Annual boat show heads up varied holiday events
The holiday season in the Bay Area and northern Brazoria County is a busy time, filled with festive events.
When Pam Summers, president of the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitor Bureau, thinks of the holidays, she thinks of boats, seafood and family fun. One of her favorite activities is the Christmas Boat Lane Parade, an annual event marking its 54th year on Dec. 12. The parade features more than 100 decorated boats that navigate the Clear Lake channel from the South Shore Harbour Marina and Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay. Hosted by the city of League City, more than 100,000 are expected to view the parade of decorated water vessels from land and from hundreds of boats anchored throughout the channel.
“The event is one of the oldest holiday boat parades in the country, and our entire region celebrates during the weekend of the
parade.” Summer said.
In addition to the parade, holiday highlights include Breakfast with the Sugar Plum Fairy hosted by the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre on Nov. 21 at South Shore Harbour Resort, Space Center Houston’s winter day camps for children, Jingle on the Boardwalk Dec. 4-20 at the Kemah Boardwalk and a Chanukah celebration at Baybrook Mall.
The following are some local events planned to celebrate the holidays that are scheduled through the second week in December.
Alvin
Christmas Movie Series, 6 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11
Alvin Parks and Recreation Department partners with Wellborne Cinema 4, 324 E. House St., Alvin, to show free holiday films. “Elf ” is the feature film for Dec. 4. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” are set for Dec. 11. Children’s activities start at 6 p.m. Movies begin at 7:15 p.m. Details: 281-388-4299.
Home for the Holidays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Dec. 5
The city of Alvin’s annual holiday festivities will be at National Oak Park, 118 S. Magnolia Drive. The event includes vendors, food, holiday entertainment, a Snow Maze, a Giant Snowman Jump, an Abominable Snow Slide, a farmers market and pet pictures. Prospective vendors may visit www.alvin-tx.gov to apply or call 281-388-4299. A 5:30 p.m. light parade will occur during the celebration.
“The Games Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays),” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 -12
Alvin Community College Theatre presents a Sherlock Holmes whodunit set during Christmastime. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. The Dec. 6 performance is at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $7. To purchase tickets, visit www.alvincollege.edu/Drama/Theatre-Season or call the box office at 281-756-3606. The theater is on the main campus at 3110 Mustang Road.
Breakfast with Santa, 8:30–10:30 a.m. Dec. 6
Children can breakfast with Santa Claus at the Alvin Senior Citizens Center, 309 W. Sealy St. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. The annual event is sponsored by the Alvin Library League, the support group for the Alvin Library. Proceeds support children’s library programs. Details: 281-3884300.
Deer Park
Turkey Toss, 9 a.m. – noon, Nov. 21
The city is hosting Turkey Toss, a round of disc golf to raise funds for a local food pantry. Registration is $10 plus one nonperishable food item per player. Prizes will go to the top three winners. Players must be at least 7 years old. Register at www. deerparktx.gov. The tournament will occur next to the Claude Burgess Center, 4200 Kalwick Drive.
Turkey shoot, 5 p.m. Nov. 24
The Deer Park Parks and Recreation Department’s annual Turkey Shoot will be at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 500 W. 13th St. The grand prize is a turkey. The shoot is divided into four age groups. Adults will compete in archery only. Others will compete in archery and with air rifles. Registration is $10 and includes dinner. The cost to attend just the shoot is $5. Visit www.deerparktx.gov for details.
Art Park Players Christmas, various times Dec. 1–5
The Art Park Players hosts a variety of events this season. The group presents Circle of Wreaths, a silent auction benefiting The Rose, a breast cancer awareness organization, Dec. 1–5. Those interested in donating a wreath may call 281-478-7288. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4, the group presents the Ms. Kringle’s Claus-et tearoom and shopping event. Luncheon tickets are $10.
“A Christmas Musical Review” is set for Dec. 5. A dinner show will be at 7 p.m. The show without dinner will be at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.
All events will be at the city’s Theatre/Courts Building, 1302 Center St. To purchase tickets, call 281-794-2448. Details: www.artparkplayers.com.
Reindeer Park, 6–9 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5–8:30 p.m. Dec. 5
The annual holiday celebration at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 500 W. 13th St., includes a lighted Christmas parade, a Reindeer Dash Run and Walk and snow inside Frosty’s Playland (Dec. 5 only). Wristbands for the snow area are $5 and include unlimited access to the area, including a snow slide, pony rides, a petting zoo and carnival rides. Wristbands will be sold Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 at the city community center, 610 E. San Augustine St.
Dickinson
Old-Fashioned Christmas Social, 7–10 p.m. Nov. 20
The Dickinson Area Public Library Foundation is hosting its annual Christmas social in the library, 4411 Texas 3. Guests may eat hor d’oeuvres and cookies, drink traditional wassail, hear holiday music and take part in a wine pull and a silent auction. Tickets are $10 and available at the library. The event is free for Platinum Card holders and Twice Sold Tales volunteers. Details: 281-534-3812.
Dickinson Festival of Lights, 6–9 p.m. nightly Nov. 29 through Dec. 30
An estimated 2 million Christmas lights will illuminate Paul Hopkins Park, 1000 FM 517. Parking for the free event is available at the Dickinson Plaza Shopping Center, 3500 Gulf Freeway, and on the west side of the park Mondays through Thursdays. Free bus service is provided to and from the park. The event is put together by the nonprofit Dickinson Festival of Lights Society. Details: www.dickinsonfestivaloflights.org.
Santa at the library, 1–2 p.m. Dec. 6
Santa Claus is scheduled to make a stop at the Dickinson Public Library, 4411 Texas 3. Call 281-5343812 about the free event.
Friendswood
Music of the Season, 7 p.m. Dec. 4
The Hope Lutheran Handbell Quartet will perform holiday music in a free concert at Friendswood Public Library, 416 S. Friendswood Drive. Details: 281-482-7135.
Chanukah Celebration, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7
The Bay Area Jewish community celebrates Chanukah at Baybrook Mall, 500 Baybrook Mall Drive. The free event, hosted by Chabad of the Bay Area, features a menorah lighting, crafts, food and desserts. Details: www.jbayarea.org.
Evening with Santa, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Dec. 7
Children can have a picture taken with Santa at the Friendswood Public Library, 416 S. Friendswood Drive. Cookies and punch will be served. A holiday-themed craft project is planned. Details: www.friendswood.lib.tx.us or 281-482-7135.
Eighth annual Santa in the Park, 3–8 p.m. Dec. 12
Thousands are expected at Friendswood’s Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive (FM 518), for rides, music, dancers, holiday arts and crafts and a slide down a 40,000-pound snow hill. Santa’s arrival and a holiday fireworks display will precede the Christmas tree lighting. Details: www.ci.friendswood.tx.us or call 281-996-3200.
Bay Area/Clear Lake
Gift-making craft, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Nov. 23
Children ages 8–12 may create a picture frame for a holiday gift at the Clear Lake City-Country Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane. Free tickets must be obtained 30 minutes before the event at the information desk. Details: 281-488-1906.
Ornaments from Scratch, 1–2:30 p.m. Nov. 25
Create holiday ornaments at Clear Lake CityCounty Freeman Branch Library using Scratch programming language and a laser cutter. Open to all ages, the program will be in the Lee Innovation Lab, 16616 Diana Lane. Details: 281-488-1906.
“Holiday in Song – A Christmas Concert,” 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 5; 4 p.m. Dec. 6
The Bay Area Chorus presents Christmas carols and holidays songs. Advance tickets are $15. Door prices are $20 for adults, $15 for those age 65 and older and $10 for children and students. The Dec. 5 concert will be at Chapel at the Villa de Matel, 6510 Lawndale St. The Dec. 6 concert is at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, 1511 El Dorado Blvd. Details: www.bayareachorus.org or 620-388-0618.
Creative Thursdays, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Dec. 10
Teens and tweens may make giant paper snowflakes at Clear Lake CityCountry Freeman Branch Library. Friends of the Freeman Library provide materials. The library is at 16616 Diana Lane. Details: 281-488-1906.
Visit with Santa, 5:30– 7 p.m. Dec. 10
Children and their parents are invited to meet Santa at the Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library, 16616 Diana Lane. The event is free; however, tickets are required and must be obtained at the Kid’s Information Desk 30 minutes before the program. Details: 281-488-1906.
Kemah
Jingle on the Boardwalk, various hours, Dec. 4–20
The Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave., celebrates the season with music, a toy drive and Santa. Amusements and rides are open noon-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays and 10:30 a.m.9 p.m. Sundays. Details: www.kemahboardwalk.com or 877-285-3624.
La Porte
Yuletide Texas, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1–31
In December, see the Battleship Texas covered with lights and ornaments. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 12, attend Yuletide Texas’ “A Sailors Christmas,” during which children are invited to be photographed with Santa or to transmit a message directly to Santa from the ship’s post office. Tickets are $12 for those age 13 and older and $6 for those age 65 and older. Children age 12 and younger get in free. The battleship is at 3523 Independence Parkway South at the San Jacinto Battleground. Details: 281479-2431.
League City
Breakfast with the Sugar Plum Fairy, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Nov. 21
Girls are invited to spend the morning with the Sugar Plum Fairy at South Shore Harbour Resort, 2500 South Shore Blvd. Festivities include a brunch, a “Nutcracker Ballet” vignette and photographs with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Event is hosted by the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theater. Tickets are $60. To purchase tickets, visit www.bahbt.org/shop.
Thanksgiving Break Camp, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 23–25
League City hosts a camp for ages 6-12 during Thanksgiving break. Campers can sign up for three days of games and activities. Camps are limited to the first 40 that sign up. The cost is $75 for League City residents and $112.50 for others. The camps are at Hometown Heroes Park, 2105 Dickinson Ave. To register, visit www.leaguecity.com. Details: 281-554-1184.
Jingle’s Magic Workshop, 10:15 a.m. Dec. 2
Join Jingle the Elf for a holiday tour of Santa’s workshop at Helen Hall Library, 100 W. Walker Street. Free tickets available 15 minutes before the event. Call 281-554-1113.
Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting, 5–6 p.m., Dec. 3
Santa Claus is coming to Helen Hall Library, 100 W. Walker St. A treelighting ceremony takes place after the open house at 6:30 p.m. in front of the library. The event is co--
sponsored by the Knights of Columbus No. 9310 and League City Parks and Recreation Department. Details: 281-554-1111 or 281554-1184.
Holiday Evening with The Diva, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3
Cindy “The Diva” Thomas performs holiday music at the Butler Longhorn Museum, 1220 Coryell St. Tickets are $30. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 281-332-1393. Details: www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com. Manvel
Holiday storytime, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 2-30
Free event for children featuring stories, music, movement and craft with holiday themes at the Manvel Library, 2051B Texas 6. Details: www.bcls.lib.tx.us or 281-489-7596.
Family Fun Day, 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5
Decorate a Christmas Tree to be judged at the Manvel Library Christmas Open House Dec. 17. Supplies are provided by the Manvel Community Library Association. Manvel Library is at 2051B Texas 6. Visit www.bcls.lib.tx.us or call 281-489-7596.
Nassau Bay
1“It’s a Wonderful Life,” 8 p.m. and matinee shows, weekends Dec. 4-20
Clear Creek Community Theatre’s production of the holiday classic will be at the theater, 1809 Upper Bay Road. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students and senior adults. For show times and to purchase tickets, visit www.clearcreekcountrytheatre.org or call 281-335-5228.
1 Clear Lake Symphony concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5
The Clear Lake Symphony performs its Christmas “pops” concerts at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Auditorium at 1822 Upper Bay Road. Advance tickets are available at Eye Trends, 515 Bay Area Blvd., Suite 300. Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for ages 55 and over, and $8 for students. For tickets: call Eye Trends at 281-488-0066 or visit www.clearlakesymphony.org. Pasadena
Circle of Trees, all day Mondays–Fridays until Dec. 31
Local civic, nonprofit and volunteer organizations decorate Christmas trees displayed at City Hall, 1211 Southmore Ave. Viewing is free. Details: www.ci.pasadena.tx.us.
Pasadena Philharmonic Christmas Concert, 3 p.m. Dec. 6
The San Jacinto College Choirs join the Pasadena Philharmonic for a Christmas concert at Sam Rayburn High School Auditorium, 2121 Cherry Brook Lane. Details: 281476-1832 or email Geneva. fort@sjcd.edu.
Christmas Tree Lighting, 6 – 8 p.m. Dec. 4
The free event includes the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree at City Hall, 1211 Southmore Ave., plus entertainment, hayrides, games and vendors. Details: www.ci.pasadena.tx.us.
Holiday Lighted Parade, 7 p.m. Dec. 5
The city of Pasadena, in partnership with the Pasadena Strawberry Festival, hosts its annual Holiday Lighted Parade on Fairmont Parkway, beginning at the corner of Pansy and Fairmont. A float entry form is at www. ci.pasadena.tx.us. There is no entry fee.
Pearland
Christmas Card Craft, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2
All ages invited to the Pearland Library, 3522 Liberty Drive, to make holiday cards. Details: 281652-1676.
Tree-Lighting Ceremony, 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and Holiday Gift Market, Dec. 5
The city’s annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will be at Pear-
land Town Center, 11200 Broadway. The event includes carriage rides, music from Danny Ray and the Acoustic Production and a visit by Santa Claus. Festivities continue the next day with a Holiday Gift Market at the center. The events are presented by the Pearland Park and Recreation Department.
Lighted Christmas Parade, 6 p.m. Dec. 5
Local groups, businesses and individuals take part in the parade, which travels east on FM 518 starting at Old Alvin Road and ending at Pearland Parkway. The fee to enter a float is $10. To volunteer, call 281-412-8903. Details: www.pearlandtx.gov.
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!” various times Dec. 11–13
Times and dates for Kids Backporch Productions’ show are 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 3 p.m. Dec. 13. The play will be in the Pearland Community Center, 3523 Liberty Drive. Tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for senior adults and $8 for children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kidsbackporchproductions.org or at the door. Details: 281-412-5350 or email kboffice@yahoo.com.
Seabrook
Christmas on Main, 6 p.m. Dec. 3
Seabrook hosts a free evening of holiday cheer, music and fun on Main Street between Anders and Cook avenues. The event includes the lighting of the Seabrook Christmas Tree. Guests may park in the City Hall parking lot at 1700 First St. and at Bay Elementary School, 1502 Bayport Blvd.
Breakfast with Santa, 9–11 a.m. Dec. 5
The city and the Seabrook Rotary club hosts Breakfast with Santa for children of Seabrook at the Seabrook Community House, 1200 Anders Ave. During the free event, children eat a pancake breakfast and tell Santa what they want for Christmas. Parking is at City Hall, 1700 First St. and at Bay Elementary School, 1502 Bayport Blvd., at no cost.
Texas City
Texas City Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3
The parade begins at the corner of Phoenix Lane and Palmer Highway and travels east down Palmer Highway to Sixth Street, ending on Fifth Avenue. Float entry forms are at www.texascitycommunitycalendar.com and should be returned to the Department of Recreation and Tourism at 2010 Fifth Ave. N. by Nov. 30. Details: 409-643-5990.