Holiday events run the gamut in the Katy area
Katy is the place to be for the holidays, offering many opportunities to celebrate and get in the spirit of the season.
Activities includes stage performances, fun runs, holiday markets and Christmas concerts.
Holiday workout
Preparations are underway for the 13th annual Katy Family YMCA Turkey Dash, slated for Thursday, Nov. 26.
The Katy Family YMCA is at 22807 Westheimer Parkway.
Community liaison Beth Strand said the event has grown over the years.
“It started out as a little fun run and now it’s a bona fide, real-deal event,” she said.
The 10K, 5K, 1 Mile Kids Race and 1 Mile Walk/Run present options for families as well as competitive runners.
The kids race starts at 7:10 a.m., the 10K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at
8:15 a.m.
“We also have a huge post-race party with lots of vendors, a lot of food and a huge kids zone with a rock wall, face-painting and arts and crafts,” Strand said. Runners are encouraged to dress up for the occasion and to enter solo or as a group for the second annual costume contest. Prizes will be awarded to the “Best Thanksgiving Theme” and “Most Unique Costume.”
Proceeds will go toward the Y’s annual campaign, which provides scholarships for child care, summer camps, swim lessons and sports leagues, as well as assistance to area outreach programs.
“All the funds raised stay in Katy,” Strand said.
Registration before Nov. 21 is $37 for the 5K, $42 for the 10K, $25 for the 1-Mile Kids Run and $20 for the 1-Mile Walk/Run. Prices increase after that date.
Details: ymcaturkeydash.org.
For those who prefer to trot around a dance floor, Midnight Rodeo of Katy is hosting its Thanksgiving Eve Party at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25.
The country dance club for ages 18 and up, located at 402 W. Grand Parkway S., is usually closed on Wednesdays but is open for the special event.
“We have the best dance floor in Katy — and we get a lot of people who are willing to drive an hour to get here,” general manager Kelly Wagner said.
For more information, visit midnightrodeokaty.com.
For athletes who can run as fast as the Gingerbread Man, the fourth annual Gingerbread Jog 5K and 1-mile kids fun run and 1 mile family run and walk is slated for Saturday, Dec. 12, at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. at LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch.
The event benefits the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston. Registration through Dec. 9 is $30 for the 5K run, which starts at 8 a.m., and $20 for the 1-mile run/walk, which starts at 8:10 a.m.
There will be crafts for the kids and an awards ceremony. Details: phckaty.org/events/the-gingerbread-jog.
Lend a hand
Some area churches band together each year to host the Katy Community Thanksgiving Feast.
Volunteers are needed to make the event a success. The dinner is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26 at the First United Methodist Church of Katy, 5601 Fifth St.
Guests will also be able to pick up donated blankets, good-condition used coats and nonperishable food items during the event.
Sign up by emailing hernande_arthur@sbcglobal.net.
Seasonal shopping
The Home for the Holidays Gift Market featuring more than 200 vendor booths will be from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Merrell Center, 6301 S. Stadium Lane. Admission is $6 and parking is free.
“It’s everything from handmade gifts to art, jewelry, clothing, home décor, Christmas decorations and gourmet food,” spokeswoman Stacie Henry said. The market is in its eighth year and has expanded into two buildings for this holiday season.
Henry said $4,000 in gift certificates will be given away during the event as well as before Nov. 20 on Facebook.
For more information, visit homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com.
Stage performances
The Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center, 2503 S. Mason Road, presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.
Executive artistic director Gregory Magyar said the show is part of the center’s open enrollment program.
“We take kids of all levels of experience, and they’ll all be part of the performance,” he said. “Some kids will be experienced, and some will have never been on stage before. They get to work side-by-side and learn from each other.”
Magyar said students range in age from 6 to 14.
“It’s a great show to bring your kids to,” he said. “It gives them a whole different look at the arts when they see kids their age on stage.”
The story centers on outcast children who come to be a part of a Christmas pageant, resulting in chaos.
Tickets are $7. Details: kvpac.org.
The Lone Star Symphonic Band is rehearsing for its holiday concert, entitled “Rejoice!”
The event is slated for 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at CrossPoint Community Church, 700 Westgreen Blvd.
Tickets are $5.50 online or $10 at the door. Details: lssband.org.
The public is invited to join St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd., for the Chancel Choir and the church orchestra’s annual “Messiah” Singalong. The free event is slated for 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6. Details: www.stpkaty.org.
O Christmas tree
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch hosts its eighth annual Tree Lighting Celebration from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Courtyard at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Children will enjoy train rides, music, face painting, balloons and a photo booth. Santa will make a grand entrance on a fire truck and there will be a special performance by the Katy Children’s Choir. Information: www.lacenterra.com.
The Katy Old-Fashioned Christmas has become a neighborhood favorite. The fun begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, and a treelighting ceremony will start at 6 p.m. at Harvest Plaza, 5701 Third St. Children will have an opportunity to take a photo with Santa and to play in holiday activity booths thanks to the city’s parks and recreation department. There will also be live entertainment. Details: cityofkaty.com.