Correction: This story has been corrected to show that Katy Old Fashioned Christmas Festival will be held Dec. 7 not Dec. 1.

‘Tis the season to celebrate cooler weather, enjoy holiday breaks and spend time with family. The Katy area has plenty of events and activities to explore this winter.


Nov. 22, Fundraising event: The Christian Business Fellowship Association is hosting a party to benefit Supply Bridge Ministries, an organization providing resources to those hit by a natural disaster. The family-friendly event includes a meal, raffles, silent auction and games. Donations of unused, travel-sized toiletries will be accepted. 6-9 p.m. $40 (individual ticket), $70 (two tickets), sponsorships available. iRACE Entertainment, 24984 Katy Ranch Road, Katy. 832-232-2049. www.facebook.com/events/942627296096921/


Nov. 22-24, Home for the Holidays Gift Market: The 12th annual market will be held at the Katy ISD Merrell Center. Shoppers who want first pick of the items can pay extra to shop earlier than general admission on Friday. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Fri. first-call shopping), 1-8 p.m. (Fri. general admission), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun.). Free (parking, children 12 and under), $6 (general admission), $10 (first-call shopping).6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy. 281-788-4297. www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com


Nov. 23-24, Show de Caballos de Paso Fino and Christmas Festival: This two-day festival will include equestrian competitions, food, dancing, live music and vendor booths. Santa Claus will also attend and be available for photos. Attendees are encouraged to donate toys to give to children in Columbia and Venezuela. Noon-8 p.m. (Sat.), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun.). Free (admission), $10 (parking). Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 S. Mason Road, Katy. 281-250-0260. www.facebook.com/events/419182688781459/


Nov. 24, Fundraising event: To help Katy-based nonprofit Stuff the Sleigh gather donations, a fundraiser event will be held at Central Green inside LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Activities include “Nutcracker” performances, taekwondo demonstrations, face painting and a photo booth. Stuff the Sleigh provides gifts to families with children with cancer and hematological conditions. 3-6 p.m. Free (admission). 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy. www.facebook.com/events/1324769244367876/


Nov. 29-30, Festival of Trees: Cane Island hosts the second annual festival to raise money for local nonprofit The Ballard House. The two-day event includes decorated holiday trees and wreaths, which attendees can purchase and learn how to replicate. The event will also have live entertainment, food trucks and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Children’s activities include inflatables, a petting zoo and balloon artists. Santa will also be there for photos. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sat.). $5 (general admission for children, seniors, veterans), $10 (general admission for adults), $25 (general admission family pass), $20 (holiday designer workshop), $30 (breakfast with Santa, adult), $15 (breakfast with Santa, children ages 3-12), $75 (holiday gala). 2100 Cane Island Parkway, Katy. 281-725-6555. www.bhfot.org


Dec. 1 & 8, Caring Santa: Katy Mills with the Autism Speaks organization hosts Santa Claus in a welcoming environment for children with special needs. Professional photos will be available to purchase. 9:30-11 a.m. Free (registration encouraged). 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy. 281-644-5015. www.eventbrite.com/e/caring-santa-tickets-77508803919?aff=ebapi



Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday: On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, a dozen local nonprofits— including Clothed by Faith and Christ Clinic—will gather at No Label Brewing Co. to celebrate Giving Tuesday, which encourages donations after the consumer holidays Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The Katy event also encourages the community to donate their time to volunteer. Event activities include a raffle and a pie-in-the-face for the nonprofit directors. Food trucks will be available. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free (admission). 5351 First St., Katy. 832-646-4505. www.givingtuesdaykaty.org





Dec. 7, Holiday 5K: Cardiff Junior High School is hosting a 5K to spread cheer and raise money to support local students, families and Katy ISD Police Department Santa Cops, which donates holiday gifts to students. Participants are encouraged to wear an ugly sweater, Santa hat or holiday-themed pajamas. After the race, runners can get a photo with Santa, enjoy carols and make ornaments. 9 a.m.-noon. $10-$20 (per runner). 3900 Dayflower Drive. 281-234-0600. www.eventbrite.com/e/cardiff-jr-high-holiday-5k-fundraiser-registration-76819618547




Dec. 7, Katy Old Fashioned Christmas Festival: Katy Market Day will host the 10th annual festival in downtown Katy. The market will include vendors selling produce, crafts, antiques clothing and jewelry. Additionally, the event will have carolers, food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment, photos with Santa and 50,000 pounds of snow for children to play in. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (admission). Katy City Hall, 901 Ave. C, Katy. 281-391-1993. https://katymarketday.com/christmas-festival-2019/




Dec. 7, Candy Cane Market: The Real Craftwives of Katy will host this market with more than 60 vendors. Santa will be in attendance, and the event will also include food trucks and signature drinks. 11 a.m. Free (admission). Cane Island Visitor’s Center, 2100 Cane Island Parkway, Katy. 281-725-6555. www.facebook.com/events/1170723959782913/


Dec. 7, Fulshear Festival of Lights: Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce with the city of Fulshear will host this annual event, which will include live music played by local band Nick and The Groove. Activities include a, market for purchasing gifts, food trucks, photos with Santa, fireworks and a children’s area. The parade begins at 6 p.m. 6-9 p.m. Free. Fulshear High School, 9302 Charger Way, Fulshear. 832-600-3221. www.facebook.com/events/fulshear-katy-area-chamber-of-commerce/fulshears-festival-of-lights/943368429358350/


Dec. 7, Pancakes with Santa: Santa Claus will be stopping by Katy Fire Station No. 1 to eat pancakes with children and adults. Proceeds from the event will go the Katy Professional Firefighters Association and the KT Firefighters Scholarship Fund. 7:30-10:30 a.m. $5. 1417 Ave. D, Katy. 281-391-3500. www.facebook.com/events/2588289128071114/


Dec. 7, Christmas Home Tour: Second Baptist Church-West Campus will have charted buses to tour five Katy-area homes decorated for the holiday season. The event also includes a reception at the church. There will be two tours from noon-3:30 p.m. and 4-7:30 p.m. Free.19449 Katy Freeway, Katy. 713-465-3408. www.facebook.com/events/1123028517896646


Dec. 7-8, Santa’s Sleigh: Local nonprofit Katy Christian Ministries will accept donations for its Santa’s Sleigh program. Those interested in adopting one of the nonprofit’s 888 identified children or seniors in need of holiday gifts can sign up on KCM’s website. Last year, the program helped more than 700 children and senior adults celebrate the holiday season despite financial difficulties. Noon-7 p.m. $75-$125 per adoptee.Trinity Faith Church, 5900 10th St., Katy. 281-391-9623. www.ktcm.org/santassleigh


Dec. 7, 14, 21 & 24, Breakfast with Santa: At the Rainforest Cafe, children—and an accompanying adult—can eat at a breakfast buffet with Santa. The event includes raffles, prizes, goodie bags and fun activities. 8-10 a.m. Free (children 3 and younger), $13.98 (Children ages 4-10), $21.82 (Children and adults 11 and older). 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy. 281-644-6200. https://specials.rainforestcafe.com/breakfast-with-santa/


Dec. 8, Nutcracker Ballet: Connolly Dance Arts will perform “The Nutcracker” at Morton Ranch High School. The ballet features a magical adventure after Clara receives a toy nutcracker for Christmas. 3 p.m. $12 (general admission), $20 (priority seating). 281-693-1232. 21000 Franz Road, Katy. 281-693-1232. www.facebook.com/events/761330900991260/


Dec. 8, Messiah Singalong: St. Peter’s United Methodist Church’s Chancel Choir and orchestra will perform a portion of Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” Attendees are encouraged to sing along, and child care will be provided. Scores of the music will be available to view or purchase. 7-9 p.m. Free.•20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy. 281-492-8031. www.stpkaty.org/messiah-singalong/


Dec. 12, Winter painting party: Art Museum TX, formerly known as CAM Fort Bend, will host a painting party with drinks and light bites. A portion of the ticket price will benefit the museum located in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. 6:30-9 p.m. $45 (museum members), $50 (nonmembers). 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. D150, Katy. www.facebook.com/events/448115022478126/


Dec. 14, Wreaths Across America: Community members can join American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164, American Legion Post 164 and Wreaths Across America-Katy Magnolia Cemetery to lay wreaths on veterans’ tombstones in honor of their service and sacrifice. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Katy Magnolia Cemetery, 6801 Franz Road, Katy. 713-304-5502. www.facebook.com/events/412167592983381/


Dec. 14, Jingle Bell Jam: The Arc of Katy and St. Peter’s United Methodist Church Special Needs Ministry will host the Jingle Bell Jam for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event includes breakfast and craft activities. The Chick-fil-A cow as well as Mr. and Mrs. Claus will attend, too. Advance registration before Dec. 11 is required. 9-11 a.m. $15 (per special needs participant and accompanying adult). St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy. 832-754-9802. www.thearcofkaty.org/programs-events/detail?id=125


Dec. 14, Snow Fest: Jordan Ranch is hosting a family-friendly event with a snow slide with three lanes, face painters, a trackless train, bounce houses and music. Adults can also tour model homes in the development. Noon-3 p.m. Free (Registration encouraged). The Shed at Jordan Ranch, 30757 Jordan Crossing Blvd., Brookshire. 281-574-2181. www.facebook.com/events/519686768886120/


Dec. 14, Christmas in Katy: No Label Brewing Co. and Common Ground Community Church will host an event with music, food trucks, vendors and activities for children. Photos with Santa will be available. Common Ground Community Church is covering all event expenses so all proceeds benefit local nonprofits Hope Impacts and Katy Christian Ministries. The goal is to raise $15,000. Noon-5 p.m. Free (admission with monetary or item donation). 5351 First St., Katy. 832-789-1971. www.christmasinkaty.com


Dec. 15, ‘Tis the Season’: The Lone Star Symphonic Band hosts a holiday-themed concert titled ‘Tis the Season with songs such as “Greensleeves,” “Santa’s Sleigh” and ancient Christmas carols. The performance includes a silent auction table, an appearance by Santa and candy for children. 4-5:30 p.m. $7. Holy Covenant UMC of Katy, 22111 Morton Ranch Road, Katy. 281-769-5129. www.lssb.org


Dec. 15, Nutcracker performance: Intempo Dance is hosting its 8th annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” a ballet choreographed to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. After receiving a nutcracker toy, a young Clara battles the Mouse King and goes on an adventure to The Land of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, Mother Ginger and others. 1 p.m., 4 p.m. $10-$30. Seven Lakes High School, 9251 S. Fry Road, Katy. 281-394-2773. www.facebook.com/events/770108540102145/