Check out local events and happenings in the Conroe and Montgomery area, plus ways to ring in the new year.

Connect with businesswomen


Dec. 19

Women on a Mission to Earn Commission, or WOAMTEC, of Magnolia will host a meeting at Conroe’s Citizens Grill. The group’s goal is to provide networking and business-building opportunities to female entrepreneurs. 11:30 a.m. Free (entry). 315 Enclave Drive, Ste. 300, Conroe. 713-446-6021. www.woamtec.com

Support new parents

Dec. 19

Bliss Birth Center is hosting a support group for young families of new parents. The group will discuss the “baby blues” and the emotional changes after birth. 10 a.m. Free. Bliss Birth Center, 14157 Horseshoe Bend, Conroe. 936-271-4911. www.blissbirthcenter.com

Learn to write grant applications

Dec. 19

Local nonprofit Trinity Reins Ranch & Ministries will host a seminar on grant writing for other local nonprofits. The session will include the steps of grant writing, how to find grant opportunities and feedback on draft proposals. Lunch will be provided. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $100. 27126 W. FM 1097, Montgomery. 832-715-3327. www.trinityreinsranch.org

Celebrate Christmas with a parade


Dec. 21

Celebrate the holidays with neighbors at a Christmas parade in Willis. There will be a box for donations for Toys for Tots. There will also be s'mores stations, three craft stations and a place to make Christmas cards for a local nursing home. 3-6 p.m (activities), 3:15 (parade start). Free. Mav
erick Drive, Willis. www.facebook.com/Texas-National-Neighborhood-Event-Page-104769774236721

Watch a classic movie


Dec. 22, 24

Xscape at 1488 is hosting a showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the 1946 classic Christmas movie starring Jimmy Stewart. On each day, there will be a showing at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary. 16051 Old Conroe Road, Conroe. 832-777-7530. www.xscapetheatres.com

Paint miniatures


Jan. 6, 13

The Adventure Begins Comics, Games, and More invites all artistic adventurers to paint miniature figurines with other interested gamers. Miniatures from all games are allowed, and participants may ask for access to the store’s paints. 4-8 p.m. Free. 525 Woodland Square Blvd., Ste. 130, Conroe. 936-273-3223. www.theadventurebeginstx.com

Celebrate the New Year

Dec. 31

The Lake Conroe area is ringing in the new decade at various locations.

Time to Spare Entertainment will have a buffet line, bowling, mini-golf and go-karts. $34.95 (per person). 8 p.m.-1 a.m. 13027 E. Hwy. 105, Conroe. 936-445-2695. www.timetosparebowling.com

Pacific Yard House is hosting a “The Great Gatsby”-themed party with Piano Punch, an interactive dueling pianos act. $25. 6:30 p.m.-2 a.m. 101 Metcalf St., Conroe. 936-703-5447.

www.pacificyardhouse.net

The Edge Lakeside Restaurant & Bar is also referencing the 1920s, with Joe Burlison's Up Town Jazz band playing '20s-inspired music. Free (entry). 15659 Marina Drive, Montgomery. 936-703-5041. www.theedgerestaurantandbar.com


The Corner Pub & Deli is also calling back to the '20s, asking its guests to dress in their best 1920s attire. There will be a free champagne toast at midnight. $20 (advance), $25 (door). 302 N. Main St., Conroe. 936-788-2390. www.thecornerpubinconroe.com

Southern Empress will host a “decades” party on its cruise ship celebrating past decades. There will be appetizers, a costume contest and a free champagne toast to welcome 2020. 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $99. 7037 Kingston Cove Lane, Willis. 936-588-3000. www.southernempress.com