Holiday in the Park
Dec. 5: Bellaire transforms its town square into a winter festival with music performances by local schools, a tree lighting ceremony, a petting zoo, snow slides and photos with Santa. 6-8:30 p.m. Free. 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire. 713-662-8280. www.bellairetx.gov
Handcrafted Holiday Market
Dec. 6 & 8: The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston hosts dozens of vendors offering handmade goods.10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Sun.) Free. 5601 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston. 713-729-3200. www.erjcchouston.org
Levy Park Holiday Festival
Dec. 7 & 8: The Levy Park Conservancy will host two days of music, pop-up shops, dog-friendly activities, crafts, and food and drink by chef Tim Love’s Woodshed Smokehouse and Love Shack restaurants. Noon-5 p.m. Free. 3801 Eastside St., Houston. 713-522-7275. www.levyparkhouston.com
Rice Village Silent Santa
Dec. 8 & 15: The Rice Village District introduces a new way to meet the man in the red suit with a sensory-friendly experience for children with autism and other sensitivities away from the lines, noise and crowds. Parents can reserve a 15-minute time slot from the event's Facebook page. Times vary. 2542 Amherst St., Houston. www.facebook.com/RiceVillageDistrict
3rd Annual Sing Off Competition
Dec. 13: Houston-based band The Suffers will serve as hosts and judges for a holiday-themed a cappella competition at Rice Village. Four groups will compete, including the Rice University Philharmonics, Grandmas’ Boyfriends, Rice Apollos and Space City Sound. 6-8 p.m. Free; online registration encouraged. Located at University Boulevard and Morningside Drive, Houston. https://3rdannualricevillagesingoff.splashthat.com
The Art of Holiday
Dec. 14: The UP Art Studio, known for its mini-mural projects throughout Houston, is partnering with Rice Village to host a live mural painting competition and local art market. 6-9:30 p.m. Free. Located at Amherst Street and Kelvin Street, Houston. www.facebook.com/UpArtStudio
Deck the Halls Parade
Dec. 14: Organized by Westbury residents in 1998, the event mixes holiday traditions and New Orleans-inspired neighborhood parades with music and costumes as well as a toy drive. 5 p.m. Free. Parking is available at the Home Depot at 11500 Chimney Rock. 713-367-3787. www.deckthehallsparade.com
West University Christmas Concert
Dec. 15: The City of West University Place hosts an afternoon of holiday music from the Houston Concert Band, conducted by Chuck Thockmorton, at its Community Building. 2 p.m. Free. 6104 Auden St., West University. 713-668-4441. www.westutx.gov
Bellaire Chanukah Festival
Dec. 22: The Shul of Bellaire hosts the annual festival, featuring snow activities, a giant menorah and more at Bellaire Town Center. 4-6:30 p.m. Free. 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire. 713-839-8887. www.jewishbellaire.com
Santa at the Galleria
Through Dec. 24: Parents can bring their children to meet and take photos with Santa at the Galleria on Level 1 of the Nordstrom wing. A session for children with special needs, in partnership with Autism Speaks, will be held 8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 8. Parents can register in advance for their Santa session online. Free. 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston. www.simonsanta.com
Zoo Lights
Through Jan. 12: The Houston Zoo decks out for the holidays with Zoo Lights, featuring large-scale light installations, including a 100-foot-long tunnel. 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. $12.75-$29.95. 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-533-6550. www.houstonzoo.org
