Do a turkey trot
Nov. 23
The annual Pearland Turkey Trot features 6-mile, 4-mile, 1-mile and a Kids K races. Proceeds from this year’s event benefit the Forever Parks Foundation of Pearland. 7:30-9 a.m. (start times vary). Prices vary. The Pearland Stadium, 3775 S. Main, Pearland.
www.pearlandturkeytrot.com
Attend a winter gift market
Nov. 24-26
The annual winter market offers crafts and gifts from a handpicked selection of vendors. The event also features a “Chill Cave” with beverages and food trucks. 1-9 p.m. (Nov. 24), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Nov. 25), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Nov. 26). Free (admission). Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway St., Pearland. www.visitpearland.com
Visit the Bay Area Nutcracker Market
Nov. 25-26
The annual shopping event features more than 100 merchants, artists and crafters offering jewelry, crafts, clothing, artwork, home and holiday decor and gift items. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 (admission). Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena.
Watch the hometown Christmas tree lighting
Dec. 1
The traditional lighting of the city of Pearland’s Christmas tree and a visit from Santa Claus begins at 7 p.m. 7-10 p.m. Free. Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway St., Pearland.
www.pearlandtx.gov
Run for flapjacks
Dec. 2
The city of Friendswood’s parks and recreation department hosts a 5K fun run and walk along with a kid’s run. Participants can enjoy a pancake breakfast after the run. 8 a.m. (Kid’s K), 8:20 a.m. (5K). $10-$25. Stevenson Park (race begins near the gazebo). www.ci.friendswood.tx.us
Participate in a Christmas parade
Dec. 2
Pearland’s 36th annual lighted parade comes to town with the theme “12 Days of Christmas.” Local businesses, groups and organizations are invited to sign up for the event. Parade will travel east on FM 518, beginning at Old Alvin Road and ending at Pearland Parkway. 6 p.m. Free. www.pearlandtx.gov
Visit with Santa in the Park
Dec. 9
This Friendswood event features pictures with Santa Claus from 3-6 p.m., train rides, amusement rides, coloring contests, music, choirs, a holiday arts and crafts market and two snow hills with 40,000 pounds of snow. The tree lighting and fireworks begin at 7:30 p.m. 3-8 p.m. Free. Stevenson Park, Friendswood. www.ci.friendswood.tx.us
Attend the inaugural Food & Fun Fest
Dec. 9
The free event features a variety of playable parks programs, such as archery, flag football and wheelchair basketball. Several popular food trucks are present as well. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. The Sports Complex at Shadow Creek Ranch, 13050 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland.
www.pearlandtx.gov
Participate in the Santa Dash
Dec. 10
Big Love’s 2017 Santa Dash features a kid’s mile and kid’s dash along with a Christmas silent auction, choir and memorial ceremony. 8 a.m.-noon. Times, prices vary. Pearland Town Center Pavilion, 11200 Broadway St., Pearland. www.biglovecancercare.org/santa-dash.html
Shop local for the holiday season
Through Dec. 31
Shoppers collect stamps from participating businesses across Pearland to win a grand prize of up to $3,000 for shopping locally. Cards can be picked up at the Pearland Chamber, participating businesses, or printed off Facebook. For more details, visit www.pearlandtexaschamber.us or call 281-485-3634.
Library events
Pearland and Friendswood libraries are hosting various community events.
Friendswood Public Library
416 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood
www.friendswood.lib.tx.us
Tom Reid Library
3522 Liberty Drive, Pearland
(*Activities have temporarily moved to 4141 Bailey Road, Pearland, at the Pearland Recreation Center.)
http://bcls.lib.tx.us
Pearland Westside Library
2803 Business Center Drive, Ste. 101, Pearland.
http://bcls.lib.tx.us
November
17 Adult Writers’ Group, 6:30 p.m., Pearland Recreation Center
18 Teen Scene-Play Family Feud, 2 p.m., Westside
28 Raspberry Jam, 6:30 p.m., Westside
29 Green Screen Magic, 6:30 p.m., Friendswood
30 Life After High School, 7 p.m., Westside
30 Preschool Storytime: Robots, 10:45 a.m., 4141 Bailey
Road
December
11 Music of the Season, 7 p.m., Friendswood
