There are plenty of festive, family activities during the month of December in the Lake Houston, Humble and Kingwood area, including a holiday 5K and several Christmas events.



Donate time, gifts through Dec. 17


FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center, a Humble-area nonprofit that offers shelter and services to domestic abuse victims and their children, is seeking donations and volunteers for its annual Christmas store. The organization hopes to open the store Dec. 18 to allow mothers and children to pick out gifts at no cost. Mon.-Thu. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (drop-off times). FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center, 1203 S. Houston Ave., Humble. 281-446-2615. www.familytimeccc.org/christmas-store

Go to a Christmas parade Dec. 3


The city of Humble hosts its 28th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights, where numerous lighted floats and people traverse down Main Street in Humble. This year’s theme is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” 6:30 p.m. Free. Main Street, Humble. 281-454-4500. www.cityofhumble.com

Participate in a festive 5K Dec. 7



The community is invited to don their favorite festive costumes and Santa hats and register for the annual Reindeer Run through the master-planned community of Tavola. Runners can participate in a 5K chip-timed race or a 1K kids run. The event, which benefits Tavola Elementary School, also features a rock wall and a bounce house for children. 8 a.m.-noon. $15-$30. Tavola Recreation Center, 23212 Via Principale Parkway, New Caney. www.tavolareindeerrun.com



Watch a Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 7


The annual Christmas festival and tree lighting returns to Kingwood Town Center Park. The event includes local children singing and dancing, photos with Santa and pets, a live nativity scene, holiday shopping and the lighting of the Christmas tree. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood. 346-600-2366. www.towncenterevents.com

Eat breakfast with Santa Dec. 14



The Humble Civic Center hosts the Magical Breakfast with Santa event, where parents and kids can take a picture with Santa and his elves, eat at a breakfast buffet and participate in a Christmas craft. 9-11 a.m. $25. Humble Civic Center and Arena Complex, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble. 281-446-4140. www.facebook.com/humbleciviccenter



Listen to Christmas classics Dec. 14


Singer Michael Hix performs Christmas classics during the Michael Hix Christmas Party Show at the Charles Bender Performing Arts Center. 7 p.m. $15. Charles Bender Performing Arts Center, 611 Higgins St., Humble. 281-446-4140. www.humblepac.com

Make reindeer food Dec. 14


Warren’s Southern Gardens invites the community to enjoy cookies with Santa, make reindeer food and make a take-home craft. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Warren’s Southern Gardens, 1675 Northpark Drive, Kingwood. 281-354-6111. www.warrenssoutherngardens.com

Ice skate with friends, family Dec. 21-Jan. 5


Valley Ranch Town Center is transformed into an icy wonderland for the second year in a row during the East Montgomery County Improvement District’s A Holiday to Remember Ice Skating Event. The event also includes a private party tent for rent, and Santa Claus is set to visit the rink Dec. 21-22. Hours vary. $5 (90-minute skate session). Valley Ranch Town Center, 11985 N. Grand Parkway E., New Caney. 281-354-4419. www.emctx.com/holiday-to-remember-2019