary of this frozen tradition. Thru Jan 19. Open Mon—Thur 3—9, Fri 3—11, Sat 10—11, Sun noon—7. Gen adm $9.50, children 5 & under $5, including skate rental (for a $2 off coupon, go to their website). Town Center, 9819 Six Pines Dr (281-419-5630).

Don’t forget to call the TxDot Travel Information Center if you need details about the route you will take or advise on any road conditions. The number is 800-452-9292.