FAMILY FUN GALVESTON ISLAND HISTORIC PLEASURE PIER
UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS
UniverSoul Circus is a celebration of urban pop cultures from around the world, embracing the unique and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities into a roving show that blends circus arts, theater and music.
When: Through Dec. 6
Where: Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W.
Details: $25-$49; universoulcircus.com
HOUSTON SYMPHONY: A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS
The symphony and guest vocalists present famous arias from Handel’s Messiah, music from Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and more in this special holiday performance. Attendees can join the socially distanced concerts at Jones Hall, or watch the livestreamfromhome.
When: 8 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, 615 Louisiana
Details: $20; houstonsymphony.org
STEARMAN SANTA AT THE LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM
Lone Star Flight Museum welcomes Santa, visitors can watch him arrive and taxi to the museum. Guests will be able to take photos with Santa and the Stearman plane, make ornaments, coloring pages and explore the museum.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19
Where: Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551Aerospace
Details: $9.95-$14.95; lonestarflight.org/news stearman-santa-flights
101 ST MAYOR’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS SPECTACULAR
Hosted by ABC-13 personalities Samika Knight and Tom Koch, the 101st annual Mayor’s Holiday Lights Spectacular will feature appearances by Mayor Sylvester Turner, Robert Glasper, Laci Kaye Booth, DCappella, Ledisi, Santa Claus, Houston Ballet, Dance of Asian America, International Voices Houston and more.
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Livestreamed on ABC-13 digital platforms
Details: houstontx.gov/ mayorsholiday/index.html
SELENA SUNDAY HOLIDAY MARKET
Shop at a Holiday Market celebrating the life and legacy of Tejano singer Selena. Guests can expect plenty of local vendors, a Selena tribute performance and music.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Old Town Harrisburg, 6632 Harrisburg
Details: facebook.com/events/ 837415300327928
ZOO LIGHTS: SENSORY FRIENDLY NIGHT
On this Zoo Lights night, guests can expect a smaller crowd, quieter music, limited flashing lights and two designated quiet areas.
When: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: 6200 Hermann Park Drive
Details: $12.95-$24.65; houstonzoo.org
DISNEY ON ICE: DREAM BIG
The magical show is filled with breathtaking ice skating and beloved Disney stories, including “Moana,” “Frozen,” “Coco,” “Aladdin” and Disney princesses.
When: Dec. 9-13
Where: NRG Stadium, NRG
Parkway
Details: $35-$65; disneyonice.com/dream-big/ houston-tx-nrg-stadium
GALVESTON
Featuring waterfront fun and entertainment, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier offers family-oriented attractions, including rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues and retail shops.
When: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 4, noon9 p.m. Dec. 5 and noon-7 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: 2501Seawall Blvd.
Details: $19.99-$26.99; pleasurepier.com
MOODY GARDENS: HOLIDAY IN THE GARDENS
Aside from the annual Festival of Lights, Moody Gardens will be offering a holiday experience that features holiday films, including “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer” in the 4D Theater, the Arctic Slide and train rides, fireside s’mores, plenty of holiday dining options and loads of fun.
When: 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 2
Where: One Hope Boulevard
Details: $20-30; moodygardens.com
KATY
OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
This outdoor Christmas market features local vendors and food trucks.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Historic Downtown Katy
Details: katymarketday.com
THEWOODLANDS THE GRINCH’S GROTTO EXPERIENCE
Visit the Grinch in his special cave and strike a pose (or two) with him. Patrons will leave with not just a photo taken by a professional photographer, but also with a few extra special Grinchy surprises.
When: Through Dec. 31
Where: 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive
Details: $50 (valid for up to 5 guests); thewoodlandsmall.com/en/ events/the-grinch-s-grotto35312.html
HOCKLEY
RUDOLPH’S LIGHTSHOW
The drive-thru display features over 1million lights merrily synced to favorite holiday tunes.
When: 6:30-11 p.m. through Jan. 3
Where: 19623 Bauer
Details: $30-$40; rudolphslightshow.com
SUGAR LAND 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
The City of Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department takes over the Plaza at Sugar Land Town Square for a weekend with live ice carving demonstrations, ice skating presentations, snowflake flurries, Christmas concert and DIY workshops.
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4-5, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk
Details:
sugarlandtownsquare.com