The Bellaire-Meyerland-West University area will be host to a variety of in-person and virtual holiday events in the coming weeks. Here is a list of events to mark on your calendars.
In-Person
Through Dec. 19: Flea by Night
Flea by Night has made a return for the 2020 holiday shopping season. Sponsored by Green Mountain Energy, local artisans and small-business owners are selling vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and local goods every Saturday through Dec. 19, though with a reduced number of vendor booths. This year vendors are located on the White Promenade. 4-8 p.m. Free. 1500 McKinney St., Houston. www.discoverygreen.com
Through Dec. 24: Santa at The Galleria
Parents can bring their children to meet and take photos with Santa at the Galleria on Level 1 of the Nordstrom wing, though with enhanced health and social distancing guidelines in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Parents are strongly encouraged to register in advance for their Santa session online to promote contactless payments. Masks are required for guests age 2 years and older. Free. 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston. www.simonsanta.com
Virtual
Dec. 7: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The city of West University Place will still hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, though this year the event will be streamed live through Facebook due to health and safety concerns over COVID-19. 6:30 p.m. Free. 713-668-4441. www.westutx.gov
Through Dec. 11: Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market
The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has pivoted to an online shopping event for the 2020 holiday season. Online shoppers can find items from some 150 merchants from across the country, all showcasing unique holiday items, home decor, gourmet food, apparel, jewelry, toys, accessories, candles and more. The virtual market is open 24/7, though chat assistance is generally 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Free access. 713-535-3231. www.houstonballet.org/about/nutcracker-market
Through Dec. 19: Holiday Story Time
On Dec. 5 and every Saturday through Dec. 19, Brazos Bookstore is offering holiday-themed versions of its weekly virtual story times. By tuning in to the bookstore’s Facebook page, children can listen in as stories are read to them, including “Santa Baby,” “Meerkat Christmas,” “Hanukkah Hamster” and “The Night Before Christmas,” among others. Children of all ages and families welcome. 10:30 a.m. Free. 713-523-0701. www.brazosbookstore.com
Through Dec. 27: A Christmas Carol
Alley Theatre is offering a free virtual production of “A Christmas Carol” as a gift to the entire Houston area. The digital adaptation of the Dickens classic is pared down to the essentials as the company of actors assemble online to perform a new production of the classic Christmas story. Free. Register through the company’s website to receive a private link to view anytime between Dec. 4-27. www.alleytheatre.org
