From seasonal markets and visiting Santa to enjoying holiday light decorations and ringing in the new year with friends, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays in the Bay Area. The information for each event is accurate as of press time and is subject to change.
Nov. 12-Jan. 1: Travel through the galaxy lights
Visitors can enjoy a festive themed array of dazzling lights. 6-10 p.m. $15.95 (members), $19.95 (public). Space Center Houston, 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston. 281-283-4755. www.spacecenter.org/galaxy-lights
Kid friendly
Nov. 19-Jan. 7: Visit holiday in the gardens
This year’s Ice Land event will be Caribbean themed with a return of the Festival of Lights trail. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 4-10 p.m. (Festival of Lights). $70-$100. Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston. 409-744-4673. www.moodygardens.com/holiday_season/things_to_do
Kid friendly, Food and drink for sale
Dec. 2-4: Celebrate the holiday in the park
The 25th annual Holiday in the Park event hosted by League City Proud takes place in the first weekend of December and will host a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options at League Park. 5-9 p.m. (Dec. 2), 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (Dec. 3), noon-5 p.m. (Dec. 4). Free. League Park, 512 Second St., League City. www.leaguecityproud.com
Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink for sale
Dec. 3: Participate in the Kemah Nutcracker Market
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of holiday gift shopping options. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. Kemah Community Center, 800 Harris Ave. and Hwy. 146, Kemah. www.southernstyleevent.com
Free, Kid friendly
Dec. 3: See Santa in the park
Visitors can enjoy live music, amusement rides, face painting and the annual lighted Christmas trail. 3-8 p.m. Free. Stevenson Park, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood. 281-996-3220. www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/386/santa-in-the-park-december
Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink for sale
Dec. 10: Eat breakfast with Santa
Guests will be provided breakfast, crafting opportunities and photos with Santa. 8:30-10:30 a.m. $20-$30. Hometown Heroes Park, 1001 E. League City Parkway, League City. 281-554-1180. www.leaguecitytx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=3794
Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink for sale
Dec. 10: Watch the Christmas boat lane parade
Viewers can enjoy the sights of dozens of brightly decorated boats that will travel from the South Shore Harbour Marina to Galveston Bay. 6 p.m. Free. Nassau Bay. 281-488-7676. www.clearlakearea.com/events/annual-events/christmas-boat-parade
Free, Kid friendly
Dec. 10-11: Experience Christmas in old League City
Residents will have an opportunity to explore League City’s historic district’s entertainment, eatery and art vendors. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. League City Historic District, East Main Street, League City. 281-554-2994. www.leaguecityhistory.org/old-lc-christmas
Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink for sale
Dec. 11: Enjoy Nassau Bay holiday in the park
The annual event includes a carousel, an ornament crafting session and a “Letters to Santa” station. 2-4 p.m. Free. Howard Ward Park, 18300 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay. www.nassaubay.com/580/holiday-in-the-park
Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink for sale
