The Houston Running Co. is hosting the Christmas 12K. (Courtesy of Houston Running Co.)
A number of events take place this holiday season across Bellaire, Meyerland, Western University and surrounding areas, including light shows, concerts and holiday festivals.
December 4-5: Enjoy the holidays at a winter festival
Levy Park hosts its fourth annual holiday festival, featuring a two-day holiday market with vendors, live music performances throughout the park, a free photo booth with Santa Claus and other holiday-themed special guests, and food and beverage concessions. Free. Noon-5 p.m. daily. Levy Park, 3801 Eastside St., Houston. 713-522-7275. www.levyparkhouston.org
December 4, 11 and 18: Attend a Holiday Show
The Main Street Theater puts on performances based on the novel ‘Little House on the Prairie’ titled ‘A Little House Christmas‘ which tells the story of the Ingalls family, friendship and the spirit of Christmas. 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. $18 to $24. Main Street Theatre, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston. 713-524-6706. www.mainstreettheatre.com
December 8, 15 and 22: listen to live music
Rice Village hosts Winter Wonderland Wednesdays throughout December, allowing guests to listen to live performances. On December 8, Jonathan Finney will perform, followed by Jenna Pierce on December 15 and Melissa Sterling on December 22. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Free. Rice Village, 5510 Morningside Drive, Houston. 713-302-8918. www.rice-village.com
December 18: Run a 12K or 6K for the holidays
The Houston Running Co. hosts the Christmas 12K, featuring 12K and 6K runs, hot chocolate, appearances from Santa and his elves, and carol singers. 7:30 a.m. (6K and 12K departure), 10 a.m. (1K children departure and family walk). $20 (1,000 children and family walk), $40 (6,000), $50 (12,000). Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby Street, Houston. www.houstonrunningco.com
December 18: Bring the little ones to a virtual book reading
Brazos Bookstore is hosting a virtual holiday book reading featuring two of the holiday season‘s most famous stories: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Night Before Christmas.” 10:30 a.m. Free via the bookstore’s Facebook page. 713-523-0701. www.brazosbookstore.com
Until January 2: Watch an illuminated light show
The Downtown Houston Management District hosts Winter Wanderland, allowing visitors to experience a series of unique illuminated attractions along Bagby Street, from Lamar Streets to Franklin Streets. Elements include an 80-foot tunnel of light. 6 p.m. Free. Downtown Houston, 901 Bagby St., Houston. 713-650-3022. www.downtowndistrict.org
Until January 9: Celebrate at Houston’s premier holiday event
The Houston Zoo is bringing back Zoo Lights in collaboration with TXU Energy with animal-themed lanterns, an underwater adventure called “Illuminated Ocean” and a canopy of glowing flowers and butterflies. 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. $14.95 – $25.45. Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-533-6500. www.houstonzoo.org
Until January 17: discover 20th century photography
The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is celebrating Georgia O’Keeffe with an exhibit detailing nearly 100 recently reviewed archival photographs that reveal the American icon’s modernist approach to the medium. Open during museum opening hours. Free (children 12 and under), $12 (13-18), $16 (seniors 65 and over), $19 (adults 19 and over). Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston. 713-639-7300. www.mfah.org
Until January 30: Glide under the lights of Discovery Green
A skating rink is now open at Discovery Green allowing visitors to skate under the lights of downtown Houston. Non-motorized wheelchairs are welcome. Tickets include skate rental. 5-10pm (Monday-Thu), 5pm-11pm (Friday), 11am-11pm (Saturday and Houston ISD holidays), 11am-8pm (Sunday) $8 (Monday), $15 (Tuesday-Sunday). Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston. 713-650-3022. www.discoverygreen.org
Worth a visit until January 02: Celebrate the holidays at Moody Gardens
Galveston’s Moody Gardens is looking to brighten up the holiday season with more light displays for guests during its 20th annual Festival of Lights.
Guests can enjoy the 1 mile trail filled with more than 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays themed around holiday music, hot chocolate, fireside s’mores, and photos with Santa. Christmas.
Customers can choose from a selection of holiday movies in the MG 3D Theater and “Rudolph 4D” in the 4D Special FX Theater for families to enjoy special effects, such as snow showers and the smell of bread of spice.
6:18 p.m. or $22, depending on peak or peak day. One Hope Blvd., Galveston. 409-744-4673. www.moodygardens.com
