Nov.1-Dec. 31: Gift a new toy
The ARTAVIA master-planned community presents its Enchanted Home Tour through Dec. 31 with 14 decorated model homes to browse and a 25-foot tree. The model homes serve as a Toys for Tots Collection site where visitors can bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate through Dec. 12. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.), 1-5 p.m. (Sun.). Free. 17590 Artavia Parkway, Conroe. www.artaviatx.com
Free, kid-friendly
Nov. 15-19: Attend an arts and crafts sale
The Conroe Art League presents its weeklong arts and crafts sale in downtown Conroe. The show includes ceramics, glass, jewelry, woodturning, crafts, photography, drawings, apparel and paintings by 12 artists. Pieces are available for purchase at the Gallery at the Madeley Building. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (daily). Free (admission). 127 Simonton St., Conroe. www.conroeartleague.com
Free
Nov. 18-20: Catch a show
National Youth Theater presents “Narnia, The Musical” with a cast of local students. Travel to the magical land of Narnia with five performances dramatizing “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis. 7 p.m.
(Nov. 18); 2 p.m., 6 p.m. (Nov. 19-20). $12-$20. Lynn Lucas Performing Arts Center, 1304 N. Campbell St., Willis. www.nationalyouththeater.org/ticketing
Kid-friendly
Nov. 29: Kick off Christmas in Conroe
Jump into the holiday season in Conroe with the city’s tree lighting celebration, including photo opportunities and stage performances. 6:30 p.m. (tree lighting). Free. Heritage Place, 500 Metcalf St., Conroe. 936-522-3900. www.cityofconroe.org.
Free, kid-friendly
Nov. 29: Celebrate the holidays in Downtown Conroe
Christmas on Main Street follows the tree lighting with performances, a Christmas market, Clydesdale horses and food trucks. Downtown merchants will also have free activities, such as cookie decorating, visiting Santa and ornament making. Main, Simonton and Metcalf streets will be closed 5-10 p.m. Free. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Downtown Conroe. www.facebook.com/experiencedowntownconroe
Free, kid-friendly, food & drink for sale
Dec. 1-10: Donate a toy
Master-planned community Grand Central Park in Conroe is collecting toys for children in need with donation sites at The Lake House, 1039 Lake House Drive, Conroe, and The Finding Place, 750 Grand Central Parkway, Conroe. Donors can drop off a new unwrapped toy that will be distributed to children in need by the Conroe Police Department. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (daily donations at The Lake House), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Mon.-Sat. at The Finding Place), noon-5 p.m. (Sun at, The Finding Place). www.grandcentralparktx.com
Free
Dec. 2: Help the Montgomery County Food Bank
The Montgomery County Food Bank is collecting donations as part of its Stock the Sleigh annual event Nov. 1-Dec. 1 that culminates with a festive drop-off event for all donations to the food bank Dec. 2. The food bank is seeking to collect 1 million meals to meet needs. Residents can host a food drive or make a financial donation directly to the food bank. Needed items include canned meat or pouches, grains, fruit juices, canned vegetables and beans, peanut butter, canned fruits, cereals and healthy snacks. The drop-off event includes photos with Santa and sweet treats. 4-7 p.m. Free. Montgomery County Food Bank, 1 Food for Life Way, Conroe. www.mcfoodbank.org/stockthesleigh
Free, kid-friendly
Dec. 3: Browse a vendor market
The Montgomery County Mistletoe Market welcomes guests to shop more than 230 small-business vendors, including women’s and children’s clothing, home and holiday decor, gourmet food items and jewelry. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (entry for children, teachers, military and first responders with ID); $5 (cash entry). Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. www.facebook.com/montgomerycountyholidayextravaganza
Kid-friendly
Dec. 3: Support a nonprofit craft market
Local nonprofit organization Bridgewood Farms presents its winter craft market. Guests can browse dozens of vendors and enjoy door prizes. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (admission). Bridgewood Farms, 11680 Rose Road, Conroe. 936-856-6460. www.bridgewoodfarms.org
Free
Dec. 3: Kick off the holidays in Montgomery
The city of Montgomery hosts its annual Light Up the Park event, where guests can observe the decorated light poles around Cedar Brake Park. The event also includes photos with Santa, singing and opportunities to write letters to Santa. 6 p.m. Free. Cedar Brake Park, off Hwy. 105 across from the Montgomery Post Office. https://bit.ly/lightupthepark
Free, kid-friendly
Dec. 3: Check out artisan vendors
Texas Artisan Markets hosts its HolidayFest and Artisan Market with more than 100 vendors, live music, food trucks, photos with Santa and craft beer. The event is both kid and dog friendly. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (admission, parking). B-52 Brewing, 12470 Milroy Lane, Conroe. www.texasartisanmarkets.com
Free, kid-friendly, food & drink for sale
Dec. 7: Enjoy a wonderland
Fellowship of Montgomery hosts a winter wonderland event with carnival rides, a bounce house, petting zoo, a rock wall, a children’s train to ride, games, a snow hill for sledding and an outdoor movie. A 30-foot tree will also be lit for the holidays. Attendees can enjoy complimentary hot dogs as well as food for sale. Guests are asked to park at the Montgomery ISD stadium, where they will be shuttled over to the event. 6-9 p.m. Free (admission). 22628 Hwy. 105 W., Montgomery. 936-597-3949. www.thefmchurch.com
Free, kid-friendly, food & drink for sale
Dec. 10: Watch a Christmas parade
Conroe’s Toby Powell Christmas celebration returns with photos with Santa, vendors, inflatables, snow slides, face painting, concessions for purchase, stage performances and a parade. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (festival), 1 p.m. (parade). Free (admission). Heritage Place, 500 Metcalf St., Conroe. 936-522-3900. www.cityofconroe.org
Free, kid-friendly, food & drink for sale
Dec. 10: Eat doughnuts with Santa
Registered guests can enjoy doughnuts, juice and a seasonal movie as well as photo opportunities with Santa. Guests must reserve a spot by Dec. 5. 8-10 a.m. Free. Oscar Johnson, Jr. Community Center, 100 Park Place, Conroe. 936-522-3960. www.cityofconroe.org
Free, kid-friendly
Dec. 10 Kick off Christmas in Willis
Willis presents its annual Christmas parade down Campbell Street with the theme “Christmas in Texas.” 10 a.m. Free. Campbell Street, Willis. www.facebook.com/willischristmasparade
Free, kid-friendly
Dec. 10 Watch a parade
Watch a parade, shop a holiday market and tour historic homes as part of Christmas in Historic Montgomery. The city will also be providing a shuttling service to help alleviate parking concerns. 10 a.m. Free (admission). Downtown Montgomery. https://bit.ly/montgomerychristmas
Free, kid-friendly
Dec. 10: Play in the snow
Bring the family to enjoy playing in a snow hill following the city of Montgomery’s Christmas parade. The Montgomery Snow Party will be held at a separate location. 1-4 p.m. Free. 777 Clepper Drive, Montgomery. www.facebook.com/historicmontgomerytexas
Free, kid-friendly
Dec. 17: Listen to a holiday concert
The Conroe Symphony Orchestra presents its Christmas concert “The Happiest Season of All,” which will include music from “The Nutcracker,” traditional carols and a Christmas sing-a-long. The concert also features soloist Nancy Curtis. 2 p.m. $10-$20. Willis ISD Performing Arts Center, 10101 Hwy. 75, Willis. 936-760-2144. www.conroesymphony.org
Kid-friendly
