The holidays may look a little different this year, but communities still have ways to celebrate. Here are seven socially distanced events to check out near Pearland and Friendswood.

Dec. 12: Monarch Chamber performance at Pearland Town Center

Shoppers can enjoy festive holiday music from the Monarch Chamber Players, a musical collective focused on providing safe performances during the pandemic. The group includes clarinet, oboe, flute, horn, bassoon, percussion and piano players with experience in several orchestras. 4-5 p.m. Free. Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway St., Pearland

Dec. 13: Gulf Coast Brass at Stevenson Park

Festive Christmas and holiday music will be provided by Gulf Coast Brass, a live brass quintet, as guests walk through the lighted trails of Stevenson Park. The group of five Houston musicians will play at the park’s lit gazebo and Christmas tree. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood


Dec. 19: Limitless Car Show at Pearland Town Center

Attendees can tour their way through a variety of car makes and models at this recurring event hosted by The Car Culture. All sorts of autos will be represented—from muscle cars, such as Cadillacs and Corvettes, to European cars, such as Porsches and Lamborghinis. 8-10 a.m. Free. Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway St., Pearland

Through Dec. 20: 2020 Holiday Marketplace on the lawn

This vendors market hosted by Baybrook Mall will feature local makers, artisans, crafters and businesses. Attendees can find a gift for the holidays or simply enjoy time outside on the lawn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Dec. 12-13, 19-20). Free (admission). 500 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood. 346-762-9638


Through Dec. 24: Photos with Santa at Center Court

Those looking to get their Christmas cards lined up can visit Center Court at Baybrook Mall this December for professionally shot pictures with Santa Claus. All visits will be contactless and held in compliance with state health regulations. Advance reservations are required. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.), noon-6 p.m. (Sun.), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Dec. 24). $39.99-$49.99. 500 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood

Worth the Trip

Through Jan. 2: Holiday in the Gardens

This holiday season, guests at Moody Gardens can explore the Festival of Lights, a 1-mile walking trail decked out with 2 million lights and filled with animated displays set to holiday music. Popular displays at this event include nutcrackers, a toy factory, a narrated nativity scene and more. Other attractions include 4D screenings of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” 3D holiday films, train rides and more. 6-9 p.m. (select days), 6-10 p.m. (regularly). $20-$30. 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston. 409-683-4200

Through Jan. 10: Houston Zoo presents Zoo Lights


At this festive event sponsored by TXU Energy, the Houston Zoo will be lit up for the holiday season, with lighted pathways, a 125-foot light tunnel, a “4D Enchanted Forest” and more. Timed tickets will help guests maintain social distancing, and increased cleaning protocols will be in place. 5:30-10:30 p.m. (last entry at 9:30 p.m.). $12.95-$25.95 (no gate tickets). 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-533-6500