Dec. 9-30: Explore a Christmas Village
Have an immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens’ Christmas Village. Wander through a winter wonderland featuring thousands of lights throughout the 14-acre estate. Enjoy carolers, animated projections and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. The event will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. 5:30-9 p.m. (Sun.–Thu.), 5:30-10 p.m. (Fri., Sat. and Dec. 22). $10-$15. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive, Houston. 713-639-7300. www.mfah.org
Dec. 10: Join local pride band for holiday cheer
The Houston Pride Band brings a night of snow-inspired holiday music. The concert features works by female, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC composers. 8 p.m. $15 ($5 for children ages 12 and under). Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston, 3400 Main St., Houston. 713-521-4533. www.matchouston.org
Dec. 10: Stargaze at the Arboretum
The family-friendly event allows members and nonmembers of the Houston Arboretum to stargaze while enjoying treats, coffee and hot chocolate. The event also includes star-themed crafts, constellation lore and hiking opportunities. 6-8 p.m. $35 (members), $50 (nonmembers), $20 (children ages 5-12). Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston. 713-681-8433. www.houstonarboretum.org
Dec. 10: Browse 100 vendors at winter festival
Urban Harvest will host its third annual winter festival providing Houstonians with the opportunity to shop from more than 100 local vendors offering holiday items. Other activities will include pictures with Santa, cookie decorating from Colleen's Creations, seasonal crafts by Izzie's Jewels and live music by Jay Bee Zay. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. Urban Harvest Farmers Market, 2752 Buffalo Speedway, Houston. www.urbanharvest.org
Dec. 13: Join the Menil for a young artists concert
Violinist Boson Mo of the Houston Symphony and pianist Yvonne Chen of St. John’s School perform a concert featuring works by Sergei Prokofiev, John Corigliano and Nicky Sohn, a former participant in The Menil's Young Artist Program. Mo and Chen are also both Young Artist alumni. 7-8 p.m. Free. The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston. 713-525-9400. www.menil.org
Dec. 17: Run a Christmas race
Run in Houston’s 12K of Christmas, with options to do a 12K, 6K or Kid’s K and family walk. All participants receive a chip-timed race, Houston's 12K of Christmas finisher medal and a T-shirt. Guests can enjoy appearances by St. Nick and his elves, Christmas carolers, live music, hot cocoa, cookies and Karbach beer. 7:30 a.m. $20+. Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St., Houston. 713-366-2565. www.houstonrunningco.com
Dec. 17: Help a local show choir ring in its 90-year anniversary
The Houston Show Choir celebrates 90 years with a 90-minute performance featuring 90 songs. Songs range from holiday favorites to show tunes to a cappella works. 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $8 (children), $32-$35 (adults). Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, 2025 W. 11th St., Houston. 713-487-5240. www.houstonshowchoir.org
Dec. 23 See Roger Creager on Christmas Eve Eve
Corpus Christi native Roger Creager stops by Goode Co. Armadillo Palace for a piano bar show. Guests are encouraged join in for singalongs as the songwriter runs through tales of adventure, traveling the world and his south Texas roots. 9:30 pm (doors open at 8 pm). $25 (in advance), $30 (at the door). Goode Co. Armadillo Palace, 5015 Kirby Drive, Houston. 713-526-9700. www.thearmadillopalace.com
