Austin is officially kicking off the Christmas season Friday night. The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce and other groups are preparing to get people in the mood to celebrate and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. With Christmas in the City, the Northwest and Southwest, and hunky men on display, these next few days are not ones to forget.

1. Christmas in the City

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Downtown Austin

The official kick-off of the holiday season will be in downtown Austin, with a tree-lighting ceremony, music, hot chocolate, treats, activities and celebrities, including that special portly old guy in a red and white suit. Call the chamber at 507-437-4561 for more information.

2. Austin’s Ultimate Ladies Night Out

5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Austin Holiday Inn Conference Center

A night of fun-filled festivities featuring “Hunks: The Show,” a male revue brought in from Las Vegas, www.hunkstheshow.com. Admission is $25, and VIP seating is $40. The evening starts at 5 p.m. with shopping, wine tasting, entertainment, and then doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m. There will be an after-party with music and dancing at Torge’s Live. Hotel and ticket packages are available. For more information, call 507-433-1000.

3. VFW Winter Concert Series

8 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Austin VFW

Jesse Smith and his band Cosmic will continue the VFW’s winter series. Cost is $3 per person, and people are asked to bring a food item for the Salvation Army. For more information, call 507-433-6039. The event is sponsored by Reichel Foods of Rochester.

4. Champagne Brunch With Michael Veldman and Friends

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Hormel Historic Home

Enjoy spectacular food and support The Paramount Theatre and the Historic Hormel Home by participating in the silent auction. Tickets are $45 for members of the HHH or Paramount, or $50 for non-members including the show ticket. Purchase at the ArtWorks Center. Brunch only tickets are available at the HHH for $30 for members or $35 for non-members. Purchase at the Hormel Historic Home. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

5. Christmas in the Northwest

4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Northwest Austin

Christmas kickoff activities will be set at various merchant locations in Northwest Austin. Call 507-437-4561 for more information.

6. Christmas in the Southwest

4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Southwest Austin

Activities will be set at various merchant locations in Southwest Austin. Call 507-437-4561 for more information.