Nutcracker Market The Nutcracker Market begins Thursday at NRG Center offering a variety of whimsical, holiday goods over the span of four days.[/caption]

The holiday season is starting all over Houston with a variety of fun and festive events taking place this weekend.

Thursday, Nov. 10 through Sun, Nov. 13
Nutcracker Market
The Houston Ballet hosts its annual holiday market at the NRG Center this weekend. There will be more than 200 vendors selling everything from toys to toiletries, decor and food. The market benefits the Houston Ballet Foundation and its academy and scholarship programs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (Nov. 10-11), 10 a.m.-6 p.m., (Nov. 12-13). $20 (one day pass). NRG Center, 1 NRG Parkway, Houston. www.houstonballet.org/about/nutcracker-market/

Thursday, Nov. 10 through Friday, Nov. 11
The Woodlands Restaurant Week
Diners can eat out while contributing to the Montgomery County Food Bank through The Woodlands Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants donate between $1 to $3 an entree, and each dollar donated allows the food bank to provide three and a half nutritious meals. Participating restaurants include Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse, Babin’s Seafood House and Grotto Restaurant. Times and prices vary. Locations vary throughout The Woodlands. www.thewoodlandsrestaurantweek.com

Friday, Nov. 11
Veterans Day Celebration
City Hall and Mayor Sylvester Turner will host a celebration to honor veterans. The event will include a job and resource fair for veterans, health screening and a moment of silence. The celebration will conclude with a 21-gun salute honoring all military personnel. 10 a.m. Free. Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. http://www.houstontx.gov/nov11/

Saturday, Nov. 12
The Galleria’s Annual Tree Lighting and Ice Spectacular
For the 28th year in a row, the Galleria will kick-start the holiday season with a ceremony to light its massive tree. The tree stands at 55 feet tall and is adorned with 450,000 twinkling lights and over 5,000 ornaments. The show will last 45 minutes and will feature a performance by Mary Sarah, a finalist from Season 10 of The Voice. Sarah will be accompanied by ice dance routines from five professional ice skaters. Noon. Free. The Galleria, 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston. www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria

Sunday, Nov. 13
"Elf"

The popular holiday musical is making its way to The Grand 1894 Opera House for a family-friendly holiday show. The musical tells the story of an elf away from the North Pole in New York City discovering his family. Shows start at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. $22.50. The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Post Office St., Galveston. www.thegrand.com