The Tomball Museum has evolved a lot over the past 44 years as the city itself has grown. However, each holiday season there is one thing that Tomball residents have always been able to count on: the annual Christmas Open House and Candlelight tours. The theme for this year's event, Dec. 7–8, is "Angels on high," which is reflected in the decorating efforts that volunteers have been administering for the past three weeks.

"Our museum is made up of 13 buildings, all of which have been decorated, so it takes a long time," said museum board member Diane Holland. "We were fortunate enough to have volunteers help decorate, while the city helped us with the lights. Everything looks beautiful."

Aside from the tours of the museum grounds, the event features musical performances from local choirs and church groups with a different performance scheduled every 30 minutes. Cookies and hot wassail will be available and children can also visit Santa Claus at the Farm Museum.

The museum plans to offer transportation to and from the German Christmas Market in Old Town Tomball as well. Having the events take place at the same time has had a positive effect on turnout in the past, Holland said.

"The fact that there is so much going on this weekend I think enhances everyone's experience," she said. "It creates a synergy where everyone wins."

There is no admission fee, but donations are always appreciated, Holland said. She referred to the event as a "friend-raiser" as opposed to a fundraiser, saying that it serves to help raise awareness about the museum to the Tomball public.

"The museum is one of the biggest attractions in our city, but it doesn't serve its purpose if people aren't there to see it," she said. "We think that we have an outstanding museum for a city of our size and we just want as many people to enjoy it as possible."

The Tomball Museum is located at 510 N. Pine St., Tomball. The open house runs Dec. 7-8 from 6-9 p.m. Find more information about the candlelight tours online at www.tomballmuseumcenter.org or by calling 281-255-2148.