12 upcoming events in the Pearland, Friendswood area to get in the holiday spirit

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