Residents in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Katy and Pearland have plenty of options for holiday events and activities this weekend. Here is a sampling of family-friendly celebrations happening south and west of Houston between Dec. 2-4.

Friday

Snowfest Festival  Missouri City’s annual Snowfest Festival offers tree lightings, fireworks, a three-lane snowhill, camel rides, moonwalks and other activities. The Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance will provide entertainment at 5:30 p.m., followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony and fireworks show. The Missouri City Police Department is collecting unwrapped toys for the annual Blue Santa Toy Drive.  Donations can be dropped near the Christmas tree. Parking is available at Thurgood Marshall High School,  located at 1220 Buffalo Run, and the Missouri City METRO Park and Ride at 13849 Fondren Rd. 5:30–9 p.m. Missouri City City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City. www.missouricitytx.gov

Friday-Saturday

2016 Hometown Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony The Pearland Parks and Recreation Department and Pearland Town Center kick off this year’s Hometown Christmas Festival with their annual tree lighting ceremony. The tree is located in front of the pavilion and is lit with the help of Mayor Tom Reid and Santa Claus. Other activities include horse and carriage rides, and live music. 7-10 p.m. Free. Pearland Town Center, 11200 W. Broadway St., Pearland. 281-412-8989. www.pearlandparks.com

Saturday

Hometown Christmas Parade This year’s Pearland Hometown Christmas Festival culminates with the annual Lighted Christmas Parade. The “12 Days of Christmas”-themed parade travels east on FM 518 from Old Alvin Road to Pearland Parkway. Free parking for spectators is available in the shopping centers along the parade route. 6-8 p.m. Free. Pearland Plaza, 3205 E. Broadway St., Pearland. 281-412-8907. www.pearlandparks.com Snowfest Parade Missouri City’s annual holiday-themed parade along Cartwright Road is a 2-mile procession with floats, horses and multiple organizations represented. 9 a.m. Free. Along Cartwright Road from Murphy Road to Texas Parkway, Missouri City. www.missouricitytx.gov [caption id="attachment_204768" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Missouri City Snowfest Parade 2015[/caption] An Old-Fashioned Katy Christmas Festival The seventh annual festival in Historic Downtown Katy is hosted by Katy Market Day in partnership with the city of Katy. It features produce, arts and crafts, antiques, jewelry, gifts, carolers, food, Santa and 50,000 pounds of snow. Photos with Santa are available and No Label Brewing Co. hosts a beer garden. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Katy Market Day, 5717 Second St., Katy. 281-391-1993. www.facebook.com/katymarketday

Sunday

“Deck the Halls” Presented by the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra, the organization’s most popular concert of the year features traditional holiday selections. The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Chorus joins the orchestra for one of its first joint performances in “A Christmas Festival.” A holiday market offers shopping before the concert and at intermission. 2 p.m. $5 (guests age 12 and younger), $10 (teenagers), $15-27 (adults). Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Road, Stafford. 281-279-9642. www.fbso.org “The Nutcracker” Sweet Tea Party and Holiday Market Clara, the sugar plum fairy, Rat King and the Nutcracker sit down for some tea and desserts with attendees and dance excerpts from the ballet. The event also features holiday shopping with local artists and vendors. The tea party is a fundraiser for Intempo Dance Ensemble. 2-5:30 p.m. $25 (tables of 4 and 6), $35 (standard table), $45 (character table). Palacio Maria Banquet Hall, 21728 Highland Knolls Drive, Katy. 281-394-2773. www.intempodance.com