Oh no; it’s Friday the 13th. I’d stop writing right here, but I write these columns on Thursdays, so here goes. Check out these festive gatherings in Mower County.

1. A white Christmas in the County

3 to 6 p.m. Friday and 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14, Christmas in the County, Mower County Historical Society, 1303 Sixth Ave. SW, Austin.

Mower County is ready for Christmas, and in what better way than with Christmas cookies? As usual, Christmas in the County kicks off with a presale bake sale on Friday, followed by more baked goodies, wagon rides, a tour of the steam engine, decorations, crafts and chances to win raffles and auction items.

2. Super Christmas friends

7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 14, Michael Veldman and Friends, Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NW, Austin.

Austin’s favorite Christmas carolers are back for their 10th anniversary show at the Paramount.

Michael Veldman and Friends will hit the stage after a preshow dinner on Friday, again on Saturday, and again next weekend. And yes, there are still tickets left at the Paramount Theatre Box Office.

3. Another chance for Cratchit

7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, “A Dickens Christmas Carol,” LeRoy High School gym, 406 W Main St., LeRoy.

He was ridiculed by Scrooge last week, and he’s back for more punishment this weekend in LeRoy. “A Dickens Christmas Carol will be showing Saturday evening in LeRoy at the high school. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and free for children younger than 5.

4. Working on Christmas Eve

9:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 “The Night Shift Before Christmas,” Faith Evangelical Free Church, 1800 12th St. SW, Austin.

Speaking of working on Christmas Eve, Faith Evangelical Free’s youth will put on a show: “The Night Shift Before Christmas.” The show will be 9:45 a.m. during church Sunday, and is free and open to the public.

5. Celebrate the Messiah

2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, Handel’s “Messiah,” St. Augustine’s Church, 405 Fourth St. NW, Austin.

They’ve been rehearsing, and now it’s time for the music on Sunday. The Austin Symphony Chorus and soloists return to St. Augustine Church in Austin with Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for college students in advance, or $15 and $12 at the door. Students K-12 accompanied by an adult get in for free.

Other events

There are plenty of opportunities to glide and slide for cheap at Packer Arena, with open skates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check the community calendar for more. Also, Crane Community Chapel in Austin is hosting a free family movie night on Friday with “Silver Bells.”

Look to Reporter Matt Peterson’s column every Friday for more about upcoming events in Austin. For even more, check out the calendar on Page 4 every day in the print edition and the austindailyherald.com homepage.