Nov. 24: Run the Turkey Dash
Get ready for Thanksgiving with the Katy YMCA 20th annual Turkey Dash. Race in the 1-mile family walk/run, the 1-mile kids race for ages 3-12, the 5K timed walk/run or the 10K timed run. Medals will be awarded to finishers of the 10K, 5K and 1-mile kids race. 7:40 a.m. $20+. Monty Ballard YMCA at Cinco Ranch, 22807 Westheimer Parkway, Katy. 281-392-5055. www.ymcahouston.org
Kid friendly
Nov. 26: Enjoy a tree lighting
Join MKT Distillery for its fifth annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music, cocktails and spirits within Katy’s historic rice dryers while continuing the historic tradition of putting a Christmas tree on the rice dryers. The tree will be lit around 6:45 p.m. 4-8 p.m. Free. MKT Distillery, 5373 First St., Katy. 833-658-1870. www.mktdistillery.com
Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink available
Dec. 2: Enjoy art
Attend Blue Prolific Studio’s Prolific Expo and enjoy an evening of art, networking with professionals, shopping, music, food and live performances from poets. The studio collaborates with local businesses and artists to highlight locals through creative ventures. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. Sharespace, 1120 Naylor St., Houston. 937-718-7286. www.blueprolificstudios.com/events
Dec. 3: Shop a curated market
Join Heart to Market for its Very Merry Holiday Market. Shop 40 local vendors at a curated pop-up market, which includes kids activities. Santa will also visit the market. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Stableside at Falcon Landing, 9806 Gaston Road, Katy. 281-477-4300. www.hearttomarket.com
Dec. 3: Shop local
Join Katy Market Day for its 12th annual Katy Old Fashioned Christmas event. Attendees can enjoy 200 vendors, food trucks, entertainment, a beer garden, inflatables for children and a visit with Santa. Proceeds will go to the nonprofit Katy Christian Ministries. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Historic Downtown Katy, 5717 Second St., Katy. 281-391-1993. www.katymarketday.com
Dec. 3: Celebrate in the park
Community members can celebrate Christmas in the Park hosted by the Katy Heritage Society. A ticket includes a cup of hot cocoa, a letter to Santa, a Christmas craft, and a tour of the society’s historic homes and the decorated Christmas trees. Christmas carols and a raffle will also take place. Food, hayrides and popcorn drinks will be available for purchase. All attendees age 1 and older must have a ticket. 5-9 p.m. $7. Katy Heritage Park, 5990 George Bush Drive, Katy. 281-377-5710. www.katyheritagesociety.com
Kid friendly, Food and drink available
Dec. 3: Light the tree
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will kick off the holiday season at the annual Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular. Take a drive into downtown Houston to enjoy the holiday tradition with music, Santa, fireworks and the tree lighting. 6-8 p.m. Free. Hermann Square, 900 Bagby St., Houston. 832-393-0868. www.houstontx.gov
Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink available
Dec. 15: Browse for gifts
Finish your holiday shopping at the Willow Fork Christmas Gift Market. This indoor and outdoor market will feature 25 unique exhibitors selling boutique clothing, accessories, shoes, home decor, furniture, gourmet food, art and holiday items. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Willow Fork Country Club, 21055 Westheimer Pkwy., Katy. 936-900-1900. www.bigtop.show/katytxwillowfork
Dec. 15: Shop a Brazilian market
Shop the Brazilian Christmas Market hosted by the Brazilian Women Foundation. The market will include the work of culinary, art and music entrepreneurs. The event will also accept new-toy donations for the 7th Toy Drive Campaign in partnership with Katy’s Light House Foundation. Live Brazilian bands, Brazilian food vendors, face painting and a free photo with Santa Claus will also be available. 1-5 p.m. $5. The Wildcatter Saloon, 26913 Katy Freeway, Katy. 281-392 2337. www.wildcattersaloon.com
Kid friendly, Food and drink available
