From seasonal markets and visiting Santa to enjoying holiday light decorations and ringing in the new year with friends, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays in Pearland and Friendswood. The information for each event is accurate as of press time and is subject to change.

Nov. 6: Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos

Visitors can enjoy traditional dances performed by matachines, flower decorations, drinks and entertainment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3 per car. Cole’s Flea Market. 1014 N. Main St., Pearland. 281-485-2277. https://bit.ly/3gIGSaF

Kid friendly

Nov. 12 -Jan. 1: Travel through the galaxy lights


Visitors can enjoy a festive themed array of dazzling lights. 6-10 p.m. $15.95 (members), $19.95 (public). Space Center Houston. 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston. 281-283-4755. www.spacecenter.org/galaxy-lights

Kid friendly

Nov. 20: Play in a softball tournament

Participants can compete in an adult softball tournament that contributes to a toy drive. $25 per team. Friendswood Sports Park. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 2910 W. Parkwood, Friendswood. 281-996-3228. www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/384/blue-santa-shootout-softball-tournament


Nov. 24: Run in the Pearland Turkey Trot

Participants can challenge themselves to either a 6- or 4-mile running course or a 1-mile walking course. There will also be a special kids course. 7:30 a.m. (first race begins). $20-$60. Independence Park. 3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland. 832-683-4243. www.pearlandturkeytrot.com

Kid friendly

Nov. 25-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-23: Ride the Christmas train


Visitors can take a ride on a small open-air train and view various Christmas displays. 6-9 p.m. $10-$12. Victory Camp. 1407 Victory Lane, Alvin. www.thechristmastrain.com

Kid friendly, Food and drink available

Dec. 2: See the hometown Christmas tree lighting

Visitors can see a tree-lighting ceremony and a fireworks show presented by the University of Houston-Clear Lake. 6-9 p.m. Free. Independence Park. 3449 Pearland Parkway, Pearland. www.parks.pearlandtx.gov/special-events/hometown-christmas-festival/tree-lighting


Free, Kid friendly

Dec. 2-4: Celebrate the holiday in the park

Residents can enjoy three holiday parades and get pictures with Santa. 5-9 p.m. (Dec. 2), 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (Dec. 3), noon-5 p.m. (Dec. 5). Free. League Park. 512 Second St., League City. www.leaguecityproud.com

Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink available


Dec. 3: Visit Santa in the park

Visitors can enjoy amusement rides, live music and face painting. 3-8 p.m. Free. Stevenson Park. 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood. 281-996-3220. www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/386/santa-in-the-park-december

Free, Kid friendly, Food and drink available

Dec. 3: View the hometown Christmas parade

Viewers can enjoy the sight of dozens of floats and more. 6 p.m. Free. Bay Area. Route goes east from Old Alvin Road to Pearland Parkway. 281-412-8900. www.parks.pearlandtx.gov/special-events/hometown-christmas-festival/parade

Free, Kid friendly

Dec. 3: Run in the Flapjack Fun Run

Participants can run/walk in a 5K with a course for kids. 8-8:20 a.m. (races begin). $25-$55. Stevenson Park. 1100 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood. www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/385/flapjack-5k-fun-run-walk-december

Kid friendly, Food and drink available

Dec. 4: Run in the Santa Dash

Participants can run to support families with cancer. A holiday market with carnival games and Santa photo opportunities is held after. 8:30 a.m. (first race begins). $20-$35. Pearland Town Center. 11200 Broadway St., Pearland. http://secure.qgiv.com/event/biglovesantadash2022

Kid friendly, Food and drink available

Dec. 10: Watch the Christmas Boat Lane Parade

Viewers can enjoy the sights of dozens of brightly decorated boats that will travel from the South Shore Harbour Marina to Galveston Bay. 6 p.m. Free. Nassau Bay. 281-488-7676. www.clearlakearea.com/events/annual-events/christmas-boat-parade

Free, Kid friendly