This holiday season, guests at Moody Gardens can explore the Festival of Lights, a 1-mile walking trail decked out with 2 million lights and filled with animated displays set to holiday music. Popular displays at this event include nutcrackers, a toy factory, a narrated nativity scene and more. Other attractions include 4D screenings of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” 3D holiday films, train rides and more. 6-9 p.m. (select days), 6-10 p.m. (regularly). $20-$30. 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston. 409-683-4200. www.moodygardens.com
WORTH THE TRIP, through Jan. 10: Houston Zoo Lights
At this festive event sponsored by TXU Energy, the Houston Zoo will be lit up for the holiday season with lighted pathways, a 125-foot light tunnel, a “4D Enchanted Forest” and more. Timed tickets will help guests maintain social distancing, and increased cleaning protocols will be in place. 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily (last entry at 9:30 p.m.). $12.95-$25.95 (no gate tickets). 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-533-6500. www.houstonzoo.org/events/zoolights
Dec. 28-31: Winter break camp
Children ages 6-12 can spend some of their school break playing games, making arts and crafts, and enjoying other activities at this day camp. The event is geared toward helping kids build teamwork and learn life skills as well as promoting physical, social and emotional development. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. $100 (residents), $150 (nonresidents). Hometown Heroes Park, 1001 E. League City Parkway, League City. 281-554-1184. www.leaguecity.com
Dec. 3: New Year’s Eve Sip & Savor Celebration
Celebrate the start of a new year at this upscale Las Vegas-themed soiree with a three-course dinner, live music, dancing, a photo booth, and a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. 6:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. $129. South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center, 2500 South Shore Blvd., League City. 281-334-1000. www.sshr.com
Jan. 14: 2021 development preview
The Women’s Council of Realtors-Bay Area will hold a discussion with Barbara Cutsinger, marketing manager for the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, to get the scoop on current, future and proposed development projects in the area. An ice cream happy hour will follow. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $10-$250. La Brisa Mexican Bar and Grill, 501 N. Wesley Drive, League City. www.facebook.com/events/873621960056235
Jan. 15-16: Yagas Chili Quest & Beer Fest
Head to Galveston’s Historic Strand District to join a quest to find out who can make the best chili with a cook-off, a 5K fun run, a craft beer festival, live music, vendors, tournaments and more. The annual event has attracted chili enthusiasts from across the nation for the past 10 years. 23rd and Strand streets, Galveston. 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Ticket prices TBA. www.yagaschiliquest.com
Jan. 16: High seas virtual murder mystery
In partnership with San Jacinto College’s maritime program, Helen Hall Library presents a virtual, interactive murder mystery experience via Zoom set aboard the SS Helen. 7-9 p.m. Free. 281-554-1111. Visit https://form.jotform.com/203074901686154 to register.
