HOLIDAY EVENTS

light up the season

THEATER

It’s A Wonderful Life: A

Live Radio Play: It’s A Wonderful Life has become an American Christmas staple. The timeless story takes a new turn as a 1940s-style radio broadcast’s troupe of five radio actors portrays a few dozen characters. Nov. 30 through Dec. 23. Visit www.adplayers.org. A Christmas Carol - A Ghost

Story of Christmas: Based on Charles Dickens’ classic story, this is a family-friendly seasonal favorite performed at the Alley Theatre. Through Dec. 30. Visit www.alleytheatre.org.

EVENTS/FESTS

The Ice at Discovery Green: Guests of all ages can experience al fresco ice skating during the season. Although rink may close for inclement weather, the normal schedule includes open time slots on Christmas and New Year’s. Through Jan. 27. Visit www.discoverygreen.com. Annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting: The free event, in its 99th year, is a holiday tradition of music, Santa Claus, fireworks and family fun at Hermann Square at City Hall. The holiday tree will be glowing with energy-efficient LED lights, ornaments and a star topper. 6-8 p.m. Nov. 30. Visit www.houstontx.gov/mayorsholiday. Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour: Features five decorated homes in the Houston Heights neighborhood, with the oldest built as long ago as 1903 and the newest in 2005. Set for 6-9 p.m. Nov. 30, and 3-9 p.m. Dec. 1. Visit www.houstonheights.org. Budafest: Head to the city of Buda for pictures with Santa Saturday and Sunday, and play in the snow. Visitors can enjoy the carnival, and

the parade set for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. Food vendors, kids activities, performances and entertainment. Noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 1, noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 2. Visit www.budafest.org. Breakfast with Santa and

Gingerbread House Decorating: At Omni Houston Hotel, this is for parents looking for an enjoyable kid-friendly event. There will be holiday refreshments while visitors decorate a gingerbread house. Photos with Santa. 9-11:30 a.m. Dec. 8. Visit www.omnihotels.com/ hotels/houston/things-to-do/ events. The Heritage Society’s

Candlelight Tour: This tradition, in its 55th year, begins at The Heritage Society in downtown Houston’s Sam Houston Park. Participants will walk through the society’s historic homes decorated for the holidays while expert guides detail their history dating back to the 19th century. 5-9 p.m. Dec. 8. Visit heritagesociety.org. Christmas Village at Bayou

Bend: Every year, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights and festive holiday activities for adults and children of all ages. The event features holiday tours of Ima Hogg’s historic mansion, featuring live actors, theatrical effects and holiday decorations. Santa Claus also visits the Christmas Village every night before the Christmas holiday. Note that the event is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. 5:30 p.m., Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. Visit www.mfah.org. Holiday Dance Showcase

at DanceSport Club: This event features the talent dancers of all levels, from beginner students in group classes to more advanced dancers who have taken private lessons. This will be the debut performance for many of these dancers. The event will also include social dance time between performances for guests to get in on the action. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Visit www.dancesportclub.com/ showcase.

Dickens on the Strand :A 45-year tradition, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Dickens on The Strand festival highlights downtown Galveston’s Victorian-era architecture in a unique holiday celebration spotlighting Charles Dickens’ work. This year’s event will feature parades, entertainment on six stages, strolling carolers, musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and various other entertainers. Vendors in costume will be selling food, drinks, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items from street stalls and rolling carts. Nov. 30 through Dec. 2. Visit www.galvestonhistory.org.

LIGHTS/ PARADES

Houston Zoo Zoolights: Features animal-themed light displays and glowing LED versions of zoo animals. Although exhibits are typically closed, attendees might catch a peek of animals as they pass by. Meals and refreshments will be available for purchase, along with s’mores and other holiday and winter treats, as well as craft beer and wine. 5 p.m., through Jan. 13. Visit www.houstonzoo.org.

Moody Gardens Festival of

Lights: Most people associate Galveston as a summer getaway, but every year, Moody Gardens is transformed into a winter wonderland. Its Festival of Lights features a mile-long trail with more than one million lights and lighted scenes. Features an outdoor skating rink, concession areas with refreshments, hot chocolate and festive food, as well as holiday buffets and live entertainment. 6 p.m., through Jan. 6. Tickets are on sale; visit www.moodygardens.com/ holiday_season/. H-E-B Thanksgiving

Parade: This downtown parade event has been an annual entertaining tradition since 1949. General admission is free, though general seating is available for purchase online. 9 a.m. Nov. 22. Visit

www.houstontx.gov/ thanksgivingparade. Sugar Land Holiday

Lights: Sugar Land’s Holiday Lights display takes place at Constellation Field and features 2.5 million lights, themed areas, holiday shopping, holiday movie nights, refreshments and the opportunity for kids to meet Santa Claus. 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Nov. 23 to Jan. 1. Visit www.sugarlandholidaylights.com.

BALLET

The Nutcracker: This Houston Ballet performance takes place at the Wortham Theater Center and is a holiday tradition for many Houstonians alike. The 2018/2019 season will feature this classic story set to Tchaikovsky’s notable score. Nov. 23 - Dec. 29. Visit www.houstonballet.org.

MARKETS

Tomball German Christmas Market: The free music and street festival in Old Town Tomball features an open-air market with the area’s antiques shops while visitors enjoy the sounds of various German-inspired performers and Christmas carolers. Dec. 7-9. Visit www.tomballgermanfest.org. A Christmas Story Art

Market: The free outdoor market will take place at Karbach Brewing Company in Houston. The market will be set up in the outdoor biergarten, where attendees can watch its namesake movie while enjoying a cold brew, or shop from a variety of local artists and vendors. The event will have ugly Christmas sweaters and a gift-wrapping station. The event is pet friendly, and organizers recommend guests bring chairs for lounging. Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 16. Visit www.karbachbrewing.com for information.