Looking for ways to spend time with family and friends this holiday season? Check out these seven events around Sugar Land and Missouri City.

BalletForte’s 'The Nutcracker'

This Stafford Centre studio will put on the 28th annual production of Michael Banigan’s classic holiday story, which follows Clara on her magical journey through the Snow Forrest to the Kingdom of Sweets. Military and group discounts are available.
  • Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 9, 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m.
  • Starts at $12
  • 10505 Cash Road, Stafford
  • www.balletforte.org
Christmas Concert

River Pointe Church’s Richmond campus will host this family-friendly live music performance telling the story of Christmas. The church invites both members and nonmembers to join in on the fun.
  • Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
  • $10 (ages 2-13), $29 (adults)
  • 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond
  • www.rpc.me/events
GrinchFest

Fans of Dr. Seuss' story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" can dress up as a resident of Whoville to attend a holiday-centric festival at the Enchanted Gardens this December. Features include photo opportunities, gourmet cookies from the Sugar Berry Cookie Shoppe, face painting and live music from The Skittles Band. Visitors who donate new bath towels, diapers or baby wipes will be entered into a raffle for prizes.
Celebrate the holidays at GrinchFest in Richmond's Enchanted Gardens. (Courtesy Enchanted Gardens)
Sugar Land Holiday Lights


The 10th annual holiday light celebration is presented by Houston Methodist and takes place at Constellation Field. Families can come out to see 3.5 million lights and light shows, themed displays, appearances from Santa Claus ,and a 40-foot light-up tree. Vendors will be there for those looking to finish holiday shopping, and food will also be available.Vegan Christmas Cookie Exchange

Amanda Trost, a counselor at Solace Counseling and Coaching, invites about 20 residents to share or trade a minimum of two dozen vegan cookies to commemorate the season. Desserts can be either homemade or store-bought. Those who plan to attend must RSVP via Facebook and notify the host of any cat allergies, as Zen the therapy cat will also be in attendance.Christmas BBQ Cook

Submit food orders by Dec. 20 to Tight Barbecue for some Central Texas-style smoked meat to supplement or replace your main holiday dishes. The menu includes a range of main and side items, such as whole USDA prime brisket, pork belly burnt ends, whole smoked turkey, cheesy broccoli rice casserole, garlic skillet papas and elote street corn casserole.New Years Eve fireworks

This year’s Sugar Land Holiday Lights series caps off with midnight fireworks to bring in 2024. This event is presented by the Houston Methodist hospital system.