Special Events
Historical Christmas: The George Ranch Historical Park is all decked out for the holidays. Visitors can learn about holiday customs and decorations, circa 1830-1930. Each Saturday will bring special activities, as well as wassail and spice cookies. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, Dec. 5-31; $10, $5 for ages 5-15. The ranch also is hosting a Campfire Christmas, 6-10 p.m. Dec. 11-12 and Dec. 18-19, that includes a hearty holiday meal and a visit to a Victorian mansion; reservations required, $50, $45 for children 8-15. 10215 FM 762, Richmond; georgeranch.org, 281-343-0218.
Breakfast With Santa: The Downtown Aquarium hosts a kidpleasing breakfast buffet, which includes photo ops with Sharkey and Santa Claus. Reservations required. 8-10 a.m. Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20, 22-24; 410 Bagby; $18.99, $12.99 for ages 3-10; 713-223-3474.
Gingerbread Build Off: In one of the season’s sweetest events, dozens of teams of architects, design students and gingerbread enthusiasts build and decorate elaborate structures on Hermann Square in front of City Hall. The teams vie for prizes including best in show, tallest structure, most creative and fan favorite. Structures must be completed by 3 p.m. for judging. Winners announced at 4 p.m. Free admission for spectators. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Dec. 12; 900 Smith; aiahouston.org.
53rd Annual Candlelight
Tour: Christmases past and present collide at this Heritage Society event that fills downtown Houston’s Sam Houston Park with revelers. Carolers serenade visitors as they tour the park’s 10 festively decorated historical structures including the 1891 St. John Church and 1870 Yates House. 5-10 p.m. Dec. 13 and 5-9 p.m. Dec. 14; advance tickets $10, $5 for children; 1100 Bagby; heritagesociety.org, 713-655-1912.
A Magical Christmas Dinner
and Show: Magician Curt Miller’s shows combine family-friendly comic bits with Las Vegas-style illusions. In addition to the magic show and buffet dinner at Moody Gardens Hotel, tickets include admission to next door’s Festival of Lights. 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 17-27; 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston; $59-$95, $44-$85 for ages 3-12, $15-$75 for ages 2 and younger; moodychristmasshow.com.
The Christmas Revels: Revels Houston’s 25th annual show at Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston transports audiences to Medieval England for a family-style celebration of the Winter Solstice. The evening includes traditional yuletide carols, wassail, dances, play-acting, storytelling and the Austin Troubadours. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 20; 3400 Main; $27-$38, $14-$18 for ages 12 and younger; revelshouston.org, 713668-3303.
Mark Rothko: A Retrospec
tive: Museum of Fine Arts Houston exhibit on view through Jan. 24. www.mfah.org
Christmas Village at Bayou
Bend: With Santa and his reindeer on 12 select evenings Dec. 17 to Dec. 30, 6-9 p.m.istmas Eve and Christmas. www.mfah.org