ABILENE WELCOMES THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER – The month of November welcomes many exciting events to Abilene’s attractions and venues. Take a second to enjoy the season and all it has to offer.

Shop, shop, shop ‘til you drop at Christmas Carousel! This annual sale of holiday gifts benefits numerous charitable causes. Sponsored by the Junior League of Abilene and will be held at the Abilene Civic Center, Thursday through Sunday. Thursday, from 7-10 p.m., is Premiere Night: “Shopping Under the Stars” by advance ticket only. From 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday. Admission prices are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for ages 12 and younger. For more information about all Carousel events, visit www.jrleagueabilene.com.

After a day of shopping at Christmas Carousel, go see “Inspecting Carol,” a comedy at the Abilene Community Theatre, Thursday-Saturday. A man who asks to audition at a small theatre is mistaken for an informer for the National Endowment for the Arts. Everyone caters to the puzzled wannabe and he is instantly given a role! Hilarity ensues! 7:30 p.m. Ticket information: 325-673-6271.

The Paramount Theatre will host a unique juried competition of short films from around the world in the 24fps International Short Film Festival. The competition includes 20 original shirt films, 20 minutes or less, from an international field of submitted projects, Friday-Saturday at 7 p.m. Open to the public, all seats for the program are $6. Information: 325-676-9620.

With Veteran’s Day around the corner, it is a great time to review WWII from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday at Abilene’s own 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum. You can also pay tribute to veterans, past, present and future, at the 6th Annual American Tribute Flag Field, sponsored by American State Bank and Frontier Texas!. The public is encouraged to tour the impressive display of 600 flags at Frontier Texas!. The stars and stripes will wave proudly this Friday through the following Friday, the 13th. Gather for the Veteran’s Day Parade at 11 a.m., Saturday in historic downtown Abilene. For more information, call 325-674-1328.

Whether you are a visitor or a local, kick off the start of a great week in Abilene by enjoying some live music and a great cup of coffee in downtown Abilene. Monks Coffee Shop has partnered with ACU Jazz Combos to bring our city Jazz Night at Monks every Tuesday night in downtown Abilene. Support their efforts and stop by! 8:30-10 p.m. Best of all it is free to the public. Information: 325-437-2984.

For additional information on all of Abilene’s events and attractions, visit www.abilenevisitors.com. Get the most up-to-date details throughout the week by following the Abilene CVB on Twitter, @AbileneCVB, or by becoming a fan on Facebook!