- WORTH THE TRIP: Dickens on the Strand
Dec. 1-3
The Galveston Historical Foundation presents this 44th annual festival, celebrating 19th Century Victorian London. The weekend features parades, strolling carolers, musicians, bagpipers, jugglers, Victorian-inspired gift items for sale and holiday food and drinks. 5-9 p.m. (Dec. 1), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Dec. 2), Noon-6 p.m. (Dec. 3). $7-$15. The Strand at Galveston Island, 2228 Mechanic Street, Galveston. 409-765-7834. www.galvestonhistory.org
2. Theta Design Weekend
Dec. 1-3
This event kicks off with a preview party Nov. 30 and features three days of home décor, antiques, art and jewelry shopping, interior design shows, lectures, luncheons, design panels and a Young Collector’s Party. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Dec. 1-2), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Dec. 3). $20-$250. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston. www.thetadesignweekend.com
3. Mayor’s Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting
Dec. 1
This 98th annual event kick-starts the holiday season in Houston with the debut of City Hall’s holiday tree, live music, fireworks and an appearance by Santa Claus. 6-8 p.m. Free. Hermann Square Park, 900 Smith Street, Houston. 832-939-0868. www.houstontx.gov
4. Cheers and Beers Holiday Market
Dec. 1
Saint Arnold Brewing Company hosts this annual, family-friendly event featuring shopping from local vendors, root beer floats, live music, ugly sweaters and a gift-wrapping section. 5-10 p.m. Free. Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Avenue, Houston. 713-686-9494. www.saintarnold.com
5. Trafigura Run for the House
Dec. 2
This 8th annual event benefits Ronald McDonald House Houston and includes 5K and 10K race options, as well as a 5K family walk for children and pets. Following the race will be an awards ceremony and after-party featuring food trucks, inflatables, games and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Group rates are available for teams of four or more. 8 a.m. (race begins), 6:30 p.m. (registration opens). $35 (per participant). Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby Street, Houston. 713-795-3500. www.rmhrunforthehouse.com
6. Katy Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival
Dec. 2
This 8th annual event features produce, crafts, antiques, clothing, jewelry, and gift items from local vendors, as well as carolers, food, entertainment, a beer garden and 50,000 lbs. of snow. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Downtown Katy, 5615 1st Street, Katy. 281-391-1993. www.katymarketday.com
7. Tamale Festival Houston
Dec. 2
This 7th annual even kicks-off tamale season a tamale eating contest, live music, Doomsday Wrestling, an artist village, Ballet Folklorico, live art demonstrations and holiday shopping. Noon-10 p.m. $10-$85. Navigation Esplanade, 2600 Navigation Boulevard, Houston. www.tamalefestivalhouston.com
8. Jingle Bells Bark & Brew
Dec. 2
This 7th annual fundraising and adoption event benefits the Greater Houston German Shepherd Dog Rescue and will include a silent auction, raffle and pet photos with Santa Claus. 1-4 p.m. Free. Kirby Ice House, 3333 Eastside Street, Houston. 713-524-2752. www.facebook.com/kirbyicehouse
9. Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
Dec. 2
Participants wear their ugliest sweaters while visiting a variety of bars throughout Midtown, featuring drinks specials for ticket-holders. 3-7 p.m. $12.02. Dogwood Houston, 2403 Bagby Street, Houston. www.pubcrawls.com
10. The Brews and Blues White Oak Street Festival
Dec. 2
Live blues bands will be performing throughout the evening at Onion Creek, Little Woodrow’s, Christian’s Tailgate and Fitzgerald’s. 4 p.m. $10. White Oak Drive, Houston. www.fitzlivemusic.com
